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Easiest Ways To Travel To London

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:33:00 +0000

// If you fancy a city break you may be thinking about those which are most convenient to get to. Not many can compare to London – with its host of transport opportunities. Flying in to London from all over the world can be easy and inexpensive – with many airports at your disposal the one you choose should depend on which area of the city you are trying to get to. A desired airport for business travellers is London City – right in the heart of the capital and particularly close to the financial centre it is a convenient spot for many. If you are coming from Gatwick or Heathrow there are express trains to whisk you right into Victoria or Paddington stations – both in central London. The journey time on these trains is very short but if you have a bit of time to spare you will save yourself money by taking local services. If you are travelling from elsewhere in Britain a train journey to London could give you time to get round to those tasks that you’ve been putting off. You could even complete that paperwork you’ve been meaning to get to. A trip from Edinburgh Waverley station right into Kings Cross takes less than five hours; there are even departures every thirty minutes. If you are coming from mainland Europe you may wish to travel on the Eurostar which arrives at a designated terminal in St Pancras station. It even has Europe’s longest champagne bar overlooking the platforms so you can treat yourself to a glass of bubbly and celebrate your arrival in style. You can get to London in just over two hours from Paris using the Eurostar and it can be particularly cheap, especially if you book ahead. But the cheapest method of travelling to London is almost certainly by bus or coach although this can entail very long, sometimes uncomfortable journeys and is possibly, a method best avoided unless you’re really trying to save cash, or particularly enjoy bus trips.

And once your long journey is over and you’ve arrived in Engl... Read more

London’s Most Appealing Iconic Attractions

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:06:00 +0000

// No visit to London is complete without visiting at least some of its most famous attractions. While the city has plenty to offer its visitors, there are some specific landmarks and attractions that are always the first to come to mind. Take the London Eye for example. While the Eye is one of the more modern attractions to take its place on the London skyline, it is also one of the most popular. Once inside one of the pods you will be transported 135 metres in height to the top of the wheel. When the weather is good you can see for up to 25 miles. Many of London’s most famous attractions can be seen from here too. Many people who go to London love to do some shopping while they are there. If this appeals to you there is arguably no better place to go for shopping, good food and ambience than Covent Garden. Street performers help to add to the mood and you can watch musicians performing while you sit and sip a coffee. Don’t miss the market stalls that take over the undercover part of Covent Garden several days every week. London is also a city that is chock full of history. One of the highlights in this respect is undoubtedly the Tower of London. It has stood in place for nearly a thousand years, witnessing many dramatic events in history. Within decades of being built it acted as a prison. Tower Green, inside the complex itself, was the place where Anne Boleyn met her death. Another of Henry VIII’s wives – Catherine Howard – also met her end here in similar gruesome fashion. Of course the city is also associated with royalty and there are many royal landmarks in London, not least of which is Buckingham Palace. On big occasions such as Trooping the Colour thousands of people line the Mall and the area outside the palace to greet the Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family as they make what is now a famous balcony appearance. London also contains a number of royal parks, and perhaps the most famous of these is Hyde Park. There are many attra... Read more

Visit London For The Summer Of A Lifetime

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:16:00 +0000

// The UK capital truly has something for every tourist, whether you’re excited by historic museums, hip shops, Michelin-starred restaurants or beautiful green parklands. Instead of a foreign holiday this summer, why not discover what London has to offer instead? London’s famous museums—such the V&A, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum—are rightly renowned, but the city also has some lesser known museums that are equally fascinating. Take a trip to the Horniman Museum in South London’s Forest Hill. It holds the collection of a Victorian tea trader and includes Haitian voodoo shrines, an aquarium, musical instruments from all over the world, and a giant overstuffed walrus. Also worth a visit is the Wellcome Collection near Euston. As well as rotating exhibitions on the ground floor (past exhibits have included a scientific exploration of societal attitudes to dirt through the ages and the history of hallucinogenic drugs) it has a fascinating permanent collection which includes medical implements from history and work by Pablo Picasso. If you’re looking to shop, London has a store for every budget and style. You could explore the markets in Camden and Spitalfields, head to Oxford Street for every high street option imaginable…or, if you’re looking for something different, you could find yourself in Rei Kawakubo’s six-story concrete Commes des Garcons warehouse. The aesthetic trends towards corrugated iron and animal skulls and the space is constantly evolving—every six months they close for “tachiagri” (new beginnings) and redesign the entire store! When shopping and museums get too much, the capital also has plenty of parks. The Lee Valley Regional Park stretches 26 miles along the River Lee and is the perfect place to relax and unwind after pacing the streets of the city. In these nature reserves you can even find kingfishers, dragonflies and peregrine falcons, and there are numerous trails to follow through the marshlands. In t... Read more

