The twin axis on which London rests is the Houses of Parliament to the west and the City of London to the east. The seat of government (not far from the home of the royal family) is connected to the City (the financial engine room of London and the whole of the UK) by the River Thames. In between lie most of the tourist attractions and the busiest, liveliest different entertainment areas, such as Knightsbridge and Soho. But London's vivacity and charm stretches far beyond the Circle Line, the Underground route that rings the inner city. Residential areas outside the city centre, such as leafy Richmond (southwest) or Hampstead (north), trendy Hoxton (east) or Notting Hill (west), each have their own beating heart. Tourists come for London's history or London's royal pageantry but they return for all the charms of the modern London, not least the extraordinary breadth of London's cultural life, with world-class art galleries and theatres, buzzing nightlife, film, music, culinary and fashion scenes. But the city skyline is the place where the London's rapid change and optimism is most visible, the Docklands and the City have shot up over the last few years. During summer, London's bountiful green spaces fill up with office workers and tourists enjoying the surprisingly balmy days as cafe tables. During winter, the grey skies and rain can be forgotten for a while in numerous cosy pubs. But spring or autumn are probably the best seasons to visit the city.