When travelling overseas one of the key questions that always pops up is about whether water is safe to drink. After all, staying hydrated is important, especially when you are travelling.
Is it safe to drink tap water in the
UK? Yes. Tap water in the UK is
rigorously and regularly tested to ensure it is safe for human
consumption. Drinking from taps is
generally considered safe. As a tourist, you need to worry less about water
safety than finding drinking water.
Why UK Tap Water is Safe to Drink
The United Kingdom has some of the most
stringent water standards. A robust testing
and monitoring program which ensures the quality of the water in the UK.
Each of the countries in the UK tests their water independently, and the results have to be published on an annual basis. These results are overwhelmingly positive. For example, in 2014 a total of 3,853,350 water quality tests were carried out. Only 32,427 (or 0.04%) of those tests showed water that did not fully comply with water quality standards, according to a report by the Drinking Water Inspector.
By law, water companies in Great Britain
are required to provide water suitable for drinking, cooking and washing. The
results of those tests are required to be made available for consumers if they
request them.
In addition, the results are published online annually. If you are interested in looking at some of the data, you can find out more about water quality at DiscoverWater.co.uk.
“Water coming from UK taps is the most stringently tested in the world,” said Prof Paul Younger, of Glasgow University.
Great Britain Compares Well Against Other Countries
The Global Data Index is another source that rates water. It lists the UK’s drinking water quality as the 13th best in the world. The index uses data from a variety of testing sources, looking for data on the following chemicals:
Nitrates
Faecal coliform
Fluoride levels
Total Dissolved Solids
Data for each water source
The data is combined and measured against
other countries to come up with a country’s ranking. Great Britain’s water quality is equal to the
United States’ and higher than France’s, Denmark, and Canada, among others.
Drinking Water’s
Sources
Some parts of Great Britain have a
reputation for having “bad” water, especially London and the area around it. Since the water is thoroughly tested, why does
London’s water get such a bad rap?
It’s because of the source of the water.
Most tap water in the southeast of England—where London is located—is groundwater,
which is water that has filtered through underground rocks, gathering minerals. Surface water, which is water from lakes,
pond, and rivers, contains far fewer minerals.
Because of the additional minerals,
groundwater has a taste that many describe as “hard.” Hard water picks up minerals,
especially calcium and magnesium, as it passes through limestone. Water that is purer does not contain those
minerals and is considered “soft.”
What About the Rest of Great Britain?
The further north one travels from London,
the softer the water becomes. The main factor behind this is the trace amounts
of minerals found in surface water. Northern England, Scotland, and, to a
lesser degree, Wales are home to numerous large freshwater lakes, and these
lakes provide much of the drinking water for those areas.
The rainfall that the UK is known for constantly
provides fresh water, which helps the surface water remain fresh instead of
stagnant.
Ensuring Drinking Water is Safe
To ensure the water is safe, water
companies use a complex filtration process. The process is:
Surface water is kept in
reservoirs to help organic matter break down
Then it is filtered to remove
floating objects
Chemicals are added to make
removing silt particles easier
Water is aerated so that gases
like carbon dioxide can be removed
Then organic compounds are
removed so the water is clear
Ozone injection comes next to
break down any pesticides present
Finally, chlorine is added to
kill any bacteria that is still remaining.
Ironically, the taste of chlorine shows up
more in the soft water. The minerals in
hard water cover up the chlorine taste better.
How the British Consume Water
Tappwater surveyed people throughout the UK to find out what they thought about their water. The results show that the further north, the lower the percentage of people who drink get their drinking water primarily from bottled water.
In England, 15% of people drink
mainly bottled water
In Scotland, the percentage is
4%
In Wales, it’s 13%
Northern Ireland has the
highest percentage of 17% choosing to drink bottled water.
The majority of residents in the UK
obviously trust their drinking water, though many purchase a water filter,
through companies such as Tappwater.
Water Advice
Clearly, British water is rigorously
tested, is judged very safe by independent sources and is provided by people
who take their responsibility to provide safe water seriously. As a tourist, however, you might still have
some questions.
Can You Drink Water from Bathroom Taps?
Yes. The water in bathrooms comes from the
same water supply as water in sinks.
Sometimes a public bathroom telling you not to drink the water. If so,
it’s probably because of an uncovered storage tank in either the basement or
attic. If you don’t see a sign and you are thirsty, drink away.
Can I Order Tap Water in Restaurants?
