ATTRACTIONS OF LONDON BRIDGE: HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Located between London and the calm opposite side of Bankside, London Bridge offers the perfect opportunity for a London bus tour. The numerous attractions on site make it an ideal destination for many visitors who choose to go on London tours to sample the sights and sounds that this beautiful city has to offer. Granted, it is almost impossible to talk about the London Bridge without making mention of the majestic River Thames. The bridge overlooks the river and makes for stunning views for both foreigners and tourists alike. A little history about this bridge is that it spans the longest history, and was in fact the only bridge over Thames prior to the building of the Putney Bridge.

Sightseeing tours are a great way to enjoy London, and visiting the London Bridge certainly is one of the things to do in London. While on the London Bridge, you will have picturesque views of the Tower Bridge. It is interesting to think that a number of visitors confuse the two, and even more fascinating that on either bridge, you will get amazing views of the other. Among the things to do in London when in the vicinity of the London Bridge is going on a cruise from the Tower Bridge Pier and down the river Thames. The views as you cruise down are simply breathtaking especially at night. Alternatively, go boating to explore the river, definitely one of the things that you must include in your London tours.
 

If you would like to stay out of the water, how about visiting the numerous hotels and restaurants that dot the area around London Bridge? What is a London tour without sampling different cuisines? Visit the Borough market for the ultimate experience. There is something for everyone, so make sure you include this in your London bus tour. In case of any emergency, make sure to visit the London Bridge hospital which offers excellent medical services. You could also choose to visit the sick in hospital. The St. Thomas’ Foundation trust is also one of the places you could visit if only to touch the lives of others during your London bus tour. The London Bridge is also proximal to the City of London towards the North of River Thames. The Tower of London is also a short distance and is among the places that have a rich heritage in London. This is what makes London tours so interesting: the fact that you can experience rich culture and modern trends just meters apart.
 

How do you get to the London Bridge? 

There are seamless transport options for visitors looking for things to do in London. The London Bridge is not any different as it is linked to the railway system which you can get onto from stations in South London as well as at Kent and Sussex. Bus tours are also common for the simple reason that the road network is excellent, and various buses will take you to different places all over London.

BATH ATTRACTIONS

Wondering what places to visit on your London tours? Wondering whether to relax, get fine cuisine, go on adventure or simply undertake retail therapy? Well, Bath is just the place for you and a tour of Britain would be incomplete without taking time to see some of the attractions at hand. One of the most distinct things that you will notice about Bath has got to be the numerous family-friendly attractions, making this the ideal destination for day trips from London. A good place to start would be the Stonehenge attraction. Outdoor adventures at this protected site with a rich heritage perhaps the most iconic monuments in Europe’s history, Stonehenge constitutes of massive stones arranged systematically to form a circle of sorts.

The most fascinating thing about your tour of Britain when you visit the Stonehenge is that you will be able to walk back in time and marvel at just how amazing the Neothilic people put up such a magnificent structure in their era. What’s more, the fact that Stonehenge is built to match the orientation of the sun when it rises and as it sets makes it a marvel on its own. Many beliefs abound, including the belief that the stones were used as astronomical tools. Why not experience this mystical touch when you take day trips from London? When planning for your London tours, the inclusion of Stonehenge as a tour destination means that you must know the timings. Tickets are timed, and for this reason, visitors on a tour of Britain are advised to choose advance tickets.
 

For the lover of art and music, day trips from London to Bath are incomplete without enjoying performances held at the egg theatre. If you are the more adventurous type, how about visiting the Wookey hole where you can walk through the numerous mystic caves? Adventures in the outdoors do not end at Wookey as you can proceed to Longleat Safari and adventure Park. How about taking on the deadly challenge in extreme sports? This is set to be an exhilarating experience. Visit the Longleat House and marvel at the architectural design, making it one of the most tastefully designed houses you will spot during your London tours.
 

Bath is a great destination during summer, so make sure to visit the numerous parks, soaking up the sun and enjoying the outdoors. Winter does not mean any less fun at Bath, and what better way to enjoy Bath than to visit the yearly Christmas market? This is the ideal way to experience the magic of Christmas to get you in the festive mood! Day trips from London to Bath are incomplete without a visit to the spa in the thermal waters of the Thermae Bath Spa. Take some time away to relax and enjoy a spa session. While at it, visit the ancient Roman Baths and pamper yourself for a completely relaxed experience. These attractions are what make Bath the place to be whenever you want to steal away to a tranquil yet active place tucked away at the heart of Britain.

