London, England Destination Guide
Section 1: Intro to the Destination
From its historic monuments to its post-modern architecture, London offers a wealth of glittering palaces, celebrity chef restaurants, fabulous shopping experiences and cultural delights such as the Tate Modern and the Changing of the Guard. London has something for everyone and is well deserving of its reputation as the greatest city in the world. Just wander down Brick Lane to discover edgy fashion from the best young designers. Take a bus and explore iconic sights such as Waterloo Bridge or the Tower of London. Or simple imbibe the wonders of a real London pub.
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination?
Dynamic, vibrant, historic
What’s the Destination Known For?
Buckingham Palace is one of the most visited attractions in London. Visitors flock to its gates every year to witness the pomp and ceremony that is ‘The Changing of the Guard’. The official time of the changing of the guard is 11am every day, but get there early for a great view.
Big Ben is recognised as a cultural symbol of the United Kingdom and is the probably the most photographed clock in the world. The name ‘Big Ben’ comes from the 13ton Great Bell that sits at the top of the 320foot tower that houses the clock. The Tower itself is known as the Elizabethan Tower
The Tower of London draws many tourists to its ramparts. A UNESCO Heritage site the Tower was originally a royal palace back in the time of William the Conqueror (1066). The Tower having witnessed 22 executions in its time naturally has its share of royal ghosts who are said to haunt it battlements on a regular basis.
The London Cab ride is a ‘must do’ for all visitors to London. The Hackney Carriage as it was once known has remained an iconic symbol of London life since its creation in 1654 when it first emerged as a horse drawn carriage.
The Queen of England is one of London’s biggest draws even though she is not always in residence at Buckingham Palace. When the Royal Standard is flown then Her Majesty is at home.
London Fashion means edgy and innovative. Renowned for its creativity: think Punk, think mini-skirt, London remains the seedbed for ground-breaking fashion design. Jon Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney all learned their craft in London.
Getting There
LHR Heathrow Airport
Location: Longford TW6, UK
Located in the London Borough of Hillingdon (approx 16 miles from London Centre. 48% of passengers to Britain arrive at Heathrow)
Visa: A Tourist visa is given when you present your passport at border control. There is no charge for tourist visas.
Train: Trains run non-stop from Heathrow to Paddington Station in central London every 15 minutes from Terminal 2 and 3. The Journey takes 15 minutes (slightly longer from Terminal 4 and Five).
Underground: The Piccadilly line runs from all Heathrow Terminals to the city centre. Journey time is 50-60 minutes.
Bus: National Express run a service from all terminals arriving at Victoria Coach Station in city centre. Tickets cost around 10 pounds. Journey time is 40 to 80 minutes depending on traffic.
Taxi: London taxis can be accessed outside all terminals. Costs from 45 to 70 pounds. Journey time around 60 minutes.
Location: Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NP, UK
Located 29.5 miles from London Centre. Around 25% of passengers to Britain arrive at Gatwick.
Trains from Gatwick Airport leave every 15 minutes to Victoria Rail Station central London. Journey time around 30 minutes.
Bus: Bus: National Express run a service from all terminals arriving at Victoria Coach Station in city centre. Tickets cost around 10 pounds. Journey time is around 50 minutes.
Taxi: London taxis can be accessed outside all terminals. Costs from 45 to 70 pounds. Journey time around 50 – 60 minutes
3 Main Stations: Waterloo, Paddington, and King’s Cross
Paris to London: travel by train in 2 - 2.5 hours
Local Etiquette
Tipping: It is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill when eating out. However you need to check before you leave a tip as many restaurants add a service charge of around 12%. In this case you would not leave a tip.
Greeting: The standard way to greet people in London is to say Hello/Good morning/Good afternoon.
