How many passes does the team in white make? Test your awareness and Do the Test! TFL cycling safetly advert! Count the number of passes the White team makes. Do you see the Moonwalking bear?
In order to make your experience as enjoyable as possible you should exercise the same amount of caution as you would at home.
London Transport Avoid using unlicensed cabs. Safe cabs to use are those licensed by the Police. The driver will wear a badge and the cab will have a licence on display. When using a hire car, be sure to fully check the car over for any damage prior to signing the forms.
Accommodation in London Accommodation in London is given a Star and Diamond rating by official tourist organisations. The greater the number of stars or diamonds, the higher the quality.
Crime As with any major city, crime can be a problem. However, if you follow the same basic principles as you would at home, you will be perfectly safe. Keep purses and wallets in zipped compartments. Avoid using rucksacks. Keep cameras hanging round your neck, not over your shoulder. Never put your bag on the floor of a restaurant or bar, keep it with you at all times.
Your Money It is not always cost effective to change your money up at your Hotel. Try to shop around for the best rate. Banks and Building Societies often offer the best rates.
Once you have changed up your money, be sure to store it in the safe at your hotel.
Eating And Drinking Be wary of young ladies inviting you into bars for a drink. These ladies are often escorts and you may end up paying hundreds of pounds for one drink and the privilege of the ladies company for the evening.
It is now expected that diners will tip their waitress or waiter in a restaurant. Before doing this, check your bill to see if service is included. It is accepted that a tip of around 10% of your total bill is reasonable. However, don’t be tempted to tip if the service or the food is poor.
Weapons It is illegal to carry a knife, a gun or CS spray in London.
Important Holiday Dates Holiday dates for 2009 are as follows: New Year’s Day – 1 January Good Friday – 10 April Easter Monday – 13 April May Day – 4 May Spring Bank Holiday – 25 May Summer Bank Holiday – 31 August Christmas Day – 25 December Boxing Day – 28 December
Our Banks are closed on Bank Holidays however the most popular shops now open between the hours of 10am to 4pm.
Bank Holidays are classed as family days, therefore there are usually plenty of activities organised to keep everyone entertained.
Shopping It may distress American ladies to know that you will gain a dress size during your stay in London, and it won’t be down to the food. If you are a size 8 in America, you will be a size 10 over here and in Europe. Let’s hope that doesn’t put you off your shopping! If it’s any consolation, you will need shoes 2 sizes smaller, a 7 in America is a 5 over here for ladies. Mens clothes sizes are no different. Their shoes however are 1 size smaller over here.
Driving In London We could write a book about driving in London. It is of course much easier to say, “don’t do it!” Driving in London is not a pleasurable experience. You may be interested to learn that in 1898 the average speed of cars in London was 11mph, in 1998 it was also 11mph, so much for progress. It may be some comfort to you to know that there is an excellent underground system, which is cheap and fast. If driving is your thing we have a wealth of information for you to read and digest.
It’s a fact, we are obsessed with roundabouts. Roundabouts are placed at junctions where typically traffic is heavy. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, they work well. On approach to a roundabout look to your right, if there is nothing coming there is no need to stop. You must give way to the right and travel round the roundabout in a clockwise direction. You should indicate your intentions to assist other drivers. A valid (full) European, US or Canadian licence is needed to drive in the UK. Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers. You must come to a complete stop where you see a stop sign and a solid white line in the road, even if you can see your way is clear. Unlike most other countries, drivers have to stop at zebra crossings if a pedestrian is waiting to cross. On pelican crossings you must come to a complete stop on red. On amber you must wait until all pedestrians have safely crossed prior to driving off. Traffic lights follow the following sequence; red (stop), red and amber (get ready), green (go). We overtake on the right, and quickly move back to the left hand lane after overtaking. To cope with the mass amount of traffic visiting London on a daily basis the Mayor has introduced a congestion charge. This charge applies to vehicles entering central London by car between the hours of 7am-6.30pm Mon-Fri (excluding Bank Holidays). The charge is £8 daily. This can be paid in advance by visiting http://www.cclondon.com you’ll also be able to pay at garage forecourts, in shops, by post and actually in and around the congestion charging zone. You can now also pay by text message although you have to register online first. Simply text the last four digits of your credit/debit card to 81099 on the day of travel and they will text you back your receipt number within 30 minutes. A hefty fine applies to those that do not pay the charge by midnight on the day of travel. Parking in London is neither cheap nor easy. If you have parking at your hotel, we suggest you leave your car there and use the tube. Traffic wardens in London have a habit of popping up when you least expect them, and following closely behind them is the clamper van. The release fee is a bitter pill to swallow. When driving in London, always lock your car doors. Gangs have been known to strike when vehicles are stuck in traffic.
