I Love Culture

Santander

Santander is famous for its fabulous beaches and its elegant holidaymakers: King Alfonso XIII used to spend his summers here nearly a hundred years ago, and the town is still popular among fashionable madrileños who like to be seen sauntering along the El Sardinero seafront with its belle époque architecture. When the sun goes down and the bikinis are cast off, the town also has some great restaurants and a lively bar scene. It is also a good place from which to explore the pristine countryside of Cantabria.

Ningbo

One of the oldest cities in China, Ningbo is the birthplace of the Hemudu culture, which dates back over seven thousand years. Translated from Mandarin as “the serene waves”, Ningbo is located at the shores of Hangzhou Bay and is a long-established international port and trading post. With the Hangzhou Bridge, the longest trans-oceanic link in the world, Ningbo is now directly connected to Shanghai and has emerged as an important international hub in its own right.

Pilsen

When one says Pilsen, most people imagine beer. The legend that gave name to all Pilsners and Pils types was born here more than 170 years ago. Nevertheless, in Pilsen you can taste much more. The historical city centre offers plenty of gems which remind their visitors of its rich history such as the Gothic St Bartholomew‘s Cathedral, Renaissance City Hall, the labyrinth of underground corridors or the unique Great Synagogue, the fourth largest in the world. Thanks to that, Pilsen obtained title European Capital of Culture for the year 2015.

Guest of Honour

Adaeze won a competition to be London's Official Guest of Honour and spent two unforgettable weeks in London experiencing the very best the capital has to offer. Watch highlights from Adaeze’s trip of a lifetime, from flying first class from her hometown in California; to raising Tower Bridge, attending a Royal Premiere, seeing London from a helicopter, and watching her name appear in the Piccadilly Circus lights! Watch brand new footage from Adaeze’s trip. Look out for some very special guest appearances from Professor Stephen Hawking, Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Downton Abbey star Jim Carter, Michelin star chef Jason Atherton, tennis ace Tim Henman, and British ballerina, Darcey Bussell.

Afternoon Tea in London

Do you want to find the best afternoon tea in London? Watch this video guide to the classic British tradition and set your mouth watering over cakes, scones and dainty sandwiches. Whether enjoying the traditional splendour of afternoon tea at The Ritz or The Landmark London; high tea at Scoff & Banter; a leisurely cruise with City Cruises; a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired tea at One Aldwych; or a fashionista tea at The Berkeley, there’s an afternoon tea London venue to suit you. If you want to get more hands-on, why not make your own afternoon tea at The Cookery School, Little Portland Street. Close to Oxford Circus, this charming cookery school is the perfect place to improve your skills as you learn to bake cakes and make the perfect cucumber sandwich.

Samoa

Talofa Lava! Welcome to Samoa. Think of picture-perfect, long sandy white beaches framed by a lapping marine-blue ocean, lush rainforests with cascading waterfalls, vibrant flora and fauna and, under the ocean, the most amazing colourful gardens you could imagine – this is Samoa – the last unspoilt paradise in the world! Eight islands make up this nation, in the heart of the South Pacific, halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. This is home to some of the friendliest South Pacific people you could have the pleasure of meeting, proud of their strong Fa’a Samoa cultural heritage and their long and unwavering faith to the blessings Mother Nature has bestowed upon them.

Lodz

Lodz, Poland’s third largest city and the former textile industry empire, today is a city of modern technologies, a city of culture and grand events. It is a metropolis where a landscape of industrial architecture mixes with silhouettes of 20th century office buildings, production halls, culture and sports buildings. Lodz is perfect for anyone wanting to get a glimpse of exciting, modern Poland.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is a city on the rise. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, it is rumored that iconic American writer Mark Twain was the first to assign the name ‘Twin Cities’ to Minneapolis and neighboring city St. Paul. Just as other large cities, it can be called a metropolis and proves that to you by fulfilling all your wishes. Spend an entire week shopping, finding all the popular brands and some local ones, or go on a pub crawl and discover every high-quality bar the city has to offer. Don't forget that Minnesota also has amazing nature to show you, and tours are gladly offered to you!

The London Story - Tate Modern

Watch this London Story from Marcus - curator at the Tate Modern art gallery - as he shares his thoughts about London whilst standing outside his famous workplace, opposite St Paul's Cathedral on the South Bank of the Thames.

Matsuyama

Matsuyama is the biggest city on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It's also the capital of Ehime Prefecture. Matsuyama is a vibrant city of living traditions, set against a backdrop of historical buildings, where haiku poetry is still enjoyed as a part of daily life. A full calendar of seasonal festivals means that there's always something eye-catching going on. The city is served by a network of vintage trams and steam trains, so getting about is easy. Matsuyama also has miles of sandy beaches in this city framing the beautiful, island-studded, Seto Inland Sea.

How To Do London: The Basics

Whether it's your first time visiting London, or if you've been before, learn how to do London like a local. From how to use an oyster card to travel around the city, to ideas for things to do including how to beat the queues, we've got it covered.