Theatre Breaks in London Can Involve so Much More Than the Stage
October 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tourists Attractions
London’s West End is often considered a mecca for live stage entertainment. Musicals, drama, comedy, tragedy, opera, and just about any other theatrical genre you can think of are all showing in London’s famous entertainment district throughout the year. With a choice of over 100 productions playing at any one time there’s bound to be something that appeals, so why not combine a theatre trip with an overnight stay in a West End hotel?
When you’re looking for ideas as to what to see in the West End, consider all your options carefully. The fantastic musical “We Will Rock You†at the Dominion features the stirring music of rock group ‘Queen’. Alternatively, if you love a good cliff-hanger, the classic “The 39 Steps” should do the trick.
Meanwhile, if reality TV and the search for stars to appear in ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Grease’ and ‘Joseph’ has whetted your appetite – if so, make sure you secure a ticket for one of these un-missable shows. Or for something a little more traditional, opt for a trip to a stirring opera such as Verdi’s ‘Aida’ or maybe a trip to the ballet in Covent Garden.
The beauty of London’s West End, however, is that so much is packed into such a small area: theatres, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and shops are all conveniently located close together – making it a great place to visit for an action-packed break. Also, many restaurants in the West End offer a special value menu for theatre-goers wishing to eat before attending their selected performance, especially in the area around Leicester Square – so remember to take advantage!
Theatre breaks are not just a summer activity, but can be enjoyed all-year round. Moreover, London’s tumult of activity never ceases, so you’ll be able to see the sights whether you visit in the height of summer or the depths of winter. With many historic attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, plus far more besides, you will never be stuck for attractions to appreciate. Plus, many of the other marvellous sights of the country’s capital are just a short journey away from the West End, including London’s newly crowned number one tourist attraction – The London Eye.
And no visit to London would be complete without a spot of shopping! Hot-spots such as Oxford Street, Regents Street, Carnaby Street and Knightsbridge are all ripe for a spot of retail therapy. From chain stores to exclusive designer shops you’ll find them all, but remember to get back to your hotel in plenty of time to change for curtain-up!
Perhaps your ideal theatre break involves adding romance to your theatre break with a stay in an intimate boutique hotel in London with your partner, or maybe you just want to plump for a budget hotel. Either way by booking a hotel in the West End you’ll never be far away from the spotlight.
London is a Great Place to Stay
May 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Restaurants
London has lots to offer. Being the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London has tons of historical and interesting sites that one can visit. The city is a melting pot of different cultures that’s why it is one of the more famous destinations in Europe. Tourists can stay in one of the hotels in London when visiting.
London is full of history and culture. You must experience it by visiting some of its cultural sites. You can attend the Ceremony of the Keys which takes place every evening in the Tower of London. Being the seat of power of England, you can also find the Houses of Parliament in the city. This is the home of the two Parliamentary seats, the Lords and the Commons. The public can watch the debates when there is a parliamentary session.
If politics is not your thing, you can head to the Kenwood House and look at its gallery of paintings. Here you can find works of great artists such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, Reynolds and Turner. Or you can head to the National Gallery over at London’s Trafalgar Square. It contains Europe’s finest art including those from masters such as Monet, Botticelli, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt.
If you love the opera and ballet, London is where you can find the Royal Opera House. It is home to both the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet. Inside the building you will also find the impressive Covent Garden. It has been the host of various performances since 1858.
If you’re looking for some entertainment, head on to entertainment district of the West End. Here you can find Leicester Square, which is where movie premieres are held. Then there’s the Piccadilly Circus, the heart of the West End and where large billboards are found. In the West End is where you can find the various theaters as well. There are also lots of cinemas, clubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from.
You can also head to Hoxton and Shoreditch in the East End. Here you can find various clubs, bars, restaurants and galleries as well. Upper Street contains the most bars and restaurants than any street in London.
London is also the destination if you love shopping. Europe’s busiest shopping area is the Oxford Street. It is where you can find lots of shops such as Selfridges. If you’re looking for upscale fashion, jewelry, and accessories, then head to Bond Street in Mayfair. Various designers call London home like Vivienne Westwood, Manolo Blahnik, Stella McCartney, and Jimmy Choo.
Food lovers also have a place in London as well. Because lots of cultures meet here, London offers a variety of cuisines. Brick Lane has its Bangladeshi food while Chinatown got tons of Chinese food restaurants. If you like Greek or Italian cuisine, the Soho area has restaurants that offer these. Then there are the upscale restaurants that could be found in central London.
London is fun the whole year round. Hotels in London can accommodate your lodging needs. Be sure to check out the various annual events such as the Notting Hill Carnival, New Year’s Day Parade, Lord Mayor’s Show, and the Trooping the Colour.