Travellers across globe dream of visiting city of London, gazing at mighty Thames, and watching Big Ben. If you want to spend a few days in London absorbing its glories, you have many affordable options for comfortable accommodation.
Whenever you fly to London for holidays or business work, getting accommodation in hotels near Heathrow airport is no problem. Heathrow hotelsare available to suit all types of budgets and location needs.
If you are looking for sophisticated yet budget accommodation you can get hotels near Heathrow airport at just half a kilometre distance. Location of these hotels is ideal from major attractions like Chessington World of adventures, Legoland Windsor and Madam Tussauds. You can avail all the luxury and comfort in these hotels near Heathrow airport with spacious rooms furnished with modern amenities.
There are some Heathrow hotels which have very easy access to terminal 5 via covered walkway. Facilities at hotels near Heathrow airport include Sauna, Spa and Wellness Centre, Jacuzzi and more. All the Heathrow hotels and those hotels near Heathrow airport serve continental breakfast and evening meals. Rooms are provided with tea and coffee making facilities. Informal style bar lounge are one of many attractions of all hotels.
You will find that London hotels are available in both cheap and luxury category to suit your budget. There are more than 6,000 London hotels providing best accommodation and service to travellers from all over the world. For those staying in London hotels, London transport provides 20,000 licensed taxis, underground metro trains and other public transport. Hotels with parking facilities are common thing. London being one of world’s best tourist centres is famous for world class luxury as well as budget accommodations.
It is less known fact that some amazingly cheap accommodations are also available in central London. While you are visiting London for a day or more than 2 or 3 weeks, it is important to get accommodation at right cost so that you enjoy your stay and also save money. Cheap hotels in London provide equally comfortable accommodation and good service and hospitality. Although rooms are not as spacious as 5 star hotels, they don’t make your stay less comfortable.
If you want budget accommodation at lower end, you can stay in youth hostels or dormitories which charge very economical rates. You can also get discounts on week days. Many hotel chains operate budget accommodation and cheap hotels in central London. If you browse on the Internet you can easily find addresses of these accommodations and information regarding facilities and tariff.
The British Museum – This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London with millions of people visiting the museum each year. It is located on the Great Russell Street, London, WC1 and you can reach it by taking the Tube to Russell Square. You will find almost everything under one roof starting with collections from Egypt, Greek and Roman art, China, old Mesopotamia, Antiques, coins and medals, Prints and drawings, Renaissance and Anglo-Saxon Britain, etc. The sheer size of the museum (2,5 miles of galleries) suggests to you, to wear a good pair of walking shoes and be prepared to spend most of the day there. Whatever your cup of tea is you will have a memorable day out. Open from: Mon-sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-6pm. Tel: 0207 323 8000.
Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms – Visit the highly interactive and innovative Churchill Museum, the world’s first major museum dedicated to life of the ‘greatest Briton’, plus the secret underground headquarters that were the nerve centre of Britain’s war effort. Situated at Clive Steps, King Charles Street London, SW1A 2AQ. Tel: 020 7930 6961. Textphone: 020 7839 4906.
The Clockmaker`s Museum – It is to be found at Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury, London EC2P 2EJ and is open from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) from 9.30am until 4.30pm. Entry is free, via the historic Guildhall Yard. Its collection is the property of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and is run by its educational charity. It was founded in 1813 and has been open to the public since 1873. The museum has recently been entirely reconstructed to tell the story of the “Clockmakers of London”. It is a priceless collection of clocks, watches, portraits and tools. The most famous single item is John Harrison’s 5th Marine Timekeeper, familiar to visitors from around the world because of Dava Sobel’s astonishingly successful book, “Longitude”. Around Guildhall Yard is grouped the Clock Museum, Guildhall Library (which holds regular temporary exhibitions), the Mediaeval Guildhall and its crypt, Guildhall Art Gallery, the recently discovered east gate to the Roman Amphitheatre and the Wren church of St. Lawrence Jewry, so there is much to see in the immediate vicinity. Map
The Design Museum – Luke Hayes, Design Museum, Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD, 10.00-17.45 daily, T: 0870 833 9955, www.designmuseum.orgThe stylish white edifice is the perfect showcase for an unpretentious display of design products ranging from classic cars to home utensils. Whilst first floor `Review Gallery` acts as a host for new ideas and temporary exhibitions, the top floor `Collections Gallery` is constantly evolving. To replenish your body energy please go to Conran restaurant located on top floor. Shad Thames, London SE1, Tower Hill or Bermondsey tube station.