TAKING THE LONDON UNDERGROUND TRANSPORT SYSTEM

London tours are incomplete without taking a ride in the London underground. If you want to make the most out of your trip, what better way to do this than to use the Tube? London is very vast, and if you would like to have an experience of the transport system, be sure to use the Tube. Ideally, many people opt to walk when traveling to a new city as this allows one to experience the vibrant culture of the people, something that would ordinarily be missed with conventional transport systems. In London, this may not be possible especially if the things you set to do are located on opposite ends of the city.

This is where the Tube comes in handy in London tours. With many things to do in London, this offers a perfect opportunity to sample the famous London underground system. A quick glance at the map of the underground system may make it look very complicated, but it actually isn’t. The moment you realize where the lines are headed in respect to where you need to be, then it becomes relatively easy to understand how this underground system works. Before boarding, you must know whether you are heading North or South. What’s more, you must also identify the last station for the particular line that you are on. This is the only way you will be sure you are on the right track. Sounds like a handful? Here are tips to help you get around London and allow you to have fun in this cosmopolitan city.

• Ensure that you confirm your journey online. This will ensure that you plan well ahead of boarding the London Underground system.
• Confirm the fares for the particular line that you will be using. If you are up and about in London for just a day, it is advisable to get the Day pass which costs significantly less than one ticket.
• If your trip will last you a few days in London, you may consider getting the ‘Oyster Card’. This means you will have to pay a deposit on purchase and then top it up like you would a mobile phone.
• Ensure that you check the travel info provided at the station. This is available at different notice boards usually next to the ticket vending machine. This information is very important because it will notify you of impending delays as well as give you updates where practical.
• Ensure that you are on the lookout for seats which are intended for persons with disabilities. These seats are given priority for disabled persons and expectant women, so when the underground system is full, it is expected that one will offer a seat to such persons.
• It is expected that visitors and everyone else using this form of transport will wait until those disembarking from the train have done so instead of trying to squeeze each other in. This has the effect of improving waiting times at the station, thus allowing you more time to engage in fun things to do in London.

THINGS TO DO IN LONDON: FUN ACTIVITIES TO ENGAGE IN!

There are so many fun things to do in London, and if you love to travel, you will marvel at all that this city has to offer. Prior to taking your tour, you would need to carry out a search of some of the places you would need to visit prior to the tour. This is key because it allows you to create a budget that you will adhere to. As a general guide, it is best to overestimate the budget so that you have an allowance to cater for unexpected charges. Once this is out of the way, you can get to enjoy the numerous things to do in London. Some of the activities that you can indulge in include: the discovery of Shakespeare’s haunts, going on a Jack the ripper tour, or simply a harry porter studio tour. If this does not feel like the kind of tour, how about your favorite celebrity tour to get a glimpse of stardom? Below are two fun things to do in London.

Jack The Ripper TourGet spooked by Jack the ripper tour when you decide to take a walking tour through London. Alison tours will prepare you to have one of the best tours, albeit spooky. Having a little background knowledge about this kind of tour will prepare you for what to expect. The story behind this tour revolves around stories of mysterious murders in Whitechapel, stories which have remained unsolved to-date. It certainly is one of the most intriguing tales you will ever hear, making for a very fascinating tour. 

It is believed that in the wee hours of the morning of 31st August in the year 1888, a man was seen walking to work down the gas-lit lanes of Whitechapel. He then spots a lifeless form on the ground, and curiously seeks to find out what the mass was. He was astounded to discover the gruesome murder of a harlot from East End, and this sparked off one of the most intense and perhaps the longest search for the person responsible for the murder. Granted, the name ‘Jack the ripper’ is the best reference given to this unknown serial killer. The name can be traced back to mail written by an individual who claimed to take responsibility for the numerous murders around Whitechapel district within the same period of time. It is thought that this mail was a hoax, but it created interest in the mystery.

This short history forms the basis of the tour. One step after another in the alleys of Whitechapel will take you back in time to allow you walk in the footsteps of one of the world’s most elusive murderers. Every day, tours taken in this part of London seek to tell a tale about crimes committed by Ripper. The tours are incomplete without the presence of certified guides. The guides make the tour both fun and educative so that you get the best out of your time in London. With excellent communication skills, this truly is the walking tour of a lifetime, and easily one of the things to do in London. 

