Is There Anything Free to Do in London?

Posted on August 24, 2022 in Default

Are you traveling on a budget? Well don’t worry we have just the activities and sites for you. London is known as an elegant and expensive city to visit, but that doesn’t mean you have to be rich to enjoy a trip to London. There are hundreds of free or inexpensive options to do and see while in London.

The first activity with free admission is the Royal Air Force Museum London. It is a national museum celebrating and commemorating the history of the Royal Air Force. It has been re-opened to visitors since the pandemic and is currently open daily from ten in the morning. Admission is free and you can get ready for take off by pre-booking your time slot entry by visiting their website. You get to explore the first hundred years of the RAF, its roles today and the image for the future. Take a walk through he award winning Air Galleries, Historic Hangars, and the Bomber Command Hall. You can explore the inside of some of history’s most amazing aircraft vehicles and even take a spin in the cockpit of retired World war planes. There are interactive games and maps for children of all ages as well as an area to try on pilot gear. The average duration of most visits is three hours and the staff and volunteers are there to ensure you have an amazing time. 

For more history you can walk through London’s Natural History Museum and explore the center of scientific excellence in the discovery of taxonomy and biodiversity. In this world-famous museum they promote discovery and enjoyment of the world through the Life and earth Galleries, wildlife garden, and geological collections. The building itself exhibits amazing architecture and statues. Inside the museum you’ll find many skeletons and taxidermy creatures. You may even get a chance to see some rare jewels on display during certain times of the year. Come visit and be face to face with giant whales, dinosaurs and dodo birds.

After a few hours of sightseeing and walking around the amazing museums of London you may want to stop by the Borough Market for some amazing food and free samples. The brightly colored market is a vast array of delicious foods and drinks. From clams and oysters to ice creams and fresh fruit there is something here for everyone to enjoy. You can stop by and enjoy the sites, smells, and sound of the busselling market while eating either a snack or full meal. Borough Market is the place to discover the London food scene. Many places offer free samples to those who don’t wish to spend a dime. 

Another great place to enjoy a meal and try a few free samples is the Camden Market. A flea market with new and changing stores and traders. There’s beautiful street art to gaze upon while walking the market and hearing live local artists. The Camden Market is a great place to find souvenirs for friends and family back home as well. Visit the unique Cyber Dog or any number of great shops at the Camden Market.

An alternative to the indoor museums around London is, The sky garden and Regent Park. Both have beautiful gardens and plant life to see as well as fantastic views. The Sky Garden has been called the most beautiful view in London and is a glass dome made of huge windows to prevent from obstructing the view below. There is an optional bar and grill inside the Sky Garden.

 Regent Park is an eye consuming, colorful array of plants and flowers with breathtaking statues and other works of art tucked into the scenery. And an amazing sixty to ninety minute walk. There are artificial tennis courts, cricket grounds and a children’s playground for the whole family to enjoy. The London Zoo also lies on the north side of the park allowing for a full day of family friendly activities for those of every age. Regent Park, once a royal hunting ground, has become a place for all its people thanks to the generosity of the Royal family. With loads of history, beauty and activities it made itself a popular destination for not only tourists but locals as well. It is a sense of national community and tranquility. You can also find food and drink here as well as rent a boat on the lake in the front side of the park. Not all activities are free, but there are plenty of activities that are free in the park.

These are far from the only free and or low cost activities available to those visiting London this 2022. For more information check back with us once a month on all things London related.

London Tourist Tips for Seniors

Posted on March 31, 2022 in Travel Tips

One of the best ways to spend your retirement is by traveling. London is an incredible city for everyone from all walks of life to enjoy. For those in their later years we’ve written some activities and tips on how to best experience the city.  

Tea Time

Embrace the British tradition of tea time to give yourself a break during the day! There are many incredible spots for classic British tea that will be both refreshing and cultural. Most tea for tea time has caffeine which can provide a physical boost in energy during the day.

Theatre

The West End is home to many historic theatres from The Globe Theatre to Her Majesty’s Theatre. One great thing about the theatre scene in London is it’s collection of talented actors and creatives. From plays to musicals there are always incredible world class shows being performed in London. From classical works like Shakespeare to more modern works such as Hamilton.

