This guide is designed to assist those new to London, whether you are an expatriate moving to England for the first time, or whether you are relocating to London from another area of the UK. It will provide a starting point from which to approach searching for and buying or renting property in London, looking at state and independent education options and the lifestyle choices available in all the popular areas of the city.

London is one of the major cities in the world. A city of contrasts, it is steeped in history and yet possesses a highly contemporary buzzing environment which never sleeps. Its welcoming, cosmopolitan atmosphere is noteworthy and though they were written in the 18th century, Samuel Johnson's words still hold true - 'When a man is tired of london, he is tired of life'!

London is bisected by the River Thames, which in recent years has once again become the beating heart of the city. The river has always been used famously for freight transport but since its well publicised clean-up the river is being well used to provide water-borne public transport and and following the refurbishment of its embankments walkways and cyclepaths allow Londoners to enjoy riverside commuting or leisure pursuits. London is eminently walkable, in fact walking is a fantastic way to get to know the layout of the city. There are a range of lovely parks and public gardens throughout the city including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, connected by the stunning Serpentine forming the largst area or parkland in the centre of London.

London, as you would expect, has something for everyone! Its tourist attractions are legend and internationally famous, from Buckingham Palace to the London Dungeon. The city offers an inumerable range of art galleries and museums dedicated to every subject you could think of and more 'landmark' buildings than you ever thought possible, around every corner you will find familiar architecture and street names fondly reminiscent of childhood evenings playing Monopoly.

If you tire of breathtaking sightseeing; West End theatre; world-class music; Michelin-starred dining out or partaking in any of the sport London has to offer, including riding in Hyde Park to spectating Test Cricket at Lord's or Premiership action from Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal at the spectacular Emirates stadium, then shop! You'll be spoiled for choice - let's see, there's Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Knightsbridge, Bond Street, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Portobello Road, King's Road - shall we go on - not to mention the fantastic range of markets which reflect the amazingly cosmopolitan range of cultures resident in the fascinating capital of the United Kingdom!