If you are eating out, it is acceptable to
ask for plain water—ask for taps—and they shouldn’t charge you.
What About Warm Water?
Generally, the advice is to avoid drinking
from the hot tap. The reason given is
that hot water coming from a storage tank or water heater might not be as
fresh. Hotels and other public venues are required to indicate which taps (what
the British call faucets) you shouldn’t drink from.
What If the Water is Cloudy?
Sometimes tap water looks cloudy, this isn’t
something to worry about. Air trapped in the pipework or dissolved chalk
particles are usually the cause.
Air Bubbles
If repairs or maintenance work is done by
the water company are done nearby, air can enter the water supply. A pocket of
air can also become trapped in a building’s pipework.
The concentration of thousands of air
bubbles causes the water’s milky appearance. The water will clear in a few
minutes, clearing first in the bottom of the glass. Trapped air can also water
to sputter from the tap. Let the water run for a minute or two and the problem
should “clear” up.
Chalk
Deposits
If you have cloudy water and the water
clears from the top and takes a long time, then you are drinking water with
chalk deposits. Chalk is one of the
natural minerals in groundwater, so you most likely won’t encounter chalky
water unless you are in Southeast England. The water is still safe to drink,
but it certainly won’t be appealing.
Isn’t Bottled Water Safer?
If you are thinking that bottled water will be safer, you might want to keep a few things in mind. There are fewer regulations around bottled water and testing. Bottled water is only mandated to be tested at least once a month, whereas, drinking water must be checked daily before it leaves a pumping station.
Bottled water can contain toxins due to the plastic, even with the move to BPA free bottles you can still find them laced with other chemicals. These can seep out if bottles are exposed to heat or sit around for a long time.
Best Places to Find Free Drinking Water in the UK
The best way to get free drinking water in the UK is using the Refill app or website. The biggest contributor to the scheme is Pret Manger, if you’ve been to the UK before there is no shortage of these stores.
Refill is a campaign that is attempting to
make it easier for people to refill water bottles as a way to cut down on
plastic bottle waste. They sign up businesses that will become “Refill
Stations.”
Finding water fountains in the UK is a little
difficult. There are more popping up in train stations and bigger tourists’
areas to help reduce plastic water bottles. If you use the Re-fill app then
this will let you know where the closest fountain or store that you can get
water from
Water Fountain at National Rail Station in the UK
Another great source for finding water is Find-a-Fountain. They are trying to rectify the problem by mapping water fountains throughout London. They even have a free app. Make sure you read the description before you head out to the water fountain. The app will highlight the water fountains in their database are not functioning which is super handy.
Unlike the rest of Europe, tap water is provided and you should never have to pay for water. So ask the pub, café, restaurants, bar or wherever you stop in for a drink or some food if they would kindly fill up your water bottle or check if they have a water station. I’ve never had anyone reject filling up my water bottle so just ask.
What about Water Bottles?
The cost of buying bottled water can add up quickly so unless your preference is drinking bottled water there are other options. There are plenty of free options; I recommend buying a reusable water bottler like the Super Sparrow Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle (my go-to water bottle). Alternatively, as space is a premium when flying, especially overseas, a collapsible bottle is something to consider. There are many different kinds and styles available, such as this one.
Otherwise, you can buy a plastic bottle when you arrive and continue re-filling. Water bottles can be purchased anywhere.
Purchasing a Filtered Water Bottle
If you have decided that you are going to
fill up a water bottle before you leave your hotel room but are still not
convinced the water will be safe, then consider a filtered water bottle.
The LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle is a wonderful example that filters water while you drink it. Perfect for travelling around the UK.
These bottles work on one of two principles:
Some filter the water as you
drink it
While others filter the water
as it is going into the bottle
Both use charcoal as the primary filtering
agent.
Not All Filters Are Created Equal
Some filtered water bottles are designed to remove minerals and chemicals so that the water tastes better. Other bottles have filters that remove bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Read the label carefully. In most cases, the more a filter removes, the more expensive it becomes. You might decide that a trip to the UK doesn’t warrant the same level of filtration as a camping trip or less well-developed countries.
Filters will also need to be replaced. Most bottles list how long their filters last, but some do so by listing gallons (or litres) and others by how the number of cycles. Honestly, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference how long they last.
Not All Bottles Are Created Equal
Water bottles are made from four different
materials, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.
