Shopping | Life in London

Around London In One Day

The English capital is a popular destination for tourists from across the world, offering an exciting mix of entertainments and attractions with something to excite every kind of traveller.

Spending a day in this sprawling city means there is never a dull moment, but for those with only a short time to visit it is best to plan in advance to ensure the best use of time.

What you will do around London in one day depends on your personal preferences – below are a few suggested itineraries for visitors hoping to make the most of their trip. The public transport system in London is good, and an Oyster card travel ticket makes it easy to hop on buses or tube trains to reach destinations quickly and conveniently. Those who are looking for more independence may wish to consider one of the London car hire options but should bear in mind that visits to the city centre will be subject to a congestion charge – so this option may be best suited to those who prefer to explore the outskirts.

London Art and Culture Day

London is a big centre for artistic and cultural pursuits, so those looking to nourish their minds and soothe their souls in this way will certainly find a day in the city to be stimulating. Suggested activities include:

The National Gallery – situated on the world famous Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery boasts a stunning collection of art through the ages.
The Victoria and Albert Museum – The V&A in South Kensington as it is known locally is a real treasure trove of art, design, architecture and fashion making it a popular choice for the cultured traveller.
The Royal Opera House – this imposing theatre in London’s Covent Garden is home to the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet, meaning it is a great place for culture vultures to end their day in London.

London Shopping Day

If you prefer to spend your time in London indulging in a little retail therapy, you won’t be disappointed. Great spots to shop include:

Oxford Street – London’s most famous shopping street is home to some of the biggest UK high street stores, as well as department store giants Selfridges.
Bond Street – If you are looking for bespoke and designer piece then Bond Street is the place to be – this is the destination of choice in London for the serious shopper.
Knightsbridge – This up market area is home to the iconic Harrods store, just bear in mind that a dress code does apply for visitors to the store, check the website for details in order to ensure entry.

London History and Heritage Day

This famous city is steeped in history and offers a number of insights into the country’s heritage. Consider visiting the following spots:

Buckingham Palace: The London home of the Queen, ‘Buck House’ as it is affectionately titled is a stunning sight, while the changing of the guard offers a constant draw for spectators.
The Tower of London: Home to the Crown jewels and site of some the bloodiest moments in British History – with its resident rooks and Beefeaters in traditional dress this is often a hit with the kids.

London On A Budget

London is one of the greatest cities in the world and it has a huge array of iconic attractions and sights to explore. However, it is also one of the most expensive cities in the world, and if you’re looking at travelling to this thriving metropolis then you could be looking at large expenses. You can sightsee in London on a budget though, and you won’t have to break the bank if you enjoy some of London’s cheaper options.

Travel is one of the most expensive parts of London, with underground train prices being quite high especially if you’re a keen tourist and want to be up during peak commuting hours. However, many sights in central London are very close together, and a far better way of exploring the city is on foot. Winding streets result in you finding something new around every corner and you can miss so much by travelling underground when the sights of London are waiting to be discovered. If you’re into walking then spend a day exploring from Trafalgar Square, down The Mall, through St. James Park, over Westminster Bridge and along South Bank. You’ll be able to take in a huge number of attractions such as Buckingham Palace, The Globe Theatre, the Tower of London, Tate Modern and the Houses of Parliament on this route. In addition, you’ll be able to enjoy the buzz of the city, the red double-decker buses and the black London cabs, which could all be missed on underground trains.

Certain areas of London are very expensive for shopping and whilst you may want to head to Kensington and Chelsea to explore the retail, prices are high. If you actually want to shop, heading to Bond Street and walking back to towards Oxford Circus will offer a huge variety of competitively priced shops to peruse, and you’ll be able to find all your favourite brands on the high street rather than having to go online to find whitestuff deals. Meanwhile, both Shepherds Bush and Stratford have Westfield Shopping Malls, with the latter being the largest mall in Europe. These are also great places to find bargains and get all your British shopping done in one place.

