Lost in UK» Buckingham Palace http://www.lost-in-uk.com Are you lost in the UK? Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:51:30 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 How to Have an Unforgettable 48 hours in London, England http://www.lost-in-uk.com/how-to-have-an-unforgettable-48-hours-in-london-england/ http://www.lost-in-uk.com/how-to-have-an-unforgettable-48-hours-in-london-england/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:23:03 +0000 admin http://www.lost-in-uk.com/how-to-have-an-unforgettable-48-hours-in-london-england/ London pub, head to Prospect of Whitby one of London's oldest pubs. Join past drinkers such as Charles Dickens and Samuel Pepys ... ]]> Friday night

Start the weekend with a glass of wine and dinner at Butlers Wharf Chop House and enjoy its spectacular views over the Thames, the Gherkin and Tower Bridge. If you fancy a few drinks in an authentic London pub, head to Prospect of Whitby one of London’s oldest pubs. Join past drinkers such as Charles Dickens and Samuel Pepys (maybe he was drinking here whist London was burning in 1666) and order a pint of cold beer. Then join London’s trendy fashion set at Mayfair bar Funkybuddha and dance the night away to some great RnB. The perfect introduction to London.

Saturday

Start with a trip to the London Eye for amazing views over the city. You can see all the famous landmarks including Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Houses of Parliament. Then watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace before wondering around its grand halls soaking in the royal history. Afterwards, hop into one of those famous London cabs and go shopping in swanky department store Harrods. Spoil yourself or your friends with some exclusive luxury items. Have a cosy dinner at Cafe des Amis in Convent Garden (the prix fixe menu will let you eat for under £20) before catching a show at London’s glittering west end.

Saturday Night

London is the party capital and there are hundreds of bars, pubs and clubs to choose from. Start the night off at Lost Society in Clapham and explore themed rooms including the library bar, black and white room and secret garden. Go to the American Bar in the Savoy Hotel which dates back to the nineteenth century and listen to the live jazz band. Move onto No 5 in Cavendish Square or Embassy London in Mayfair for some cocktails and celeb spotting. For a more up-tempo night head down to super clubs Ministry of Sound and Pacha for some of the best club experiences in Europe. You’ll be dancing well into the night.

Sunday

Nurse that hangover with a Full English Breakfast at the New Piccadilly Cafe in Piccadilly Circus. The Cafe still retains an authentic Soho 1950’s feel with original decor and menus. Afterwards take the morning easy with a wander through Camden market and pick up some vintage clothes and jewellery. No trip to London would be complete without High Tea at the Ritz where you can sample the many teas, delicate sandwiches and cakes on offer. Next it’s off to the National Gallery where you can take in famous paintings like Van Gough’s Sunflowers and Monet’s The Water Lilly Pond. Finish the weekend off by getting some fish and chips and watch the sun go down over the Thames.

Does London swing? Probably, but I can definitely say, “it rocks”.

London is number 6 on my list of top 10 BEST places to visit in the World!

]]> http://www.lost-in-uk.com/how-to-have-an-unforgettable-48-hours-in-london-england/feed/ 0 A Visitor’s Guide to London, England http://www.lost-in-uk.com/a-visitorae%e2%84%a2s-guide-to-london-england/ http://www.lost-in-uk.com/a-visitorae%e2%84%a2s-guide-to-london-england/#comments Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:46:41 +0000 admin http://www.lost-in-uk.com/a-visitorae%e2%84%a2s-guide-to-london-england/ London, England, is best known for its swinging nightlife, bustling city, terrific shopping, and of course, a glimpse of royalty past and present. First time visitors will want to see all of the regular tourist spots as well as some of the less ... ]]> London, England, is best known for its swinging nightlife, bustling city, terrific shopping, and of course, a glimpse of royalty past and present. First time visitors will want to see all of the regular tourist spots as well as some of the less well publicized yet nevertheless exciting sights of the city.