Material
Benefits
Drawbacks
Aluminium
Lightweight and recyclable
Aluminium changes the taste of water Check the label to see if the manufacturer is using BPA-free plastic as a liner
Glass
No health risk associated with it Easy to keep clean Keeps water tasting fresh
Not good for sports enthusiasts Heavy
Stainless steel
Clean and durable Needs no lining to keep water tasting fresh
Typically the most expensive choice
Plastic
Usually, the least expensive Easy to find
Durability can be an issue Tendency to scratch
Bottle-less Filters
There are also several filters that are water bottle filters. These filters are designed to be used with a variety of bottles. One advantage of these is they are much smaller and lighter, which can be helpful for packing. Another is that these filters can be used with most existing water bottles. Lifestraw is one manufacturer of bottle-less filters.
Water
Bottles and Airport Security
Wondering if you can bring a bottle of water through airport security? The regulations for bringing water from the TSA website state:
Thirsty flyers—Bottled water: You can’t bring a bottle of water through the checkpoint, but you can bring an empty bottle through the checkpoint and then fill it up once you’re through security. That will even save you a few bucks.
To make my process easier through airport security, I always remove my water bottle out of my bag so the security guard can quickly verify my water bottle is empty. I have saved my bag from additional checks so many times by doing this.
Essentially,
Water is Essential
To sum it up, the UK has some of the best water and I recommend bringing a water bottle with you or keep refilling a plastic bottle. Refill will guide you to your closest free water, Pret A Mangers are always nearby or just ask when you’re sitting down for food or a drink if they’d kindly fill your bottle up.
To tip or not to tip is a difficult question, depending on where you are. Tipping is customary – even obligatory – in some parts of the world. And in others, it is downright frowned upon. With no universal standard, tipping is often a source of confusion for travellers around the world.
Is it customary to tip hairdressers and nail salons in London? The answer is mostly yes. While tipping isn’t nearly as common in the United Kingdom as it is in places like the United States, rewarding good service at a salon is generally well-received.
Learning
to tip like a local in London just requires a little research and a touch of
cultural savvy. We’ve done the work for you.
Tipping
protocol can be a virtual etiquette minefield. For instance, tipping in the
U.S. is more than customary – it’s expected. In Italy or France, it may already
be included as part of your bill. In Japan, trying to give a tip might even be
considered rude. The U.K. has its idiosyncrasies when it comes to gratuity.
To
make matters worse, the confusion surrounding tipping doesn’t just occur
because of the differing cultures of countries. There are also varying tipping cultures
between different industries within the same city.
Tipping Guide for London, by Industry
Where
Customary Tip
Cultural Notes
Salon – Hair
10-25%
Generally Expected
Salon – Nails
10%
Not expected, but not uncommon
Spa
Optional
Not expected, somewhat uncommon
Restaurants
10-15%
12.5% gratuity fee charged for large parties
Bars
Optional
Common to leave a few coins
Hotel Bill
10-5%
10-12% fee added to hotel bills
Hotel Staff
Optional
Customary to give a few points per attendee: bell person, room service, maid service
Taxis
10-15%
Common to round up to the nearest pound
Why Tipping Isn’t Always Expected
In some
countries, the reason tipping is routine boils down to this bit of economic
fact: many employers pay sub-par wages to their service and hospitality
workers. It’s built into the industry in some economies. Employers pay these
staff members a low wage, the cost of which is transferred onto the paying
customer.
Not so in the
U.K.
A VisitBritain.comarticle notes: “all staff in the U.K. must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage,” indicating that workers don’t have to rely on their tips to make a living and that employers can’t expect that tips will fill in the gaps of worker’s low wages.
This doesn’t
mean that workers don’t still rely on their tips. Service industry workers still often count on
tips as part of their regular income. And the government realizes this.
A government report on tipping states: “There are some 165,000 businesses in the hospitality, leisure and service sectors where tipping is common… employing some 1.3 million workers,” and adds that “tipping is also an important feature in industries such as hairdressing, casinos and private car hire.”
How Tips Work in a London Salon
Blade in Soho – one of my favourite salon’s in London.
Tips are part of the culture in the beauty industry in London. But how they work can be as varied as the neighbourhoods of London itself.
How Tips Are Distributed
Not all tips go directly into the pocket of the nail technician or stylist. All salons are different. Some may pool the tips together in a ‘tronc’ to be divided out by a ‘tronc master’ on a certain schedule. Others may be collected by a salon owner and distributed evenly, or by some predetermined formula.