Eating in London can also be expensive if you don’t know where to go so it’s a good idea to do some research first. There is a vast variety of food in London because it is one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world. If you’re looking for tea and sweets then Patisserie Valerie is a cheap and scrumptious outlet whilst and for an evening of noodles, Wok to Walk in Soho is ideal. Soho generally has many great restaurants, which offer good food at competitive prices so that you don’t have to break the bank.

Research is important when trying to avoid expensive places, and by highlighting a couple of great spots before you travel, you’ll be able to make the most of your time. Asking locals and consulting the Internet and guidebooks will result in not only a great experience, but also one that isn’t too expensive either.

Style revolutions in London Town

Ever since Carnaby Street made London the fashion capital of the world in the swinging sixties, the nation’s capital has been one of the major cities in the world of fashion. It is a centre for designers and stores, offering the best that British fashion can offer.

In February, the fashionistas from across the globe will descend on London for a week of catwalk events, store openings, exhibitions and parties. As always the London Fashion Week will feature top British designers like Vivienne Westwood, Jasper Conran and Betty Jackson, who will be showing the world their latest creations. Apart form the official events there is also the ‘A La Mode’ Off-Schedule event if you can’t get a ticket for one of the official events.

It is not only during fashion week that London has people fascinated by its fashion. London is one of the world’s major shopping cities and you can find everything from haute couture to high street bargains among its many shopping areas. Brick Lane is now the place for the very best in retro chic, Kensington is the place for top names at top prices, while Oxford Street has a full range of high street names whether you’re looking for that sexier skirt or a pair of flashy shoes. Hotter shoes Discount vouchers will certainly help to keep your costs down and you should check newspapers and the Internet before embarking on your shopping trip.

If your taste and budget allows for haute couture, London has an enormous number of high quality stores. Shops like Fenn Wright Manson, Park Boutique, Anna Boutique and Labour of Love will give you the fashion choice of your dreams, featuring top designers and unique clothes that will give dedicated followers of fashion, raptures. These stores offer clothes from people like Lamis Khamis, Isabel De Pedro and Charli as well as their own exclusive designs.

If shoes are your shopping soft spot then London has plenty to keep you reaching for your purse or wallet. Stores like Kurt Geiger, Lollipop, Poste Mistress and Georgina Goodman offer a selection of the top names in footwear, like Loubotin, Prada and Marc Jacobs.

Away from the hype of London Fashion Week, the capital plays hosts to catwalk events and exhibitions throughout the year. The Clothes Show will be held in Earls Court in June, a regular show since 1989, it offers a collection of shows and exhibits of clothing, as well as special celebrity guests. It is one of the top events in the British fashion calendar.

London has much to offer the most ardent fans of fashion. If you are looking for haute couture from the top designers or the bargains from the high street, whether you buy your Jimmy Choo’s from an exclusive shoe shop or prefer to use Hotter shoes discount vouchers to find your footwear of choice, London has it all. The swinging sixties may be long gone but there is no doubt that London is still the centre of a style revolution.

Discover a Wide Range of Top Fashion Brands of Designer Clothes in Westfield London

Westfield London Shopping Centre, located in White City/Shepherds Bush in West London, was opened at the end of October 2008. The centre covers a retail floor area of 150,000m², the equivalent of about 30 football pitches.

Westfield London, with its glass roof providing a bright and airy shopping environment, is said to be London’s largest shopping centre, and the largest urban area indoor shopping centre in Europe.

With a distinctive mix and match of designer and high street labels, Westfield London offers the ultimate London shopping experience. There are more than 265 shops from over 15 countries under one stunning roof – plus 16 brands that have never been seen in the UK before.

It also has a new high-end retail area called The Village, retailing brands such as Burberry, De Beers, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Mulberry, and Tiffany & Co – arguably establishing The Village at Westfield London as London’s third biggest luxury retailing centre after the West End and Sloane Square retail destinations.

Westfield London is designed to bring you the latest trends for all seasons. There’s a huge choice of stores to choose from including all your favourite High Street brands and four flagship department stores including House of Fraser, Next, Debenhams and Marks & Spencer.