Harry porter studio tour
Just as the name suggests, the Harry porter studio tour will take you through various sections of the Harry Porter studio to allow you a sneak peek into the processes that go on behind the scenes. Harry Porter is, without a doubt, one of the most successful films in recent times, and what better way to live this part of London than by taking such a tour? There are a number of attractions for you to see while on tour of the studio. And they include Dumbledore’s office, the Great Hall, the ministry of Magic as well as the famous Harry Porter cupboard located below the stairs. It is also impossible to tour the Harry Porter Studio and not make mention of the Weasley kitchen, the Hogwarts bridge as well as the office that belongs to Professor Umbridge. Do you want to find out what all these places are about and how filming took place? Book a ticket for the Harry porter studio tour well in advance.

If you would like to find out more about different locations where the Harry Porter film was on location, you could choose to visit other places where shooting of the film took place. Of course this will take you to the outdoors where you could also get to sample the lush outdoors of London. Walking tours are among some of the amazing things to do in London.

In the end, there is so much to experience in this mega city, which you may want to extend your trip when it comes to an end. Take memoirs with you to remind you of the fun you had in London, after all, you only live once (as they say)!

DAY TRIPS IN BRITAIN

Are you looking for a great way to add some flavor to your London trip? How about incorporating a tour of Britain as part of your itinerary? This does not in any way mean that London does not have much to offer; on the contrary, there is so much to do you may just find yourself wondering why you did not plan for a longer trip. Samuel Jackson couldn’t have put it any better when he said:

 You find no man, at all intellectual who is willing to leave London. No, sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford.

 Once you have spent a few days in London, you may want to spice things up a little by taking trips out of the city to sample the culture that other parts of Britain have. Listed below are some of the places where you could take day trips from London. 

1. Windsor castle on to Thames: Windsor is relatively close to London, and its location makes it an ideal place to start your tour of Britain. One of the most iconic landmarks of the Windsor has to be the Windsor Castle which stands majestically on the hill raised above the quaint town. There is so much to behold at the castle, whether you want to have a peek at the grandiose rooms where the Queen holds state celebrations, or would like to peruse through the art gallery. The one function that attracts many visitors during summer is the exchange of guard ceremony, certainly worth a day trip from London.
   The castle is not the only attraction as there are several other places to visit. The Guildhall and Eton College for example, has a rich history, and was founded in the 15th century. The other major attraction is the River Thames from where you can take a boat ride and get to see breathtaking views. Alternatively, take a walk through the paths of the town to the lush countryside. The breath of fresh air is a welcome feel for anyone looking to get away on day trips from London.Transport need not be a challenge as there are train services from Paddington Railway station to Windsor.
2. Oxford: Commonly referred to as the city of dreamers, Oxford is best known for one of the oldest universities in the world, the Oxford University. This town oozes with culture and is a rich historic place with a number of its institutions tracing their origins to many centuries ago. Due to the size of the town, it is ideal to plan a walking tour on a beautiful summer afternoon. Entry to many colleges in Oxford is free, so visitors can experience the excitement of studying in such a place. Of the different institutions, the New College stands out, perhaps due to its serene surroundings, so make sure to visit during the summer.
   There are also great museums for all who are art lovers. The Ashmolean museum is one such place. This museum constitutes great collection of art, and makes for a great gallery. It is impossible to make mention of a tour of Britainin Oxford without talking about punting. Punting is a term that refers to the act of pushing a long boat down any of the rivers within Oxford. What is so unique about this activity is that visitors can only use a long pole, making it the ultimate water experience in Oxford. Finish off your day trips from London with a visit to any of the pubs and indulge in your favorite drink.
3. Bath This is yet another attraction site when you want to take a tour of Britain. The city is accessible from London on board a train from Paddington. The most interesting thing about this city is that it is a World Heritage Site, little wonder that more than 5000 buildings in Bath are protected. There is so much to see that you could actually take a full day just to tour the city (and probably will not be done at the end of the day).
   What should you be on the lookout for while in Bath? Make sure to visit the Roman baths which draw water from hot springs. Check out the Thermae Bath Spa and indulge if only to relax away after a long day. You could also visit the antique shops that line the lanes of the city and get yourself souvenirs to take home with you. The architectural style of the city is also worth mentioning, perhaps one of the most notable things when you first enter the city.
   Where else would you go if you had to take day trips from London? Share with us, we look forward to hearing from you.
   