Top Shopping Districts In London

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:19:00 +0000

// No trip to London is complete without a trip to the shops. From designer names to vintage finds, London has it all. Rummage through one-off treasures at Camden Market, or save up your pennies for a blowout spending spree in Selfridges; you decide. If it's the big brands you are after and you're ready to splash some serious cash, look no further than Bond Street and Mayfair. With the likes of Burberry, Tiffany & Co and Louis Vuitton, you can be sure you will sample only the finest wares. For a more modest budget, nearby Westfield London shopping centre is home to Debenhams, Next, House of Fraser, as well as designers such as Ted Baker and Jimmy Choo. Oxford Street has always been a popular tourist attraction. Home to the luxurious Selfridges, it runs from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court road and also plays host to budget stores like Primark and high street giant Topshop, which spans over 4 floors and features a nail bar, hair salon and a café. By night, Oxford Street is home to the world famous underground club, 100, which has had visitors such as Mick Jagger, Louis Armstrong and The Sex Pistols in its day. Take a trip into the Far East and visit Chinatown, just north of Leicester Square. Authentic Chinese wares are the name of the game here, with much of London's East Asian Community residing in this neighbourhood. Explore the extensive Chinese supermarkets, or enjoy lunch at any of the 80 oriental eateries nearby, selling Szechuan, Satay or delicious authentic stir fry. Soho draws in a diverse crowd with its alternative night life and music scene. Popular speakeasy Milk and Honey is well hidden and only attracts the most clued up of barflies. At £250 per year, this members only hideout is well out of most people's budget, but for two hours in the evening (before 9pm), non- members can book a table to enjoy Prohibition inspired drinks and jazz scene atmosphere. There's nothing better than relaxing with a cocktail after a long day of shopping... Read more

Celebrating The Diamond Jubilee In Style

Mon, 28 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

// Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, recognizing her 60 years on the throne, is marked by a number of events throughout 2012. The Queen is only the second British monarch to celebrate this type of jubilee. If you’re thinking of attending one of the very special Diamond Jubilee events, now is the time to book your trip. Here are some tips for celebrating the Diamond Jubilee in style. Firstly, start planning now. Although there are many events in honour of Queen Elizabeth II held throughout the year, the primary celebrations will occur during the June bank holiday weekend at the start of June. Hotels and other accommodation will fill up, so start making headway on this right away. You may want to consider staying in London whether or not you’re attending a Diamond Jubilee event there. London has plenty of attractions to keep you busy, including Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, to name just a few. If you’re planning to be in London for the June 2 to June 5 weekend, you may want to partake in the Big Jubilee Lunch, a chance to share lunch with friends and neighbours. The Queen is encouraging those in Britain to come together for lunch on June 3, so look out for a street party of sorts and join in the fun. After lunch, join the thousands of people lining the banks of the River Thames for the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, a procession of up to 1,000 boats, some carrying members of the royal family. If you’re in the city for longer, honour the Queen by treating yourself and those you’re travelling with to high tea at one of the top hotels or restaurants, like Fortnum & Mason's St James's restaurant. After a spot of tea, take one of London’s famed black cabs to the London Eye at sunset. Seeing the city from this view is a definite must. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you should still be able to see all along the River Thames, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the Tower of London. And if your goal is to celebrate the Jubilee in ... Read more

