Guide

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.

Driving routes not to miss on a road trip in the UK

While the busy cities and popular tourist attractions can seem a little crowded on a road trip in the United Kingdom, there is always somewhere nearby to escape the noise. For this reason, having access to a car is priceless and an easy way to reach lesser-visited parts of the country for which England, Scotland, and Wales are best known. With that said, here are some of the best driving routes to make part of your travel itinerary when taking a road trip into the countryside:

Best driving routes for a road trip in the UK

Snake Pass, Peak District (England)

Living up to the name, Snake Pass is a winding road in the Peak District and often considered one of the most rewarding drives in the United Kingdom. Featuring awe-inspiring views of the countryside, the drive down into Glossop is nothing short of breath-taking and a nice prelude to the scenic road ahead. While the roads on Snake Pass are not advisable during bad weather conditions, the area is easily accessed from the nearby cities of Manchester and Sheffield.

Black Mountain Pass (Wales)

The Brecon Beacons is arguably the most famous National Park in Wales and home to a truly memorable drive through the most majestic mountains. Climbing and twisting through the Black Mountains, the roads here are immaculate with the only real danger being the rather spontaneous sheep that seem hell-bent on crossing the road any time a car is approaching. Although there are random speed cameras at the highest point, the mountains are very isolated, and it is often a case that it can feel like you have them all to yourself.

Selkirk to Moffat – A708 (Scotland)

Travelling alongside St Mary’s Loch, away from Selkirk, and into Yarrow Valley, you can begin what is known as the Scottish Borders Drive. Featuring a collection of tiny villages in between empty, barren mountain landscapes, this is possibly the best road trip in Scotland to become acquainted with the locals and rural life in the UK. In fact, the area is owned by the Scottish Trust, such is the importance of this cultural region, and with so many nature trails, birdlife and glorious scenery, it is easy to see why the locals are more than happy for this region to be protected so vigorously.

A686 – Penrith to Hayden Bridge (England)

Last but by no means least is the A686 in England. Starting out in the largely unassuming Penrith, this is a rather bland name for what is an exceptionally beautiful drive. Through dense forest and the charming village of Melmerby, the road begins in quite a subtle way before rising to the very top of Hartside Mountain. At the top, you will find a café to accompany the views and a very steep road down the other side. However, the next section is possibly the most impressive with unobstructed views from Alston to Hayden Bridge, which is the official end to this epic drive.

Remember Insurance

When driving in the United Kingdom you should have a valid car insurance. If you are a foreigner driving in UK these sites can help you in finding a car insurance:

Money Maxim, Bilforsikring, and uSwitch

What to do in London on vacation

londonLondon, one of the most vibrant cities in the world has something to offer for everyone. There is always an excuse or a reason to visit this city. This is why the capital of England, London is regarded as one of the most important cities in the world. If you are still confused about why you should visit London, here are a few reasons that will attract you and make you want to book that next flight there.

1.    Shopping

Whatever style or fashion trend you follow, you will find it all here in London. From the major flagships store in the Oxford Street to the boutique nature of the west end, London is filled with various shopping opportunities.

2.    The Famous Sights

What would a trip be without checking out the famous sights? London has a huge list of must watch and must visit attractions that you must check out. Do check out the London Eye, Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the list goes on and on. There are also many interesting sites in East London. You can also get a unique experience by getting on the top of the double decker bus and seeing some of the most recognizable beauties in the world from its deck.

3.    Nightlife

Londoners are known to work hard but they are not behind in partying too. There’s everything that any party animal could possibly want in London, from chic clubs to classic pubs, theatres and dive bars. Whatever you decide make sure you book the tickets beforehand. There are also plenty of good restaurants in East London and in the greater London area.

4.    Sports in London

London is popularly known to attract the biggest sporting events in the world. Come here and see a match or take a tour of the spectacular sporting venues. These sporting venues include Webley Stadium, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Lord’s Cricket Ground.

5.    Welcomes all Budgets

One of the best things about London is that it welcomes people with any kind of budget. The city is also filled with so many free attractions. Some of the finest museums such as the Science Museum, National Gallery, National History Museum and Tate Modern can be explored for free where many free exhibitions are held.

6.    Green Spaces

Another thing that attracts people here at London is that you really don’t need to travel far to get to the green spaces. The city is a home to eight beautiful lush royal parks. Whether you want to enjoy the parks or the view, London has a lot to offer. You will eventually find out that the parks here are a great place to relax and see locals going about their daily life.

7.    Accommodation Options

When looking for a place as your holiday destination, it is really important to find something according to your budget. London is something that definitely has to offer that. No matter how high or low your budget is there is something for you to fit your perfect needs. Check out this article about hotels i East London.