     
    

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN LONDON?

The importance of getting the right accommodation during your London sightseeing tour cannot be possible as it could be the difference between a fun and exciting trip and a mundane tiresome one. Granted, this is not the most fun part of the trip, but it is mandatory. The steps provided below will assist you to find the ideal accommodation during your tour as well as one that will remain within budget.

1. The first thing that you must do when looking for accommodation in London is to carry out adequate research beforehand. This will allow you to choose accommodation options that will adequately meet your needs. To put this in perspective, consider specific regions where your London sightseeing tour will take you. In this regard, settle for a hotel that has several options at hand in those respective regions. To do this effectively, you could use hotel reviews to sift through the numerous options available. While reviews are not always 100% accurate, they provide a great guide to making the right choice.
2. Go through the websites with a keen eye as in many cases, offers are not included explicitly on the homepage of the hotel's website. These offers will usually vary from one establishment to the other.
3. Make considerations of what your London sightseeing tour budget is. Part of doing this largely involves planning your trip well in advance. While at it, make sure that you make estimates on both the maximum and minimum side to enable you make savings as and where is possible. When putting up a budget, there are several factors that you will need to consider: what is the location of the facility? What about the ratings that the hotel has received? What are some of the services offered? To understand this, you may want to consider the implications of using UK tour operators. If funds allow, this is an excellent way to save time since it ensures that the operators handle everything in advance. For visitors who want to spoil themselves, there is the choice of luxury London tour operators. If you are on a budget however, these options may not be too practical. The good news is that you could always have a London tour by bus. It is clear the impact that such services have when budget-making.
4. Once you have created a budget frame for your sightseeing tours London, the next step entails making map references to establish the proximity of the hotel to the city center. At this point, make up your mind on whether you desire to stay near Central London or not.
5. What are your preferences as far as the type of hotel you select is concerned? Do you want full board, half board or just bed and breakfast? Setting these priorities will be dependent on the kind of itinerary you have. For example, if you would like to have London night tours, it may be wise to settle for just bed and breakfast so that you are free to explore London as you wish. If you are traveling as a family, settle for hotels with family rooms so that everyone is well cared for.
6. How long will your London sightseeing tours take you? It is obvious that a long tour will weigh in heavily on your pocket than a short trip will. For this reason, you may opt to settle for affordable accommodation, even if it is a little distance away from the city center. In any case, this would allow you to have a London tour bus guide whenever you need to get to Central London. The reverse is true if your trip is short, in which case you may want to settle for a costlier but proximal hotel to allow you to sample London's attractions in a limited time period.
7. It is recommended that you select a hotel that is close to where you will be arriving. In many cases, it is likely that you will be arriving form Heathrow airport or Gatwick airport. Whichever airport it is, choose a hotel that is closer to the train station or bus terminal; that you reach from the airport (keeping budget matters in mind). This will not only ensure you shuttle seamlessly, it also allows you the convenience of arrival regardless of the time.
8. While this may sound far-fetched, a quick glance at the kind of services that different hotels in London offer will reveal it to be true. Hotels that cater for visitors and tourists generally tend to offer services that are of slightly less quality compared to those that attend to corporates and individuals in the business sector. Perhaps this generalization arises from the fact that with the latter, excellent services are expected to be a norm. While the prices will reflect on one's budget, keeping this in mind will allow you to know what to settle for.

So there you have it, choosing accommodation during your London sightseeing tour need not to be so hard after all.

WHAT TO DO WHEN IN CAMBRIDGE

If you are looking to take city tours in London, you should not pass the opportunity to visit Cambridge. There are so many things to do in Cambridge, and you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that your vacation may not even be enough to sample the sights and sounds of this beautiful town. For art lovers, there is the option visiting the numerous galleries that dot Cambridge.

The galleries offer different forms of art ranging from modern pieces to classic pieces that have been carried from one year to another. Theater lovers have not been left out as the theater scene is alive and active in Cambridge. There are also performances regularly where dance and drama are showcased for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. Other activities which visitors to Cambridge can take part in include: the famous Beer festival, the Big weekend which is suitable for the family setup, the world renowned Folk Festival as well as the Secret Garden Party festivals.

