Let me show you London initial newsletter: Plan your visit to London, helpful hints&tips to help you make the most of your stay.
Hello and thank you for visiting and subscribing to my website. I've put together a few tips and ideas which you might find useful when preparing a trip to the UK and, in particular, London. This newsletter should give you an idea of when in the year to plan your trip and some pointers on what to expect during your stay. I hope you find this useful whilst planning your holiday. Denisa London is the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and with over 8 million inhabitants it is the largest city in the country. It is the third largest city in Europe. London is divided into 32 boroughs and the City of London, which is the financial centre. You can find the name of the borough written on the signs showing the street name. London is the residence of the British government and Monarchy. The city was founded nearly 2000 years ago by the Romans and over the centuries it has developed into one of the most important cities in the world. The first thing to set is the date of your visit. Britain is famously known for very unreliable weather and what happened one year won't necessarily happen the next. London has a mild climate and its weather is variable. Its likely you will be swapping your umbrella with your sunglasses so pack accordingly! London is busy throughout the year, the main tourist season starts in April and finishes in September. Following that we have a flurry of the visitors around Christmas and New Year s Eve, not only for the celebrations but also for the sales in the shops. It is worth considering that you may be able to find a good deal, especially on accommodation, outside of the peak periods. Here is a list of main events which happen in London and might affect your visit (road closures and famous sites closure). There are many more events happening throughout the year, these are just the highlights.
January February March Here is a list of annual main events which happen in London and might affect your visit (road closures and famous sites closure). There are many more events happening throughout the year, these are just the highlights London Parade Chinese New Head of the River January London Year London Parade International London International Mime festival Mime festival Race Chinese New Year Eve celebrations at Trafalgar square and China town March Head of the River Race Mortlake to Putney April The Boat Race Oxford v Cambridge race from Putney to Mortlake Virgin Money London Marathon from Greenwich to the Mall May Chelsea Flower show the end of the month September June Hampton Trooping of the Court colours celebration BBC of theproms Official Queen`s birthday London Fashion Wimbledon end of June beginning of July, international tennis tournament Flower show Notting Hill Week July Doggett s Coat & Carnival Open house Hampton Race Court Flower show the Buckingham middle of the month Badge London some Doggett`s Coat & Badge Race the oldest rowing race from London Bridge to Chelsea Bridge BBC Proms Palace State famous places BBC Proms mid July to mid September City of London Rooms open to open to the City of London festival festival visitors public August Thames festival BBC Proms Notting Hill Carnival the biggest street party, the end of the Month Buckingham Palace State Rooms open to visitors May June The first thing to set is the date. Britain is The Boat Race Chelsea Flower Trooping of the famously known for very unreliable Oxford v show colours Cambridge State opening of Wimbledon weather and what happened one year London the Parliament Tennis won`t probably happen the following one. Marathon Tournament London lies in mild climate and its weather is variable. Very likely you will be swapping your umbrella with your sunglasses. London is busy the whole year around. The tourist season starts in October November December April and finishes in September, than we London Film Bonfire Night Winter have flurry of the visitors around Festival fireworks Wonderland The Lord Mayor`sEve Hyde Parknot Christmas and New Years time, Parade The Peter Pan only for the celebrations Remembrancebut also Cup for the Sunday New Years Eve sales in the shops. Christmas lights fireworks February JulyState opening of the ParliamentAugust April
Airports London is surrounded by five main airports; all of them are well connected with the city centre, most offer express and non-express connection to London. The express services are all more expensive. London City Airport: Operates flights to Europe and one Business class only flight to New York Docklands Light Railway (DLR) goes to Bank junction(city of London) in 20 minutes London Heathrow Airport: International and European/Domestic flights 50 minutes to on the underground to London 15 minutes on the Heathrow Express train to Paddington station London Gatwick Airport: Gatwick Express train service to Victoria in 30 minutes Other trains are non express services and will take a bit longer but also arrive at Victoria London Stansted Airport: Stansted Express service to Liverpool Street Station in 45 minutes Other bus services available take approx 1.5 hours London Luton Airport: Train service available from Luton Airport Parkway to St Pancras Station in 40 minutes