First on our list of popular landmarks is the looming Big Ben— the hour bell on a tall clock tower that is as intrinsic to the city’s image as the pyramids are to Egypt—officially referred to as the Great Bell of Westminster. Big Ben is connected to the Palace of Westminster, which is home to the Houses of Parliament. If that catches your fancy, you’d definitely want to watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace or any of the other palaces in the city. Tours of the various palaces are available and a viewing of the Queen’s Jewels in the Tower of London would be well worth it. Ghosthunters will have plenty of opportunities to pursue their passion as some of the palaces and old historical landmarks are reputed to be haunted.

Another must-see landmark is the Tower Bridge. At night, the tower is lit up and makes for some wonderful photo opportunities especially on those occasions when the bridge is being raised. Other landmarks worth visiting include Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Literary enthusiasts may want to take a walk through the Old Curiosity Shop, which found global fame through Charles Dickens’ novel. The Shop can be found north of the Strand on Portsmouth Street. Tourists can also visit famous places like Baker Street (the residence of the fictional Sherlock Holmes) or see the areas where Karl Marx, Lenin, or Ho Chi Min once resided.

Lovers of debate and discourse have the opportunity to listen to impromptu soapbox speeches at Hyde Park or Nelson’s Square, or they could simply get their own box and relay their own views.

Of the manmade attractions, the two famous wax museums The London Dungeon and Madame Tussaud’s gather a great deal of interest. It’s better to pre-book a ticket online since queues at the entrance can be quite long. The London Dungeon features instruments of torture that were once used by the authorities on suspected criminals. Madame Tussaud’s is more family friendly with life-sized wax replicas of famous individuals.

London is also home to several museums. At least one that can’t be missed is The Natural History Museum, which bears one of the largest collections of insects, animals, fossils, rocks, minerals, and meteorites anywhere in the world. There are over 67 million items in total. Some of these include the skeleton and reconstruction of the now extinct dodo and a model of the Blue Whale and the Tyrannosaurus rex.

Shoppers can traipse through the myriad street stalls or visit the famous Harrods’s department store for all their needs and more. After a long day of touring and taking in the sights, visitors can while away their evening hours in one of the many cozy pubs or live it up at the flashy discos that are in equal abundance in the city.

]]> http://www.lost-in-uk.com/a-visitorae%e2%84%a2s-guide-to-london-england/feed/ 0 London – Every Travellers Dream Destination http://www.lost-in-uk.com/london-ae%e2%80%9c-every-travellers-dream-destination/ http://www.lost-in-uk.com/london-ae%e2%80%9c-every-travellers-dream-destination/#comments Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:01:59 +0000 admin http://www.lost-in-uk.com/london-ae%e2%80%9c-every-travellers-dream-destination/ nightlife spots – including a wide variety of clubs, theaters and music venues. So, whether you are a leisure traveler who have come ... ]]> London is among one of the hot tourist destinations. Millions of visitors flock to London every year in their quest to see the various attractions that the city has to offer. The City is blessed with abundance of museums, palaces, magnificent landmarks, and wide variety of cultural sites including the parliament buildings, Buckingham palace and the Camden Town Market.

Being a tourist destination, London offers wide range of accommodation to its guests. There is no dearth of hotels as there are themed hotels in the central areas, every kind of hotels to suit the budget of every type of travelers, and little cottages or inns are also there for those who prefer peace and quietness in the outskirts of the city.

The City is well-served by good transport link, thus making it easy for you to go to any tourist attractions. You can also stay in any of the hotel and plan your short break to the city.

However, if you want to make your stay in the city incredible, it is advisable to plan out your visit in advance. You can look out for accommodation from where you can get easy access to local attractions, shopping, and entertainment. Find out the best accommodation which will take care of your need and purse without compromising on quality of service.

