Fergusbrandon

London is the place known for variety and innovation. There will not be any single moment when you will feel left out in this beautiful city. There will always be something appealing to you and catch your attention. There are various characters to this city as well and due to this multi-faceted character, there is something for everyone.

Start with the theater and cultural scene in London to nightlife and food; nothing goes out of trend here and it gives you several reasons to enjoy it. When you are talking about food it is closely linked with the cultures from around the world you will find here. From traditional British delicacies to Spanish, French and Asian cuisine as well including Indian subcontinents, you will find everything in this vibrant capital. Visiting London and not trying its traditional food fare is not something you will sign up for.

You must also remember that London is all about royalty too and the traditional food here is also reminiscent of that like Afternoon tea. Though it was started by royalty but, now every single person enjoys this unique ritual. From individual restaurants to exclusive hotels like London piccadilly hotels, shaftesbury paddington hotel and Shaftesbury Suites London Marble Arch all serve this delicious treat right from the heart of the nation. And if you are wondering where you are going to try out this traditional tea, here is the list of top places in the city to fall in love with this post lunch and pre-dinner indulgence.

Aqua Shard

Located in the tallest new building in the capital, Aqua High is chic, modern and so high up. It will treat your major senses with smooth menu and a wonderful view of the entire city. What’s more to ask? Afternoon tea is just the start of your journey as the course is filled with yummy and delicious nibbles starting from Victoria sponge cake with a bubble gum macaron and dark chocolate cake. Then, there is lavender perfumed chicken sandwich and Earl Grey-smoked Loch Duart salmon. Of course, it is incomplete without scones so you will get those too, with lemon thyme and raspberry jam. You can also some extra bucks for classic labels of French Champagne.

Bluebird

Located upstairs, the buzz is all about the leather seating and sheer curtains. You can think of a contemporary ambiance of a gentleman’s club without the sleaze. Sip on the afternoon tea with ham and cheese croissants and salmon sandwiches with salt beef sliders. Scones come with cheese variety.

The sweet spread here will leave you overwhelmed like lemon cake, cheesecake, opera cake, marshmallow teacakes, macarons and warmed scones served with clotted cream and sharp raspberry conserve. You can also select from a wide variety of high-quality loose tea leaves.

Claridge's

This can be called as the grand queen of afternoon teas located in the luxury foyer inspired by Art-Deco. There is no other service to match up to this one. Expect the menu here to be like no one else’s. The sandwiches spread includes smoked salmon from Seven and Wye smoker, egg sandwiches from Burford Brown and Quickie’s cheddar from Devon. The scones here are served warm with Marco Polo gelee and Cornish clotted cream. The cake selection includes Tainori chocolate mousse, roasted white chocolate éclair and lemon buttermilk cake. The tea here comes from Rare Tea Company.

The Delaunay

It is a classy place without being stuffy with the sound of silver clicking against the china buzzing in the air. It is a perfect place to enjoy any special occasion. When it comes to Afternoon tea here, you will get it with an old fashioned strainer. Savories here include aubergine tapenade open sandwiches and smoked salmon on rye. The sweet treats include superior fruit scones or try the innovative wheat-free poppy seed gugelhopf buns along with apricot jams. It goes perfectly with the spread of sandwich. The serving is also great as it comes with a monogrammed three-tier contraption.

The Den

Though tucked away on the ground floor of St Martin’s Lane Hotel, this wood-paneled reception room features leather sofas, low lighting, backgammon boards and kicking up the ambiance with intriguing artwork. You will not get the usual afternoon tea surrounding here making the place more appealing to the visitors. The mini cake which will come as an accomplishment is simply mouth watering and a treat to the eye as well.

The food spread here is sumptuous including, honey roast ham, freshly baked scones, coconut macarons and lastly, cheddar baked brioche. The booze is also accordingly classy and is perfect to wash down the food. The list includes a selection of fruit laced and classic gin and every one of them has a fun name. It is a creative place giving an innovative twist to traditional meals.

Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason

This place has an old-school glamor vibe with tea testing lessons with 84 varieties to choose from. Ladies who are looking for a classic afternoon this place is ideal for that. If you want to relinquish the sweet tooth, there is the savory afternoon tea to look forward to. The cheddar cheese scones come with caramelized onion and a variety of delicate bite and finger sandwich. The tea is also a pastel delight with mini lemon tarts and rose-adorned petite éclairs.

The Dorchester

On arriving you will feel like thousands of sweet smelling flowers are bursting all around you spared the fragrance in the air and around you. Let your senses take the road down the garden like feel. The Dorchester specializes in a fine selection of Dalreoch teas produced in Scotland with varieties like white and Garrocher Grey and smoked white.

You will get sandwiches in three preferences of chicken, cucumber and perfectly prepared salmon. Also, try the perfect petite open macarons and chocolate tarts. The scones you will get here are simple or raisins and served with Mirabelle plum preserve and real strawberry jam. It is something more that what meets the eye.

London can be expensive but, at the same time, there are several ways for you to save money while traveling around the vast capital. If you want to save a few pennies on the hotel bill, the best time to book the exclusive hotels like shaftesbury hotel London and Park Grand London Kensington is during the winter as during this time most of the hotels give exciting discounts and offer on accommodation.

Using Oyster Cards

You can ask any visitor or Londoner about the easiest and money saving way to travel around London and they will swear by the contactless credit and debit cards or in other words, Oyster Cards. Simply swipe in and get on the bus or train and travel peacefully all around the city. You can buy it from London Underground Tube stations and newspaper stands as well. Pay some amount and travel in a hassle free way. You will get the money refund after using the card.

Walk Around Than Taking Public Transport

There are some underground stations in the city which are not that far away and you can easily cover the distance by walking. At the same time, there are also tourist attractions spots in the city clustered in one area or just located blocks away. Visit those places by walking and save quite a few bucks on traveling by bus or train.

Eating At Parks

It is not always necessary to eat in fancy restaurants or cafes but you can also pack lunch on the go and enjoy the green outdoor spaces or parks of the city while your eat. It will be an all new experience for the visitors and the green spaces are quite comfortable to have lunch or just while away in the greeneries.

Advance Booking

It is a smart move for visitors to advance book the sightseeing spree and with cards like London Pass you will be able to know exactly how much you need to pay upfront keeping a mind on the money you are spending and will also help you set out on a planned budget. Advance booking also gets things in a lot cheap price than when you are buying it on a current basis.

Avoid The Tourist Central

Take the beaten path and off the track and you will be able to save on food and drinks. You can also look for food and beverages on sites that give discounts and offers. Instead of going to some fancy restaurant, it is highly recommended to go to Brick Lane and taste its curries which are delicious, authentic and cheap too. It let you enjoy the real charm of the city.

Sam Smith Pubs

Sam Smith Pubs are the best places in the capital to grab a pint which is quite cheap here rather than the ones with big chains. The beer here is locally brewed and will not punch a hole in your pocket. You will also get to experience a lot more old school and authentic pub feels rather than goofed up in some fancy sort.

London is one of those happening cities of the world where you simply cannot get bored as there are so many things to do and see and have fun that you will always fall short of time. Although each day of the week has a lot to offer, Saturday night is always special as everyone is in the mood to hang out and enjoy whether attending a cultural event, drinking at a pub, dancing at a club, shopping or simply cruising on the River Thames. London is always up to the occasion with a plethora of offerings that will leave you spoilt for choice. Some of these options are being described below.

MCM London Comic Con: You can attend this event at the ExCel Centre, Custom House from Friday October 28 2016 - Sunday October 30 2016. Being the biggest modern pop culture convention in UK, it is an exciting annual event for every fun loving person. It features many exciting features that include dealer stalls, plethora of manga, games and cosplay along with the presence of special guests gracing the occasion. You can book priority tickets in advance so that you are assured of entry and can get a two-hour head start before the general entry times.

The MCM London Comic Con, formerly known as the London MCM Expo, is a multi-game convention held in the London Borough of Newham twice every year, on the last weekend of May and October. It usually focuses on onanime, monga, video games, science fiction, cosplay and popular media from the UK, USA and Japan. Starting as a one-day event it now runs for three days and is visited by industry luminaries such as universal Studios, Twentieth Century Fox, Manga Entertainment UK, All the Anime, NEO Magazine and Marvel Comics and many more. It features a large floor space for dealer stands and exhibitors which include media companies such as film studios and TV stations. It also features a Theatre space that has a large stage with projection monitors on either side and it can accommodate approximately 1000 seats.