London Transport London has a very extensive and well linked public transport system which is run by TFL (Transport for London) and is split into 6 zones. You can use the trains, the Underground (known as the tube), Buses, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and boats on the Thames. Trains There are several train stations around London, each of them connects to different parts of the country. Each train station has a Terminal building departures board and an information desk, where you can pick up free information leaflets and maps. Each main train station is connected with the underground and bus services, they also have plenty of shops and restaurants within them. The Underground (the Tube) London has the oldest underground system in the world and in 2013 we celebrated its 150th anniversary. The Tube is easily recognisable with its famous logo. There are 12 lines and each has its own colour. Maps of the Tube network are available at each station and online and are very easy to follow. The Tube operates from about 5.00 am to 11.30pm. Each line has slightly different times; however, there is no Tube service overnight. Its a safe and quick way to travel around the city but during rush hour (0700-0900 & 1600-1800) the tube can get very busy. Boats London proudly lies on the river Thames which is a great means of transport and also offers the chance to experience the City from different angle. Buses There are many buses operating around London. Each bus stop has a list of buses that stops there plus a map of the route. Buses are affected by traffic and tend not to run exactly to the timetable. Some buses run 24 hours, these are special night services, indicated by the letter N on the bus stop. These night buses are the only public transport over night. A single bus fare is 1.45 and keep in mind that you are not able to pay cash on London buses; however, Oyster cards, travelcards and paying by contactless debit/credit cards are all OK. Docklands Light Railway The Docklands Light railway will take you from the busy City of London to the East End, Docklands and Greenwich. Oyster card and Travel cards are valid. Taxis London is known for its famous black cabs, which you can hail around the city. If the light is illuminated the cab is available for hire. Taxi drivers know their way around and will get you to your destination the quickest way. They will expect a tip at the end of your journey. If you can fill a cab, usually 5 people, they can be surprisingly cost effective. Bikes for Hire You will find many docking stations with blue bikes around London. These bikes are here for you to borrow. The first half an hour is free, however you will still need to put your credit card into the machine. It is a nice way to get around the city but you have to remember that the traffic drives on the left hand side, safety should always be your priority. Perhaps explore one of the city s many parks by bike?
Oyster cards The preferred and cheapest way of paying for your fares in London is with your contact-less bank card, or an Oyster card,. a plastic card which costs 5; you can top it up and pay as go. Oyster cards are available before you arrive in London but keep in mind that it can take up to 16 days to get be delivered to your country, alternatively buy a card on your arrival. The fare depends on how many zones you are traveling through and if it is peak or off peak time (6.30am-9.29am; 4.00pm-18.59pm, Monday to Friday). There is a maximum amount that you can be charged on your Oyster card, which more or less equals the price of the travel card (another method of paying for your fares). Children over 11 can buy a Visitors Oyster card and pay half the adult rate. You can organise this at a Travel Information centre in London, located at Heathrow Airport T1,2 and 3, Piccadilly circus, Liverpool street, Victoria and King's Cross. Each person needs to have their own Oyster card. On the tube you will be asked to touch in and touch out with your card. If you forget to touch out on the Tube you will be penalised. On the buses you only touch in. London has integrated transport so the tickets are valid on the Tube, busses etc. Your Oyster card never expires and you can use it every time you come to London. However if you have money left on your Oyster card and you are leaving London you can ask for a refund. Daily Oyster/Contact-less vs Travelcard Price Cap Oyster & Contactless Price Cap 1 Day Travelcard Zones travelled in Peak Off Peak Day Anytime Off Peak 7 Days Zone 1 6.40 6.40 32.10 Zone 1-2 6.40 6.40 32.10 Zone 1-3 7.50 7.50 37.70 Zone 1-4 9.20 9.20 46.10 Zone 1-5 10.90 10.90 17.00 54.70 Zone 1-6 11.70 11.70 17.00 57.20 Oyster card fares vs Cash Fares Oyster/Contact-less Fare Peak Off Peak Cash Fare Within one Zone Zone 1 2.30 2.30 4.80 Zone 2 1.70 1.50 4.80 Across Zones Zone 1-2 2.90 2.30 4.80 Zone 1-3 3.30 2.80 4.80 Zone 1-4 3.90 2.80 5.80 Zone 1-5 4.70 3.10 5.80 Zone 1-6 5.10 3.10 6.00 Zone 2-6 2.80 1.50 5.80