If you are a budget traveler, you can find several hostels and hotels located within Tube or near main tourist attractions and vibrant nightlife spots – including a wide variety of clubs, theaters and music venues. So, whether you are a leisure traveler who have come here to enjoy the attractions or catch the royal sights, or a business traveler on a business trip, the plethora of accommodation available will ensure that you are not bereft of any of the happenings in the city.

To make your travel in the city easy and convenient, you can take advantage of the Oyster card which is quite handy. This swipe can be topped up in much the same way as a mobile phone top-up card.

Oyster card will make your travel around the city easy and hassle free, as the fares tend to be cheaper if you have this card with you. Not only this, it also saves your time as need not worry about in your pockets for the right amount of change for the bus or train.

With Oyster card you can travel to any part of London without the fear of being stranded in the middle of your tour. London has many stores and newsagent where you can top-up your Oyster card without your need to travel to a tube station to do so. The Oyster card can change the entire perspective of your trip and gives you the opportunity to top-up in preparation for a day trip.

]]> http://www.lost-in-uk.com/london-ae%e2%80%9c-every-travellers-dream-destination/feed/ 0 Past and Present Combined in London http://www.lost-in-uk.com/past-and-present-combined-in-london/ http://www.lost-in-uk.com/past-and-present-combined-in-london/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:13:08 +0000 admin http://www.lost-in-uk.com/past-and-present-combined-in-london/ Londoners are fond of consume and coddling. Even in this to a certain extent fast-paced business city, the nightlife is much more diligent. Pubs are full of visitors in the evenings; moreover a number of the world's most prominent ... ]]> London Bridge can be ruined, but this persistent society has ability for springing back from a single spot. While much of London’s noticeable history has been destroyed by centuries of fires, the capital of England is unavoidably a prevailing symbol on a global scale. Museums, architectural landmarks and the existence of the Royal Family all preserve an air of London’s very old and royal history.
In the period of the Industrial Revolution the capital was by far the dirtiest city on the planet. The legendary London Fog caused death to thousands of citizens and even Parliament had to escape from the River Thames because of the disgusting odor. London did everything possible to clean up after that period; still the streets are even now a mixture of poverty and prosperity, melancholy and brilliance. The closeness of these facts is what turns London into such a charming and exclusive city to its guests.
The Tate Modern Museum is a main pattern of London’s ability to reinvent itself. The entirely current museum is located in the old Bankside Power Station, creating a manufacturing, factory-like impression with abrupt lines and a flue outer surface. From the Tate, the shiny Millennium Footbridge extends across the Thames, featuring the graceful St. Paul’s Cathedral sticking out illogically into the sky beyond. On the bank of the Thames tourists can find Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The sparkly plated area shatters the rational reflection of Old English literature and pretends to be a contemporary nod to a popular and valuable part of London’s artistic character. In the heart of London’s progressive activity, Buckingham Palace takes its place as majestically as it ever has. Numerous guests come to this place to observe the ceremony of shifting of the guard.
Full of activity Londoners are fond of consume and coddling. Even in this to a certain extent fast-paced business city, the nightlife is much more diligent. Pubs are full of visitors in the evenings; moreover a number of the world’s most prominent nightclubs are open until dawn. The chief restaurants are open until midnight and give the deluxe dining practice with a focus on worldwide cuisine.

]]> http://www.lost-in-uk.com/past-and-present-combined-in-london/feed/ 0 Three star hotels London is perfectly maintaining compatibility between luxury and budget hotels http://www.lost-in-uk.com/three-star-hotels-london-is-perfectly-maintaining-compatibility-between-luxury-and-budget-hotels/ http://www.lost-in-uk.com/three-star-hotels-london-is-perfectly-maintaining-compatibility-between-luxury-and-budget-hotels/#comments Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:15:42 +0000 admin http://www.lost-in-uk.com/three-star-hotels-london-is-perfectly-maintaining-compatibility-between-luxury-and-budget-hotels/
Often visitors have been seen in dilemma about getting a three star hotel London in the suitable location. But, if they try in the planned way then it is very easy to get a three star ... ]]> Star rating of hotels depends upon quality of hotels and standard of guest accommodation. Usually whenever we say five star hotel then it refers to luxurious hotels but if we say three star hotels then again luxury comes but not at par the cost of five star hotels. Hence, especially in the expensive city like London, one will prefer hotels like three or two star hotels. Off course, people prefer these hotels due to low cost but quality service remains as stake.