The Firepower – The Royal Artillery Museum – Firepower, the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich tells the powerful and dramatic story of artillery, scientific discoveries made through warfare and human stories of courage and endeavour. The ‘ground shaking’ Field of Fire audio-visual show puts you in the midst of battle as shells whiz overhead and guns roar.
The Florence Nightingale Museum – Florence Nightingale was a legend in her lifetime but the Crimean War years which made her famous were just two out of a life of ninety years. If you want to find out more than please visit this museum.
The Foundling Museum – This museum tells the story of the 18th Century Foundling Hospital, and of its Founders and Governors: the campaigning philanthropist Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and the composer George Frideric Handel. A significant collection of works by the hospital’s early artist supporters including Gainsborough and Reynolds are displayed in interiors preserved from the original Foundling Hospital. The Foundling Hospital was established at a time when there was scant provision for society’s vulnerable. The Museum traces the history of London’s first children’s charity and features many poignant objects of social history including personal mementoes left by mothers with their infants as means of their identification. The Museum’s top floor houses the Gerald Coke Handel Collection, one of the most important collections of memorabilia relating to the composer, who himself was a Governor of the Foundling Hospital.
The Geffrye Museum – This museum presents the changing style of English middle-class interiors from 1600 to the present day through a series of period rooms. It is set in elegant 18th- century almshouses with attractive gardens, including an award-winning herb garden and a series of period gardens (open Apr to Oct). An imaginative education programme for children, families and adults is run throughout the year. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm, and Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from Noon – 5.00pm. Free Admission. Tel: 020 7739 9893.
The Handel House Museum – The great baroque composer George Frideric Handel lived at 25 Brook Street from 1723 until his death in 1759. Here he composed famous works such as ‘Messiah’, ‘Zadok the Priest’ and ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’. Today Handel House Museum is a beautifully restored historic house, live music venue and museum offering an insight into Handel’s life, 18th-century music and culture. Throughout the House, paintings and prints of Handel and his contemporaries provide a backdrop to Handel’s life in London. Today, the House is alive with music as it was during Handel’s residence, a special experience for all visitors. There are weekly Thursday evening recitals, events at the weekend and family trails, quizzes and activities. Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Thursday 10am – 8pm; Sunday 12pm – 6pm (last admission half an hour before closing) Admission prices: £5 adult, £4.50 concession; £2 child or FREE on Saturdays. Handel House Museum, 25 Brook Street, London, W1K (entrance around the back in Lancashire Court).
The Horniman Museum – Conveniently located, a 13-minute train ride from London Bridge station to Forest Hill is followed by a five-minute walk to the Museum. Also, there is now direct access to the beautiful gardens via a new main entrance – the 16 acres host events throughout the year and have spectacular views over the London skyline. On entering the development, which doubles the existing public space of the museum, you are struck by a feeling of light and space. This now serves as the main entrance, with a wonderful café with barrel vaulted ceiling echoing the original building, and a brand new shop. At the heart of the new building is the central orientation area – ‘Gallery Square’. A balcony overlooks the lower ground floor, and from here visitors can access any part of the Horniman. An expanse of glass on one side forms a magnificent picture window and offers views onto Frederick Horniman’s 1894 conservatory (Grade ii listed), and the Gardens. Also on this level is the Museum’s new education centre which can be configured to accommodate a classroom, a craft space and lunch area for schools, as well as evening classes for adults. Around the balcony is the new “Hands on Base”, housing the Museum’s prestigious handling collection. Comprising 3,700 objects, especially procured to represent the Museum’s three main collections of music instruments, natural history and ethnography, the collection has become an important learning tool for the Horniman’s diverse visitor mix including families and community groups, highlighting the many environments and cultures represented by the Museum’s varied collections.