Men’s fashion stores include:

* Barön Jon which offer a wide range of designer names and famous high street brands including Versace, YSL, FCUK, Milan Collection, Lambretta & Peter Werth,
* Camel Active, which specialises in masculine and modern casual wear.
* David Mayer Naman for the cosmopolitan man who wants a total look uniting international style with Italian taste.

Women’s fashion stores include:

* Blanco, the Spanish brand, which sells fashion clothing and accessories for urban young women
* Coast which specialises in stunning occasion-wear.
* Donna Ida stocks a constantly evolving line-up of top denim labels and you can expect great service along with up-to-date advice on current trends.

Children’s fashion stores include:

* Atelier de Courcelles, which has an innovative and creative concept dedicated to luxury childrens’ wear.
* Polarn O. Pyret from Sweden focuses on smart, functional and playful clothes for babies and children to age 11 years
* Pumpkin Patch provides the ultimate one-stop kidswear that is totally kid-friendly, comfortable and fun.

There are great facilities within the shopping centre to enhance your shopping experience, including:

* Several restaurant areas including:

The Loft, on the second floor, where you will find restaurants such as Byron, Nando’s. Pizza Express and Spaghetti House.

The Balcony, on the First Floor, where you can enjoy exotic cuisines from Mexico, Japan, Vietnam, India, Italian, Lebanese, and the traditional English Fish & Chips.

The Southern Terrace Restaurants, outside the main shopping complex, include restaurants such as Balans, Ciao Baby Cucina, Del’Aziz, Fire & Stone, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, The Real Greek, Wahaca and Wagamama.

There are also plenty of cafes and juice bars scattered all over the shopping centre – try Apostrophe or Butler’s Chocolate Café.

There are many comfortable resting areas where you can take the weight off your feet and recharge your batteries before continuing with your shopping.

Westfield London is a children-friendly environment with spacious, pushchair-friendly malls and plenty of lifts. There are three Family Rooms to help deal with meltdown moments when shopping with kids – two on the Ground Floor and one on Level 1 Retail near The Balcony.

Kiddy Cars are free to hire (up to four hours) to keep your kids entertained, and can be picked up from the Concierge Desk on Ground Floor.

If you are accompanying a disabled person, you can book a free wheelchair or motorised scooter and make the most of the wheelchair-friendly malls and restaurants.

It also hosts exciting events such as catwalk shows. At the end of September 2009, Westfield London teamed up with celebrity stylist William Baker to create a catwalk show – Westfield London Style 2009.

If you missed the fabulous catwalk show,here are some of <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=http://www.my-london-breaks.com/Westfield-london.html>the images</a> he sent down the catwalk.

Westfield London is a popular shopping complex with the locals as well as visitors. Make Westfield London one of the “Must See” places next time you visit London.

The opening hours, information on how to get to Westfield London and hotel accommodation are as follows:

Standard Opening Hours

Mon – 10am – 9pm         Fri – 10am – 10pm
Tues – 10am – 9pm        Sat – 9am – 9pm
Wed – 10am – 9pm        Sun -12pm – 6pm
Thurs -10am – 10pm

How to get there

By Tube

Four Underground stations provide easy access:
- Shepherd’s Bush and White City on the Central line
- Wood Lane and Shepherd’s Bush Market on the Hammersmith & City line.

By Bus

Bus routes 31, 49, 207, 237, 260, 607 and C1 will run from their current terminus at Shepherd’s Bush via the Westfield Interchange and on to terminate at the White City bus station. Route 148 will run to the bus station via Wood Lane.

Shepherd’s Bush also continues to be served by buses 72, 94, 95, 220, 272, 283, 295 and N207, to bus stops within a short walk of Westfield London.

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Love Your Love-buy Ticket to London???