Travel Insurance

Many things can happen while traveling and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Travel Insurance can alleviate stress about things going wrong because you know you’ll be covered. It’s the same as getting Hybrid Long Term Care Insurance for everyday life. No one wants to think about needing it but it’s far more prudent to be prepared.

Gardens/Parks

London has many beautiful and historic gardens and parks for tourists to recover from the bustle of the city.

These spaces are great for a break in the middle of the day:

  • Hyde Park
  • Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens
  • Whitehall Gardens
  • Chelsea Physics Garden

Parks and gardens are relaxing and educational, many of these on the lists are great for picnicking. As always with London bring an umbrella or raincoat!

London Eye

This is a must for any London visit because of the incredible views this Ferris wheel offers. The ride is very relaxing and is the most popular tourist attraction in all of London. The entire ride lasts about 30 minutes and can be a great break in the middle of the day. It’s recommended to buy your tickets in advance and if you don’t want to wait in line paying a little extra for fast track ticket instead of the standard. 

Museums

No trip to London would be complete without visiting the many museums brimming with historic artifacts! For visitors with disabilities or limited mobility we recommend doing your research before going. Most museums will have accommodations like wheelchair ramps or guided audio tours, but some of the buildings are so old that there might not be accommodations that are needed. You can always go to museum websites or call them to get more information about accessibility, this will ensure that you don’t end up paying for a ticket that you can’t fully use.

Double Decker Buses

These iconic buses scream London and are a great way to traverse the city and cut down on walking. You can sign up for a Hop-on hop-off bus tour which will take you to the main tourist attractions like Trafalgar Square, London Bridge and Big Ben. This can be a good cost effective way to see a lot of the city without all the walking or navigating the London Underground.

In Conclusion

London is an amazing city with so much to offer everyone. This list is just the tip of the iceberg on ways to enjoy London as a retiree. We recommend you do your research and figure out exactly what you want out of your trip before your visit, because there is so much to see and experience. Don’t worry if you can’t fit it into one trip. London is one of the best cities to visit over and over again because of it’s incredible wealth of history!

What Is The Cost Of Living In London?

Posted on September 27, 2020 in Cost of Living
London
London is one of the best cities in the world, and it’s especially expensive to live in. In fact, London has previously been ranked as the most expensive global city to live in. But there’s no precise estimate for the cost of living. It all depends on your individual situation (i.e. where you want to live, where you dine, etc). For someone who’s looking to move to London though, for whatever reason, it’s important to be briefed with the various costs that you might incur in the city.

Planning Ahead

Before you travel to an exotic new destination, it’s important that you do your research so that you do not come across any unpleasant surprises. Think about cost-saving strategies that work in your destination. In the United Kingdom, public transportation, and shared housing are two of the main approaches that you can leverage to dramatically reduce your living costs. If you’re looking to stay for a while, getting a job can also be easy and quick, so you want to think about it. Most people find that opening a UK bank account helps save money.

Initial Costs

If you don’t plan accordingly, there are certain initial costs that can aggressively affect your finances in London. This is more so true if you’re planning to set up long-term accommodation. Consider budgeting for the following:

  • Accommodation upon arrival – if you aren’t able to organize for accommodation in advance, you’re going to need to book for hotel or hostel accommodation. You’ll need over £11 pounds per night for that.
  • First-month rent – you can’t stay at a hostel for any more than a few days. Eventually, you’ll need to rent a room. This means that you have to pay bond and rent. The bond can be up to six weeks rent that you pay in addition to the month’s rent in advance. Depending on where you’re going to stay, this can be more than £1000.
  • Transportation – to move around using public transportation, you’ll need to purchase an Oyster card. Make sure you budget for that!
  • Cell Phone – bringing your mobile phone with you is a great way to trim down costs. But even then, you need to procure a UK sim card that you can actually use in London. The phone has to be ‘unlocked’ to accommodate the new sim card. Rather than getting into carrier contracts, go for the pre-paying option for now. You’ll need some cash to purchase pre-paid top-ups, otherwise, you aren’t going to be able to call people.
  • Internet access – if you need to use the internet, you might need to spend £1 per hour at an internet café. Many public pubs, restaurants, and shops also have free Wi-Fi. So you can take advantage of that if you managed to carry your own laptop.
  • Food – eating in London isn’t cheap, so you want to buy some groceries and cook for yourself if that’s possible. Keep your eyes peeled for specials too.
  • Clothing – the cost-friendly thing to do is pack some clothes for the season when you’ll be arriving in the UK. If you didn’t do that, though, make sure that you have a bunch of pounds that you can use to get some extra wear.