The Imperial War Museum – Based in south London with connection of Elephant & Castle, Lambeth North or Waterloo tube line it holds a variety of militaristic display of weapons. From the trenches of WWI and Blitz campaign on London it will try to represent statistics of war and casualties of such things. There is a section of Secret War Gallery that is not so enlightening. Interesting thing about this museum is that the building itself was until 1930 a lunatic asylum that confined Charlie Chaplin`s mother. Open from: daily 10am-6pm.Tel: 0207 416 5000.
Kew Bridge Steam Museum – Built in the 19th century to supply London with water, the museum is recognised as the most important historic site of the water supply industry in Britain. This museum contains the world’s largest collection of steam pumping engines, many of which you can see working every weekend. The museum is open from 11.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. They are closed on Mondays, except Bank Holidays. Last admission at 4.15pm.
The London Motor Museum – Featuring a showroom full of classic cars from the 1950s to the present day the London Motor Museum charts the recent history of the moving vehicle. Cars include pimped up rides from the States and luxury brands from Europe. A Louis Vuitton Cadillac Deville is parked up alongside a Lincoln Continental Lowrider and there are plenty of deluxe names like Aston Martin, Ferrari and Jaguar. If you book in advance you can even have a ride in a pink Cadillac or a Pontiac 79 Trans Am muscle car. London Motor Museum, 3 Nestles Avenue, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 4SB. Tel: 0800 195 0777. www.londonmotormuseum.co.uk
The London Transport Museum – Makes an interesting place to visit and compare transport from the past and learn facts about today’s speed of travel in central London that is only 10 miles per hour. That alone tells you about congestion we experience on daily basis travelling trough London. Plenty of old trains, trams and buses make this exhibition and for those with children there is a chance to hop on and off some buses. Open from: Mon-Thurs, Sat & Sun 10am-6pm, Fri 11am-6pm. Tel: 0207 836 8557.
The Museum in Docklands – London’s newest museum unlocks the history of London’s river, port and people in an early nineteenth century warehouse at West India Quay. Originally used to house imports of exotic spices, rum and cotton, it now holds a wealth of objects from enormous whale bones to WWII gas masks, which provide glimpses of lost and almost forgotten worlds. Here you can encounter the wide array of people that have come and gone from the Docks over the last 2000 years, from its Roman founders to Viking invaders and from gentleman pirates to today’s city workers. The state of the art galleries include a dedicated space for children, called the Mudlarks Gallery. This fully interactive play and learning area introduces kids between 5 and 12 to the history of Docklands. They can winch and weigh cargoes, get a divers eye view of work under water, balance the cargo in the hold of a nineteenth century clipper, and discover archaeological finds in the foreshore discovery box. Museum of Docklands is located at No. 1 Warehouse West India Quay, Hertsmere Road E14. Travel by DLR to West India Quay. Children go free.
The Museum of Childhood Bethnal Green – The Museum of Childhood at Bethnal Green contains one of the largest and oldest collections of toys and childhood artefacts in the world. As well as its permanent displays, the Museum has temporary exhibitions, gallery play areas and every weekend, has art activities V&A Museum of Childhood Memoriesfor children aged 5+ and soft play for under fives, with additional activities during school holidays. It also has a souvenir shop, a café, children’s birthday party and corporate hire facilities, and a garden with picnic tables. The collection, which dates from the sixteenth century to the present day is permanently on display to visitors, comprises dolls, dolls’ houses, teddy bears, toy soldiers, train sets, model cars, puppets, rocking horses, board games, and some of the very first jigsaw puzzles ever made. In addition to its toys, the Museum houses the national collection of children’s costume. The upper gallery is devoted to the theme of growing up through the ages. With its unique display of baby equipment, nursery furniture and children’s costume, the gallery explores the experience of childhood, from birth to adolescence. Open: 10.00 – 17.50. Closed: Fridays, 24 – 26 December and 1 January. Admission free. Museum of Childhood at Bethnal Green, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA.
