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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

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

BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:07:00 +0000

// The BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair is an annual event dedicated to the twin worlds of arts and antiques, and is the largest dedicated antiques fair in the UK. The BADA fair attracts antique lovers and those with a casual interest alike. The event offers collectors the chance to source unique items at the best prices in auctions. Visit London's fashionable Duke of York Square in Chelsea between 21 and 27 March 2012 to see a wide selection of antiques on display and for sale, including fine furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass, jewellery and artworks. The fair takes place in a purpose-built pavilion that also features an a la carte restaurant and other activities for visitors. Local restaurants and pubs are located close by, such as the Duke of York Brasserie and trendy Taittinger Champagne Bar. Whether you're visiting the fair from other parts of London, from further afield in the UK or even from other countries, this week-long event is the best way to experience the classic British love of antiques firsthand. If you are visiting from overseas, you can find dedicated packers on site who will ensure that any items you buy will be safely delivered back to your home country, and all buyers can bid at auctions safe in the knowledge that all items have been carefully vetted to ensure compliance with British Antiques Dealers' Association standards. The love of antiques is not an exclusively British past time, of course, but it is one closely associated with the nation. The majority of the antiques on display and for sale are British in origin - from traditional Georgian furniture to Victorian-era paintings. The spacious layout of the pavilion means visitors won't have to worry about being jostled by crowds or not having time to see everything they desire, especially if you're staying overnight at hotels in Victoria London and other nearby locations. If you're a serious art or antiques collector, one of the key dates for your diary is Thursday 22 March, ... Read more

Sights And Attractions In London Victoria

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:37:00 +0000

// London Victoria is home to one of the busiest train stations in the country and also lies in the heart of Central London. Whatever your reason for being in London Victoria, there is a whole host of activities on your doorstep. Not only does London Victoria have great transport links, but it is also an ideal base for exploring London’s historic sights. Unsurprisingly, given that London Victoria is in the Borough of Westminster, you are close to the House of Parliament (also known as the Palace of Westminster). With just a short walk from London Victoria, you can be standing in Parliament Square, home to both the Houses of Parliament, the monument known as ‘Big Ben’ and Westminster Abbey. Photographs taken in Parliament Square look like postcards; such are the recognisable monuments around you. Only a short walk from London Victoria and Parliament Square is Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarchy. Down a long straight stretch of road called ‘The Mall’, which you may have seen during Royal Weddings and other celebrations, lies the Palace. To know if the Queen is present during your visit, look at the flag. If the flag flying is the Queen’s Coat of Arms, then you can know she is residing within. If it is the Union Flag, it means she is away at one of her other residences. Buckingham Palace is a spectacular building whether the Queen is there or not and whilst you can’t get too close, the majestic fountain outside the front is open to tourists and visitors. If you head south from London Victoria, towards the river, you can visit the Tate Britain, one of the nations’ most famous art galleries. The Tate Modern is perhaps better known, and more central, although the Tate Britain feels like a hidden gem. Housing paintings by Hogarth, Turner and Francis Bacon, the Tate Britain is one of the best places to see great British art. In general, London Victoria is so central and London’s centre is so compact, that most sights are withi... Read more

Best Kept London Shopping Secrets

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:09:00 +0000

// It should come as no surprise that London is a major destination for shoppers, being the capital of the United Kingdom and home to a number of major international brands. You're bound to find everything you're looking for on London shopping breaks, from high street chains to independent boutiques selling unique items, but sometimes it takes a little inside knowledge to find the best shopping locations and the best prices. Many of London's large department stores and retailers are tourist attractions in their own right, including Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Many of London's historical market districts offer a different shopping experience to these luxury outlets, from trendy Camden Market to traditional Covent Garden, though those heading to these areas for shopping rather than sightseeing are advised to check out the side alleys to beat the crowds and inflated prices of the main streets and market halls. It can also be useful to find out which areas of London specialise in certain types of goods and services, to improve your chances of finding what you're looking for. King's Road is a major area for household goods, for example, while Marylebone High Street is widely praised for its food sellers, such as butchers. If you're hoping to find some of London's more quirky or individual retailers, some of the best areas to visit are Clerkenwell, Shoreditch and Spitalfields, as Brick Lane, Cheshire Street and Dray Walk are home to all manner of small boutiques, as well as Spitalfields Market itself. Oxford Street is the city's most bustling shopping street however, partly thanks to the absence of traffic in this pedestrian zone. If you've chosen to stay in one of the , in order to be close to the major retail centres, you can find ways to avoid expensive prices too, sometimes based on the time of year you visit. Most shops can be relied on to lower their prices during the usual sales dates, such as the period after Christmas... Read more