If you are visiting Manchester during your trip to England, you will find it very convenient to stay at The Marble Arch By Montcalm, Manchester as you will be able to enjoy luxurious accommodation with the best of facilities and services along with the advantage of a superb location which is close to most places of interest in the city.

Days of the Dead - A Theatrical Mind-Reading Performance: If you believe in communicating with the dead or even if you wish to just experiment with the idea, you can visit Southwark’s historic old Operating Theatre which is believed to be one of the creepiest places in London. Irrespective of your cultural background, you must have been part of celebrating, honouring and propitiating the dead at one time or the other. You may also have communicated with departed souls and as such, you will enjoy this event in which mind-reader Mick Coffey explores the history of communicating with the dead, fascinating both believers and non-believers. You will also be able to get a micro perspective of the nature of life and death. The pedigree and credibility of different types of practitioners of this practice such as witches, shamans, spiritualists, occultists and mambo priestesses or other such people have at times been questioned. Moreover, their intentions have also been under a veil of doubt. The event will take place at Old Operating Theatre Museum, London Bridge on Saturday October 29 2016, where a conjuror will discuss the merits and shortfalls of the claims made by believers and non-believers.

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South Africa: The Art of a Nation: Taking place at the British Museum, Bloomsbury until February 26 2017, this exhibition explores over 100,000 years of history diving into the rich artistic heritage of South Africa. It exhibits over 200 objects that cover seven key periods of its history.

RHS London Shades of Autumn Show: Taking place at RHS Lindley Hall, Nine Elms from Friday October 28 2016 - Saturday October 29 2016, this is an event that showcases seasonal displays and planting inspiration that is back again this year. It will also offer more autumnal colour obtained from specialist nurseries, amateur growers and garden designers, who will all be competing in The Shades of Autumn Competition. The theme this year is about hanging with creative displays in the Lawrence Hall along with showcasing pieces by some of the best nurseries in the UK.
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Museums at Night: Halloween is round the corner and a Druid party at Somerset House by Bedwyr Williams is also in the pipeline. Taking place at various places in London until Saturday October 29 2016, this event will also feature Julie Peakman asking how Dr Samuel Johnson’s legacy with that of his contemporary, courtesan Peg Plunkett, while the history of the Royal College of Nursing will be uncovered by Peter Liversidge. A dinner party at the Nunnery Gallery in Bow will be hosted by duo Web-Ellis.

There are plenty of other things to do in London as the city is a Pandora’s Box of brilliant activities and days out that will simply fascinate you. There is plenty of fun to be enjoyed by both residents and tourists visiting the city.

London has a not-too-good reputation for being an expensive city both for residents and for tourists due to which many people from across the world shirk away from visiting it despite the fact that they would have loved to see and experience all that this magnificent city has to offer. However, the silver lining on this dark cloud is that there are many ways of visiting and staying in London without burning a hole in your pocket, especially in the field of food which is one of the major ingredients of the total cost of your trip. There are various options for availing of budget food in London.

Street Food: If you are a gourmet and wish to have tasty food but if you lack sufficient money to eat out at some of London’s best restaurants, the best option is to enjoy street food which is available almost everywhere in the city and its markets. You can find plenty of stalls offering cheap food at fun events, food markets and even at the best night markets in the city. They offer excellent food of exceptional quality in disposable containers. For reasonably-priced, satisfying food, you can try any of the following places: Makatcha at Schoolyard Market, Chatsworth Road Market, Elys Yard and Old Truman Brewery; Hot Box at Street Feast, Model Market; Crabbieshack at Kerb; Club Mexicana at Street feast, Model Market; Allihopa at Kerb; Deeney’s at St Katharine Docks, Broadway Market and Chatsworth Road Market; Pilau Pot at Leather Lane Market, The Cheese Truck at Maltby Street Market; Ta Ta Eatery at Druid Street Market; Hank’s Po Boys at Kerb, South Bank Centre Food Market and at many more places.

Food from Across the Globe: All types of cuisines from all round the world are available in London including Vietnamese, Korean, Malaysian, Turkish, Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern. London has many restaurants offering these varieties of food at reasonable and affordable cost. If you avoid alcohol, you can easily have a delicious two-course meal at about £10 per person.

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Pre-Theatre Deals: If you are visiting a theatre you will certainly not enjoy the show if you start feeling hungry in the middle of the show. As such, it would be a good idea to have an early evening meal before the show by availing of special deals that are offered by some restaurants for theatre-goers in the West End. As such, if you plan to have an early evening meal, between 5:30pm to 7.30pm, you should have a light lunch.

Supermarket Food: Most supermarkets in London offer special meal deals that include a sandwich, fruits and a soft drink for about £3. You can also get a wide range of ready-to-eat food as well as prepare your own roll or sandwich. Cheap ready meals are also available at many supermarkets such as at Marks & Spencer but you should have cooking facilities or a microwave to be able to heat the food.

English Breakfast: If you are staying in a hotel that offers free breakfast or if its price is included in the room rate, you will be able to enjoy a traditional English cooked breakfast which is always very filling and can last until evening if you only have a light lunch. If there is no free breakfast available, you can go to the nearest cafe where you may have to pay about £5–£7 and it is available all day.

Soft Launches: Many new restaurants offer attractive discounts, usually up to 50% off the price of the meal, so that real people can experiment with the food being offered and their reviews will help them to test their menu.

Most attractions and other places of interest of London are located in the heart of the city and as such there is a huge demand for accommodation at the various Hotels In Central London.

Taste Card: Thousands of restaurants in the UK, even including major chains, offer 50% off or 2 for 1 deals, through the Taste Card. It costs about £100 for a year and at times you can get a 12-month card for £29.99 or a 3 month Taste Card for £1.

Discount Vouchers: Discount vouchers are valid for and offer good value at chain restaurants such as at pizza and pasta chains, Burger joints, European food restaurants, places serving Vietnamese food or Asian food, family-friendly restaurants, and restaurants serving French food or Portuguese-style chicken.

Deals Websites: There are some websites that offer special deals such as Travelzoo that offers discounts regularly on Michelin-star restaurants.

Cafes: You can also avail of daily specials that are offered at most cafes for many variations on the English breakfast that consists of a meat and two-vegetable combination.

Drinks in Restaurants are Expensive: For saving money, just take tap water in restaurants as drinks are expensive.

Pub Food: This is a cheap option but you need to choose carefully as some pubs are cheaper than others. Weatherspoon pubs are one of the cheapest.

Get the Extra Food Packed: You should not feel shy in asking the restaurant to pack the remaining food if you have ordered too much food.

Set Lunches are Cheaper: Take set lunches instead of eating in the evening.

Takeaways: This is a good option as cheap food is delivered to your home or hotel.

Read the Menu Before Entering: Since menus are displayed outside the restaurant near the entrance, it is best to read it for checking minimum charges and whether discretionary service charges may be added to your bill. It can be 10-12.5% but it is actually the tip that need not be paid by you. Normally, UK residents tip about 10% in a restaurant.

Being a museum dedicated to conserving and depicting the transport heritage of London, the London Transport Museum is based in Covent Garden which is its main site whereas the London Transport Museum Depot which is a storage site is located in Acton. The LT Museum in Covent Garden offers exhibits that cover all aspects of transportation in London and is open to the public every day. It reopened in 2007 after a two-year refurbishment. The other one is basically a storage site in Acton which is open on regular visitor days all through the year. For a short time, it was renamed London’s Transport Museum to signify that it also covers topics other than London Transport but in 2007 it reverted to its original name when the Covent Garden site was reopened. Under English law, it is a registered charity.

The main facility of the museum is located in a Victorian iron and glass building which was at one time a part of the Covent Garden vegetable, fruit and flower market. The building is located between Russell Street, Tavistock Street, Wellington Street and the east side of the former market square. However when the market moved away, the London transport Museum occupied it in 1980. The collection at the museum had formed part of the British Transport Museum at Clapham until 1973 and after that it was located at Syon Park before moving to the London Transport Museum in 1980.

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In 2005, after a need was felt to expand the museum in order to accommodate the display collection to cover the larger ambit of TfL that controls all types of public transport, and to accommodate enhanced educational facilities, the museum was closed on 4 September for a major £22 million refurbishment. After the necessary renovations, the museum was reopened on 22 November 2007. As a result of the refurbishment, the museum has acquired greater exhibition space than before.

The exhibits have been arranged according to different themes and they will take you back through its 200-year history of public transport. The various themes include the famous design heritage of London Transport; a poster collection ; public transport during World Wars I and II; and plans for London’s development in the twenty-first century. The museum’s entrance is from Covent Garden Piazza. Both Covent Garden tube station and Charing Cross railway station are located within walking distance from the museum.