5 Of The Best Shopping Markets In London

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:08:00 +0000

// London's street markets are famous worldwide, many of them having made their names in the period literature of Charles Dickens and other literary greats, as well as modern films. Visiting these time-honoured markets can be one of the best ways to get in touch with London's past and present, as well as a way to lend your support to local businesses and avoid more expensive high street prices when buying all sorts of goods. London may be abundant with markets, but you shouldn't make the mistake of thinking these are all alike. Some markets specialise in certain types of products, from the culinary markets of Borough to the flower markets of Columbia Road and the trendy apparel of Camden. Some markets operate throughout the week, while others only open on Sundays and other days, often selling specialised products on different days of the week. Borough Market is popular with both tourists and visitors as a place to find excellent food imported from different parts of the world, including the freshest catches shipped straight from the coast. Located near to London Bridge, in the same spot it's occupied for more than 250 years, Borough is easily accessed and encapsulates London's multicultural community with its international flavours. If you're looking for a market that captures the traditional East End spirit, Old Spitalfields Market is open seven days a week, and is a great place to find clothing, food and unique art works, as well as its dedicated antiques market on Thursdays. Over in the West, Portobello Market is another famous place for antiques, open on Saturdays, while visiting on Fridays will give you the chance to shop for shoes at low prices. Camden is home to a number of markets, aimed at people from diverse backgrounds. This area is the spiritual home of London's alternative crowd, and you're guaranteed to find items here that won't be seen elsewhere in the city. If you're staying at a hotel in London situated further from the city centre tho... Read more

Free Things To Do In London

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:47:00 +0000

// London's reputation as an expensive city isn't always well-earned. While you may pay a premium when heading to its flashier nightclubs and restaurants, there are also plenty of budget deals available on everything from transport and accommodation to events and activities in the city - with some of the best experiences in London being completely free of charge. If you're staying in Central London, you might not even have to pay for local transport to get around, especially as walking around this city's historic streets can be an enjoyable experience in itself. Some of London's best known attractions and cultural centres offer free entry to all, which can be ideal for stretching your travel money further on London breaks. These include many of London's top art galleries, such as the Tate Modern and Tate Britain which showcase an eclectic range of art from all over the world. More traditional options such as the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are also free to enter, and visitors are at liberty to leave donations as they see appropriate to help with these museums' conservation. Some of these galleries open until late in the evening, so you'll have plenty of time to fit in as much as possible during your break. London's major museums offer free entry too, with charges for limited exhibitions. The British Museum is one of the most celebrated in the world, while the Museum of London offers a detailed overview of the history of this magnificent city up to the present day, and can be the perfect introduction if this is your first visit. Some of London's museums have established reputations as quirky places, and you'll be able to see the unusual sights of places like the Horniman Museum without paying a penny. There is lots to see and do in the open air on London breaks too, from the well-known Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace to strolling through the city's well maintained parks and public gardens, such as Regent's ... Read more

London Nightlife On A Budget

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:32:00 +0000

// London may have a reputation as an expensive place to live, but if you're only visiting, you may be surprised at the great deals that can be found even in the city's most fashionable areas. Some of London's finest offerings won't cost you a thing, and some of its top night venues may be cheaper than you think. Those in the know often avoid London's flashier nightclubs in favour of lesser known gems like Plastic People on Curtain Road and The Loft on Hoxton Street, which offer an unassuming, no-frills alternative for people who are heading out to enjoy great music, rather than hoping to get a glimpse of the rich and famous. That's not to say these 'underground' clubs are a second rate option though, especially as many of them regularly feature guest sets from top international DJs. There are many places in London where you can catch live music from up-and-coming bands for free, when checking for open mic nights and other events in listing guides. Many of these pubs are well known among locals, and you can usually find a higher calibre of budding artists in Britain's capital than in smaller towns and cities, with many talented people heading to London to get spotted. Checking for drink and meal offers in pubs and other music venues could also help your travel money go further. If you're not so interested in music, you'll be spoiled for choice with other cultural experiences in London on the cheap. Many of the city's most prestigious art galleries and museums offer free entry every day, including the National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery and Tate Modern, where you'll only be required to pay for attending special exhibitions. If you're looking for high calibre theatre, comedy and other performing arts, venues such as Battersea Arts Centre and Leicester Square Theatre feature new and established performances throughout the year at competitive prices, with many tickets selling for less than £10. That's not to overlook London's public squares and park... Read more

