Although sunshine can’t always be guaranteed in England during the summer, nothing quite beats theatmosphere on the streets of London on a warm day. When the sun comes out, the pavements are suddenly filled with tables of people eating al fresco and office workers crowding outside the pub for a drink.The buzz and vibe of the city in summer is a treat for any visitor – and here’s a list of the best things to do in London when the sunshine does arrive!
1. Take a refreshing dip
Outdoor swimming pools aren’t just found at luxury hotels in London – there are a number of popular lidos around the city which are fantastic on a hot day. Hackney lido is one of the biggest, whilst the pools are Hampstead Heath have the best views and most natural feel.
2. Snack at a market
London’s markets are a top draw all year round but can be enjoyed to the full in summer. Camden is the place to go for alternative culture and excellent food stalls from all around the world. Wander through the shops then pause at the lock to people watch with a drink and an Argentinean steak burger, or perhaps a plate of paella.
On the weekends, the market at London Bridge has an equally good selection of things to eat and a slightly more grown up and family orientated atmosphere. Pick up a snack here then take a seat by Southwark Cathedral or along the river to enjoy your purchases.
3. Hire a bike
Forget sweating on the bus and the tube in summer, and take to the roads! Although not as cycle friendly as some cities in Europe, London now has a decent network of paths and cycle lanes and the city is making a big effort to make it the most attractive way to get around. And the best way to see London is definitely by bike, even as a visitor. On two wheels, you stumble upon hidden gems such as tiny backstreet shops and pubs. It’s a way to experience a more authentic and exciting side of London.
4. Picnic in the park
London has a surprisingly decent amount of open and green spaces for a big metropolis and the colorful Regents Park is at its heart. On sunny days, the grass is full of workers enjoying a sandwich on their lunch break and students playing games. Pick up a few treats from a store nearby and enjoy this busy scene as you munch.
Friday 25 June 2010
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Book Your London Olympic Hotel Early
Sports enthusiasts who are setting about on their summer Olympics travel plans will benefit from these helpful hints on how to get started. Most people plan their Olympic trips well before hand as everything from tickets to hotel rooms run out fast and will be completely booked up once the games draw near. As such it is wise to get started on your plans soon, to ensure that all goes well when the summer of 2012 rolls around.
Your first priority should of course be securing tickets to the event. Start by deciding which sporting activities you would like to catch, you can find the timetable of events online. This will help you draw up a rough time frame for your trip. There are a number of websites where you can sign up for email notifications which will inform you when the tickets become available to the general public. There are also sites that put you on a waiting list for tickets thus increasing your chances of getting your hands on a prized ticket.
One way of upping your chances of getting coveted seat to one of the events would be to set your sights on one of the less popular events. The tickets to events like athletics and gymnastics tend to run out fast as these are the most popular ones. Therefore if you are not so particular about which events you want to watch but just want to be a part of the Olympics then it is wise to target the less popular events which you are more likely to get tickets for.
After confirming the dates that you are going to be in London for, you can start making you bookings for flights and accommodation. The internet is bound to be able to provide you with a listing of some great and affordable places to stay. It is also the place to look for cheap flights.
Hotels within London, particularly those that are close to the various venues will undoubtedly be snapped up fast. If you do not mind the commute and are shopping for a discount you might want to try the hotels that are further away from the venues.
While you are in London don’t forget to take in the sights. From the Big Ben to Buckingham Palace and all the other icons, London is a great city that has something to offer everyone. So when you are making your summer Olympic travel plans be sure to leave yourself time to take in the sights.
Your first priority should of course be securing tickets to the event. Start by deciding which sporting activities you would like to catch, you can find the timetable of events online. This will help you draw up a rough time frame for your trip. There are a number of websites where you can sign up for email notifications which will inform you when the tickets become available to the general public. There are also sites that put you on a waiting list for tickets thus increasing your chances of getting your hands on a prized ticket.
One way of upping your chances of getting coveted seat to one of the events would be to set your sights on one of the less popular events. The tickets to events like athletics and gymnastics tend to run out fast as these are the most popular ones. Therefore if you are not so particular about which events you want to watch but just want to be a part of the Olympics then it is wise to target the less popular events which you are more likely to get tickets for.