Gestures: It is customary to give a slight wave of the hand when leaving an establishment if you catch the eye of the proprietor
Table manners: Keep your hands in sight while eating, and when finished lay fork and knife across the right side of the plate
Toasting: It is customary to clink glasses. British people use a variety of phrases but the most common are ‘cheers’ or ‘bottoms up’
Weather
Temperatures:
Spring:
High: 63F / 17C
Low: 54F / 12C
Summer:
High: 72F / 22C
Low: 57F / 14C
Fall:
High: 66F / 19C
Low: 54F / 12C
Winter:
High: 50F / 7C
Low: 43F / 3C
Elevation: 115 ft / 35 m
The weather is hottest between July and August with the sunshine lasting between 6 to 7 hours. However, July and August can also be wet.
For milder weather and not so many crowds would include May and September. In winter, it will be chillier overall with no real guarantees of sunshine.
How to dress: In layers and quite fashionably, also keep in mind the weather can turn to rain at any time.
Getting Around
In-city transportation:
Metro: Three zones – 1-3/1-4/1-5. Respective fares (single) £4.90/£5.90/£5.90. If using an oyster card or contactless payment card, respective fares are £3.30/£3.90/£4.70
lines spread over three zones: (main three lines – Bakerloo, Jubilee, Victoria)
Taxi: Only the black cabs can be hailed down in the street. Look for the yellow taxi sign. If on, the taxi is available for hire. Minimum charge £2.60.
Uber: Use Uberpool and share with other drivers going your way. Competitive rates.
Bikes: Cycles can be hired for £15 per day
Oyster Card: This card can be used on any form of London transport.
Bus/Tube/DLR/underground/overground trains.
Pick up the card at Airports and underground stations
Price: Flat fee £1.50 then top up as you need to.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus:
Price: starting price £28.00 duration 24 -48 hours
Walking: A good way to see London. Many iconic attractions are close together. However, in order not to wear yourself out, plan a reasonable route each day.
Section 2: What to See, Do, and Eat
Breakfast
English, Cafe, Bakery
$
Location: Wood Green North London, 169 High Rd, Wood Green, London N22 6BA,
Times: Monday to Friday 8:00-19:00; Saturday 8:30-19:00; Sunday 9:00-18:00
Neat casual dress
Best dish: Carrot Cake
European, Cafe
$
Location: 216 St Paul's Rd, Mildmay Ward, London N1 2LL
Times: Monday to Saturday 8:30-17:30; Sunday 8:30-17:00
Neat casual dress
Best dish: Full English Breakfast
European, French
$$
Location: Soho, 29 Romilly St, Soho, London W1D 5HP
Times: Monday to Sunday 7:00-22:00
Smart casual dress
The restaurant is located in the Kettner’s Townhouse hotel. Live pianist during certains hours of the day.
Best dish: Egg Royale
Brunch
American, European
$$
Location: Covent Garden, 18 Wellington St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7DD, UK
Times: daily 11:30-24:00; Saturday 11:30-1:30 am
Casual elegant
Best dish: Lobster Benedict
French/Japanese fusion
$
Location: Fulham, 98 Lillie Rd, Hammersmith, London SW6 7SR
Times: Monday to Wednesday 17:30-23:00; Thursday to Sunday 12:00-23:00
Smart casual
Best dish: Brioche French Toast with streaky bacon
Asian, Sushi
$$$
Location: Berkley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6BR
Times: Monday to Saturday 12:00-23:00; Sunday 12:00-22:30
Casual elegant
Best dish: Sexy Eggs with Black Charcoal Muffins
Lunch
British, European
$
Location: Notting Hill, 10 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PE
Times: Tuesday to Friday 12:00-24:00; Saturday 11:00-2:00 am; Sunday 11:00-23:00
Smart casual
Best dish: Chicken Breast & Oyster Mushrooms
British, European
$$
Location: 61 Jermyn St, St. James's, London SW1Y 6LX
Times: Monday to Friday 7:30-23:00; Saturday 20:00-23:00
Smart casual
Best dish: Pan Fried Seabream
British
$$$
Location: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR
Times: daily 12:30-14:00, 19:30-22:00
Smart Elegant – no sportswear. Men must wear jackets
Best dish: Hay-Aged Bresse Duck
Dinner
Mediterranean
$$
Location: 16 Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9DP
Times: Monday to Friday 12:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00; Saturday & Sunday 12.00-21:30
Smart Casual
Best dish: Pata Negra Neck
British, European
$$
Location: Clapham, 15 The Pavement, London SW4 0HY
Times: Sunday & Monday: closed; Tuesday to Friday 12:00-14:00, 18:00-22:00; Saturday 13:00-15:00, 18:00-22:00