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The initial collection was organised by the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC) at the start of the 20^th century, by preserving buses that were being retired from service. The collection was enhanced after the London Electrics Company (LER) took over LGOC and rail vehicles were included in the collection. After the LER became part of the London Passenger Transport Board in the 1930s and as various bodies successively took over the organisation up to TfL, which is the present transport authority in London, the collection continued to expand.

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The facilities offered at the museum include a stylish, two-storey shop and cafe that overlooks the Piazza, along with a 120-seat state-of-the-art theatre meant for the What’s On programme, school sessions and conferences. It offers in-depth knowledge about London’s transport history ever since the 1920s and all about the oldest public transport system in the world. While visiting the museum, you will be able to look at transport in the city in a fascinating way through the various exhibits such as all types of memorabilia ranging from uniforms, posters and tickets to horse buses, electric trams and trolleybuses. You will also get the opportunity to gain personal experience of handling the transport vehicles such as by pressing buttons, turning wheels and spinning signs in the Kid Zones, meeting characters from the past, or merely going for a peaceful drive in a bus or tube simulator. You can choose the activity that you like and enjoy the same.

The collection has been housed at different places throughout its existence starting as being a part of the Museum of British Transport from 1963 to 1972, at an abandoned tram depot in Clapham High Street, which is now a supermarket, then moving to Syon Park in Brentford from 1973 to 1977, and then moving to Covent Garden in 1980. When the National Railway Museum was formed in 1975, most of the other exhibits were shifted to York.

At the Covent Garden building, many types of buses, trains, trolleybuses and rail vehicles from 19^th and 20^th centuries are on display along with artefacts and exhibits that provide information regarding the operation and marketing of passenger services and about how the developing transport network had an impact on the city and its population. You can also see the first underground electric train from 1890 at this place.

At the Acton depot, you can see larger exhibits that include a complete 1936 stock tube train and early locomotives from the first underground and first deep-level lines. The Covent Garden Museum also features a shop where you can buy gifts from a wide range of reproduction posters, models, gifts and souvenirs. These are also available online. The profits from these sales are utilised for supporting the museum’s activities. In 2012, the luggage racks from decommissioned Metropolitan Line A Stock Trains, which had recently been replaced by new trains, were offered for sale.

It’s not without any reason that London is known as a shopper’s paradise. People from all over the world who come to the city for sightseeing or for business purposes have this agenda also in their minds. Most people have a weakness for indulging in shopping and when a place offers so many opportunities, it is difficult to resist the temptation. One of the best areas in London for shopping is the West End that is bubbling with shopping streets including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden, Bond Street, Carnaby and Piccadilly. There are endless shopping options in the West End as Bond Street in Mayfair offers price-is-no-consideration type shopping for the affluent; St James’s offers traditional shops with ultra-British items; Regent Street flaunts mid-range glamour; Carnaby Street offers funky stuff and the iconic Oxford Street which is flooded with tourists and other under-25s most of the time but it gets especially crazy during the legendary January sales.

Bond Street: McCartney’s Mayfair shop attracts a lot of window shoppers as it offers classy separates, swimwear, knitwear and affordable lingerie. Dover Street Market offers designer collections that will simply bewilder you and sweep you off your feet but one look at the prices will bring you back to the ground. The Rose Bakery offers rooftop views and great food. Victoria Beckham offers excellently tailored, sharp-edged classics but the products are quite expensive. Fenwick is a 120-year old department store that has five compact floors and offers only selected goods and brands. It also has a great beauty department and offers delicious food.

If you are visiting London and would like to be close to most attractions as well as shopping places, it would be best to stay at The Piccadilly Hotel London as it is located in the core of central London in one of the hubs of shopping and other activities, besides offering luxurious accommodation and great facilities.

Regent Street, Piccadilly and Soho: Liberty, the luxury store, on the east side of Regent Street, has been in existence at the same place since its inception in 1875 and it sells fabrics and objects of art from the Far East. It is gloriously opulent and exotic and it still stocks exquisite Liberty prints but it is definitely quite expensive. Goat on Conduit Street has a collection of beautifully pared separates and dresses. It still has its cashmere bias but now it also features lovely lace and embroidery. It is another expensive store. Carnaby Street revived around the Millennium and now features gleaming boutiques and shops belonging to chains. It has plenty of shops from Camper to Muji along with many bars and restaurants. Waterstones offers five floors of books, helpful assistants and a Cafe W meant for relaxation and reading of your purchases. At Burlington & Piccadilly Arcades you can find classic English goods in Burlington Arcade having small shops offering a wide range of products from hand-made slippers to jewellery. For masculine gifts, from model soldiers to coloured blazers and socks in New Lingwood, you have to visit the Piccadilly Arcade.

Visitors to London, who are on a budget or those who wish to save on accommodation cost, should try to avail of London West End Hotel Deal And Offers that will provide them attractive discounts on room rates and some freebies.

Oxford Street: Selfridges & Co is the high fashion iconic store which is famous for its Shoe Galleries that opened in 2010 with 55,000 pairs of shoes in stock and 4,000 on display, arranged in six different galleries and 11 boutiques which is a massive collection indeed. Primark is just the opposite as it is the most affordable store with amazingly low prices but the goods appear to be designer stuff but in cheap and cheerful fabrics. Topshop offers affordable fashion clothes for women although not as cheap as Primark. 14 collections in the store have been designed by Kate Moss. Browns is a legendary fashion store that now works like an art gallery and it reflects the current fashion mood. Folk was basically for menswear but now it also offers women’s clothes and perky accessories.

Covent Garden: Stanford’s offers maps of all sorts including Ordnance Survey maps and it also offers travel books and quirky gifts. Cath Kidston is all about florals but not as elaborate as in the main store at Piccadilly. It is a new addition to Covent Garden upmarket and is full of the English designer’s fresh, pretty, retro designs, usually flower-based, which decorate everything from aprons and tents to little girls’ handbags and wellington boots. It is an ideal place for last-minute shopping after a hectic stay in London. Stephen Jones, Milliner is a small shop matching Covent Garden’s artisan history. If you look through the windows opposite the Grand Lodge, you will find hats in utterly chic style pinned to their blocks like butterflies. Blackout II Vintage is a small vintage shop that has been able to survive in the new Covent Garden. You can find dresses from the 1920s-80s fluttering in the wind having been displayed outside and also attracting attention from the shop window in this packed two-floor shop that also offers menswear, lingerie (mostly silk) and 1000 pairs of shoes in the basement, as per rumours.

Marylebone: Margaret Howell offers classy but simple clothes that will probably last forever as the best British fabrics and textiles have been used. This store is one of several MHL stores in London but it is more popular as it is in a peaceful neighbourhood and in the vicinity of several coffee shops. Cabbages & Frocks Saturday Market operates every Saturday in the churchyard of St Marylebone Parish Church where a number of stalls sell clothes, jewellery and homemade food. Daunt Books is an eponymous bookshop in Marylebone that is distinguished by its not-too-fashionable wooden bookshelves and a large backspace where books are launched and a number of lectures take place. This is one of six Daunt Bookshops in London.

London is a magnificent city that never fails to amaze you. Whereas the city boasts of a large number of historic landmarks and a plethora of other attractions, it is also a shopper’s paradise being home to many flagship stores of famous international brands, luxury shops such as the iconic Harrods, stores that only offer expensive items such as Liberty and the various markets offering almost everything under the sun. The iconic Oxford Street is another world-famous shopping centre offering more than 300 shops on either side of the street. However, besides these normal shops, London also has specialist boutiques, quirky markets and funky shops that are quite unique and unusual and some of them offer a glimpse into history and a completely different perspective of shopping places. Some of these quirky places are mentioned below.

Arthur Beale: A uniquely surprising shop, Arthur Beale has been created to resemble an old-fashioned yacht chandler which sells nautical goods and shipping supplies and everything connected with maritime activities. This unique shop on Shaftesbury Avenue was established in the 1800s and surprisingly, it has not changed substantially ever since then. The various items for sale at this shop include items connected with ships such as reels of rope, ships bells, nautical books, lifejackets and related materials.

Visitors to London, especially shopaholics, who wish to visit these quirky shops, will find it convenient to stay at Piccadilly Hotel London since it is located in the heart of the centre and close to most shopping centres and other attractions.

