Author: adminvisiteastlondon

Driving as a Tourist in London: Tips and Considerations

Driving in London can be both an exciting and challenging experience for tourists. With a city as vast and diverse as London, it’s important to be prepared for the unique challenges of driving in a busy, bustling city. Whether you’re planning to rent a car or bring your own vehicle, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Rules of the Road

Blue Classic Car Near Westminster PalaceBefore setting off on your journey, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road in London. In the UK, motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road, and roundabouts are common. Speed limits are in miles per hour, and are typically 30 mph in urban areas, 60 mph on dual carriageways, and 70 mph on motorways. London has a congestion charge zone which applies during specific times and weekdays, so it’s important to be aware of this if you plan on driving within the city center. Additionally, London has low emission zones where vehicles that do not meet emission standards may be charged to enter the zone.

Navigating the City

Navigating the city can be a challenge, especially for first-time visitors. It’s important to have a reliable map or GPS system to ensure that you don’t get lost or end up in the wrong part of town. London has a complex network of roads and highways, and traffic can be heavy during peak hours. It’s important to plan your route in advance and leave plenty of time to reach your destination.

Parking

Finding parking in London can be a challenge, especially in the city center. There are several options for parking, including on-street parking, car parks, and parking garages. On-street parking can be expensive and difficult to find, especially during peak hours. It’s recommended to park in a secure car park or parking garage to ensure the safety of your vehicle.

Public Transportation

London has an extensive public transportation network, including the famous red double-decker buses, the underground, and overground trains. Using public transportation can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city, especially if you’re only visiting for a few days.

Car Insurance

Policeman Riding a HorseCar insurance is a legal requirement in the UK, and it’s important to ensure that you have adequate coverage before driving in London. If you’re renting a car, the rental company should provide insurance coverage as part of the rental agreement. However, it’s important to check the details of the insurance policy to ensure that it provides adequate coverage for your needs.

If you’re bringing your own vehicle to London, it’s important to notify your insurance provider before your trip. Some insurance policies may not provide coverage for driving outside of your home country, or may have limitations on coverage in foreign countries. It’s important to check the details of your policy and purchase additional coverage if necessary.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the minimum legal requirements for car insurance in the UK. Third-party insurance is the minimum legal requirement, which covers damage or injury to third parties in the event of an accident. However, it’s recommended to purchase comprehensive insurance, which provides coverage for damage to your own vehicle in addition to third-party coverage.

Before driving abroad on your car you should check sites like bilforsikring.net and europe.eu to learn more about car insurances.

Driving in London can be a thrilling experience for tourists, but it’s important to be prepared for the unique challenges of driving in a busy city. By familiarizing yourself with the rules of the road, planning your route in advance, and ensuring that you have adequate car insurance coverage, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable driving experience in London. Additionally, public transportation is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to driving, especially for short trips within the city center.

Things to do in London

There can be many phrases to describe London and what it holds – history, business, people, education to name a few. But one phrase can also be added and that is dream destination. It is everything that people look for; popular, beautiful, interesting, and historical and contains loads of activities. London is the capital of England and also the most populated city too. It is also one of the most visited sites.

London has a lot to offer. A range of arts to discover, a long history that dates back centuries and connects many countries, a lot of eateries, a variety of people but most importantly it helps you enjoy in every way you wish to.

THINGS TO DO:

  • A visit to Buckingham Palace is a must if one visits London. Built in 1703, this magnificent place a home to royalty since 1837. It is safe to say that some of the most important decisions of history were made here. What’s more is that it makes an excellent attraction with various exhibitions inside, like the Queen’s wardrobe that very famous to the arts in the palace like of Rembrandt and Vermeer.
  • The best activity for London is to actually discover the place on your own. You can easily get a bicycle and discover the place with the help of locals and a map. From visiting the Big Ben, to Trafalgar Square to the extraordinary small cafes that give the best refreshments. A discovery of London may end up as the discovery of self.
  • The most obvious and English thing to do when in London is to visit theater. London has been the center of many artistic houses from novels to stories and film and the essence of it all lies in theater. The Broadway and plays of London are extremely popular. From Shakespeare to original productions – the variety is endless.
  • Kew Gardens also make a great attraction for people. Not famous to people, it is a UNESCO heritage site which spreads to 120 hectares. The gardens are filled with botanical wonders. The best bit about the gardens is that it is very informational and has a small tourist hop-on train too.
  • The London Eye is the most obvious choice of visit for anyone who visits London or even lives there. The London Eye is extremely well known for the city’s celebrated New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The capsules provide a lot of information about the famous landmarks of the city, and goes slow that completes one round in 30 minutes. Visitors rank it as a great attraction in the city.
  • Madame Tussauds is an ultimate place for a fun-filled day. As the most prestigious wax museums in the world, the place is home to figures of the most celebrated and famous people around the globe; from The Queen to Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson to Kate Winslet and even Shahrukh Khan. Even fictional characters like Batman and Superman are a part of it. People spend the time taking pictures and exploring these almost real live figures.
  • The UK car brand Mini has a production site close to London. It is possible to do a visit at the plant in Oxfordshire.

The Greatest Foods of Great Britain

It’s the perfect pub food! British food has that hearty homemade charm to it but because of other famed European cuisines, it’s often overlooked. If you’ve never had a British meal, now is the time to give it a try and discover the flavors that distinguish it from the cuisine of its neighbors.

 

  1. Fish and Chips

You cannot go anywhere in the UK without finding fish and chips. It is one of the most beloved meals by Brits. It seems simple enough but the combination of deeply fried fish with its crispy exterior served alongside chips (which is what they call fries over there) is a winner.

 

  1. Bangers and Mash

It’s a simple meal of sausages and mashed potatoes, but it’s so filling and satisfying. Buttery, creamy mashed potatoes and meaty sausages are truly a match made in heaven!

  1. Steak and Kidney Pie

For most Americans, pies are seen as a sweet dessert. But across the pond, the Brits tend to load up pies with savory things. The steak and kidney pie is a must-try, though if you’re not fond of red meat, a close second is the chicken and leek pie.

 

  1. English Breakfast

Bring your appetite to the table when you wake up. Because with an English Breakfast, there’s no way you could possibly walk away hungry. A proper English Breakfast features fried eggs, sausages, beans, toast, tomato slices, hash browns, and black pudding, just to name a few. Your plate comes brimming with a sea of these delightful items and you’ll graciously accept the challenge of trying to finish it all.

 

  1. Beef Wellington

It’s the best of everything rolled into one. A prime cute of filet slathered in pâté gets wrapped up in a light, rich puff pastry. There’s a reason famed chef Gordon Ramsay serves it in his restaurants. It’s out of this world!

 

  1. Sticky Toffee Pudding

This indulgent dessert will steal your heart. It consists of a steamed cake that is soaked in sticky liquid toffee. Sometimes, you’ll find ice cream or custard served alongside it and if you do, it’s like the happiest bonus ever.

 

  1. Welsh Cakes

Since tea time is so big over there, one thing that you must have at the ready is something to enjoy with your tea. Welsh Cakes are that something and they absolutely must be enjoyed. Go ahead. Indulge!

 

  1. Spotted Dick

Ask any American and the name of this dessert conjures up images of…well, let’s just say that no one ever suspects it’s a dessert! It’s a fruit cake of sorts made with raisins and currants. It’s served with custard and is seen as a perfectly delightful treat that perhaps has a rather unfortunate name.