Travel review: London – a favourite thing

London is a special place for us. Luckily we have family there, and over the years, we have gone back many times to sample it. We go there with knowing that some things are more costly than at home – restaurants for example. But other things are more plentiful – selection, activities, history, architecture – the list goes on. If you plan a little bit ahead before going it can be an amazing experience for you too! Read this travel review: London for more details.

A visit to London should include all modes of transport – tube, taxi and bus – to get the full flavor of how to move around. We always opt for an Oyster card, particularly if we will be in town for a few days. This keeps costs down. Also, be prepared to walk. Many of the most amazing sights in London are by foot – Green Park, St. James Park, Hyde Park. Not only do they have a rich history, but they are beautiful!

Check out this link for things to do in the parks! https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/londons-major-parks We’ve seen Shakespeare in the Park (well before it was a ‘thing’ here in Canada!). This is where a lot of Londoners come out to play.

Shopping

Walking is again a good idea if you want to explore the world-renowned shopping streets:

• Bond Street: Luxury shops for those with discerning taste and money

• Oxford Street: A little bit of everything

• Covent Garden: Wonderful designer brands in a picturesque setting

• Harrods: A trip to London is incomplete without a visit here for the cosmetics floor and the food floor!

• Sloane Street: A great street to see all London has to offer for luxury brands

• Regent Street: The best in the West End – high end and internationally known stores

And there are many many more. Just do a search and see what strikes your fancy! The key for shopping in London is to know: 1) can you get it at home, and if yes, what is the price point, and 2) if not, can you actually take it home with you in your luggage?!

Activities

There are so many activities to take advantage of in London, that you will be hard pressed to decide on just a few. Besides living in London for a year in high school, I’ve returned at least 10 more times over the years for a few days each time, and have yet to do all I want to do there!

Of note:

• Tower of London:
  • you can spend a good chunk of your day here, wandering the ramparts and immersing yourself in history. If you have read any Hilary Mantel, or enjoyed the Tudors, you have to visit!

• Tate Modern:
  • It’s not a prerequisite that you love modern art to go here, but, if you do, you can’t miss it! The building itself is awe-inspiring, and the displays and lighting make for a very engaging experience.

• British Museum:
  • This is a multi-day commitment, so, if you know you will be back in London, then focus on one area at a time. I still haven’t made my way to the Egyptian collection, but soon, very soon.

• Shakespeare’s Globe:
  • A reproduction of the original. A beautiful walk along the Thames, a nice spot of dinner at a local pub, and a theatre performance of Shakespeare is unique experience!

We could name everything but many websites are out there for you to look at.

Recommendations

Accommodation:

We are fortunate with family in London so this hasn’t been a need for us to seek. However, there are specific areas that may be more central for you to get everywhere – Mayfair, South Kensington, Covent Gardens. Keep in mind there is a lot of variability in accommodations, and that spaces are typically small.

If you are concerned with trying something too different to your tastes, the hotel airports (a semi-short 45 min train ride from central London) are available, your standard Best Western, Park Inns, etc. all available.

Activities:

On our 3-4 day stays in London we do a shopping street, one of the museums or portrait galleries if we are so inclined, and usually one of the landmarks. On our last visit in September 2016 we shopped at Harrods, visited the Tower of London. walked along the Thames, and finished off with a bit of Sloane Street. That was approximately 1 day. We did another day of walking to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, walk along by Westminster Abbey, and visit Green Park.

Eat:

As our tastes have changed over the years, so have the restaurants and areas we like to eat in.

Some great selections in London include:

Food Floor at Harrods, Selfridges Food Hall, and Borough Market if you are out and about and looking for a quick bite and a feast for the senses; if you are keen on a pub, The Alfred Tennyson in Knightsbridge is enjoyable, the Fox & Hounds in Belgravia is great for a drink. We’ve done many of the Pret A Manger – they are everywhere, fresh, and tasty. For more higher end fare, we rely on family to book or recommend. Try recent Time Out – London publications for their recommendations and reviews.

Transportation from/to airport:

It would be remiss of us not to mention some of our experiences with getting into London following our flights, and back out to the airport for connections. Again, familiarity makes one more comfortable with navigating the underground. On their site, you can plan your journey. You can do the same on Heathrow‘s site. It is pretty straight forward, just keep in mind that you want to make sure you try to do your transfers in stations with escalators and/or elevators for all that luggage! Don’t assume they will be available – some of the older stations do not have escalators and heaving your luggage up stairs will not be a great start to your vacation!

You can always do a taxi, or hire a car. We’ve had great success with Addison Lee on a couple transfers to Gatwick and Stansted – much more efficient than all the trains for those two airports from central London.

In addition to this travel review: London, check out our other postings on destinations in UK. Enjoy!