A tipping policy
might be posted right in clear view on the wall of the salon, or you may want
to ask the stylist, client service staff or salon management directly. But if
that feels awkward and you really want to know what happens to your tip, there
are other ways to find out.
The British
government thinks
all consumers have a right to know where their tip goes. They have published a voluntary
code of conduct which states, among other things, how tips should be split,
how consumers find out, and whether cash and card tips are treated differently.
Places to find
more information on the code of contact, and how stylists feel about it are:
As a general
rule, a cash tip is a preferred way to reward stellar service. Many
salon tipping policies allow staff to keep cash tips directly, but some require
electronic tips to be evenly distributed among staff. For high-performing
stylists and technicians, those who might create the lion’s share of the tips
in that pool, equal division among all players don’t serve them well.
If you don’t feel
like reading through government paperwork, the clear answer is: tip your
stylist or nail technician cash. Assume that most salon workers and owners will
appreciate it. Some salons don’t want the additional paperwork and even insist
gratuities are paid in cash. Expect such policies to be posted, if they exist.
Or ask the staff of the client service desk what is customary.
Does a Stylist or Nail Technician Have to Report Tips?
Of course. All employees in tipped positions in the U.K. are legally mandated to report tips and pay taxes on them. Here again, the British government is crystal clear on how this gets done, stating that a worker must pay Income Tax on any tips received, and, in some cases, make an additional National Insurance contribution as well.
Whether or not a tipped employee pays the additional tax depends on two
things:
Whom the tip is given to
Who decides how the tips are doled out
While
the full details of tipping and taxation are available online, this isn’t your
concern. At the end of the day, it’s the salon employees and owner who need to
worry about tax-related responsibilities. However, it may be nice to know that
the tips taxed the least are those that are paid in cash, directly to the
employee:
Who to Tip and How Much
The basic rule for tipping in salons is
this: if you are happy, it’s nice to show your gratitude with a tip.
Salons are a place of pampering and the end results are intended to make us
feel good about ourselves. And whatever process we’re there for – there is
often more than one person taking care of us in a salon.
If you would like to reward the junior
stylist who gives you a great head massage during the shampoo or the stylist
who lets you come in for a quick, free bang-trim, here’s some tipping
guidelines that can help lead the way.
Salon-Specific Jobs and How to Tip
Hair Stylist, Hair Colorist
15-20% of service
Nail Technician
10%
Corrective Hair Color
20% (even if it’s a complimentary redo)
Complimentary Bang Trim
15-20% of the cost of a haircut
Shampoo Person
Under £5
Blow Dry Person
About £5
Salon Owner
15-20%
Tips and Tricks for Tipping in Certain Situations
There may be times a salon visit doesn’t go
quite right. You may not feel like making an additional display of gratitude
and satisfaction. However, it is usually just polite to leave a tip: just as a
gesture of good faith.
Your result is a disappointment. Talk to
the manager or owner. They’ll want to know if you’re not happy and they’ll
often refund the cost of your service or deliver a complimentary re-do. Tipping
the stylist is not mandatory, of course, but it is a good idea. Especially
if you’d like to develop or maintain a relationship at the salon
The owner styles your hair. It used to be customary to skip the tip if the owner styled your hair. Owners often charged higher rates for their services and that was “payment enough.” The general belief was that an owner/stylist would be offended at the offer of a tip. Not so anymore. Whomever your stylist is, if you are happy with the results, a tip is a welcome gesture!
As someone that has hopped on a
plane and moved to London by myself, I know exactly what you are feeling when
trying to make friends in London. The city can certainly be a very lonely place
when you first move over.
London is such a transient city
and that can impact your group of friends as people come and go. This is
certainly something that I have experienced while living here as friends’ visas
expired, they wanted to move to another city, go travelling and so on.
To maintain a group of local
friends you will need to build new friendships regularly.
I am sure I am not telling you
anything new when I say making friends takes time and commitment to finding the
people you click with. Build your initial friend network and then be prepared
to go on lots of friend dates! I find a lot of people end up being lonely in
the city because they don’t have the time or give up easily. Here are some ways
to help you build your group of friends…
Where to Meet Friends in London?
Facebook
One of the most popular places to
connect with people is Facebook and there are several Facebook groups you can
join that host events, you can suggest events or join other peoples groups.
There is a bit of misbalance
between groups that are mixed and ladies only – sorry guys, there are more
groups that the ladies can join. Don’t be shy to post your own meet-ups on
these groups!
There are many more groups that
you can join, these are just the ones I personally use and you will see me
posting in them occasionally. I have found some great events and support in the
groups.
