In Love with London

On my first trip to London I did the traditional sightseeing that most yanks do when they travel over the pond.  I went to see the Changing of the Guard, visited the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. Then I wandered through the streets down to St. Paul's Cathedral and after a quick visit walked over to Piccadilly Circus. I walked through Hyde Park and walked by the Royal Albert Hall and on to the Natural History Museum. I ended the trip with a trip to the Imperial War Museum - which as a woman - was not high on my list, but it was quite impressive. I enjoyed it more than the Natural History Museum.

Since then I have branched out a bit and explored the famous Notting Hill, Little Venice and Hampstead.

On my next trip to London - I plan on visiting in December to see the Christmas lights and all the holiday decorations.My first start is going to be the Kew Gardens (Kew Gardens tube stop). Its beauty awaits me. I plan on strolling, through the gardens and stopping for lunch at The Orangery. I have heard rumors that there are amazing tarts made from a secret recipe dating from the time of King Henry VIII at a lovely little place called the Maid of Honour Tea Room.  Walking is going to be a big part of my next trip so I have a walk planned  along the Thames. I just have to find Strand-on-the-Green (Gunnersbury or Kew Gardens tube stop). It's a sheltered tree-lined path with quaint houses along one side, the river on the other.Sounds like the perfect photo opportunity to me!

The next day I am going to walk the museum mile explore a variety if 13 different museums from Euston Road and the River Thames. From the Charles Dickenson museum to the British Library.

The last day I am planning on hitting Victoria Embankment  and Camden Market for some shopping! I heard the place is amazing after dark and especially along the Camden Locks.

So these are my plans for my next trip to London. If you are looking for a great package to London - feel free to contact me through my blog and ask about the London and other sales starting at 1499.00 per person based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to availability.

Inclusions:

 -Round trip flight on available carrier based from New York cities (other cities available)
 -5-night hotel accommodations at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel
- Harrods Vintage Open Top Bus Tour, which includes:
- City Tour on a Vintage Open Bus
- Cruise on the River Thames
- Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with professional guide
- Champagne Tea at in the Georgian Restaurant at Harrods
- Continental breakfast daily

- Taxes and service charges 

 

If you are like me and love all things London, please contact me or feel free to send my blog on to your friends!

London for Free or nearly free!

Any one that knows me well, knows that I love everything English! Well maybe not the blood sausage. I digress.. anyway... people that know me know I love the accent, the history, the architecture - all of it.

So as I am perusing the internet for all things London - trying to map out the steps of my last trip to make sure I don't make the same mistakes. More importantly so I may see all the things tourist and local alike that I can!

During my search I found a couple of interesting tid bits-

1) http://www.southbanklondon.com/walkthisway/TheGuides.html
2) http://www.walklondon.org.uk/
3) http://www.londonforfree.net/walks/index.shtml

By now there is a theme - walking!  Which is great considering the copius amounts of English beer I will be drinking.  Here is a very cool link with free ipod downloads to accompany your walk.

4) http://londonwalks.libsyn.com/
5) http://golondon.about.com/od/londonforfree/tp/Best_Free_Museums.htm
6) Attend a debate at the British Parliament (not free but worth the price)http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/overseasvisitors/

7) For Da Vinci Code fans out there - http://www.templechurch.com/ again not free but inexpensive a mere 4.00 BP
8) John Keats House 5.00 BP http://www.keatshouse.cityoflondon.gov.uk/220/Visit-us.html

  9) http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/ nothing better than a man in uniform!
10) Lastly something fun and educational for the kids http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/Pages/museum/default.aspx

So on your next trip to London, don't forget  these free or nearly free things to do! Ohhhh.. last but not least a couple of very cool maps of London!

http://www.london43.com/map-of-london/

Leadenhall Market made famous by the Harry Potter movies- free to visit also!

If you have London in your future and need help planning a trip, please contact me through this blog and I can help you set up a perfect vacation to London!