Nature lovers are not left out as Cambridge gives you the opportunity to go on a tour park London. Go picnicking in the expansive parks in Cambridge as you enjoy the summer sun. The parks are a perfect way to spend time outdoors, whether you want to read your favorite book or relax your mind after a long day. Who said a city tour in London requires that you use a car? Take a walking tour and sample the city, or choose to carry out your exploration yonder by cycling along the great cycle paths that are characteristic of Cambridge. Cycling will also allow you to interact with the locals and get a feel of what it is like to live in Cambridge.

It is impossible to talk of tours of London without making mention of one of Cambridge’s most visible landmark, the Fitzwilliam museum. The museum is home to different works of art from all over the world, with numerous antiques that are centuries old. Art lovers will enjoy a tour of the museum, alongside the Kettle’s Yard, a prominent gallery that houses modern works of art. There are also sculpture trail walks for your appreciation, so what better way to spend an afternoon in Cambridge? You could also get pieces of art that pique your interest and purchase them as souvenirs that will serve as a constant reminder of a great tour in Cambridge.

Another place to visit is the Trinity Great Court as part of a bike tour as it will allow you to witness the court which rose to fame following a run at the Trinity College in less than 50 seconds. There are various companies which will offer London Private Tours and include this in their package, but many visitors will attest to the simplicity of using a tour company which has students as guides during the tour. Make sure to visit Kings College Chapel as well if you visit on any other months except August and September. There is so much to experience when you take city tours in London, and Cambridge is one of the best experiences you will have.

TIPS FOR THE TRANSFERS FROM DIFFERENT AIRPORTS IN LONDON TO THE CITY CENTER

One of the most fascinating things about travelling is that it opens you up to different cultures, and the UK is not any different. There are excellent places to visit, whether you are on vacation or are looking to find business opportunities. Should you decide to visit the UK and take a flight, the one thing that you will have to address is the issue of getting transfers from the airports to various places within the city center. All the airports in London have superb connections to the city. What’s more, there are various options to get you there, including public buses, taxis as well as by train. The cost of airport transfers will differ depending on the select airport. Below are the details that you will need to have at hand.

TRANSFERS FROM LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT

Heathrow Airport is, undoubtedly, the busiest airport in the UK, and it is therefore a pleasant thing to know that there are excellent connections to different parts of the city. The most affordable way to get to London from Heathrow airport is by using the tube. The trip underground takes approximately 40 minutes, and there are 3 tube stations for travelers to choose from. The cost of tickets is 4 pounds when using the Metro.

There are also bus services that depart from the bus terminal at Heathrow, and which take 1.5 hours to the city. The buses run every half hour, and tickets cost just 5 pounds. In case you want to use the train, tickets will cost you 16 pounds. The advantage of using the train is that it is very fast and offers you a comfortable ride. You will have arrived at the London Paddington station in just under 20 minutes. You could choose to purchase your tickets in advance. You could also choose to use a taxi, but this is certainly the most expensive option yet it is slower than the train.

Let us look at some of the options available for transfers from other airports in the UK.

  

Transfer from London City Airport

Using the metro will take you an hour with tickets priced at just four pounds. There is also the option of using a taxi, but this is relatively expensive. You can always get tickets in advance.

Transfer from London Gatwick Airport

There are a number of bus and train services available from the London Gatwick Airport with the fastest train taking half an hour to Victoria Station in central London. The southern Train Company also provides services for airport transfers between this airport and Victoria station with tickets priced at 11 pounds. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and trains depart every 10 minutes. Bus services are also available from companies such as National Express and Easy Bus. It takes about an hour by bus, and the tickets average between two and eight pounds depending on the company of choice. Taxis are also available, but they will set you back about fifty pounds yet they are slower than the other options available. 

Whichever option you use will be guided by how much you are willing to spend as well as the kind of schedule that you have. A person on a business trip will opt for the fastest option available while a group of honeymooners will probably opt for a more relaxed transfer option. It also helps to carry out research prior to your flight for a seamless journey as this will ensure that you have peace of mind. Other factors that you must consider include the timing of your flight as some of the transfer options available do not operate throughout as well as any luggage that you may have at hand.