The Museum of Garden History – Situated in the restored church of St. Mary-at-Lambeth, adjacent to Lambeth Palace on the banks of the River Thames, the Museum of Garden History provides an insight into the history and development of gardens and gardening in the UK, an important facet in our social history. The Museum houses one of the finest public displays of garden tools and garden related artefacts and curiosities in the country, as well as an intriguing collection of garden related ephemera. In addition, a beautiful reproduction 17th century knot garden filled with flowers and shrubs of the period has been created in the graveyard around the tombs of the famous 17th century plant hunters, the John Tradescants, father and son, and Captain William Bligh of the ‘Bounty’ Opening times: Open Daily 10.30am – 5.00pm (short closed period over Christmas and New Year, contact the Museum for details). Admission rates: Suggested donation Adults £3.00, Concessions £2.50 (Gift shop and café free). Facilities: Café, Gift shop, Toilets, Full disabled access, Library (by appointment only). Nearest tube: Lambeth North, Westminster or Waterloo.
The Museum of London – Can be found near City of London (also called Square Mile because of its size and it’s a place where Big Boys operate). Nearest Tube stations are St.Paul`s or Barbican. Its name says it all, and this museum will try to walk you through different eras of life of London. Roman relics are most impressive and they start on your entering of the museum. Ages before and after Great Fire of London are included as well as Georgian and Victorian London with articles of the early twentieth century till present times. The real treasure of Museum of London is though in exhibitions, lectures, walks and videos that are being held and organised throughout the year. Open from: Tues-Sat 10am-5:50pm, Sun noon-5:50pm. Tel: 0207 600 3699.
The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising – The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising is the result of consumer historian, Robert Opie, who saw the need to record the history of the products around us. Starting at the age of sixteen with a packet of Munchies, the Collection now extends to all aspects of daily life – toys, comics, magazines, newspapers, technology, travel, royal souvenirs, fashion and design. Robert says, ‘Whilst families tend to save mementoes from special occasions, it struck me that little was being done to keep the everyday material. When the thousands of pieces of this social history are assembled into some giant jigsaw, the picture becomes clearer as to the remarkable journey we have all come through’.
The Natural History Museum – Based in South Kensington near Hyde Park this museum is our favourite. T-Rex, click for larger imageThe entrance is in Exhibition Road, same as for Science Museum and please beware there is a great possibility of queues so nice, comfortable shoes are a MUST. Skeletons of reptiles are very good and a display of T-Rex excellent. Sabre-tooth tiger and carnivorous reptiles are sights to be seen. We can`t give enough praises to curators who have organised such a majestical show. Insect room is definitely not for people easily scared with bugs and arachnids. Here you will find real life exhibits, like life cycle of housefly. Ecology gallery, Mammals gallery, Mineral Gallery and Earth’s gallery that holds a 17-carat diamond and an emerald the size of lemon just call out to you. At the end you will be presented with Earth Today and Tomorrow where you can see what we as a human beings are doing to this planet. Pollution and destruction of Mother Earth are shown here. Open from: Mon-Sat 10am-5:50pm, Sun 11am-5:50pm. Tel: 0207 942 5000.
Going south-east to Greenwich or Maze Hill train station you would come upon the National Maritime Museum. Millions of pounds have been spent in redevelopment programme in preparation of Millennium celebrations. There is the sight of a 63-foot Royal Barge and Admiral Nelsons Gallery with his memorabilia. There is fun to be had for a younger audience in All Hands section and for more mature to take chance to steer a ship out of harbour on a computer-simulated deck. Open from: daily 10am-5pm. Tel: 0208 858 4422.
The RAF Museum – This one is on another side of town and nearest tube station is Colindale. RAF museum exhibitMind you, you will have a fair walk after station so if you are elderly or can’t walk try taking local Minicab or hail a Black-cab from the street. Models of planes are waiting for you and if you have children with you there is a Fun `n` Flight gallery where you can have a bit of fun. Open from: daily 10am-6pm. Tel: 0208 205 2266.
The Science Museum – close to South Kensington tube. Seven floors filled with items drawn from every area of science, including space travel, computing, chemistry, medicine and photography. Interactive displays you can find there are a pleasant change in the life of the museums. If you have a specific interest in any of the fields we have mentioned you can get a guided tour from people in museum. Definitely one of the best museums in London. Open from: daily 10am-6pm. Tel: 0207 938 8123.
