London

Samuel Johnson famously wrote that "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life" and this epithet still holds true more than 200 years later. The city has fine restaurants, world-leading entertainments and unrivalled shopping opportunities. In addition to this, London is home to Her Majesty the Queen and dozens of fascinating historical buildings such as the British Museum and the Hunterian Museum where visitors can see the skeletons of the tallest and smallest people to have ever been here. Whatever you interests, there is always plenty to keep you occupied during a short break to England's capital.

When booking your hotel or apartment to be home during your holiday, there are a number of factors to consider, a hotel in the West End will be very close to the major attractions but notably more expensive per night than a hotel on the outskirts. The London underground is very reliable and a visitor can reach the centre from any other part in less than one hour with an unlimited daily ticket costing around £8. If you decide to rent an apartment for your stay, this can work out cheaper (providing your tastes are not for a luxury penthouse overlooking the mighty Thames). An apartment also has the benefit of your own cooking and cleaning facilities which can help keep costs down: eating out every night soon becomes costly. So it is up to you whether a hotel or apartment will suit your needs better and whether you plan to stay in the glamorous centre or more affordable suburbs. Either way, London is often said to be the best city in the best country in the world; find your niche and enjoy the big city atmosphere.

For a romantic weekend break, and if money is no object, a suite at a top hotel will cost upwards of £1000 a night but it is possible to book ahead and adequate hotel rooms can be found for as little as £40 a night. Prices to rent an apartment also vary wildly, depending on how opulent and central the accommodation is. When you arrive in London, a trip on one of sightseeing buses is a good way to get a flavour of the city and decide on your own itinerary.