Attractions in Soho/ West End (London)

Tourways

Tourways organises group tours of London, the countryside, Scotland and 'Castles and Gardens', and also has tours originating from airports. Altogether, they offer a more flexible guided tour service than most London tour guides, and they also operate over a greater area. Private cars, buses and coaches are available for the tours, which are available in five languages (English, French, Spanish, Dutch and German). The guided tour of the Millennium Mile will take you from Westminster to Southwark with commentary on the history of the River Thames, the Palace of Westminster, the British Airways London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, Hungerford Bridge, The Globe Theatre, the Tate Gallery and Southwark Cathedral.

Capital Radio Helpline

Capital Radio Helpline offers a comprehensive information service about everything to everyone. Whether you want to know where you should go out on a Friday night, the best place for a haircut, or the location of your country's embassy, someone will have the answer, or will transfer you to the appropriate service.

Soho Square

Originally called King's Square, this square was first laid out in the year 1961. It was named after King Charles II, and his statue graces the centre of the square. It is considered the most prestigious address of various London media organizations. The French Protestant Church and St. Patrick's Catholic Church stand in the vicinity of the square. The place is a favorite spot among picnic-goers who come here to unwind after an eventful day of shopping and sightseeing. If you're looking forward to grab a bottle of beer and chill with friends, then Soho Square has a number of watering holes too.

Golden Square

Lying to the north of Piccadilly Circus, is Golden Square—a small park formerly known as the Gelding Square. The statue of a mythical figure, Georgiys II, stands right in the middle of the square. The benches placed around the square usually have teenagers or older people sitting, catching up on gossip. The square is popular as a political and ambassadorial district housing many embassies.

Old Compton Street

Named after the Bishop Henry Compton (1632-1713), Old Compton Street's original claim to fame was as a haven for French refugees back in the 17th and 18th centuries. The area saw the likes of French poets Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud frequent its pubs. For as long as most can remember, the neighborhood has also cornered the Soho shopping market. Nowadays the street is the centre of London's gay community, hosting the annual Soho Pride festival each summer.

Chinatown

Located in the Limehouse region of London around Gerrard Street, this is the primary section of town to which residents of Hong Kong immigrated after World War II. Here you're likely to find some of the best Chinese cuisine the city has to offer, along with some pretty cheap souvenirs. At night, this place comes alive with stores, supermarkets, and shops all throwing their wares out on the street for curious passer-bys to gaze at. Despite the stories of Opium dens and slum housing, London's Chinatown has emerged as one of the more happening parts of the city.

St George's Bloomsbury

St. George’s Bloomsbury was the last London church designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, the popular baroque architect. It was originally opened in 1731 and has recently undergone a five-year restoration. As well as being a parish church, St. George’s is also a concert venue and community arts and education center which includes multimedia exhibition. As well as being interesting from an architectural point of view, this church has a varied history which includes helping with the local community providing schools, a library and a soup kitchen during the 19th century. In 1913, the memorial service took place here for Emily Davison, the suffragette who threw herself under the king’s horse. - Caroline Collard 

The Soho Hotel Spa

If you want your mind and body to relax, then there is no better place than the The Soho Hotel Spa. The therapy at the Spa will take you to a different world. The team of highly specialized therapists will make you their top priority and you would experience a calmness of mind, body and spirit. The Spa offers massage therapies tailored for your needs. They also offer Aromatherapy, Shiatsu and scalp massage along with Manicure and Pedicure treatments. Treatments in the Soholistic rooms are also available upon request from 8pm to midnight with an additional charge.

Piccadilly Circus

For many years, Piccadilly Circus - at the junction of five busy streets - has been a major London landmark, seen by many as the capital s center. In the daytime it s a bustling area filled with shoppers, business people and tourists. But visit in the evening to see the area really come alive, with its sparkling illuminated signs and heady mix of clubbers and couples ready for a big evening out. At the heart of Piccadilly is a fountain topped with the aluminium statue of an archer. Although affectionately known as Eros by Londoners, it s actually the Angel of Christian Charity by Sir Alfred Gilbert, and it was so unpopular when first unveiled that he opted for self-imposed exile. Today the statue is one of London s most famous sites and a haven for tourists and romantic couples alike. This is truly the gateway to the West End.

Haymarket Hotel Spa

If you want your mind and body to relax, then there is no better place than the Haymarket Hotel Spa. The therapy at the Spa will take you to a different world. The team of highly specialized therapists will make you their top priority and you would experience a calmness of mind, body and spirit. The Spa offers a massage therapies tailored for your needs. They also offer Aromatherapy, Thai and De-tox Cellulite massage along with Manicure and Pedicure treatments. Mobile therapists are available on request Sunday and Monday with an additional charge. Advisable to book an appointment.

Regent Street

Established in 1825 and named after Prince Regent, this street is soaked in history and one of the most visited ones in London. Despite the fact that all former buildings were demolished and new ones came up, the original charm has still been retained especially during Christmas when Londoners and tourists arrive just to witness the fairytale like colored lights. Designer shops, trendy nightclubs, record label stores and other worldwide brands pay huge rentals for this location; however it's well worth it considering the crowds it draws all year around. Call at +44 8701 566 366 fro further details on the events held here.

Carnaby Street

Home to over 30 flagship stores and some of the world's top clothing companies - including Ben Sherman, Levi, Diesel, and Vans - you're sure to find everything you can possibly dream of here. With close proximity to Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly Circus, this is definitely where trend begins. However if your feet, along with your credit card, need a break, stop in one of the many cafe's that line the street for a pint or some coffee while you watch the latest fashions stroll down the street. This section of town definitely attracts people of all sorts, so keep your eyes, and your mind, open.