London City Tilbury

Tilbury's London Cruise Terminal is London's only purpose-built deep-water cruise facility. It stands at the gateway to the capital, 22 nautical miles downriver from Tower Bridge. Increasingly used as a turnaround port for Baltic and Northern European itineraries, it also works well for transit calls to London, Kent and the south east.

The simplest route into London is the train from Tilbury station, about a mile from the cruise terminal, to Fenchurch Street Station in central London. On leaving the terminal, a bus stop is visible on the right. The double-decker goes to Tilbury Rail Station for 1.50 pounds; the single public bus costs the same and goes to Tilbury town centre, where there is nothing of interest.

Bring a printable map with you.

See the calendar for Tilbury.

A short walk from London Cruise Terminal, Tilbury Fort is England's finest and best-preserved example of 17th century military engineering. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, it and the Gravesend batteries across the river formed the Thames and London's first line of defence. Exhibitions, the powder magazine and bunker-like casemates now show how the fort defended the city, and visitors may even fire an anti-aircraft gun.

London is surprisingly compact, making walking a pleasure and often the quickest way to get around.

London has numerous hop-on/hop-off bus operators, so choose the most convenient. From the top deck of a double-decker, you get a near bird's-eye view of famous sights. With stops at more than 80 places, you can hop off to explore or have lunch and catch the next bus. Tickets last 24 hours from the first boarding. Buses operate from 10am until 6pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and the tour price includes a free River Cruise.

For local and long-distance travel information, use Traveline.

Outside London, ordinary cars and minibuses can often be licensed as taxis. Each council decides how they are identified, but they always display extra plates, usually at the rear, showing approval by the appropriate local authority and their passenger capacity.

London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, as well as western Europe's largest city. Greater London lies on the River Thames in South-East England and has an official population of roughly 7.5 million, although the city's metropolitan area exceeds 14 million and gives a fuller sense of its scale and importance. It has long been one of the great world cities and remains a global capital of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade.

Highlights of London.

Piccadilly Circus is a life-filled square and a classic meeting point in this metropolis. Reach it on the Piccadilly underground line.

Buckingham Palace, the Queen's home, is an exceptionally popular attraction. Take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park, then walk through the park to the palace. Underground station: Green Park.

At Trafalgar Square, Lord Nelson's column watches over the National Gallery, where visitors find an exceptional collection of paintings from Picasso to Turner. Underground Station: Leicester Square.

Big Ben is the bell's name, while its tower is called St. Stephen's. Whichever name you use, this London landmark should not be missed. Underground Station: Westminster.

Westminster Abbey is among the best-known cathedrals, where Royals have been crowned and married. Underground Station: Westminster.

The London Eye offers the highest vantage point and an unrivalled London view. Reserve ahead, as this hugely popular attraction gets busy. Underground Station: Westminster.

Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Garden, is a true gem among London's many lovely parks: a green paradise of flowers, plants and all things botanical. Allow at least a day to enjoy everything, including a River Thames boat trip. Underground Station: Kew.

Madame Tussauds is an institution in its own right and a clear London must-see. Underground Station: Baker Street.

The Tate Modern is a contemporary, stylish gallery in Southwark, housed in a former power station that suits its modern and edgy art. Underground Station: St. Paul's, then walk across Millennium Bridge.

The Tate Britain Art Gallery is the Tate Modern's "older sister", with art exhibitions that are no less interesting or captivating. Underground Station: Pimlico.

London is a shopper's Mecca, from designer labels and refined classics to cutting-edge streetwear and Harrods hampers. Make sure your plastic is healthy before setting off: as with many London pleasures, shopping is not cheap.

The pound (£) is used throughout the UK, and pounds may also be called quid. Scottish bank notes are not welcomed in some other UK areas, so exchange them before you leave Scotland.

Cash machines, or ATMs, are widespread; the informal name is "holes in the wall". They generally dispense £10 and £20 notes.

Most shops and restaurants take Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.

English is used across the country, though some accents can be strong.

Free WiFi is available in most cafes and restaurants.

In London, dial the local number 999 for emergencies; the EU-wide 112 can also be used.

Typical shopping hours are:

Small shops open 6 or 7 days weekly, generally 10am to 6pm. Larger stores commonly remain open until 9PM, while hyper marts are often open 24/7.