The Beatles Store: The Beatles had a big fan following and people were enchanted by all things connected with them. If you also like their musical renderings, you must visit The Beatles Store on Baker Street. This is a store with a difference as it is a sort of tribute to the Beatles as it stocks items related to them such as T-shirts, posters, mugs and records as well as original 60s memorabilia. A market stall in Portobello Road, known as BeatlesYeahYeahYeah that operates on Fridays and Saturdays, also stocks Beatles’ treasures  

Alice Through the Looking Glass: Dedicated to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland-themed items, this quirky store is down the rabbit hole in Cecil Court near Charing Cross station. This curious shop stocks all sorts of items connected to Alice such as illustrated chess boards, Victorian top hats, early editions of Alice books and many others. You must visit this shop if you are in London.

Blade Rubber Stamps: Imagine a shop dedicated entirely to rubber stamps which is exactly what this shop located opposite the British Museum is all about. It sells all types of rubber stamps ranging from functional stamps such as "Fragile" and "Sold" to beautiful arts and crafts stamps. It also sells fun stamps for kids in a wide range. Craft classes are also held at this shop teaching participants about how to make greeting cards and artworks.

Guests staying at West End Hotels find it easy and convenient to visit the various culture centres such as theatres, museums and art galleries that are all located in the West End area. Moreover, the other attractions of the city are also located close by.

Cornelissen & Son: Ever since 1855, Cornelissen & Son has been famous all across the globe for supplying art materials and has been the favourite place for art lovers. Amazingly, very little has changed inside the shop since then. Its interior is unique and worth a visit and stocks a wide selection of paints including oils, watercolours, pastels and drawing materials.

Cyberdog: This shop in Camden’s Stables Market is a unique one as it offers all types of clubbing gear such as fluorescent, futuristic, LED-covered clothes and accessories that are the favourites of techno and rave-lovers. It has a loud sound system that will attract your attention before you set sights on it.

Duke of Uke: A shop completely dedicated to ukulele is something you would not have imagined. Besides selling banjos, harmonicas, and accessories, it also has a rehearsal room and recording studio in the basement. If you visit the shop you may be able to enjoy one of its spontaneous concerts or impromptu ukulele solos that are regularly performed by customers.

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies: This shop located in Shoreditch deals with supplies to monsters, that it has been doing since 1818. It supplies all their needs such as tinned fear, cubes of ear wax, neck bolt tighteners and more. These strange items are also sold to humans.

James Smith & Sons: Known for its exquisite hand-crafted umbrellas and walking sticks that are essential to brave the unpredictable weather of London, this family-owned shop opened in 1867. It is housed in a Grade II-listed building, and is itself a work of art and worth a visit.

London Lomography Gallery: This store in Carnaby is a must-visit for any fan of analogue photography where he can try out and buy Lomo cameras, accessories, film and also get photos developed. Photography courses are also run by the shop.  

The Moomin Shop: This unique shop located in Covent Garden belongs to the Moomin family. It sells books, toys and merchandise that are all displayed in little blue Moomin "houses". There are a lot of items including rare memorabilia and limited-edition items including prints of the original illustrations that are available for sale. Fans of Moomintroll, his family and friends will be spoilt for choice with so much available.

Persepolis: This is a unique shop that stocks a large range of foodstuffs and handicrafts and also offers Iranian specialities that include pastries and sweets, spices and tea, yoghurts and cheeses. Home wares are also sold at this shop ranging from china and rugs to hookahs and books.

Tatty Devine: One of the first fashion boutiques established on London’s Brick Lane, the Tatty Devine store opened in 2001 and is a totally independent British company that designs and micro-manufactures original jewellery. Their exclusive products include cool name necklaces, fox brooches and moustache necklace accessory. There is a store in Seven Dials also.

London has been the seat of the British government that has at one time guided the destinies of a large number of countries that were its colonies and it has thus built up a glorious history of wars, conquests, dominance and of late, of technological advancement. The city is replete with attractions of different kinds that attract people from all over the world making it the most favourite tourist destination across the globe. The numbers of different types of attractions are simply staggering  which is borne out by the fact that there are 200 museums, 123 historical monuments, 108 music halls, more than 30 historical gardens, 6 racecourses, 2,000 tennis courts, 7 ice rinks, 95 golf courses and 857 art galleries. Three of the top ten museums and galleries of the world are located here.

There are all types of attractions that cater to people of all age groups. Along with the attractions, London also offers entertainment, fun and leisure activities designed for kids, old people as well as for the youth. As such, irrespective of your age, you can never get bored in London as you can always find plenty of exciting things to do such as taking a tour of a palace or shopping at its famous department stores, or visiting the various attractions or enjoying different cuisines of the world.

Meet Celebrities: People of all ages like to get to know celebrities and London is the right place for this activity. So, whether you wish to see the Queen or any other member of the Royalty or if you wish to meet a famous film actor, you may not be able to meet them in person but you can certainly get yourself clicked with any of them at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum where all the celebrities of the world, both past and present, are waiting in their wax forms to be your photo-mate including the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, Brangelina, the Beckhams, Kim and Kanye West, Sir Winston Churchill, George Clooney, Colin Firth, Muhammad Ali, Usain Bolt and Rafael Nadal and many more.

Shopping Extravaganza: Everyone is a bit of a shopaholic, irrespective of being young, old or a kid and London offers a plethora of shopping options starting with Oxford Street. There are some really iconic department stores such as Harrods where you can shop for famous British brands and luxury products from top international designers, provided you can afford them. The toy kingdom at Harrods is worth a visit especially for kids as also is Hamleys toy store where kids can spend an entire day playing around and selecting the toys of their choice. Harrods also offers a bewitching forest, science lab, lolly shop and plenty of other displays. Kids can be kept occupied here as it offers all types of child-friendly toys, books, games, gadgets and gizmos. The original Harrods teddy Bear is a big attraction and a must-buy item for kids. If you feel hungry, the store offers a gourmet food hall where you can taste delicious food.

Located in the heart of the capital and in the hub of various activities, The Piccadilly London West End Hotel is a luxury hotel that offers suitable, luxury accommodation along with plenty of facilities and personalised services.

Make Friends with a Dinosaur: The National History Museum is one of those places in London where people of all ages can have a great time. Whereas adults can explore more than 80 million items in the museum’s collection, kids will be fascinated by the famous 105-foot replica dinosaur skeleton and a 10-tonne blue whale model. Kids can also have a great educational experience with the interactive and hands-on displays and learn about how the world was created. They can even use the microscope to examine specimens and touch fossils and minerals. Afterhours tours are also available for both adults and kids to sleep over and explore the museum’s real-life night.

Visitors to London who wish to stay in a luxury hotel at a strategic location close to most places of interest in London at an affordable cost should try and avail of London West End Hotel Deal that will provide attractive discounts and freebies.

Harry Potter Tours: Both adults and kids are fans of Harry Potter as most of his books and movies have been great hits. London offers the Harry Potter tour at the Warner Bros. Studio which is just a 30-minute train ride away from London and enables you to explore the behind-the-scene activities when the Harry Potter movies are made. You will be able to see the various sets such as the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office. During the tour you will also be able to see the various props used in the movies. You can also take a Harry Potter walking tour of London that will take you round the various city landmarks that have been the locations for the filming of the Harry Potter movies, the most famous one being the King’s Cross Station, where a trolley has been embedded in the wall of Platform 9¾.

Food Markets: Most people, both young and old, love to eat and London is full of food markets such as the Boroughs Market where more than 100 stalls sell all types of food and drink such as fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, bread, teas, ciders, cakes and treats. If you are on a budget, you can even survive on the numerous samples that are offered but it might be difficult to resist enjoying some chunky meat pie or a deliciously sweet slab of chocolate.

Night Life: Young people can have a great time in London as there is no dearth of exotic night life with the large number of pubs, bars and night clubs available in the city. London becomes highly charged up at night with people having a good time, especially over the weekend.

Christmas shopping in London can be a joy as well as a paralysing experience. It is a joy as you get the thrill of selecting the best gifts for your loved ones and feel satisfied about it. On the other hand, it can be a pain if you try to go round all the places in the city on Tubes and buses. As such, it is best to choose one of the main districts and try to do all shopping around that district. It is not difficult to choose as there are plenty of options from department stores to Christmas markets. The following are the top places for Christmas shopping in London.

Oxford Street: It is a famous, iconic shopping street that offers over 300 shops on both sides and is the favourite shopping destination of tourists all year round. However, during the winter months, especially in the run up to Christmas, the street is completely illuminated with spectacular Christmas lights in order to give the best Christmas shopping experience. The best window displays can be seen at Selfridges that also offers a vast array of Christmas gifts. The other noteworthy large department stores are Debenhams and John Lewis. A salient feature of shopping on the street is that all grades of shopping are available ranging from the classiest and most expensive varieties to the affordable types such as Primark. The side streets such as St Christopher’s Place and Berwick Street offer many boutiques and restaurants.