According to AA ratings and international recommendation; three star hotels must have smart and professionally trend staff members. Each and every guest must be warmly welcomed. They must provide en suite room which must be equipped with good quality beds and furniture. Their dinning room or restaurant must be available for all residents and non resident people. They must serve good quality delicious and nutritious food.

Often visitors have been seen in dilemma about getting a three star hotel London in the suitable location. But, if they try in the planned way then it is very easy to get a three star accommodation in the best suitable location. If, someone is planning a trip to London then at first they must check the deal and discount available in three star hotel London. If you are not getting the sites of these hotels then you should check it thru the tour travel sites. Visitors also should check the public review about the three star hotels. There are many self rated three star hotels which may claim to offer entire three star facilities although mostly they don’t offer such sort of facilities. Hence, one should always prefer noted three star hotels chain.

If, visitors could successfully accommodated in good three star hotel then they will definitely experience the most spectacular sight of river Thames. London Bridge, 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace are also very fascinating sights in London. Probably, all three star hotels might not offer spectacular services to their guests but again stunning architecture may be proved as their USP.

Basically, British colonies have existed almost in the whole world. So, the people in the whole world have a special mindset about the elegance of London and they dreamed to visit London at least once in the lifetime. This is one of the key factors of flourishing London tourism.

London is the hub of cross culture, fashion, finance as well as education. So, varieties of people come to London. There are almost 150 theaters in the London and the most famous one is the royal opera house. Visitors can experience here the true cultural reflection of London. Similarly if someone wants to check the latest trend then oxford street may be the perfect place for them. Royal botanic gardens of southwest London may mesmerize you with beautiful landscape and varieties in plants. Now, if you are worry about transportation system then you must know that the best transportation system is available in London. Thames clipper between central London and Greenwich is perhaps its finest example.

]]> http://www.lost-in-uk.com/three-star-hotels-london-is-perfectly-maintaining-compatibility-between-luxury-and-budget-hotels/feed/ 0 City Breaks in the UK: London, Manchester and Birmingham http://www.lost-in-uk.com/city-breaks-in-the-uk-london-manchester-and-birmingham/ http://www.lost-in-uk.com/city-breaks-in-the-uk-london-manchester-and-birmingham/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:24:25 +0000 admin http://www.lost-in-uk.com/city-breaks-in-the-uk-london-manchester-and-birmingham/
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Manchester.

Attractions & Events

There are events to enjoy all year round in Manchester. We have highlighted ... ]]> London: home of great Britannia

London has so much to offer, it’s a year-round popular destination and one of the greatest cities in the world to visit. Its historical streets and buildings will take you to another world. Modern day London is so culturally diverse it makes a magical place to visit. Visit the traditional London with ceremony and royalty, enjoy a show at the theatre or shop till you drop. There is always something more to do in London.

Transport: how to get there and around:

London has 3 airports based in and around the city. Ferries are a popular way to travel from mainland Europe and Ireland, although the Channel Tunnel cuts travel time to 30 minutes from France. Once you are in London you will be spoilt for choice, there are excellent bus, coach, rail and underground train systems to get you around.

Weather

British weather is unpredictable and is often the topic of conversation. It is better to be prepared for anything, although generally the climate is temperate. Summer temperatures range from 14-30 degrees Celsius, winter can plunge to 1-5 deg C. Winter days are shorter and darker, frost and snow are also common occurrences.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in London.