Accommodation There are many hotels and other forms of accommodation in London, from five star hotels and apartments for rent to Bed & Breakfasts and hostels. Choose your accommodation close to a tube station and you will be connected with the city. Keep in mind that the further from the centre you go, the cheaper your hotel rates will be but your travelling expenses will be higher and you will spend more of your precious holiday time commuting! Shopping London is well known for its shopping. You can find anything from luxurious brands in High street shops to little boutiques and markets. The typical shopping area is Oxford Street and Regent Street, but I have to warn you it can get very busy. You will find the major department stores such as John Lewis, Debenhams or Marks and Spencer there along with other high street names. The area of Knightsbridge is where to go for your branded items and possibly visit the most famous department store in the world, Harrods. You can go inside and browse through different departments, be careful what you wear on the day because there is a dress code to get in (no shorts, flip flops or large backpacks). Covent Garden, Chelsea and Stratford are some other shopping areas which you might want to try if you're looking for something less mainstream. Most of the shops are open from 0930 in the morning until 1800 in the evening Monday to Saturday. Some department stores are open longer. Thursday is generally the night for late night shopping, shops are open until 2000. Sundays have a special rule as the shops are only allowed to trade for six hours, so opening and closing times are restricted. Some shops open for half an hour to an hour just for browsing, which prolongs the hours slightly. All shops accept credit and debit card and some large department stores accept Euros as well. The staff in the shops are professional, knowledgeable and always happy to help. Most items you purchase include VAT (value added tax, which is 20%). If you are from non-european Union country and you are not staying longer for than 3 months, you are entitled to claim this 20% back. You have to carry a passport with you and fill in necessary paperwork when you buy the goods. On leaving the country you present the paperwork at the desk in the airport and the money will be refunded either by cheque or on your card. Minimum spending of around 75 applies. London is also known for its various markets. Whether you are a food lover or interested in street art, you won t be disappointed. Go and visit Borough market in the area of Southwark to explore new trends in foods. Visit the Old Spitalfields Market on Sunday and browse through the stalls, I am sure you will find a bargain. Petticoat Lane is one of a number of traditional markets located to the east of the City of London. A few hundred yards south of the Old Spitalfields Market, which has been refurbished, and across Commercial Street, to the east, lies Brick Lane Market. A half mile further east is the Columbia Road Market. Petticoat Lane Market is possibly one of the oldest surviving Markets in Britain
Wining and Dining As a cosmopolitan city, London offers you a wide range of restaurants. Think of any cuisine and you will find it here, from French and Italian to African and both middle and far eastern restaurants. The prices vary dramatically, you can visit one of the high street names restaurants (Nandos, Wagamamas, Gourmet Burger Kitchen) for a very reasonable price but you can also look for a Michelin star restaurant run by one of the world s renowned chefs. In some places a service charge is included on your bill; if it is not, it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip if you were happy with the service. Restaurants will be open for lunch from about 12.00 until 2.30 and that in the evening from 6.30pm to 11.00pm, however many will remain open throughout that entire period. During busy periods you might be asked to wait at the bar before your table is ready, its uncommon to wait for more than 15-20 minutes. Most restaurants in the centre offer a set menu for those who wish to attend a theatre performance after dinner. The price is reasonable and is sometimes incorporated in your theatre ticket. What you cannot miss during your visit is a trip to a traditional English pub, where you can experience the real English atmosphere. Most pubs have a wide range of beers on offer, anything from normal lager to various ales and ciders. You always have to go to the bar and order whatever you fancy, the same applies to any food. You pay at the bar and wait for your drinks there, you table will often have a number, which you might be asked for at the bar. The food will typically be brought to your table. Most pubs have a reasonable menu, offering typically British dishes (fish and chips, sausage and mash, various pies). Pubs open around 1100 and stay open until 2300. You have to be 18 to order an alcoholic beverage but children are welcome with a supervising adult. Bars are always a nice place to go and relax for a bit after a busy day of sightseeing. Again the choice is vast and if you don t find one in street you re on you won t have to walk far. If you don t fancy sitting down to eat, there are plenty of street carts offering a variety of light refreshments or you can pop in one of the cafés for a light lunch or a snack. Make sure you try: Full English breakfast Afternoon Tea Sunday Roast