If you are visiting London and would like to have a great Christmas shopping experience, it would be best to stay at Hotels In West End London as they are located close to the various shopping locations and to most tourist attractions such as museums, art galleries, parks and historic landmarks.

Regent Street: This elegant thoroughfare offers a wide variety of Christmas gifts as it is home to more than 75 famous international flagship stores such as Liberty, The Apple Store, Hamleys and Anthropologie. It has recently been spruced up and is glittering with Christmas lights. Shopping on this street is more chic than on Oxford Street but less expensive than Bond Street. Buying Christmas gifts for kids is easy as Hamleys on this street offers a large selections of all types of toys but the most popular ones are the Paddington Bear, digital dolls and robotic dinosaur Teksta T-Rex. If you are shopping without your kids, you should go there for late Christmas shopping until 10pm, November 29-December 23.

With the introduction of iPhone 7, the Apple Store is always teeming with customers looking for the latest iPhone, iPad and the Watch. At the nearby Cos, you can find fabulous pared-down cashmere scarves and lime green pleat trousers. If you wish to buy some expensive stuff, you can go to Liberty of London where you can find a large variety of the best quality that you will love to possess. Their offerings include Liberty print accessories, Liberty London purses and fun paisley-print Vans trainers. A great beauty department is also available. The other must-visit shopping options are the chirpy boutiques around Carnaby Street and classy new shops in Ham Yard Village such as Anabela Chan that offers excellent jewellery items. At the top of Regent Street is Topshop that offers an excellent free shopping service that can be booked online.

Columbia Road: This Hackney road offers a flower market on Sunday and wonderful boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Affordable jewellery is available at Maia and quirky things are offered at Vintage Heaven, ranging from midcentury furniture to teapots. Clothes, jewellery and accessories are available at Marcos & Trump along with Fairtrade brands such as People Tree.

If you wish to stay at a place which is in the heart of the city and is the hub of all entertainment activities while visiting London, you should look for a suitable hotel in Piccadilly London West End.

Covent Garden: At Christmas time, Covent Garden is one of the best places to visit as you can find plenty of shopping options such as Seven Dials, designer brands Burberry Brit, Lulu Guinness and Mulberry and toyshops such as Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop, Disney Store and the Moomin Shop.

Mayfair: This area is known for being home to the Queen’s grocer, Fortnum & Mason that also has a great food hall offering Christmas puddings, mince pies, chocolates and Christmas hampers fit for royalty. Bond Street is close by and offers high-end luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Tiffany & Co and many more.

Knightsbridge: This area is famous for being home to the iconic Harrods that is illuminated with 11,500 light bulbs and offers a great Christmas shop and a whole lot of presents at its more than 300 departments. The nearby Harvey Nichols offers a fantastic selection of fashion, homewares and more.

Westfield: If you wish to do all your Christmas shopping in one go, the best option is either of the two London Westfield shopping centres that have more than 500 shops between them, covering all types of items for everyone.

Carnaby Street: One of London’s coolest shopping destinations, this street is lined with independent fashion boutiques including The Great Frog, SkinnyDip, Lazy Oaf, Pretty Green and a V&A pop-up shop. The famous Christmas lights are worth seeing.

Chelsea: You must visit King’s Road at Christmas time as it offers a great mix of trendy boutiques, unique labels, designer shops and high-street staples, and also many cafes and restaurants. Located just off King’s Road is the Duke of York Square which is a peaceful square that is illuminated and decorated with Christmas lights. Throughout most of November and December, Santa’s Grotto is open.

Christmas Markets: There are many Christmas markets in London that offer more unique items ranging from handmade jewellery to beautiful arts and crafts. If you are tired, you can always find a delicious hot chocolate or a warming mulled wine. The most popular markets are in Notting Hill, Camden, Southbank Centre and Winter Wonderland.

Lack of money should never be an excuse to cancel a trip to someplace desirable. Like other big cities in Europe, London too gets to experience a large number of vacationers who travel longer distances just to explore and enjoy every bit of your vacation. It is definitely all about how beautifully you can consider planning out the whole thing properly.

This city is considered to be one of the finest holiday destinations in the world which lets you enjoy every bit of your time in the most amazing manner. London has indeed got a lot to offer. From historical sites, royal gardens, children’s playgrounds, museums, art galleries to palaces and fantastic instances of contemporary architecture, there is everything in this sprawling metropolis which one would ever like to see and explore.

No matter how much disturbing the amount of money is in your pockets, you can still consider to go out on a happening holiday trip that will further help you to enjoy a blissful holiday ahead. London is the city of everyone’s dreams and desires and you should not let your budget to hamper the whole thing. Instead, try to plan the holiday in such a way so that things will ultimately turn in your favour. London will definitely lighten up your mood and spruce up your vacation eccentricity.

When it comes to bringing the cost down on your London vacation, here is a list of things that you must consider to follow for the purpose of enjoying a blissful vacation ahead. London city is considered to be fulfilling the vacation needs of every person in such a way so that you can have a holiday that you won’t forget ever.

• Get Visitor’s Oyster Card: The best way to save your money in a London trip is by means of getting yourself this travel friendly smart card which will help you avail huge amount of discounts. These discounts will help you enjoy a stress-free journey. You can consider enjoying a fabulous journey on the tubes and buses without having to pay too much amount of money.
• Walk more, save big: Unlimited amount of money could be saved on your upcoming London trip by walking for monger distances. This will help you to save a huge amount of money without having to pay for your transport fares. This is something that will definitely help you to save a whole lot of money without having to feel worried about anything as such.
• Always go for the attractions that are free: There is absolutely no dearth of free landmarks in this city. London is filled with a large plethora of travel hotspots which are free to enter for the public. You can consider spending some of your vacation time in the museums and art galleries including Tate Modern, Tate Britain, British Museum, Natural History Museum and National Gallery. Apart from that, there are Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath as well where you would definitely like to spend some of your leisure moments. See the Changing of the Guard ceremony right outside the stately Buckingham Palace which is a free spectacle to explore.
• The London Pass: This is your ticket to explore more than 60 topmost paid London attractions for free. You will have to pay just for the ticket and this ticket will get you free to most of the popular London sites and attractions that will further help you enjoy a fun filled trip ahead. Getting free entry tp Westminster Abbey, Tower of London and also the London Bridge will make things more amazing for you to enjoy. All you need to do is to book yourself a London Pass well in advance so that you do not have to waste a single moment or penny for sightseeing.
• Book your hotel in advance: There are several hotels where you can stay and enjoy your holiday. Booking in advance will let you beat the queues and save on all the effort and energy that would have to put otherwise. Put up at The Montcalm Royal London House that will let you enjoy a happening trip ahead.
• London Eye in advance: This is one of the priceless landmarks the city boasts to possess. You can use a London Pass and save on the various ticketed attractions including the London Eye. This will help you save quite a lot of money.
• Cheap food stuff: Once you are done with booking a hotel and making a list of all the paid attractions that you would want to see during the trip, it is time to arrange for the places where you can dine out during the vacation. London restaurants are extremely pricey but if planned properly, it is indeed possible to eat some amazing sumptuous meals at the best possible prices. You can consider dining out at one of the luxury hotels in London which will help you enjoy a blissful dining experience without having to spend too much amount of money.
• Shopping bargains: Get to negotiate and enjoy a happening shopping experience at some of the trademarks shopping areas in London. If you have your eyes stuck on the reasonable fashion sensation then you can consider visiting the high street stores including Primark and other vintage emporiums where you will get to find retro originals at a cheap rate.
• Cheap stay: There is no dearth of hostels, hotels and places for accommodation in London, you need to browse through the search engine portals where you will get to find a clear picture of the available areas, rooms and prices in London city. If the prices suit your budget, you can consider booking the rooms instantly. Otherwise, you need to keep searching until you get your desires fulfilled.

These are some of the aspects that need to be checked out before planning your London vacation, These are the things will help you get going and will also let you enjoy a smooth as well as stress-free vacation trip ahead.

Camden is the location in London which is famous for its market. And this is not all, as the markets attract more than 100,000 visitors every weekend making it one of the most visited and London’s attractions. Camden is the place to shop for funky and trendy clothes and there are also shops selling original gifts from independent designers. This place can be called as shopper’s paradise as anything you wish for is here. And the Camden High Street is lined with various shoe stores.

