The year 2012 will be an extraordinary year for Britons.

But it will also be an unforgettable experience for those who visit the UK in 2012 as the two major events - the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Queen and the summer Olympics - lift the festive spirit.

Though the London Bridge, the Big Ben, parliament, the Royal Opera House and the Stonehenge would be on the regular itinerary of a tourist, the two most exciting events make it special for everyone.

Apart from scenic beauty, the UK provides a memorable shopping experience for the international travellers with several new shops opening across the country. People can also own pieces of Games memorabilia throughout the capital from the official London 2012 shops.

Take a tour of London through these pictures:

Scenic London
A view of the Prince Albert memorial in London. Reuters
Scenic London
A boy rides his bike on the south bank in London Reuters
Scenic London
Tourists walk across the Millennium Bridge near the Tate Modern in London. Reuters
8. London
A bus and taxi pass Big Ben on Westminster Bridge in London. Reuters
Scenic London
Olympic rings mounted on a barge pass under Tower Bridge during a promotional event on the River Thames in London. Reuters
Scenic London
People eat their lunch along the south bank in London. Reuters
Scenic London
A view of Canary Wharf on the River Thames in London. Reuters
Scenic London
The clock tower of Big Ben is seen behind spring flowers in Parliament Square during a warm winter day in London. Reuters
Scenic London
People sit in the sunshine in St James's park in central London. Reuters
Scenic London
A woman walks along the Southbank with the Houses of Parliament behind her in London. Reuters
London