Smart dress for Dinner
Best dish: Herb Fed Chicken
British, European
$
Location: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Times: Monday to Friday 19:00-22:30; Saturday 19:00-22:30; Sunday 19:00-22:00
Smart dress – no sportswear
Best dish: Smoked Haddock
Other
Wine bar
$
Location: 124 Cleveland St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 6PG
Times: Sunday: closed, daily Happy Hour: 16:00-18:00, open until 24:00
Neat casual
Best wine: Primitivo
Chinese
$
Location: Covent Garden, 33 Cranbourne Street, London WC2H 7AD
Times: daily 10:00-2:00 am
Casual dress
Great for late night bites!
Best dish: Char-Siew Chop with rice
Ice cream, dessert
$
Location: several locations throughout the city!
Times: daily 11:00-24:00
Casual dress
Best dish: Compose your own flavour from the range
Top things to See and Do
The British Museum was first opened in 1759 and housed the collections of scientists and physicians. By 1825 it was to become the largest building site in Europe, housing collections from all over the world. The Museum was the first national museum in the world.
Main Attraction: Annual exhibitions
Location: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Time Open: daily 10.00-17:30
Price: Free
The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror and was used as his central fortress. It has seen 22 executions (mostly royal kings and queens) and is renowned for being the protector of the Crown Jewels. It also houses a small flock of ravens. It is believed that if the ravens fly away the tower will fall.
Main Attraction: The Crown Jewels
Location: St Katharine’s and Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
Time Open: daily 9.00-17:30
Price: Free
The architect Irvine Sellar had a vision that would transform the London skyline. His intention to create a vertical city of offices, hotel apartments, viewing galleries and restaurants was realised in 2013, and has become a major attraction in London. From 68-72 floors visitors have a 40mile view across the city.
Main Attraction: Viewing Gallery
Location: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
Time Open: daily 10.00-21:15
Price: starting at £24.95
The London Eye is 443 ft tall and was erected in 2000 becoming the largest Ferris wheel in the world. This has now been surpassed by a 525ft Ferris wheel in Nanchang and the 550ft high roller in Las Vegas.
Main Attraction: The view of London
Location: South Bank, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB
Time Open: daily 10:00 – 20:30
Price: £27.00
Surprisingly Buckingham Palace was once a large town house. The Duke of Buckingham had it built in 1703. It was purchased in 1761 by King George 111 for his wife Queen Charlotte. John Nash was commissioned to extend the house during the 19th century and the house became the royal residence when Queen Victoria came to the throne.
Main Attraction: The Changing of the Guard
Location: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA
Time Open: daily 9:30-19:30, during the summer for 10 weeks
Price: £24 per adult, need to book in advance.
This attraction is a UNESCO world heritage site and is the largest in London. The gardens provide some of the most unique landscapes in garden history housing some of the most diverse plants in the world. The Kew gardens Library contains over 750.000 volumes of illustrations of the garden’s living plant collection (Source: Wikipedia)
Main Attraction: The Temperature House Tour
Location: Richmond
Time Open: Monday to Sunday 10:00-19:00
Price: admission £16 online/£17 at the gate
Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square
These two famous squares are the top of the list for ‘must see’ spots for tourists to London. Together the squares provide the gateway to London’s theatre district. Trafalgar Square was built to mark the victory of Lord Horatio Nelson’s over the Spanish and the French at Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson’s Column towers above the square standing at 182 feet high. Piccadilly Circus has the peculiar distinction of marking the irregular intersection of a number of very busy streets. The iconic statue of Eros with bow poised towers above the chaotic traffic below. The erratic coming together of these traffic laden streets gave rise to the English saying “It’s like Piccadilly Circus” when these become messy or chaotic.