Attractions & Events

London has something to offer all year round, you are spoilt for choice with the regular plays and shows, concerts and sporting events. There are a few special events you may want to see. For classic music buffs you can visit to the Royal Albert Hall in August for the proms, for sporty tennis fans there is the Wimbledon Tournament in May,

For those that enjoy pageantry you can enjoy the trooping of the colour in April to celebrate the Queens birthday. All year round you can see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace at 11.30am, this happens everyday in the summer time and in winter every other day.

Birmingham: the heart of England

Historically Birmingham is a ‘city of a thousand trades’, today it is a lively hub of attractions. The heart of England has an Array of music, theatre and performing arts to offer such as the famous Birmingham Royal Ballet and Symphony Orchestra.

Transport: how to get there and around:

Birmingham is just 2 and a half hours drive from London and connected by the M40 motorway. Being in the centre of the country, Birmingham is well connected by rail and coach networks with most major UK cities. The International Airport also offers direct flights to destinations such as New York, Dubai and Chicago. Local buses can be boarded around the Bull Ring Centre and service the town well.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Birmingham.

Attractions & Events

Birmingham holds a number of regular events including comedy shows, live concerts and art exhibitions. If you are in the city during March you may want to join the large Irish population for the St Patrick’s Day Parade which is always a fun festival. If you are an art lover, during September you can visit the ArtsFest. With over 100,000 visitors annually it’s the largest UK free festival for arts.

Manchester: city of football and more

Manchester has more to offer than just the famous football teams. Manchester is a fashionable and lively city where you can enjoy shopping, clubs and restaurants. If history is more your taste you can discover the part of Manchester that dates back to Roman times.

Transport: how to get there and around:

You can reach Manchester in 3 hours by train from London Euston station. The coach is a more affordable alternative to the train, Manchester is served from a number of UK cities with the reliable National Express service. Domestic and International flights connect with Manchester International Airport. Once in Greater Manchester you can hop on a local bus, metro or train to get around.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Manchester.

Attractions & Events

There are events to enjoy all year round in Manchester. We have highlighted just a few for you to look out for. Music fans can enjoy the citywide Jazz festival in July, which specializes in contemporary Jazz from the north of England. For the flamboyant, the Gay Pride festival is an annual event taking place during 17-27 August. To enjoy the taste of the Manchester, there is a Food and Drink event in October. If you happen to be in the city in November and want to get into the Christmas spirit, head to Albert Square for the switching on of the Christmas Lights.

]]> http://www.lost-in-uk.com/city-breaks-in-the-uk-london-manchester-and-birmingham/feed/ 0 Truly London Guide http://www.lost-in-uk.com/truly-london-guide/ http://www.lost-in-uk.com/truly-london-guide/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:18:18 +0000 admin http://www.lost-in-uk.com/truly-london-guide/ tourist who comes to see the Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds, the Tower of London, London Bridge, the Museum, Hyde Park and other tourist attractions.

There are people who visits the City year after year; the one who has ... ]]> Since the 18th century England has been the cultural center of Europe. What they thought was lacking in their cultural heritage, the British imported through study travels abroad, the grand tour, or just by importing important artifacts. The London museums thus gathered an enormous wealth of artifacts both from their own history as of the shared history of the entire western civilization, plus a load of oriental treasures form their colonies.

Next to its museums, London has quite a collection of buildings that played an important role in the history of architecture. Not just classical buildings like the St Pauls cathedral or the Bank of England, but also the Neogothic House of Parliament and the High-Tech Lloyds building, but numerous other public and private buildings, houses and palaces have influenced architects around the world. There’s no other country were architectural style is a matter of Royal concern.

Two types of tourists visit London — the first, the obvious tourist who comes to see the Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds, the Tower of London, London Bridge, the Museum, Hyde Park and other tourist attractions.

There are people who visits the City year after year; the one who has already seen the usual tourist attractions, and will not see them again; the one who does not have business to transact, yet the one London beckons to unfailingly. His attractions are the theatres, book shops, cinema-plexes and shopping centers. As per English “standards of culture”, a visit to the theatre is “a sign of good breeding” not to mention impeccable taste. After the event, the applause is appropriate without being boisterous and the smiles in moderation.