Planning ahead and familiarizing yourself with options for accommodation, dining, etc is the way to go. Also, follow the cost-saving approaches covered above to keep more money in your pocket.

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Getting Around London – Essential Transport Tips

Posted on September 27, 2020 in City Transport
london
House rent isn’t the only expense you’re going to incur in London. Life in the city is calibrated by multiple mini-expenses that can really eat into your wallet. Traveling can particularly be an issue. Getting around in a new city can be quite challenging. To make sure that you save money and time while traveling in London, below are some essential transport tips.

Get an Oyster Card

The first step is to get an oyster travel smartcard in London. This is an essential accessory of public transportation in the city. An Oyster card is a much cheaper way to get around than purchasing one-day paper travel cards, or single cash tickets. More so, visitor holders of Oyster cards are eligible for tons of city discounts on food, drinks and a lot of other things.

Touch in your Card

As you get to the yellow card readers while starting your journey, be sure to touch in your Oyster card. You should also do the touch out at the end of your London Overground, Tube, TfL Rail, DLR and National Rail services in the city.

Consider Riding

Definitely, you want to take advantage of London’s public transportation system to get around on longer journeys. But if you’re just doing a few hundred meters, biking or walking is the way to go. The city’s ‘Boris Bike’ scheme makes this super easy. And that’s not all. You’ll be able to see a lot of sites and hidden gems along your way. Needless to say, this is also healthier for you.

You can hire a bike from companies such as Santander Cycles for as little as £2.

The London Pass

This special pass gets you in free to over 60 leading attractions in the city, including Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, the Thames River Cruise and many others.

Book in Advance

If you’re not able to get the London Pass, you can still get fast-track entry and save money on ticketing by booking in advance – online. Most attractions have their tickets cheaper online.

Consider Less Busy Hours

The busiest travel times are between 08:30-09:00 every morning, and between 17:30 and 18:30 every evening, Monday through Friday. If you have the flexibility to travel outside these times, you’ll be much quicker, and you’ll likely enjoy a more comfortable journey. If you’re ferrying heavy luggage, or traveling as a group, this can even be more advantageous.

Stand on the right

When using Tube stations and escalators, it’s important that you always stand on the right. This makes sure you leave enough space for passengers in a hurry. Always stand behind the yellow line once you get to the platform. More space is available along the platform so you should also move along there to easily board the next train.

If you’re looking to get from point A to point B any day in the city, these important tips can make your London travel a hell lot better, easier and cost-friendly.

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London Fine Dining Guide

Posted on September 27, 2020 in Dining
Dining
London’s food scene is hard to keep up with, it evolves so fast. One moment East End comes across the board as the hottest spot, and the next minute it’s Covent Garden. Posh fast food, molecular gastronomy, no-reservations restaurants and other new trends keep cropping up. The city’s fine-dining field is dynamic, with fine chefs and multiple incentives. Indeed, the city of London has a reputation for having some of the best restaurants in the world. Some of the best hotels in this city outdo themselves with the best afternoon teas you can get around anywhere. And whenever there’s some sunshine, rooftop bars are abuzz with summer vibe. Below are some of the best dining hangouts in London.

1) BRASSERIE CHAVOT

After running the kitchen at The Capital Restaurant, Chef Eric Chavot decided to start his own brasserie. Outstanding dishes include snail in a rich sauce, meaty roast cod, and many others. This is definitely a great place to be if you’re looking to sample London’s dining experience at its best.

2) BENARES

Operated by Chef Atul Kochhar, who made his name at the renowned Tamarind restaurant, this is another top restaurant in London. It’s housed in a very elegant and peaceful setting at the Berkeley Square House. There are both flavorful and delicate dishes. There’s a good selection of vegetarian, meat and fish choices.