Let’s Start with Mixed Groups
Kiwi’s in London
Facebook Group run by Clint and
famous for making people read his FAQ’s (haha). There are monthly Kiwis in
London drinks which are generally located in the South West/ West of London.
Even if you are not a Kiwi they are a welcoming bunch so check them out.
Aussies in London
The group provides a lot of
entertainment, they host a few events but not as many as Kiwis in London.
The Non-Boring London Collective.
The Non-Boring London Collective is run by Gigi and John, as expats themselves, they understand the difficulty of making friends in London. They run a meet-up only group where they host various events every month plus others create side events.
Britbound
Britbound is run by Sarah, who has
been welcoming new faces to London since 2008. Their social package does cost
money but they provide you with all sorts of other benefits to like setting up
your bank account and NI Number. Without Britbound I wouldn’t have been able to
establish my life in the UK.
They host lots of events at their
base in Putney, pubs crawls and various other events across London.
The group doesn’t host events itself but there are lots of people who create WhatsApps groups or events on the group so just look through the search bar and see if there is something that takes your fancy.
London | Girl Gone International
The group hosts events like
colouring nights and a bookclub which you can join via their meet-up page.
Similar to London New girl there are lots of people posting events or groups to
join. I recently joined a dinner club via this group and has been really fun so
far!
Aussie & Kiwi Women in London
Recently Hayley and Kaitlyn have
started a group for Aussie and Kiwi Women in London. They have been hosting
quite a few events since the group started so I recommend joining if you are an
Aussie or Kiwi.
Meet-up Groups
Meet-up has 1000’s of events that
you can join, this is great if you have a hobby like photography where there
will be heaps of groups based on this. Some will cost money as the organiser
can be experts in that field helping you grow your skills.
Finding an apartment or house in London can be soul-crushing but getting the right people to live with will change your London life (no pressure ;)). Make sure you check out the Facebook groups I mentioned above as they will have people advertising rooms or posts about searching for places together.
Other places you can look at
Spareroom (the most popular), GumTree (be careful with scams) and Room Buddies.
On Spareroom you can create a
profile telling people about you and join up with others looking for a place.
When I first moved to London I met two guys that were looking for an apartment
in my price range. They got in touch with my friend and I to see if we were
keen and went on a few viewings together.
If you have acquaintances or
friends of friends living in London this can be a great way to connect with
people. I had an old co-worker that moved to London at the same time I did,
while we were friendly at work we weren’t super close. I got in touch with her
when I moved to London and she became one of my closest friends in London.
I actually find that people that
know acquaintances don’t end up getting in touch and therefore miss out on potential
friendships. There is something about moving overseas and bonding that changes
your relationship with that person. In most cases for the better as you get a
good friend and they can relate to your challenges.
Get to Know Your Friends’ Friends
Do you have any friends or family
members know people in London? See if they will connect you together. When I
moved over my Grandma connected me with my Great Uncles Brother and while I
didn’t become super close with them it was nice to hang out with family and
know that they were there.
It’s amazing the kindness of
people when living overseas and truly welcome you into their homes.
Pick Up Some New Hobbies
New hobbies are a great way to
meet some new friends and like-minded people. Learn a new language, go on a
cooking class (the Bread Ahead baking classes look amazing!) or join a sports
group.
I found yoga classes a great way
to meet new people, my personal favourite yoga studio is Fierce Grace which has
a few locations around London.
If you are into sport, then here
are some clubs you can look into:
The pub culture is strong in the UK so what better way than making
friends by heading to your local pub. Get involved with the events too, chances
are your local will hold quiz nights, cheap food nights and much more.
Alternatively, drag your new co-workers for drinks. You will find that
as long as the drinks are Monday to Thursday you will generally find someone
keen to go for a drink (at least in my industry).
Go and Volunteer
Volunteering is the perfect way to help the communities around you and expand your social network. Some types of volunteering will have a waitlist in London so picking less popular volunteering activities like cleaning up rubbish or something in your local community will be more available.
Just like the dating thing you can also get apps for the make your friendships. Check out apps like Hey Vina, Bumble and Citysocializer. Some of these apps we will have charges associated with them so they’re not the freeway to make friends.
Citysocializer does host event
quite often which you don’t need to pay to attend so just doing some of their
weekly or monthly drinks and get to know the people going.
Be a Leader Rather Than a Follower
I cannot recommend this enough to
be a leader rather than a follower. