London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, is one of the world’s oldest great cities. Situated on the River Thames in the southeast of England, London has a history dating back almost two millennia, including major ancient Roman influences.
Most of the world’s biggest and most influential companies have a presence within the city, and when it comes to VFX specifically, it has some of the very best and well renowned visual effects studios in the world (including Framestore, DNEG, Industrial Light & Magic and many more).
The diversity within the city makes it an easy place for people to settle from all around the world. They’re estimated to be over 300 languages actively spoken within the city and a wide range of cultures are encompassed within the city’s arts, entertainment, fashion and food. This results in London being able to offer an array of events that cater for its entire population. Through theatre, music, comedy and bars, the city has a thriving nightlife that would make the experience of integrating into your new surroundings much more enjoyable.
If you are not British, you will require a VISA to work within the city and upon your arrival, you would also need to apply for a National Insurance number. This will allow you to benefit from the NHS (National Health Service), a government-funded healthcare system that can be used whilst avoiding payment for the full cost of its services. Workers within the country are also entitled to receive 28 days of paid annual leave a year (based upon a full-time 5-day working week), which is handy considering all there is to do and visit within the city!
The most famous landmarks include Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, as well as London’s four World Heritage Sites - the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, Palace of Westminster and Maritime Greenwich. They’re also several museums and galleries alongside sporting venues that are home to some of the best sporting occasions and teams in the world. You can also visit the most popular districts and areas within the capital, all of which offer something different - whether it be Whitehall, South Bank, Knightsbridge, Camden, or Soho, to name just a few.
The London Underground is the oldest speed transit system in the world and allows all of these attractions and areas to be connected. If royalty and the British monarchy are of interest, making a stop at the Victoria or Green Park stations leaves you within walking distance of Buckingham Palace. After which you could go for a stroll in Hyde Park, one of London’s many parks, where things may seem a little slower, calmer and quieter.
There are countless landmarks and must do’s within the city, listed below are a few more that come to mind for us! If you would like to look into London in further detail, head to https://www.visitlondon.com/