After confirming the dates that you are going to be in London for, you can start making you bookings for flights and accommodation. The internet is bound to be able to provide you with a listing of some great and affordable places to stay. It is also the place to look for cheap flights.
Hotels within London, particularly those that are close to the various venues will undoubtedly be snapped up fast. If you do not mind the commute and are shopping for a discount you might want to try the hotels that are further away from the venues.
While you are in London don’t forget to take in the sights. From the Big Ben to Buckingham Palace and all the other icons, London is a great city that has something to offer everyone. So when you are making your summer Olympic travel plans be sure to leave yourself time to take in the sights.
Visiting London; Weekend Free Events at Spitalfields
Tango @ Spitalfields Tango @ Spitalfields offers Argentine tango dancers and enthusiasts a free after-work milonga. It also offers a half-hour class at the start of each date for those newcomers and beginners a taster of this wonderful dance. This monthly event takes place under the canopy at Bishops Square of Spitalfields Market. As the dance area is covered, there is no need to worry in case of ‘occasional’ rains.
The confirmed dates for 2010 are:
July – 10 (special Big Dance event), 29
August – 26
September – 23
October – 07
Everyone is welcome to dance, to learn or to merely spectate. Refreshments are available from the many shops around Spitalfields Market or you can bring your own bottle or two.
The confirmed dates for 2010 are:
July – 10 (special Big Dance event), 29
August – 26
September – 23
October – 07
Everyone is welcome to dance, to learn or to merely spectate. Refreshments are available from the many shops around Spitalfields Market or you can bring your own bottle or two.
Wednesday 9 June 2010
London Facts
• Greater London, at 1,584 sq km, is the smallest of the nine English regions (1.2% of the total land area of England). Source ONS
• With a population of 7.2m, London is the largest city in Europe. Estimates suggest the city will expand to over 8m by 2020. Source ONS, GLA
• London tends to have annual net inflows of people from outside the UK, with almost 30% of London's population from a minority ethnic group. There are 50 non-indigenous communities with populations over 10,000. Source: ONS, The Guardian 21/1/2005
• Open space accounts for 30% of the London area, with London containing 147 registered parks and gardens and eight royal parks. Source: English Heritage Attractions
• London has the greatest concentration of major attractions in Britain. In 2004, four of the top ten paid attractions, and eight and the top ten free attractions were in London. Source: DCMS, Association of Leading Visitor Attractions
• There are currently four World Heritage Sites, (Palace of Westminster, Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and Kew Gardens) and 17 national museums across the capital. Source: English Heritage, DCMS Entertainment
• There almost 150 theatres in London, including over 50 in the West End. London theatre accounts for 45% of all UK theatre admissions and over 70% of box-office revenues. Source: The Society of London Theatre, GLA Economics
• London has 3,800 pubs, 9% of Britain's public houses. There are 233 nightclubs in London or 15% of nightclubs across Britain. In Westminster alone, there are over 330 venues open after midnight. Source: GLA Economics, City of Westminster
• Leicester Square played host to 42 film premieres in 2004, including: 'The Incredibles', 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason' and 'The Aviator'. Source: Westminster Events Team
Restaurants and retail
• There are 6,128 licensed restaurants in London, a remarkable 22% of Britain's restaurants. They include menus from more than 50 major country cuisines, and 36 Michelin star rated restaurants. Source: GLA Economics, Time Out Guide to Eating & Drinking, Michelin Guide to Great Britain & Ireland
• London has over 40,000 shops and some 80 individual markets, including Walthamstow Market, Europe's longest daily street market. The capital is also home to ten Farmer Markets. Source: GLA Economics, Visit London, London Borough of Waltham Forest, London Farmers' Markets
• The West End is by some margin the largest retail area in the UK. In Oxford Street alone there over 300 shops, including Selfridges, which has some 40 retail departments. Source: GLA, Oxford Street Association, Selfridges Transport
• The number of passengers arriving and departing to or from London's airports is equivalent of over 120m in 2004. Heathrow handled 67m passengers, making the airport the busiest and best connected in the world. Source: CAA, BAA
• There are almost 21,000 licensed taxis in London. 'Black Cabs' come in 12 different colours. Source: Transport for London, Mann & Overton.
London Development Agency
• With a population of 7.2m, London is the largest city in Europe. Estimates suggest the city will expand to over 8m by 2020. Source ONS, GLA
• London tends to have annual net inflows of people from outside the UK, with almost 30% of London's population from a minority ethnic group. There are 50 non-indigenous communities with populations over 10,000. Source: ONS, The Guardian 21/1/2005
• Open space accounts for 30% of the London area, with London containing 147 registered parks and gardens and eight royal parks. Source: English Heritage Attractions
• London has the greatest concentration of major attractions in Britain. In 2004, four of the top ten paid attractions, and eight and the top ten free attractions were in London. Source: DCMS, Association of Leading Visitor Attractions
• There are currently four World Heritage Sites, (Palace of Westminster, Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and Kew Gardens) and 17 national museums across the capital. Source: English Heritage, DCMS Entertainment
• There almost 150 theatres in London, including over 50 in the West End. London theatre accounts for 45% of all UK theatre admissions and over 70% of box-office revenues. Source: The Society of London Theatre, GLA Economics
• London has 3,800 pubs, 9% of Britain's public houses. There are 233 nightclubs in London or 15% of nightclubs across Britain. In Westminster alone, there are over 330 venues open after midnight. Source: GLA Economics, City of Westminster
• Leicester Square played host to 42 film premieres in 2004, including: 'The Incredibles', 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason' and 'The Aviator'. Source: Westminster Events Team
Restaurants and retail
• There are 6,128 licensed restaurants in London, a remarkable 22% of Britain's restaurants. They include menus from more than 50 major country cuisines, and 36 Michelin star rated restaurants. Source: GLA Economics, Time Out Guide to Eating & Drinking, Michelin Guide to Great Britain & Ireland
• London has over 40,000 shops and some 80 individual markets, including Walthamstow Market, Europe's longest daily street market. The capital is also home to ten Farmer Markets. Source: GLA Economics, Visit London, London Borough of Waltham Forest, London Farmers' Markets
• The West End is by some margin the largest retail area in the UK. In Oxford Street alone there over 300 shops, including Selfridges, which has some 40 retail departments. Source: GLA, Oxford Street Association, Selfridges Transport
• The number of passengers arriving and departing to or from London's airports is equivalent of over 120m in 2004. Heathrow handled 67m passengers, making the airport the busiest and best connected in the world. Source: CAA, BAA
• There are almost 21,000 licensed taxis in London. 'Black Cabs' come in 12 different colours. Source: Transport for London, Mann & Overton.
London Development Agency
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Visiting London; Go on a Musical Pilgrimage
If you have even a passing interest in music, then London is certainly a place you should visit at least once.
The British capital has hosted just about every major artist at some point over the years, so it is closely linked with many of music's most defining moments.
If you are a keen fan of artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, why don't you come to London and see for yourself where they lived, loved and played?
It's a great way to enjoy an affordable break in London, as you don't need to pay any admission fees to see these historic locations.
The names of these streets, houses and venues may have passed into music folklore, but they are easily accessible to every single person in London.
All you need is an all-day pass on London transport and you're away.
Perhaps the most iconic rock 'n' roll location in London is Abbey Road, in St John's Wood, north London.
Plenty of major artists have recorded at Abbey Road Studios, including Pink Floyd, Cliff Richard, Radiohead and U2.
But it will always be most closely associated with The Beatles, who recorded nearly all of their songs here.
They even called the final album they recorded together Abbey Road - and released it with a now iconic image of the Fab Four walking across the nearby zebra crossing.
Tourists still regularly descend on Abbey Road to have their own picture taken on this world famous piece of street furniture.
For any music fan in London, a trip to Abbey Road is simply a must.
Following your trip here, why not visit some of the homes of rock music's biggest stars?
Paul McCartney used to live within walking distance of Abbey Road at Cavendish Avenue, so that should be easy to find.
Meanwhile, other music luminaries were dotted all over the city, with Jimi Hendrix for instance living at 23 Brook Street, Mayfair.