The Sir John Soane’s Museum – The architect Sir John Soane’s house, museum and library at No. 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields has been a public museum since the early 19th century. On his appointment as Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy in 1806 Soane began to arrange the Books, casts and models in order that the students might have the benefit of easy access to them. In 1833 Soane negotiated an Act of Parliament to settle and preserve the house and collection for the benefit of ‘amateurs and students’ in architecture, painting and sculpture.
The Victoria & Albert Museum – This is a home of applied arts. Due to the sheer variety and scale of exhibits there is bound to be something to grab your attention. The world`s largest collection of Indian art outside India, Chinese, Islamic, Japanese and Korean galleries, more Constable paintings than the Tate; seven Raphael masterpieces and sizable collection of miniatures, watercolours and medieval and Renaissance sculpture, plus many other things. Located near South Kensington tube station, at Cromwell road, SW7. Tel: 0207 942 2000.
The Wallace Collection – The Wallace Collection is both a national museum and the finest private collection of art ever assembled by one family. It was bequeathed to the nation by Lady Wallace, widow of Sir Richard Wallace, in 1897, and opened to the public just over three years later on 22 June 1900. Its first visitors were variously delighted, amazed and bemused. Among its treasures are one of the best collections of French 18th-century pictures, porcelain and furniture in the world, a remarkable array of 17th-century paintings and a superb armoury. The Wallace Collection is located at Hertford House, Manchester Square. Opening hours – Daily 10.00am until 5.00pm (Sundays 12.00pm until 5.00pm). Tel: 0207 563 9500.
London sets the trends and the world follows, whether it be politics or the arts, the phenomenon remains the same. As a global player with nothing to prove, London’s dominance on the world stage is never questioned. Perhaps it is due to its rich melting pot of cultures, its innate vibrancy or its enviable heritage in the history books. Whatever the reason, like any world city, the British capital stays one step ahead of the game in reinventing, rejuvenating and redefining itself. Home to some of the world’s most illustrious museums and art galleries, it’s easy to see why. The city’s impressive collection of museums include the Museum of London, The British Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, London Transport Museum and The National Maritime Museum in addition to the Imperial War Museum.
Those with a flair for natural history and the Jurassic era should head down to London’s Natural History Museum which not only houses giant skeletal remains of the colossal creatures but also a breathtaking replica of a blue whale. Britain’s oceanic voyages are exhaustively documented at the National Maritime Museum where visitors can acquaint themselves with the work and lives of the world’s pioneering explorers and their vessels, navigation tools and methods. With a collection of over 40 galleries and 2000 interactive exhibits it is difficult to rival The Science Museum which displays the scientific progress of humankind in the past thee centuries. Automobile and transport fanatics should definitely drop by at the London Transport Museum which traces this enterprising city’s journey to modern transport from classic carriages and the iconic double-decker buses.
But if it’s antiquities and culture one is interested in, there’s no venue quite like The British Museum. Established in 1753 this monumental museum houses over seven million exhibition pieces. Home to one of the largest collections in the entire world, the museum’s contents originate from all corners of the globe, tracking cultural evolution over the centuries. Its various departments consist of Greek and Roman Antiquities, Ancient Egypt and Sudan, Middle East, Africa, Oceania and the Americas as well as a Department of Prints and Drawings, Coins and Medals, a Department of Prehistory and Europe, Department of Conservation, Documentation and Science and extensive libraries and archives. Key exhibits include the famed Rosetta Stone of Egypt, the limestone bust of Amenhotep the Third, Mausoleum of Halikarnassos, the Parthenon Marbles and the drawing collections of Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael.
The Museum of London deals with the evolution of the city from prehistoric periods to its contemporary achievements.
The Victoria and Albert Museum on the other hand is devoted to the areas of design and the decorative arts and proudly displays 4.5 million items as a part of its permanent collection. Constructed in 1852 and spread out over 12.5 acres, the museum consists of 145 galleries boasting collections from America, North Africa, Asia and Europe.
London is also a veritable treasure trove for art lovers. As the base for renowned galleries such as Tate Modern, Hayward Gallery, the National Gallery, Serpentine Gallery, the Wallace Collection, National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy, Somerset House, Whitechapel Gallery, Guildhall Gallery, Tate Britain and Dulwich Picture Gallery the city is also home to the St Petersberg Hermitage galleries among many others.