The musicals and the bookshops certainly top the list of the second type of tourist. Imagine having to make a choice from 40 musicals And of course, continuing unabated are the evergreen hits “Phantom of the Opera”, “The Mousetrap”, “Les Miserables” “Miss Saigon”, Watching it is fast paced enchantment, with a change in setting every few minutes.

As for bookshops, those lined on either side of Charing Cross road are an absolute “treat” for the book lover. Topping the list is the Foyles, a huge book shop across three storeys and one that calls itself the biggest one in the world, or Waterstones with its multiple branches in London. Borders are another treat opposite Foyles. Watkins is one which specializes in philosophy, mysticism and the occult and has books on these subjects from around the world. And then of course there are the other ones that specialize in women’s writing, second hand books, out-of-print books, military history and so on.

Numerous cinema houses dot the Tottenham Court Road area, and one can be rubbing shoulders with celebrities at any given moment. Oxford Circus will satisfy the avid shopper. Malls like Selfridges, Marks and Spencers and Dobenhams will stun any person with their Array of goods. In another direction at “Kinghtsbridge” is the most sophisticated mall in London Harrods where royalty once did its shopping. Spread across five-storeys, it’s perhaps the last word in quality, style and taste.

London is host to diversity and is a melting pot of culture. The avid London lover will say: “If it is a holiday, it must be in London”.

]]> http://www.lost-in-uk.com/truly-london-guide/feed/ 0 Best places to visit in London – Part 1 http://www.lost-in-uk.com/best-places-to-visit-in-london-part-1/ http://www.lost-in-uk.com/best-places-to-visit-in-london-part-1/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:53:50 +0000 admin http://www.lost-in-uk.com/best-places-to-visit-in-london-part-1/ London attracts people from all over the world with its historical landmarks, excellent theaters, clubs and pubs. And London has many uncanny haunts that you may find eerily interesting.

The most popular attraction in London of ... ]]> The magnificent city of London will overwhelm the first time visitor as there is so much to see and do. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations, London attracts people from all over the world with its historical landmarks, excellent theaters, clubs and pubs. And London has many uncanny haunts that you may find eerily interesting.

The most popular attraction in London of course, standing amid breathtakingly beautiful landscape, is Buckingham Palace. What’s more, there are lovely parks close by where you can take a break while taking in the incredible view of palaces such as Windsor Castle which is also heavily visited.

The Palace of Westminster, otherwise known as the Houses of Parliament, is situated along the Thames River. Just east of the Palace of Westminster is the awesome Tower of Big Ben, which is truly a sight to see. The famous Victorian, three hundred foot clock tower is one of the most visited attractions.

The proximity of the bustling Piccadilly Square, where you can shop till you drop, puts you within walking distance of the popular attractions. This part of London is full of entertainment with its theaters, shops and friendly pubs where you can rub elbows with some of the locals. They love to brag to about their magnificent city of London, and can clue you in on some of London’s hidden hot spots.

The Trafalgar Square is where you will find the ever popular London Cafes for good food and friendly people. And there is much history associated with the great city of London, dating back to the middle ages such as the London Bridge which is an architectural genius. Visit one of the many cafes and experience the tasty foods and drinks they offer while soaking up some local color.

The free museums are packed with history and art including works from Leonardo da Vinci, along with ancient sculptures, antiques and awesome exhibits.

In the year 1604, at Hampton Court in London, King James met with theologians and bishops to discuss a new translation of the Holy Bible. King James didn’t approve of the Geneva Bible because of what he considered to be subversive marginal notes on fundamental political themes.

Today, the King James translation seems to be the most popular and accurate account of the word of God and the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. the city of London can certainly be proud of that.

In conclusion, London comes alive at night with a rich diversity of clubs, shows and dance. Save some of your energy to soak up some of London’s fabulous nightlife of dining, dancing, or simply mingling with locals.