3) CHINA TANG

Brought to you by David Tang, an extraordinary Chinese socialite, and entrepreneur, this is one of the most intriguing settings for a restaurant in London. It’s modeled after the opulent Shanghai in the 1920s. The food is extremely good, no doubt about that. The décor comes across the board as extravagant and ornate. China Tang’s menu runs fairly simple. You’ll get egg-fried rice, leafy greens, noodles, and more. The classic Peking duck, which is carved at your table, is a real treat.

4) GALVIN AT WINDOWS

Chris Galvin, an executive chef, serves modern-day French food on the top floor of the Hilton Hotel. Roast Scottish langoustine with pork belly and cauliflower puree are some of the highlights. There’s also some serious wine at this dining location.

5) NOBU BERKELEY ST

This classic restaurant delivers a style-conscious experience, serving till 2 am. You could order the Matsuhisa Martini, the bold signature tipple, the Hokusetsu sake, the fresh ginger as well as cucumber. All these are available at the downstairs bar. At the head upstairs bar, you get classics such as seared toro, yellowtail sashimi, rock shrimp tempura, and much more.

6) POLLEN STREET SOCIAL

Located on 8-10 Pollen Street, this is another great restaurant that emphasizes the value of London as a dining destination. The fine dining here can be relaxed, with a whiskey sour in the bar before you proceed to the restaurant. The seasonal menu includes British specials such as ox cheek, roasted artichoke, Orkney sea scallops, and much more. The cheese trolley is also a great pick. The set lunch menu at £37 is reasonable for three courses.

7) THE GRILL AT THE DORCHESTER

The Grill has been around since 1931. It delivers a much fascinating menu with many classics. If you want to sample some of London’s old dining wealth, this is the place to be.

8) TAMARIND

The Tamarind is a sophisticated bronze-hue dining setting that provides a much lively setting with flavorsome foods prepared by executive chef Alfred Prasad. Main courses include fish cooked in the tandoor, meats, curries, and top-line vegetarian options. There are delicious desserts and lots of mouth-watering delicacies.

London is a big city – indeed, a world-class city. There are much more great dining spots available within the city’s geography. But the ones listed above are great for starters who are looking to get started some of the city’s best!

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What Makes London A World-Class City?

Posted on September 27, 2020 in World-Class
LONDON

London has secured its place amongst the world’s leading cities. The bustling metropolis is even in a league of its own. In addition to being a home to nearly 10 million people, London is also faced with the challenges and opportunities that characterize a city of its status.

Connectivity

London is a transport hub to scores of destinations in Europe and around the world. All of the city’s airport terminals see over 100, 000 flights each month. This highlights London’s significance as a transit hub for individuals from all over the world.

Diversity

London is both diverse and populous. Nearly 10 million people living in London. That number is not sketchy by any means. And that’s not all. Residents of London speak over 300 languages and are members of at least 14 different faiths.

International HQs

London is home to global financial and business services. For instance, about a third of European headquarters of Global Fortune 500 companies are in London. More so, over 405 of the world’s foreign equities are traded in London, outdoing New York. More than 30 percent of all currency exchanges around the world happen in London. That’s just more than Tokyo and New York combined! And while both New York and Tokyo are reliant on domestic markets, over 80% of business in London is international.

Environment

For a city to be truly global, it must have a positive impact on the environment. London has developed various sustainable solutions to negate climate change. For instance, its congestion charge and decentralized production of energy have positive implications on the environment.

Knowledge Base

London is a globally recognized center for science, tech, and design. That means it’s an epicenter for global talent that attracts significant competitive advantage for businesses looking to take advantage of its workforce. Already, over 4500 world-class researchers and renowned medical and clinical trial centers are based in the city. There are also more than 42 institutes of higher education, which is one of the largest number for any city.

The Challenges

London being a world-class city inevitably puts a strain on existing infrastructure. Investment in massive infrastructure projects such as cross rail is crucial for the city to cope. The lack of an international convention center has also been marked as one of the factors hindering London’s tourism economy. A Mayoral commission set up in 2004 to assess the benefits of such a facility found out that it could have maximum economic benefit. London is a member of C40 Climate change group. This is a collection of top cities around the world that are making efforts to reduce the emission of carbon, as well as boost energy efficiency.