The Tate Modern gallery is truly in a league of its own as it has the globe’s largest collection of modern art as well as the most extensive collection of J. M. W. Turner anywhere. Exploring the artist’s popular themes, evolution, early works and watercolour creations, the museum has devoted several galleries to this iconic master. Other highlights include the works of Carl Andre, Ayres, Francis Bacon and Georg Baselitz to name a few.
The National Gallery houses over 2300 Western European art pieces dating back from the middle ages to the beginning of the 20th century including the works of such greats as Velázquez, Eyck, and Van Gogh, Vermeer, Botticelli, Monet, Rembrandt and Cézanne and many more.The Wallace collection is a hub of pre-1900 art and some of the finest collections of 18th century paintings, porcelain and furnishings while the National Portrait Gallery presents portraits of world leaders, historical figures and royals in a chic setting.
Visitors on the lookout foraluxury London hotel will be more than satisfied with The Langham London which provides top class services and well-appointed accommodations. With its hospitable atmosphere and comprehensive staff, guests could not ask for more than this esteemed London hotel.
This well known area is in Central London and is quiet famous for luxury Holborn hotels. This place started out as an empty filed in the city and today it has become quite popular in terms of everything which a Londoner or a traveler requires. Holborn offers quiet a lot of things to check out if you are on a holiday.
As far as the close by attractions are known, this underground has quiet a lot.
Bloomsbury Theater:
The first and the foremost is the Bloomsbury Theater which is a happening place hosting various events and performances to suit all tastes. This stunning auditorium features 535 comfortable seats with plenty of leg space well complemented by a relaxed atmosphere. It also has a studio for hire. A unique structure is designed with bars and restaurants for your convenience. Over the years this theater has shown a large number of productions and is still afresh.
Sir John Soane’s Museum:
This museum architecture was formerly the studio and house of the neo-classical architect Sir John Soane. The museum houses collection of many antiques, paintings and drawings and many of his other projects. It is a non-departmental public body that is now sponsored by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
Roman Bath:
It is an archeological puzzle and the bath dates back from Tudor times and it is said to be fed by the spring water from a holy well. These are free unattended attractions which are managed by The National Trust. This famous attraction in London is walking distance away from Holborn and Temple tube stations.
The London Transport Museum:
As the name suggests the museum is all about fascinating stories of history of London transport. It got opened in 1980 by Princess Anne. There are some permanent exhibitions which include “The Birth of London Transport” and the explorations of the first ever transport system here in London. After trams and trolley buses, the capital city shifted a little towards electric transport which was far cheaper to run and was the first real mass transport system. Other than this there are various fine examples of private vehicles dating back over past 150 years.
Royal Courts of Justice:
It is housed within a Gothic building like structure where nation’s most serious civil, libel and appeal cases are handled. It was the last Gothic revival building which was built in London. It consists of more than three miles of corridors and more than one thousand rooms.
The unique mix of experiences that the wondrous city of London has to offer to vacationers is unparalleled. London is an excellent place to visit along with your family. However it is one of the most expensive cities in all of Europe, and in fact the entire world, so you have to plan your trip to every detail in order to get the maximum out of your trip to London.
Transport is one of the major expenses that you will have to incur when visiting London. This is true irrespective of whether you will be visiting places in your own rented car or making use of the public transport system. The best way of saving money on transport is by purchasing an Oyster card using which you can pre-purchase tickets at a lower price. Similarly you can purchase weekly travel cards that will allow you travel to a number of different zones throughout the week.
Finding Cheap London Accommodation
The next thing, which is perhaps the most important expenses that you will have to incur will be for the London accommodation you go for. Finding the right kind of accommodation can also help to cut down your transport costs. Ideally you would want to go for a place situated close to major tourist sites as well as transportation hubs.
Hotels in London are not spacious enough to host families of four or more. Even if you would be able to find such hotels they are likely to be quite expensive. What you can do on the other hand is go for London serviced apartments. There are a host of apartments of these kinds available on rent in London.
In a serviced apartment you will have the benefits of dedicated living, sleeping and dining zones along with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. But naturally serviced apartments provide a far more relaxing environment and are likely to cost you lesser than exquisite hotels in London while endowing you with more space and freedom.
Just like the various hotels in London you are likely to find such apartment buildings close to major tourist attractions and transportation hubs. This will help you to save up on incidental costs of travelling while the fully equipped kitchen in serviced units does not restrict you to eating out all the time.