Camden is within easy reach from all major hotels in London and all you have to do is take either a bus or underground to avail Camden from The Montcalm London Marble Arch Hotel, M by Montcalm London tech City Hotel and from all other major london city suites. London has so much to offer to its visitors and Camden is just a part of that. If you are done with sightseeing or just want a break, Camden is the perfect place to hang out. The popularity of the place is so major that, it stays all packed during the weekends with locals and party goers owing to the good nightlife it provides.

Being a visitor you need to keep this in mind that Sunday is the busiest day in Camden so visiting it during the weekdays can be the best choice for you as you will be able to avoid the crowd and browse through stuff without any rush. However, if you want to     experience Camden in full swing, then, weekends are the best time and you will also get all shops and stores with plenty to see and buy too.

The Major Markets Of Camden

Camden High Street is where, the stores and shops are all lined up and you just have to head north from Camden Tube station and you will see the vibrant life of the market with pubs, restaurants, and shops.  To find more shops and public places, you will have look for them along Chalk Farm Road just under the railway bridge. This same road leads to Chalk Farm Tube station. Camden market is divided into other smaller markets and each of them has different style and scene.

Camden Lock Market

This market marks the beginning in the early 1970s and is also the original Camden market. Earlier it only used to be a craft market. However, things changed over the time and now it has loads of things to offer to its visitors. It has shops selling jewelry, clothes and also unusual and quirky gifts. Both indoor and outdoor areas are available with food stalls selling lip smacking delicacies right next to the canal.

Camden Stables Market

The largest of all the Camden markets is this one with over 450 stalls and shops selling vintage items like home ware and clothes. There are lots of accessories options too. If you are looking for better options to get food then, this one will not disappoint you as more than 50 food stalls are here selling food from all around the world. There is a lingering nostalgia to this place as some stables market are just converted warehouses and all are linked by cobbled walkways.  

Camden Canal Market

Though this area suffered a serious setback in 2008 after a fire but, it has now again opened for business and also improved its layout or the better. As the name is suggesting, the market is located next to Canal Bridge on its right side. It is one of the smaller markets selling fashion, gifts, and other accessories. If you want to get a look at this market and buy some stuff, then, be there anytime from Friday to Sunday.

Electric Ballroom

This one is the weekend special market and is held only in the Electric Ballroom music venue. Also, if you take a tube to Camden, this market is quite close to it on Camden High Street. On alternate Saturdays, you can catch either a film or music fairs in Electric Ballroom Market with a small admission charge. On Sundays, you will find this place decked with 60 indoor stalls dedicated to clothes and selling items include Goth, vintage, and funky gear.

Inverness Street Market

One of the oldest amongst all the Camden market, this one started around 1900 and used to be just a vegetable and fruits market serving local community. However, you can now get souvenirs and bargain clothing from this market too. There are restaurants and bars lined up in the streets around the market making it a complete package and good place to shop. Drop in at the pub, the Good Mixer at far end of the street. It is often visited by local bands being their popular drinking joint.

Buck Street Market

From the large sign board placed outside, people think this one to be the main Camden market. It is the first large market you will come across from Camden Town tube station and carries further down the road covering all other major markets. You will also hear the locals calling this place The Cages owing to the metal grills surrounding it. The stalls and shops are quite close to one another so be careful as there are also chances of pickpockets. About 200 stalls are there selling fashion items and accessories.

Tips To Stay Safe

You will have to carry cash as most the London markets allow cash purchase. However, you can limit the amount you are carrying and do not carry more than you want to spend that day. Keep wallets inside the bag and keeping the handbags close to yourself is a safety move. This way you can keep pickpockets at bay.

Giving money to beggars is a strict no as they are there every day with their sad stories hanging outside Camden Tube station. Carrying your identification everywhere is not necessary for Britain so leave them at hotel when it is not necessary. Keeping in mind all these factors will help you have a pleasant time at Camden market.

Like any other city in the world, London has its problems but, it is also clear to everyone that this city offers many great things which are hard to find anywhere else in the world. One of them is the variety of exclusive hotels which will give you the best bits of the city under one roof. Be it the food, lounge or anything related to business, you will get every facility in these hotels namely The Montcalm London city hotel like The Montcalm London Marble Arch and even some finsbury square london hotels.

There are also other things which you will find exclusively in London, and this list will get you acquainted with those in case you do not know about them yet.

City Parks

Almost 47% of London is covered by green spaces, and most of them are either the Royal Parks is the beautiful Hampstead Heath. And the parks found in the city are not the usual types as you will get enough to see and enough to indulge here with frequent deer running from here and there within their enclosed area. You will be surprised to know that Richmond Park itself triples the size of Central Park.

Complaining About The Weather

Weather is practically a character which rebuffs the Londoners where they end up complaining about it. And this complaining thing has increased to such an extent that it has become the national pastime. Weather here is London, is quite unpredictable and that is what bothers majority of the Londoners in the city.

Markets

There are some fabulous markets in London where you can get the finest of fish and freshest of meat along with some gourmet and vintage foods. And looking for those will let Camden and Spitalfields have you covered. At the same time, there are also films, songs, and books about the famed Portobello Market and of course there is the Borough Market with so many varieties, quality, and abundance as well.

Music Festivals

There is a sheer variety of London music festival over the course of an entire year that there is something for everyone. From electronic to jazz and good old pop, if you are fond of music then, London has the festival for you.

Monarchy

It is possible only in London that the Queen continues to be a culturally and politically relevant member without compromising the democratic process of the nation. It other words, she has nothing to do with the democratic situation of the country yet, enjoys an amount of influence over its people. And as a result, there is a global obsession with royalty that over 300 million TV viewers gathered to see her Grandson’s wedding.

Multiculturalism

London is the only city in that harbors 270 different cultures, and it represents 300 different languages being spoken in the capital. Yet, you will find this diverse range of cultures has harmoniously integrated into the city by far. Though you will find few examples of isolated ethnic enclaves, that is the common scene in most of the other cities in the world.

Cocktails

London is undoubtedly the cocktail capital of the world at the present moment. Whether it is innovation or sheer quality, the scene in the city is simply head and shoulders above the competition. As a matter of fact, The Langham’s Artesian have some of the World’s Best Bar, Hotel Bar, and Bar Team awards won last year at Tales of The Cocktail and also got the No.1 spot in 50 Best Bars awards last year.

Celebrity Chefs

World’s top celebrity chefs have a restaurant in the city, and the list goes on with names like Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver, Michael Roux Jr., Heston Blumenthal, Bill Granger, Wolfgang Puck and much more.

The Olympics

Well, this is the most obvious one, but London is the only city which hosted Olympics three times, and even in a recession perforated budget, the Olympics were a big hit with the world eyeing on how London rocked the Olympics like no other.

Museums

London has over 300 museums and all of them have a different story to tell its visitors. And the best part of the museums in London is that they are all free and you can pay a visit to them without paying a fare. This is also a proven fact that London has the largest number of a citizen who actually visits the museums than in any other city.

History

The history of this capital is simply splendid, and since its find in the year 43 AD, so many great personalities like Hitchcock, Dickens, Chaplin, Shakespeare, Sir Arthur Canon Doyle, Bowie and much more have their names and origin deep rooted in this city. There are also many other people that have lived here and made its mark not only in the history of this nation but also of the world.

Just when you are taking a stroll of the streets and narrow alleys in London, you are going to spot some buildings which are older and probably older than other buildings in any other city. This is one of the most impressive facts about London. Also, the city takes pride in having more than one UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else in the world. You must also not forget the variety of events happened here which sometimes can boggle a mind like plagues, gunpowder plot, the great fire, empire building and much more.

Tourists Attractions

With great and vivid history, comes its great reminiscence. This city has all of them tracing back since the time of Norman Conquest. From Tower of London to the Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to the London Eye, there are wide varieties of things to see and learn from in the city, and they have all helped in shaping the city to what it is today. Even the Underground Tube has a great history with more than millions of passengers traveling through it every day.

All these factors explain why London is brimming with travel and tourism with so many international tourists getting drawn to this city every day.

There is nothing so enjoyable than feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and at the same time the sands between your toes. For the Londoners, there are plenty of places to enjoy such an environment with some seaside fun with the sun by just throwing down a towel on these beautiful urban beaches and enjoying the moment by settling down into one of the deck chairs with an ice cream. Does not it sound perfect? So, here are the lists of urban and hidden beaches where you can travel to from London.