Hi Buddy! This is you host David coming down the memory lanes of the London- “the uncrowned queen of Romanticism”. Would you like your soul to fly above the daily chores? Why not say I wanna break free?
Are you ready to freak out? Come out of your old corporate protocol and sip the living drops of Life. It is for you only and you only. To tap the deepest desire of yours, London offers a bouquet of precious and unique brands of tangibles and intangibles. All for you dearest – can’t you feel the slow and steady heartbeat of your love mate?
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Here is what Life offers you:
1) London Shopping 2) Cinema 3) Exclusive Networking Café 4) Luxury Hotels 5) Theatres 6) Fashion Week 7) Bars Health and Beauty 9) Business Social Networking
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Be yourself, don’t go on with protocols – feel free to taste any one or more of the above. I would appreciate if are honest to your love rather be authentic towards yourself. Every small step comes with the choices you have and each step that you take will take you closer and closer to the real you. Best of luck.
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Festive Bargains in London

Fancy some festive bargains in London? December is a right time to come and shop in London. With dramatic discounts and clearances you just can’t get anything better.

Christmas season is a best time to visit London for shopping. Yes, the city will be bustling with people and there will be a fierce fight for bargain deals. But it is probably the best time to get it extremely cheap.

December is a discount month when literally every shop reduces the prices for clothes, shoes, accessories, furniture, electronic gadgets – everything. In London the variety of all is great and the quality will guarantee that it was worth to go all the way to London to get it.

When planning your London trip, count on central London hotels, as it will guarantee an easy access to the main shopping points as well as lots of entertainment places. West End, restaurants and cinemas will be on the doorstep when you stay central.

London Festive bargains will be available everywhere in central London. In places like Harrods, for example, which is a pricy store, you can get almost everything without even stepping out of the store. The more affordable Oxford Street will not disappoint with a variety and a good selection of clothes, shoes and accessories. It is also a good place to pick up your Christmas gifts at the same time. With amazing discounts and often clearances, you will absolutely hit the target and meet your budget. Discover discounts and bargain deals in London during festive season of Christmas!

Festive bargains in London during Christmas make your London shopping wonderful.

New Year Shopping in London

Head down to some of the best London shops for your New Years shopping! Enjoy discounts and clearances on your favourite products during this special season.

Just after a short and quiet Christmas period in central London shops, sales and clearances will hit once again towards the end of December. Most department stores will offer half-priced products and we will then definitely forget about the credit crunch for at least two weeks.

Most popular London department stores will be offering New Year’s shopping at an affordable price. Thousands of people will flood Selfridges in Oxford Street, Harrods in Knightsbridge and the newly-opened Westfield London in White City/ Shepherd’s Bush.

Find that special outfit for the New Year party or treat yourself to a cosy piece of furniture you have dreamt of for a long time. Be creative and colourful as the New Year promises even more amazing deals!

London is one of the best places to be in, for discounts and bargains during January sales. Central London shops and designer stores, give you an opportunity to shop with plenty of discount offers for your new wardrobe for the New Year.

New Year sales can also be great for those who want to get some bargain deals on gadgets and technology. Dixons, Currys and others will be offering everything from wide-screen TVs and DVD players to computers, games and gadgets. Keep an eye on headlines and they will all surely read – discounts! Get your New Years shopping early as demand will be high.

WESTFIELD SHOPPING CENTRE, LONDON

About Westfield London Westfield London, the pioneering shopping and leisure destination, is now open to the public. It is an innovative and dynamic place for a new generation of consumer to shop, to eat, and to meet. Aspirational, yet inclusive, it is an architecturally stunning showcase for 5 anchor stores: Debenhams, Next, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, Waitrose and over 265 luxury, premium and high street retailers from more than 15 different countries. Food is as important as fashion at Westfield London. Nearly 50 exciting eating concepts boast 73 awards between them and offer some 25 styles and nationalities of cooking. 6 new to the UK and of those 5 are first ever seen brands. A bustling cluster of 17 restaurants run the length of Southern Terrace, the pedestrian street of dining, and open cooking brings drama to the collection of 13 counters on The Balcony where fresh food is prepared fast and to order. Westfield London is as much a meeting hub as a place to shop and eat. A stunning central Atrium, unique in London, will host a full calendar of arts and educational events beneath a spectacular glass roof. A 14-screen state-of-the-art cinema, gym and spa will open in 2009, and a new library will serve the local community. New transport links make Westfield London the best connected shopping destination in the UK. Four underground stations provide on average a tube every 5 minutes, an overland station will get you from Clapham Junction and Willesden Junction to …

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