With your transport and accommodation worked out the next thing you have to do is plan out the different tourist hotspots that you want to visit during your trip to London. In fact working this out from before will help you to narrow down the location of the accommodation that you will be renting out during your stay.
Furthermore if you manage to determine all the above mentioned things prior to making your travel arrangements then you can make your reservations early in order to avail bigger discounts. Generally the earlier you book the more competitive the rates will get. Similarly the longer the duration of your stay, the lower the rates will get.
City of Westminster London – Guide to Hotels, Restaurants, Taxis and Places of Interest
Where to stay:
There are a wide range of hotels which are ideally located for the City of Westminster, a selection are listed below:
London Marriott Hotel County Hall ***** (0.2Km) London County Hall Westminster Bridge Road London On the South Bank, overlooking Big Ben and the River Thames, this historic hotel features luxury bedding, spectacular views, fine cuisine and the largest spa/health club complex of any hotel in London.
Park Plaza County Hall **** (0.2Km) 1 Addington Street London Ideal for family getaways, this brand new 4 star deluxe hotel is located on the doorstep of the London Eye and is minutes away from many of London’s favourite tourist attractions including Big Ben.
Days Hotel Waterloo *** (0.5Km) 54 Kennington Road London This London hotel is a 10-minute walk from Waterloo International Station and the London Eye. There is a 24-hour bar for guests, good-value rooms and an on-site restaurant.
Novotel London Waterloo *** (0.6Km) 113 Lambeth Rd London The Novotel London Waterloo is ideally located in the city centre, close to Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament.
Thistle Royal Horseguards **** (0.8Km) 2 Whitehall Court Whitehall London This landmark hotel takes centre stage in an area of London renowned for its glorious pageantry. Located in a quiet area of Whitehall, on the banks of the River Thames, opposite the famous London Eye.
How can you get in and out of one of the most exciting cities on Earth easily? Heathrow is a sprawling and unpleasant airport. Immigration from outside the EU can be a chore. The London transport system can be expensive. Here are a few tips to make the going easier:
Let’s start on the way in. You’ve collected your bags from the carousel, got through immigration and made it into arrivals.
There are various transport options to central London; tube, black cab, mini cab, bus and train.
1. The London Underground, ‘the tube’, is the cheapest, but it can take an hour and a half if your destination at the other side of London. The tube has to stop at every station on its route. It can be crowded. It’s great for short trips, or for commuting to work. For beginning or ending a holiday, it’s wearisome.
2. Black cabs: Black cabs are also very good for short journeys; they are spacious, clean, and the drivers are professionals. They pay a lot of money for their licence, and are tested on their knowledge of London. They can be very expensive. A fee of $120 to get into central London would not be unusual, if the traffic is bad. The meter is running even when you’re stopped.
3. Mini cabs: These guys charge flat-fee fares, so it’s worth finding a few mini cab companies near Heathrow on the internet, and see if you can get someone to meet you in arrivals. They have to be booked in advance. You can’t book them from the airport on the day, as getting into Heathrow and finding you can be a nightmare. Sometimes the customer may not show up, so it’s not worth their time.
4. Bus: I’m not sure I’d use these at all. Being stuck in a traffic jam, in a bus, on a long journey, with the clock ticking is my definition of Purgatory. They’re good for short hops or before the rush hour or late at night. Cheap as chips, but you pay for it in other ways.
5. The train: This is my favourite. There are two train services from Heathrow; Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect. The first takes fifteen minutes to Paddington, the second about half an hour. Both go to and from Paddington, which is a major terminus in the centre of London. Both are clean, and much faster than the tube. Spend a little more money, and be sure of getting where you want to go on time.
On the way back home, when you board the Heathrow Express in Paddington, you are fifteen minutes from Heathrow. The tube by contrast could take an hour or more. No contest, when you’re fretting about getting checked-in on time!
It’s worth considering whether you can fit all your luggage into one small case, which you can take on board as hand luggage. This means you can leave it until relatively late to check in. (Due to the new security measures, however, you can’t cut it too fine; the queues at departure can be quite long.) Coupled with taking a train to the airport, this can make your journey a lot more pleasant. Plus you don’t have to worry about your luggage going missing!
Niccolo Svengali is the webmaster of travel, hotel and education web sites in Palermo, Sicily.