Main Attractions: Nelson’s column in Trafalgar Square and Eros at Piccadilly Circus.
Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN; Piccadilly Circus,
Time Open: daily 24/7
Price: Free
Festivals/Parades
London’s New Year Day Parade and Festival
This New Year’s Day event is affectionately known as LNYDP by Londoners. The parade attracts more than 10,000 participants from Europe, The United Kingdom, The United States and many more countries. The parade includes performances from musicians and performance artists along with a spectacular array of floats.
Main Attraction: Floats, music and street performances
Location: Piccadilly Circus/Trafalgar Square/Parliament Square
Time Open: 12:00 pm (January 1st)
Price: Free but the parade is a charity event so expect to dig deep.
How to best experience it: Arrive early and find a good viewing spot on the pavement
This annual event has been in existence since 1966. It takes place on the streets of Notting Hill to celebrate the diversity of Black British Culture. It attracts thousands of visitors each year and is one of the world’s biggest street festivals in the world.
Main Attraction: The Parade
Location: Notting Hill
Time Open: 25th August – 27th August
Price: free
How to best experience it: Join in the celebrations on the street
Nightlife
Live comedy performed on a refurbished paddle steamer. The venue has four bars and a nightclub featuring four comedians.
Main Attraction: The paddle steamer
Location: Ps Tattershall Castle, Victoria Embankment, London
Time Open: daily 20:00 – 22.30
Price: Tues - £6.00/£5.00 concessions/Fri - £15.00/£13.00 concessions/Sat - £16.00/13/50 concessions
Iconic all-night dance club offering trail brazing house music. Tourists from all round the globe visit Ministry of Sound. One of the most well known night clubs in London
Main Attraction: All night clubbing
Location: 103 Gaunt St, London SE1 6DP
Time Open: Friday & Saturday: 20:30-6:00 am
Price: £23.00
How to best experience it: Join in on the dance floor
Cocktail bar with a Tiki décor theme
Main Attraction: Subterranean venue
Location: 177 Portobello Rd, London W11 2DY
Time Open: Sunday to Wednesday 17:00-24:00; Thursday 17:00-24:30; Friday & Saturday 17:00-1:00 am
Price: Free entrance
How to best experience it: Get to know the clientele
Hidden Gems
Owned by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, 18 Stafford Terrace was originally bought for £2000 in 1874. In 1946 Maud Messel inherited it but never lived in it, offering to her daughter Anne as a pied a terre. Anne decided to turn the house and contents over to the Greater London Council in 1957 that turned it into a museum. The house and furnishing are exactly as they were when London Council bought it.
Main Attraction: Museum piece
Location: 18 Stafford Terrace, London
Time Open: 11.15am – 14.15; Costumes tours daily at 13.00/14:00/15:00
Price: £8.00/£6.00 concessions/£3 children over three years of age
This area of London is called Little Venice because of its many beautifully decorated houseboats and tree lined canals. The town houses are white painted stucco giving the whole area an attractive calm feel. Most of the buildings are Regency in style.
Main Attraction: The Decorated houseboats
Location: North of Paddington
Time Open: 24/7 access
Price: Free
In 1960 the antique shop was opened in Camden Passage. Since that time the passage has become home to over 200 antique dealers. The area is now famous for its many arcades, markets and shops.
Main Attraction: Its antique markets
Location: Camden Passage, Islington
Time Open: Main market days are Wednesday and Saturdays
Price: Free
