Planning A Vacation Getaway In London
London is indeed one of the most popular choices when it comes to tourist destinations. This mainly explains why their airports are often considered as one of the busiest in the world since a lot of passengers come in and out. Interest springs from the fact that the city manifests a healthy fusion of the ancient times and the effervescent present. It likewise openly embraces what the far along future has to offer. London never loses its magnetism because of its ever-dynamic image that lures all people of varied backgrounds and interests.
Getting to London is very easy as they have five international airports ready to serve you. Once there, going around will not be much of a problem as there are different modes of transportation that you can choose from like taxi cabs, train, buses, and underground. You will never run out of places to visit and activities to do as each area offers something interesting so better arm yourself with enough energy to completely enjoy such a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza.
Social scenes are generally vivacious in North London where you can find attractive interior suburbs like Islington and Camden Town. Areas in West London, on the other hand, are high-end in nature, examples of which are Kensington and Belgravia. A lot of major attractions may be found there like the Royal Albert Hall and Kew Gardens. It is a first-rate place for shopping and appreciation of outstanding architecture. If diversity is what you desire, then East London is the best place to be. There you will find something trendy and modern as well as something historic and deeply cultural. Central London is quite easy to explore as the spots within it are in proximity to each other like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Aquarium, London Eye, Southbank, Tower Bridge, and Tower of London. Moving downward is an area influenced by different cultures and this is what South London is known for.
These only prove that in any area of London, there will definitely be a part where you can identify yourself with and enjoy. This furthers London’s welcoming appeal as it appreciates and promotes everyone’s individuality and uniqueness. If art, for example, is what appeals to you, art galleries are numerous and widely spread in different areas like the Tate Art Galleries, The Royal Academy, The National and the National Portrait Gallery, and many others. Each of these boasts of extensive and magnificent collections. Similarly, there are also several museums within the city like The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Science Museum, and Natural History Museum which are all located in the Kensington area. These and many others attract the attention of both young and old.
Performing arts seem to have successfully blossomed in London too. In fact, London is considered as its home base in England, specifically in West London. Thus, you need not be surprised when presented with so many options when surveying for a theatre.
Furthermore, if you aim for relaxation that is close to nature, parks are the best place to be. Fortunately, there is literally an abundance of green spaces in London. You may easily take advantage of the sunny days and lull your time off at places like St. James Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Regent Park. A day or so away from the busyness and complexity of the modern world is definitely worth all your time. Just a simple walk or sport in these types of places will surely soothe your senses.
Of course, food tripping often comes with any great vacation. This is specifically apt in London as the food choices are as varied as the lifestyle and culture of the people living in it. Cuisines come from all parts of the globe. If you are a little concerned about the prices in most restaurants which are quite high, you may want to try out other options like ethnic eating places, good pubs, and convenience stores. Better yet, you may want to plan ahead of time for a picnic at the park of your choice.
With this wide Array of activities and places to choose from, a vacation in London will surely make time run out so easily. It will even be more exciting if you are going to enjoy such wonderful experience with your family and loved ones. Indeed, you can never go wrong in choosing London as your next vacation destination.
A Guide To Traveling London Through King’s Cross Station
For visiting London, proximity to King’s Cross is the perfect location. An intersection of six tube lines, including the Northern, Picadilly, and Circle Lines, to name a few, can get you virtually anywhere from King’s Cross. King’s Cross is also a train terminal, in the case that you are planning to visit the north of the UK. But let’s not get off track and get back to seeing London via King’s Cross. London, the cultural melting pot that it is, offers amazing and varied shops of anything you could desire. Located near the major shopping zones of London, both commercial and artisan, King’s Cross is a convenient place for a shopping tour in London. The city is also a magnet for great and creative minds, as is well known by all the thinkers, writers and artists who both came to and from London. The wide range of museums and galleries reflects this intellectual breeding ground, and again, King’s Cross is a skip, hop and a jump away from many of these world-class museums. Less conventional tours to start from King’s Cross could include a round of the city’s parks, exploring the wide web of the tube itself, or the nearby nightlife hotspots. So, whether it’s shopping, rich culture, or any fun explorations that you’re after, King’s Cross will guide you there quickly and efficiently.
For the shoppers! Have an early and hearty breakfast (you will need the energy) and put yourself on the Northern Line, heading for Camden Town, where you will find open air markets selling art, crafts, clothes, accessories and much more. It’s best to spend time here in the morning, as the area isn’t the safest at night. After you’ve stocked up on original craft gifts at the market, head back to your hotel, drop them off, and back on the tube! Via the Picadilly Line, head towards Covent Garden, a famous indoor market, and the surrounding area, full of boutiques, shops, and nice cafes. This picturesque market makes a nice lunch stop, with some cozy restaurants nearby. Picadilly Circus comes next: very commercialized, with many well-known brand stores. Picadilly is a fun place to return to at night, as the lights and pubs draw partiers to them like moths to the flame! Head on to Knightsbridge to see the world famous Harrod’s Department store. After this detour, it’s on to Oxford Circus to join the crowded throng admiring and buying the riches of Oxford Street, which is equivalent to New York’s Fifth Ave, a street of fancy department stores interspersed with chic shopping boutiques. If your spending needs are still not satiated, check out other markets, such as Portobello, or just by walking through London, you will find hidden gems of stores throughout the city. If, however, Oxford Street sums up the shopping day nicely for you, head back into the Oxford Circus tube, and the Victoria Line will conveniently take you right back to King’s Cross.
For the culture seeker, you will start your day heading in the opposite direction of the shopper. Head south on the Picadilly Line to Russell Square, and just a few blocks south of the shady square is the British Museum. After your explorations, you may also enjoy Covent Garden for its history and theater – check out the listings as they may draw you back in the evening. Nearby is Trafalgar Square, home of the National Gallery. From here, continue on to Green Park, and gasp at the size and beauty of Buckingham Palace. Changing of the Guard takes place nearby, so check the season’s schedule if you are interested. Slide down the Jubilee Line to Southwark, and enjoy the neighboring Tate Modern and Globe Theatre. Make your way back north of the river to Tower Hill, and explore London’s Tower. Take the Circle line back to King’s Cross to conclude the cultural loop.
The adventurer who wants to learn the city by randomly coming across the interesting things may enjoy traveling from park to park, always great for people watching and discovering the wide variety of London’s inhabitants. Regents, Hyde, Green, and St. James Parks are the main ones, each with distinctive personalities. The Tube itself is extremely interesting, and it’s worth reading the entertaining advertisements of the tube, listen to some talented and not-so-talented musicians, pick out who the tourists are and who the natives are… the tube can be really enjoyable during your voyage. Take advantage of being in this unique London sub world! King’s Cross is also nearby to Leicester Square and Picadilly, both popular night out areas. Or try traveling round Circle line and seeing how many pubs you can manage to stop at… after which, see if you manage to find your way back to King’s Cross on this concentric line!
King’s Cross, recently made famous through Harry Potter’s platform 9 3/4, is more than a fictitious train platform. It’s a station that literally will get you anywhere in London (and beyond) very conveniently. If you’re visiting London to shop, to learn its culture, or just to explore it for face value, King’s Cross is the best starting and ending point. You will get to where you need to go quickly, and at the end of the long day, you won’t have to wait long to be back at your London home, sweet home.