Thanks to the excellently connected city, you can now access some of the best beaches in the country just a day long travel away from The Montcalm brewery London city hotel, the montcalm marble arch or other, 5 star hotels in London. The photogenic and picturesque coastline will let you simply drool over the moment.

Camber Sands In East Sussex

Just four miles to west of Rye is East Sussex and the impressive sand dunes give Cumber Beach the authentic Arabian looking beach feel which is full of wonders and who knows, you might also find a lost treasure buried under the sand. There is so much to see in this beach starting from pretty chestnut fences and marram grasses that have kept the and from shifting to the Kit Kat café. It is also a perfect spot to watch horse riders riding along the edge or kitesurfers on the water.

A number of desert films have also been shot here including Carry On Follow That Camel. It will take 1 hour 20 minutes to reach Rye from London St Pancras International and then, you just have to change the platform at Ashford.

West Wittering In West Sussex

Looking for a finest spot to do all kinds of beach activities? Then, the huge powder white Blue Flag beach is your perfect destination in West Sussex, full of weathered shabby-chic beach huts. You can choose amongst variety of options and decide your activity on the beach. Involve in sunbathing and safe swimming in sand bar sheltered tidal lagoon or just go rock-pooling and discover the ecology of sand marshes at western end of the beach.

Head to the Eastern side which marks entrance to Chichester Harbour and behind the beach is South Downs stretching away to offer lots of countryside walks that are fun. It is just 1hour 30 minutes from London Victoria to Chichester.

Dungeness In Kent

Visit the most surreal corner of Kent and rediscover your childhood on a one-third scale steam railway or explore strange World War I concrete listening ear radar devices. There are more to it, as also see houses made of old railway carriages and neoprene. If you are done with walking down the memory lane then, enjoy the beautiful, idiosyncratic landscaping where there is notable filmmaker Derek Jarman’s garden.

A few hours spent on this huge shingle beach are the moments you will never forget your entire life which is also classified as Britain’s only desert. If you are taking a car from central London or are traveling by train from St Pancras International, it will take about two hours. Otherwise, you can also take buses no. 11 or 11A to Dungeness or Lydd.

Botany Bay Near Broadstairs In Kent

Though hidden and understated, this strip of coastline between Ramsgate and Margate is one of the beaches you can enjoy off London. It is just 6000 feet long strip of sand with a kiosk. A pretty little cove is one of the seven along this side of the Kent.  They are all backed by a longest continuous stretch of chalk cliffs in Britain.

Need a sandwich or an ice cream, you will get it from here and for anything more than that, there is Broadstairs located within one hour stroll. From St Pancras, it is only 1 hour 25 minutes to Broadstairs and 2 hours from London Victoria station.

Minnis Bay, Birchington in Kent

An all time family favorite, this lovely and long Blue Flag sandy beach offers a lot for the visitors including free parking, children’s outdoor play area and also a paddling pool which is perfect for discovering crustaceans and other water life. Moreover, there is hoard of activities you can take part in like sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding and much more. There is also a restaurant with great views in case you are tired with all the activities and want to grab a bite or sip on to drink as it also has a bar.

Walkers and cyclists will also get a good treat here with     Viking Coastline Trail stretching for 27 miles along the Thanet coastline. It will take 1 hour 30 minute from London St Pancras International to Birchington-on-Sea on the Margate Line.

Mersea Island In Essex

Tere is not many beaches in London which involve a tide timetable, but Britain’s easterly occupied island does. It is an estuary island reached through Strood, an ancient Roman causeway linking it with the mainland. The food lovers can take the path to West Mersea’s different oyster bars. On the other hand, the nature lovers and fossil hunters can get their turn at East mersea’s quiet beaches with cliffs in the background.

The cliffs too have an ancient connection as animal bones and shark’s teeth dating back to 300,000 years have been found here. Wine aficionados can pick up a local souvenir at Mersea Island Vineyard and Brewery. This is place is just 1 hour away from London Liverpool Street to Colchester then, take the bus 67B to West Mersea.

Holywell Retreat Eastbourne In East Sussex

Just on the edge of the town after the promenade and past the Holywell Tea Chalet and Italian Gardens there is the long zig-zagged shingle beach of Eastbourne at Grand Parade. This place has a pretty laid back tone and has some white and blue beach chalets and with gorgeous white cliffs of Beachy Head in the background. This beach is also one of the closest to the capital and takes about 90 minutes to Eastbourne from Victoria.

Few areas in London were unscathed by the bombings of World War Two. It also means that these few areas have been able to retain its originality and as far as Little Venice is concerned, this place has its original Georgian buildings. Moreover, this little idyllic spot in London has some charming pubs and narrow boats are running alongside it. The tree lined streets will give you a picturesque scene like the ones you have read in books are seen in movies.

Little Venice tends to have an upscale beat with houses that are big and beautiful. It gives a charming feeling while visiting this quite pocket of London. Being a visitor you have lots of opportunities to visit this place and have a Canal Boat ride which plies Regents Canal from Little Venice to Camden Lock from the month of April to November. Also, you must keep in mind that Jasons’ Canal Boat Trips comes without a price when you have a London Pass. So, make sure you have that pass to avail the benefits.

Most of the luxury hotels in London like Montcalm London Hotels and The Montcalm at brewery London City Hotel are also well accessed with this place via Tube or buses like 6, 18, 16, 98, 46, 332, 187, and 414. So, you can drop in at any time to enjoy the charm of this place. The hotels also sometimes give you directions about how to reach a place within shortest time so that you can reach a place quickly without spending much time.

Location of Little Venice in London

Little Venice is nestled in the residential neighborhood of Malda Vale on the northern part of the town. Another important feature of this place is, both Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal meet here together resulting into a beautiful oasis on this side of the town. Owing to this reason, the area has got its name as Little Venice. If you want to visit this place, it will be helpful for you to know that closest London Underground Station from Little Venice is Warwick Avenue on Bakerloo line. Little Venice is in walking distance from Camden Town and you walk just by alongside Regents Canal.

Things To Do In Little Venice

There are pretty great things to do in this place. However, to start with, you can walk alongside the canal and treat yourself with beautiful views which come easy and cheap. The walk is going to be a memorable one as you will walk across Regent’s Park and London Zoo, Thereby, getting glimpse of some of the animal habitat inside the zoo.

If you are willing to spend few pounds, take a boat or get on to a Waterbus which has regular service of Longboats going up and down the canal. This special activity will take you away from the crowds and tourists giving you a unique experience in this small locale. Self-guided tours are also available provided by The Canal and River Trust. This will take you along different ways of Little Venice so that you can know this place more up closely. The Tour starts every Saturday around 2 in the afternoon.

If you are missing out on catching a show while in London, you can do the same in Little Venice too. The Canal Café Theater hosts comedy, performances and plays regularly and that too in far cheaper rates than any other West End Theater in London. There is also puppet performances taking place on a barge, you can visit it and enjoy the ambiance.

The neighborhood is also filled with places having eating and drinking options like The Bridge House Pub serving amazing meals with great drinks so that you can enjoy a complete satisfaction. If you want to while away some time, a great place called Warwick Castle is popular amongst the locals just tucked down on a small side of street in Little Venice.

Features Of The Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Little Venice

The walking tours start from Warwick Avenue Station and end at Avenue Market.

Little Venice

The stop of the self-guided tour is Little Venice as you start walking southeast along Warwick Avenue. The canal intersects with Warwick Avenue, so, you will be able to see the canal running below with roads on left and right side. Start walking by turning right and take the sidewalk till you come to stairs leading down to towpath. When you will walk down the towpath, you will see some of the famous boat areas of Little Venice. There are many businesses operate out of canal boats and most of them are cafes like Floating Boater Café or the Waterside Café and of course there is the Puppet Theater Barge.

Rembrandt Gardens

Next stop is the Rembrandt Gardens located adjacent to Little Venice. Formerly known as Warwick Gardens, this place got donation of 5000 tulips and 500 hyacinths marking the 700th birthday of City of Amsterdam.  The name was changed to the present one to celebrate the gift given to the ornamental garden. To get a look and have a quick walk around the garden, head back to the sidewalk and have a look then, continuing down along the towpath.

Heart Of Little Venice

The most famous bit or the heart of Little Venice is the stretch of the canal located on the opposite side of the Warwick Street. It has the beauty to mesmerize you. It is the place of boathouses and referred to as home so they vary immensely and you will get to see different style and color at the same time.

Café LaVille

As you will continue east along the canal, there is this small café perfect for stacking up with drinks and nibble onto something. It has beautiful views and the café is located directly above the river.