]]> http://www.lost-in-uk.com/best-places-to-visit-in-london-part-1/feed/ 0 How to save money while visiting London – Part 2 http://www.lost-in-uk.com/how-to-save-money-while-visiting-london-part-2/ http://www.lost-in-uk.com/how-to-save-money-while-visiting-london-part-2/#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:30:41 +0000 admin http://www.lost-in-uk.com/how-to-save-money-while-visiting-london-part-2/

FOOD:
There are a great many inexpensive restaurants in London. Avoid the trendy "fish and chips" style restaurants and go for something like "Wagamamas" (an inexpensive ... ]]> Visiting the home of Big Ben and the Queen Mother may not be as expensive as you think. If you’ve always dreamt of seeing the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, you can make it happen with a little careful planning and determination.

HOW TO VISIT LONDON ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET:

HOSTELS:

St. Christopher’s Inn, Globetrotters, Wake-Up and YHA are all nice hostels located right in the heart of London. They’ll give you nice accomodations for a fraction of what hotels or B & B’s will cost you. Avoid going through an agency to book a reservation at one (they’ll add fees). Instead, contact the hostel’s direct. Get contact information through www.visitlondon.com, or google the individual hostel name.

COLLEGES:

That’s right. If you’re going to be visiting London during university holidays (while students are away) these make great inexpensive places to bed down for the night. King’s College and City University are both highly recommended. Contact them directly for times they book these rooms to tourists.

SHOWS:

London is second only to New York City when it comes to great live-stage shows. My husband once saw James Stewart perform “Harvey” live on stage in London while he was there on tour with a college group many years back. Just as you can get leftover tickets for half-price or less on Broadway (if you wait until right before showtime) you can do the same in London. TKTS in Leicester Square has many half price ticket shows in the evenings.

FOOD:

There are a great many inexpensive restaurants in London. Avoid the trendy “fish and chips” style restaurants and go for something like “Wagamamas” (an inexpensive Japanese Noodle restaurant that uses fresh ingredients and has a buzzy atmosphere). Back plenty of snack crackers and peanut butter inside your suitcase before you leave home, taking time to eat only one restaurant meal per day.

HAPPY HOURS:

Two for one drinks and free hor d’oeuvres. Need I say more? This is how an aunt and uncle got a free lunch each day they were in London. They each ordered one drink, paid for one and filled up on cheese trays, nuts and the like. It held them over well until dinner, when they would go out to a restaurant for a “real” meal.

STREET MARKETS

Forget the trendy tourist shops that put a high price on everything they sale. Try Old Spitalfields Market (vintage clothes, jewelry, arts, crafts) or Greenwich Market (unique arts and crafts on Thursday-Sunday) instead. You’ll get better merchandise at a fraction of the cost.

FREEBIES

The really beautiful thing about London is that everything you really want to see (like the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace) is absolutely free of charge! Here’s just a taste of the free attractions:

*BUCKINGHAM PALACE (changing of the guards every other day at 11:30 am)

*MARTIN-IN-THE-FELD CHURCH (free lunchtime concerts on Mon, Tues and Fri)

*NATIONAL GALLERY (largest collection of European paintings in the world)

*NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

*BRITISH MUSEUM (London’s most visited museum)

*NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM IN GREENWICH

*OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE

*ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN GREENWICH PARK

*QUEEN’S HOUSE (built by Indigo Jones for the Stuart Queens Anne of Denmark and Henrietta Maria)

Monument, the world’s highest free-standing stone column, only cost 1.50 pounds to see. There are many other very low-cost attractions such as this.

Now all you have to do is make sure you have a current passport and find the cheapest flight you can. If you really want to travel inexpensively, may I recommend swimming across the Atlantic? Cheers!