Top Central London Sites

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:56:00 +0000

// The city of London boasts top restaurants, chic bars, chilled out comedy clubs and of course, luxury hotels. There are many attractions aimed at luring in the UK’s busy tourist population, but with so much to choose from, it’s worth doing your research beforehand to make sure you make the best of your time. For the culture vultures among you, The Tate Modern rests on the banks of the Thames and boasts a grand and awe-inspiring exhibition space for artists from all over the world. There is no admission fee to the Tate and the top floor restaurant boasts fantastic views over the whole city. Take a stroll across London Bridge on a sunny afternoon and spend a couple of hours in the Tower of London. There are many things to do inside, and you could easily fill up an entire afternoon exploring the famous landmark. The ‘Royal Beasts’ exhibition features all of the exotic animals held captive by kings and queens at the tower over its 600 year existence and the ‘Fit for a King’ museum holds 500 years of royal armour . If you prefer to stay outside, the tower plays host to beautiful gardens for you to take a walk and eat lunch in. If you’re an 'indie Cindy', the bustling Camden market will suit your bargain hunting needs with its array of vintage clothes stores, oriental street food and one of a kind bric-a-brac you just won’t find anywhere else. After a hard day’s shopping, the streets of trendy neighbouring Shoreditch is perfect for a late night bite to eat and have a glass of wine. You can’t visit London without a trip to the West End to see one of the many plays and musicals showing all year round. Tickets can be pricey, but you can find many online dinner and ticket deals for a variety of West End shows in conjunction with nearby eateries. Deciding where to stay in the capital can be a difficult choice, particularly during tourist seasons like June and July when the tariffs are high. However, a visit to London can be the opportunity to treat yourself to a tru... Read more

The Best Places To Shop In London

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:22:00 +0000

// If shopping is your cup of tea, then there are few better places in the world to 'get your shop on' than London. From clothes for the fashionista to second-hand items for the bargain-hunters, the city has it all. Depending on your particular style and budget, you can choose which areas are most likely to bring you shopping success. Planning ahead will save you walking time, and increase your valuable shopping time. If you are a more upmarket shopper, then the area around St. James’ Palace is the hub for more high-end shops. These include the world famous Bond Street, as well as Saville Row, home to some of the finest tailors in Europe. If you are looking for a suit, and price is no option, then Saville Row is the place for you. High Street Kensington and the areas around Chelsea in the West of the city also attract wealthier patrons, so they're ideal for the fashionista who's prepared to spend whatever it takes to look fabulous. If you are a little more price conscious and prefer bohemian style over brand names, then Carnaby Street is the place for you. Carnaby Street became famous in the 'Swinging Sixties' as the centre of modern fashion, and this has continued to this day. Carnaby Street is located in Soho, easily accessible from the Oxford Circus Tube Stations. This area is littered with small boutiques and you can easily spend half a day here perusing all that the famous shopping street has to offer. If you are looking for even more alternative options, then some of the best places are in the East of the city, in the trendy Brick Lane neighbourhood. The Old Truman Brewery Building in Brick Lane is home to a huge vintage clothing market where you can spend hours picking through garments and uncovering vintage gems. It is rare in London to spend less on clothing than you were expecting, but bargain hunters simply must travel to Brick Lane, where second hand shops have become boutique, and vintage fashion is a must-have. If you are planning on doing som... Read more