This is just next door to where the legendary composer Handel used to live, and this building has now become a museum that commemorates both of the street's most famous residents.
Hendrix forged a formidable reputation upon his arrival in London and remains an unforgettable figure 40 years after his death.
A visit here will help you evoke memories of those amazing times, in which he released a string of classic records including Purple Haze and Hey Joe.
This is just one of many locations in London that is marked out with a blue plaque, a sign of its historical significance.
One other key building that is honoured in this way is Ridgmount Gardens, the former home of the late reggae legend Bob Marley.
Taking in these locations can be a great way to get to know the people behind the legendary music.
And since some of the most significant names in music are no longer with us, following in their footsteps can be a very touching and moving experience that helps them come alive once more.
Of course, London has many, many iconic buildings and landmarks - and famous musicians have been keen to make the most of them in many ways.
In fact, it is hard to find somewhere that doesn't have some sort of association with a famous record or musician.
For instance, the humble surroundings of Chalk Farm Tube Station served as the setting for the cover of Madness's Absolutely album.
Pink Floyd, meawhile, ensured that Battersea Power Station became an icon to rock fans by using it on the front of their Animals LP.
A trip to London doesn't have to be expensive if you're a music fan.
All you need is a London Travelcard, a map of the city and a good sense of direction.
So get closer to your favourite artists by booking a trip to London and seeing where they spent their most productive and remarkable days.
London Pass
The British capital has hosted just about every major artist at some point over the years, so it is closely linked with many of music's most defining moments.
If you are a keen fan of artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, why don't you come to London and see for yourself where they lived, loved and played?
It's a great way to enjoy an affordable break in London, as you don't need to pay any admission fees to see these historic locations.
The names of these streets, houses and venues may have passed into music folklore, but they are easily accessible to every single person in London.
All you need is an all-day pass on London transport and you're away.
Perhaps the most iconic rock 'n' roll location in London is Abbey Road, in St John's Wood, north London.
Plenty of major artists have recorded at Abbey Road Studios, including Pink Floyd, Cliff Richard, Radiohead and U2.
But it will always be most closely associated with The Beatles, who recorded nearly all of their songs here.
They even called the final album they recorded together Abbey Road - and released it with a now iconic image of the Fab Four walking across the nearby zebra crossing.
Tourists still regularly descend on Abbey Road to have their own picture taken on this world famous piece of street furniture.
For any music fan in London, a trip to Abbey Road is simply a must.
Following your trip here, why not visit some of the homes of rock music's biggest stars?
Paul McCartney used to live within walking distance of Abbey Road at Cavendish Avenue, so that should be easy to find.
Meanwhile, other music luminaries were dotted all over the city, with Jimi Hendrix for instance living at 23 Brook Street, Mayfair.
This is just next door to where the legendary composer Handel used to live, and this building has now become a museum that commemorates both of the street's most famous residents.
Hendrix forged a formidable reputation upon his arrival in London and remains an unforgettable figure 40 years after his death.
A visit here will help you evoke memories of those amazing times, in which he released a string of classic records including Purple Haze and Hey Joe.
This is just one of many locations in London that is marked out with a blue plaque, a sign of its historical significance.
One other key building that is honoured in this way is Ridgmount Gardens, the former home of the late reggae legend Bob Marley.
Taking in these locations can be a great way to get to know the people behind the legendary music.
And since some of the most significant names in music are no longer with us, following in their footsteps can be a very touching and moving experience that helps them come alive once more.
Of course, London has many, many iconic buildings and landmarks - and famous musicians have been keen to make the most of them in many ways.
In fact, it is hard to find somewhere that doesn't have some sort of association with a famous record or musician.
For instance, the humble surroundings of Chalk Farm Tube Station served as the setting for the cover of Madness's Absolutely album.
Pink Floyd, meawhile, ensured that Battersea Power Station became an icon to rock fans by using it on the front of their Animals LP.
A trip to London doesn't have to be expensive if you're a music fan.
All you need is a London Travelcard, a map of the city and a good sense of direction.
So get closer to your favourite artists by booking a trip to London and seeing where they spent their most productive and remarkable days.
London Pass
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