Primrose Hill

Just on the opposite side of the canal is the Primrose Hill giving you some of the best views of London. You can take some snaps here and continue down the canal road.

There are also several other places to visit here like the ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park and much more.

London can be regarded as world’s one of the most distinctive, inspirational and iconic cities. Thousands of years of human culture is observed yet; London is also well shaped by its valleys, hills, and rivers too. Moreover, it has four World Heritage Sites; the urban and manmade heritage runs parallel its conserved landscape.  The fascinating fact is that London is home to 8.6 million people and also 8.3 million trees with 13,000 species of wildlife.

It also has some beautiful hotels scattered all around the city like finsbury square london hotels, Marble Arch by Montcalm London and Montcalm London Hotels alongside the beautifully restored Victorian and Georgian houses. Londoners are also having a proud tradition of enjoying and protecting their cultural and natural heritage. The legal and national authorities alongside generations of million gardeners have contributed and, continuing to contribute in making this capital, the greenest cities in the world. The landscape of London is center to the health and prosperity of the nation. Not only the centuries-old history but, its natural environment is what makes this capital one of the most desirable cities in the world.

Becoming A National Park

To become an official National Park of England, Natural England or, government’s adviser for the natural environment in England will have to view a landscape as an extensive tract of country. Designation is granted by the authority owning to its natural beauty and opportunities it gives for open air recreation. Things taken into account can be its, cultural heritage, wildlife and of course, opportunities to promote an area’s special qualities to satisfy and please the public.

London with its characteristic cultural heritage, urban setting and historic landscape and several opportunities for outdoor recreation have the potential of becoming a National Park. However, it must be kept in mind that the capital is not an ‘extensive tract of country’ as mentioned in the existing legislation.

Transforming Greater London Into A National Park

London is the aspiring new National Park or rather kind of a new National Park, which is unconventional given the current legislation. It can be said that the foundations for London becoming a National Park City have already been initiated. Not only because the city has had had an extraordinarily cultural heritage but, it also caressed for the people living in it. Many new and innovative things are already happening in and around the city. However, joining the population in an exciting, coherent and inspirational thought of making Greater London a National Park certainly is a new concept.

Proposal For National Park

Several proposals have been carried forward to make London an even more enriching city and part of this proposal is to form a Greater London National Park City Partnership. The proposal will uphold purposes of National Park City and work towards realizing its true potential. It will not have any formal planning powers but will seek to influence everyday decisions that people make. This will add a new opportunity to the capital and not bureaucracy.

One of the most defining qualities of Greater London National Park City will be to stimulate an atmosphere where millions of people will take everyday actions improving quality of lives thereby, enhancing the city.

Initial aims of Greater London National Park City Partnership will be to work with others and ensuring 100% of Londoners have free access to high-quality green space and this will also help children of the capital to connect with nature. When majority of London is covered by physically green spaces, it will improve the richness of air quality along with the water year after year. 85% of the Londoners believe that London is supposed to be a National Park City and 84% think, this is a proposal which London Councils and Mayor of London must support.

Calmer And Greener London

To make Greater London a National Park City, a little upfront investment will be required with no change in planning the legislation. It is a branding exercise in which businesses, individuals, and public services will all think differently to interact with urban nature surrounding them. It will protect green space, encourage Londoners to spend more time outdoors and also promote tourism.

It is also believed by the authorities that, the National Park City will not only improve the health of the people staying in the city but, it is also improving the health of wildlife as well. And the main question arises now is what it would mean for a Londoner to live in a national park city in three decades. Well, the first to three years of a child’s life is most defining as far as health is concerned and it will also shape the future of the child alike. Thus, National Park City can be a small step in building the future of every child and city as a whole.

New Approach To Business

With this proposal, the business in London might also look fundamentally different as now profitability will not only be judged in fiscal terms but, through environmental and social impact it will have on the area.  Thus, the future years will bring economic growth which will spread to outer boroughs of the city sparking boom in eco-businesses.

So, many business ideas will inspire other several business opportunities. And, that is the most exciting thing about this whole concept. It can be spun into all kinds of ways. Thus, it can be said that National Park City will care about stewardship of this land three decades down the line decreasing flood risks. This campaigning is going to be path breaking step towards a better future for the city and nation.

The scheme is taking tentative steps forward and the City Hall is also putting weight behind the entire campaign. The Greater London Authority has also agreed to support this campaign’s research and the ideas, proposals generating through it, will no doubt be helpful.

Thus, National Park City can be a big step in making London a future city where there are fewer health problems and the children of now will be better citizens of the country driving great change.

London is undoubtedly a big city full of wonderful scenes and amazing people with delicious cuisines from all over the world. However, when you are a visitor to a foreign land, it is sensible to avoid the risk and go for some elementary precautions. It will ensure that your travel is more of a pleasurable experience than the ones which is filled with anxiety and worries. However, if you are staying at the premium and exclusive hotels in the country like hotels in queensway london or in any hotel from the shaftesbury hotel collection, then, there is nothing to worry about safety as these hotels have concerns about their guests and so security is top notch over here.

Whether you are a first-time traveler, a local or a regular visitor to the place, remember the emergency telephone number 112 or 999. And in other cases, if you want to call the police then, dial 101 or log in to the website for more information.

Tips For Travelling Safe In London

• No matter where you are going and how you are going, plan the taxi route beforehand. Thus will help you know about the conditions o the route and roads and whether they are working or some kind of construction works are happening there.
• Avoiding discrepancy will help you travel faster in the city. To gather more information you can also see transport for London website just to be sure.
• Other than, bus and tubes, use taxis and minicabs which are registered. Walking alone at night on lone streets and alleys is not a good idea as you might catch the attention of pickpockets.
• Try to take the well-lit main roads or roads where there is crowd. Try not to wear headphones all the time when you are walking or traveling. Wearing those will reduce the awareness of the surroundings and might cause an accident or harm others.
• In UK cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. So, to ensure you cross the road safely, always use designated crossings.
• Also, always cross the road when the green man is showing and also take note of the signs indicating look left and look right before you cross the street and look out for traffic from both the ways.

Safety Precautions In Bars And Restaurants

• You might want to enjoy the food in a restaurant but, at the same time, you also want to stay safe while enjoying the food.
• Thus, if you are carrying a purse or any other belongings, make sure to keep them safe under the table. You will also find many venues having clips under the table.
• Use those clips to keep your belongings safe. Do not accept drinks from strangers and if you are traveling in large group make sure you are all traveling altogether at night.
• Always check on your friends through text or call and make sure they do the same and inquire whether the other person has reached the home safely or not.

Having A Safe Walk

• You might not always need a public transport or taxi to travel to London. However, you might also like to walk somewhere and ensure you are safe while doing so.
• To start with, always have a back-up. Like, think of a place where you will go if you feel threatened while walking around London. It is always best to walk in a public area where there will be other people.
• You must also avoid shortcuts and take the main road whenever possible. Be aware of your surroundings and look confident while you are walking and also walk purposefully to where you are going.
• Never ever except lift from anyone you do not know no matter how late it is, how cold there or how much tired you are.

Safety Measures In Cabs

• Travelling by cabs or taxis in London is an alternative to the public transport and there are a number of safety measures you will like to take there.
• Apart from using licensed taxis and minicabs, it is also important to book your minicab journey via telephone or through a minicab office.
• Do not accept a ride from any driver off the road. Only black cabs or taxis are allowed to pick up passengers from the road.
• When your reserved minicab arrives to make sure that the driver knows your name and your destination. Also, check the cab number with the one you have got on your phone and see it matches or not.
• After taking these safety measures get on the mini cab. Also, do not forget to check the driver’s photo ID card.
• Sit on the back seat of the cab and if it is possible then, carry a mobile phone. T the same, time always call a friend and let know of your whereabouts in case you are feeling worried or growing suspicious of the situation.
• And in case, you are feeling threatened by the driver, call 999 immediately.

Keeping The Bikes Secure

• Stealing bikes are low-risk and high reward crime in London and so following the useful tips, you will be able to keep your bikes secure.
• To secure your bicycles always mark and register it to the agency and this process is a visible deterrent to thieves stealing bikes.
• The thieves will know that if they steal registered bike, the bikes are traceable and they will get caught in no time.
• Use good quality locks as it will take the thieves few minutes to cut through the lock. Your job is to make the work difficult for them.
• Lock frames and both the wheels to the parking stand of the cycle. Also, take parts which are easy to remove with you.

Keeping these factors in mind will ensure that you have a worry-free journey in London with nothing but good memories to bag.