There is nothing quite like walking around central London to capture the variety of daily life. I find Central London quite small and compact, compared to other major cities, and this makes the experience all the more pleasurable, as we can take in so much in one day. Right beside the river Thames is the Southbank, at the heart of London’s cultural scene and this is in turn, home to The Southbank Centre, National Theatre and BFI Film Theatre; all world class arts venues in their own right.

The tree-lined riverside walkway, hosts restaurants and historic pubs, and from the Southbank you can also board the London Eye, from where you can admire such iconic landmarks as Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral.

The cultural diversity of the area is reflected by the Southbank Skate Park, which lies in the undercroft below Queen Elizabeth Hall, and is the longest continually used skateboarding venue in the world.

And of course, there is the West End, which defines the very heart of Central London and lies to the West of the Roman and medieval City of London.

Developed in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the West End was built as a series of palaces, expensive town houses, hotels, fashionable shops and theatres.

In the Victorian and Edwardian periods, the area was favoured by the rich elite as a place of residence because it was usually upwind of the smoke drifting from the crowded City.

During the Second World War, a total of 167 bombs were dropped on the West End.

The West End is also close to the royal seat of power at Westminster, home to Parliament.

Camera:
Canon EOS 5D MK3 camera
Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 'L' series lens

Settings:
Focal Length 24mm
Aperture f/11, f4
ISO 100 - 1000
Shutter Speed 1/125 - 1/250 sec

London Life, UK, 51.5074° N, 0.1278° W,