Entertainment You will never be bored in London. You can plan your visit around one of the major events which will guarantee some sort of entertainment, or you can come on a whim and you still will be able to find something to do or see. The West End is the hub of London s theatres. There are many ways to book tickets for a performance. If you don t really mind what you see, pop in one of the booths around Leicester square and you are likely to find last minute deals on tickets. If you have a show in mind, have a look in advance or contact the theatre directly. Apart from the West End scene there are many theatres offering various performances, such as the National Theatre or The Globe. If you are a music fan, again the choice is vast. Anything from an Opera at the Royal Opera house to a Jazz gig at the Barbican or Southbank centre. Generally, most of the museums and galleries in London are free of charge; however, if there is a special exhibition going on, you have to purchase a ticket to see it. Museums and Galleries have nice restaurants or cafés on their premises and they are also child friendly, offering you some sort of work sheet or treasure hunt to keep your youngsters occupied. Museums and galleries are open from about 1000 to 1730. Usually one day a week there is a late night opening when the venue stays open until 2030, but this varies from place to place. There are obviously lots more sights and attractions to visit and appreciate on your trip to London. I will go on to discuss these in 2 videos which I look forward to sharing with you over the next week. Finally I have finished with some handy hints and tips, enjoy!
Different culture, different behaviour English people are known for their politeness. Mind your manners even on your holiday and don t spare pleases, thank yous, excuse me, hello and good bye. Always apologetic, even if it is not their fault. You will hear sorry all around you and you will be expected to do the same. Don t be afraid to ask for directions. People are generally very helpful and will try their best to get you where you need to be. In a quiet area if you cannot see anybody on the street, pop into one of the shops or pub for any advice you need. Small talk in the shop or with a bartender or people on the bus stop. However, the exception to that rule is that the Tube is very quiet! On escalators always stand on the right hand side and leave space on the left for those who want to pass you. If there is a queue stay in it, do not jump-in. People drive on the left side of the road so be careful crossing a road, traffic can come from unexpected directions. After greeting, or instead of it, you will hear How are you, just answer ok or good, and you? nobody really wants to know, they are just being polite! Practical information The voltage is 240V from a 3 pin socket, bring your adapter so you can charge your phone and other devices. You will need to make sure that you have all your travel documents ready before your journey. A passport is a must, but check if you need visa as well. London is fairly safe place. Don t be afraid to approach any policemen if you are in trouble, they are here to help, even if you get lost and you just need to ask for directions. Most cafés and pubs have wi-fi with a password displayed in a visible place. The emergency call number is 999 or 112. In case of a minor accident you can visit A&E (Accident and Emergency in a hospital), or a walk in health centre. You can buy some basic medication over the counter at any pharmacy. London and Britain lies in GMT time, 1 hour is added for daylight saving time during summer. The local currency is the Pound Sterling 1=100pence ATMs are at the banks, train stations and lots of other places. Most places accept widely-used credit and debit cards, even for a small amounts. If you are a student, carry your student ID. You can often get a student discount when you go visit historical sites or even in some shops.
Old age pensioners also get discounted tickets at most places. A left-luggage office is located at most of the main train stations. You can get travel and tourist information at airports, train stations, and kiosks that are scattered around London. There is only one proper Tourist Information centre just opposite St. Paul s cathedral. If you are planning on visiting a lot of sites in London it is worth buying a London Pass the pass is valid for 3 days or 7 days and gives you free entry and shorter cueing times to many attractions. Always inform police about any lost property, you will receive a form which will help you with any insurance claims, once you get home. There are facilities for disabled visitors on transport and also at most attractions. When travelling on the train, you can request assistance. Most places have trained staff who will see to your needs, there might be some access restriction in some of the older sites. I hope you enjoy planning your holiday and I look forward to showing you London! Denisa