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Top 9 Landmarks In London

Posted on September 27, 2020 in Landmarks
London is a truly global city, calibrated by iconic historical buildings and modern-day, contemporary structures. The city is home to some of the world’s most vibrant landmarks, and visitors have no shortage of interesting places to visit. Should you wish to take a trip to London, below is a list of the city’s most phenomenal landmarks that you certainly don’t want to skip.

1.  British Museum

A world-famous landmark, the British Museum displays the life’s work of man, covering an extensive period of time (from the prehistoric years to modern day). The articles hosted in this famous museum have been gathered from the world over. They include the Parthenon sculptures, the Rosetta Stone, the mummies of Ancient Egypt and a lot of other interesting artifacts. If you’ve got some time to spend an afternoon or any other time of the day for that matter, you certainly don’t want to skip this fascinating tourist attraction in the City of London.

2.  Natural History Museum

Want to see a dinosaur exhibit? Visit the Natural History Museum in London. You get to see a collection of the tallest, biggest and rarest animals that ever roamed the face of the earth. There’s a life-sized blue whale (if you like these) and a spider that’s 40 million years old. You’ll feel like you’re drifting back into history and get probably get very thoughtful while visiting the Natural History Museum.

3.  National Gallery

If you love art, especially Western European art ranging from 13th to 19th century, this is the place to be. You’ll find works from historic masters such as da Vinci, Van Gogh, Constable, Renoir, Botticelli and Titan among many others. You’ll require to buy tickets before you can view some exhibitions , but all the same, this is a fascinating way to spend your London time.

4.  Southbank Centre

Strategically situated by the river Thames, this landmark offers breathtaking views of the city of London, from the St Paul’s Cathedral to the Coca-Cola London Eye. The Southbank Centre comes across the board as a rare metropolitan arts center, equipped with creative spaces and spectacular history. There’re a Hayward Gallery, a Royal Festival Hall and the Queen Elizabeth Hall among many others.

5.  Coca-Cola London Eye

This is one of the most outstanding features on London’s skyline. It’s equipped with 32 capsules that provide some of the city’s best views. Each capsule can ferry 25 people and weighs 10 tons. You’ll get an unforgettable perspective and breathtaking experience once you climb aboard. Within just 30 minutes, you’ll have taken in over 55 of London’s top landmarks.

6.  Science Museum

Get a glimpse of future space travel at London’s Science Museum. A truly outstanding landmark, Science Museum allows you to see, touch or experience major scientific advances recorded over the last 300 years. You can ask the difficult question ‘who am I?’ and do a lot of other ‘sciency’ things that will have your mind spinning at top speed. There’s also a cool Imax cinema and a lot of other fascinating exhibitions. There’s no shortage of choice.

7.  Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, has been hosting the English political system since the 16th century. It’s also been the official seat of the British government for more than 200 years. Historically, the Palace was home to the English Monarch. In 1547 though, the ‘common’ elected parliamentary representatives and that’s when the ‘House of Commons’ was born. The current model of the building was designed by Charles Barry in 1835. It was built Neo-gothic style and the entire work took 3 decades to complete. Once it was completed, this political abode changed the skyline of London. The Parliament Clock tower is 316 feet tall and is often referred to as the ‘Big Ben’. In truth, however, Big Ben is really the name of the main bell that’s located inside the tower. The tower happens to be one of the most distinguishable landmarks the world over.

8.  Somerset House

Home to London’s Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House collects Impressionist, Old Masters, and Post-impressionist paintings. The Embankment Galleries within it features a rotating construct of exhibitions that are dedicated to fashion, art, photography and design. If you really have an art mind, you’ll enjoy spending your time in this landmark building within the city of London.

9.  Westminster Abbey

This is London’s most aged religious building. It has been tracked back to over 1000 years in history. Apparently, it was established by as a monk community center. In 1050, Edward the Confessor built a stone monastery at the site. The Abbey went on to be Norman kings coronation center. It was later revamped gothic style by King Henry III. Since then, the Abbey has been the coronation and burial site for English monarchs.

These 9 landmarks are certainly worth your time in London. Each one of them is a globally recognized structure that’s visited by millions of people from all over the world each year.

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