Her Majesty's Theatre

If you're thinking of booking a hotel near Her Majesty's Theatre, London with Lastminute.com, why not also book to see The Phantom of the Opera, the hit musical which is in residence at the theatre?

Her Majesty's Theatre is located in Haymarket in the heart of the West End making a stay near the hotel ideally-located for seeing a show. The Phantom has been playing continuously at Her Majesty's Theatre since it opened in 1986. But did you know that the name of the theatre changes according to the sex of the reigning monarch? It became The King's Theatre in 1714 when George I succeeded to the throne and was first renamed Her Majesty's in 1837 on the accession of Victoria.

Arts and culture

The National Portrait Gallery is located in the West End, a few minutes' walk from Her Majesty's Theatre. Explore 200,000 portraits of famous British men and women from the 16th century to the present day. The collection includes portraits of famous writers, painters, actors and many more.

There are a host of guided walks and tours you can sign up for. Or why not try a self-guided tour? Pick up a leaflet from the City Information Centre by St Paul's Cathedral or download and print off details from the City of London website. Choose from a tour exploring Roman London, The Great Fire of London, the London Charles Dickens knew, London in the movies and the trees of London.

And in the evening take in some cool sounds at Ronnie Scott's legendary jazz club in Soho where you can enjoy music seven days a week. You can also eat. Choose from a la carte or the late menus.

Things to see and do

London Eye has proved to be one of London's most popular attractions since it first opened in 1999 when it was the world's tallest Ferris wheel. But did you know you can also enjoy spectacular views from other locations and cut down on waiting times? Climb Westminster Cathedral bell tower, not to be confused with Westminster Abbey. The Byzantine building's tower is 83m high. Or head to the Monument to the Great Fire of London – 202ft high and 202ft from the start of the fire.

Or step back in time at the Old Operating Theatre Museum by London Bridge and learn how often lifesaving surgical procedures were carried out in a rudimentary fashion without anaesthetic.

Eating and drinking

For a great bite in London's West End sample Ham Yard Bar & Restaurant which is located in a surprisingly quiet courtyard off Piccadilly Circus. Think contemporary British with an emphasis on light, fresh food such as Cornish crab to cherry pie and clotted cream for dessert. Or try the Honest Burgers, a chain which has outlets in Soho, Kings Cross, Oxford Circus and Portobello.

And for drinks, head to the French House, a slice of la belle France which has been a haunt for Soho barflies for many years. It was Charles de Gaulle's London base during World War Two.