Sources:

www.golondon.about.com

www.corporate.visitlondon.com

www.aardvarktravel.net

]]> http://www.lost-in-uk.com/how-to-save-money-while-visiting-london-part-2/feed/ 0 Holidaying in the Uk: London, Birmingham and Manchester http://www.lost-in-uk.com/holidaying-in-the-uk-london-birmingham-and-manchester/ http://www.lost-in-uk.com/holidaying-in-the-uk-london-birmingham-and-manchester/#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2009 03:34:41 +0000 admin http://www.lost-in-uk.com/holidaying-in-the-uk-london-birmingham-and-manchester/
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Manchester

events

*Manchester Jazz Festival 21 - 28 July, citywide. The best contemporary jazz from the north and beyond ... ]]> A millennium of history together with an unparalleled range of sporting and cultural attractions make the UK one the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

London:home of cool Britannia

One of the true great cities of the world, London is a year-round tourist mecca. Few cities can offer the wealth of historical and cultural splendour that London does. From the pageantry, pomp and ceremony of the royal quarter to the sheer elan of the theatres and clubs and shopping, London is a world unto itself.

transport:getting there and getting around:

The UK has excellent transport network of domestic flights, coaches, and railways. There are ferries from Europe and Ireland and trains from France and Brussels via the Channel tunnel. London is the center of the UK rail network with seven major lines converging on the capital.

Climate

The weather is the main preoccupation of the British and with good reason – it’s so unpredictable. The capricious nature of the weather can result in some surprises and it’s wise to be prepared for anything. But on the whole, the climate is temperate. Temperatures in summer range from 14-30 Celsius. In the winter, temperatures plunge to 1-5 C, the days are short and dark and frosts and snow are the order of the day.

accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in London

events

Other than all-year round concerts, sports events, plays and shows, there are world-famous annual events too. For sports fans there’s Wimbledon in May and classical music buffs can attend the proms, a series of concerts in the Royal Albert Hall during August.

If you enjoy a touch of pageantry, you can enjoy the changing of the guard in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11:30am every day in summer and every other day in winter. And if you’re there in April, don’t miss the trooping of the colour on the Queen’s birthday.

Birmingham:city of a thousand delights

Once called the ‘city of a thousand trades’, Birmingham is now home to the UK’s second largest population and a gateway to the heart of England. Birmingham is now home to a broad Array of visual and performing arts, music and theatre from such institutions as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

transport:getting there and getting around:

From London, you can reach Birmingham in just 2 hours and 30 minutes along the M40. Birmingham International Airport (BHX) connects with many far-flung destinations including Dubai, Chicago and New York. Birmingham is also a hub for long-distance rail and coach services. Birmingham New Street Station is the major train station. For long distance coaches, the coach station in Digbeth. Local buses are boarded at the Bull Ring bus station. Birmingham also has an extensive network of cycle routes.

Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Birmingham.

events

*Birmingham social and entertainment calendar is filled with concerts, art exhibitions, and comedy shows. Here are just a few of the most popular.

*With a large Irish population, one of the years most exciting events is the St Patrick’s Day Parade Festival held in March.

*September ArtsFest: This is the UK’s largest free arts festival. It draws over 100,000 visitors each year.

Manchester:soccer mecca and cool, green metropolis

Famous now for its high-profile soccer teams, Manchester is another British city with a history dating back to the Romans.

transport:getting there and getting around:

Efficient transport services make Manchester the gateway to the North of England. Trains regularly connect with London Euston. Journey time is around three hours. National Express coaches serve Manchester from a variety of destinations. Manchester International Airport connect with a range of domestic and international destinations. Public transport in Greater Manchester includes buses, coaches, Metrolink trams, and the local rail network.

accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Manchester

events

*Manchester Jazz Festival 21 – 28 July, citywide. The best contemporary jazz from the north and beyond.

*Manchester Pride. 17 – 27 August Manchester’s annual gay festival.

*Manchester Food and Drink Festival in October celebrates the finest Mancunian food and drink.

*Manchester Christmas Lights Switch-on in November at Albert Square. Celebrate the beginning of the festive season.

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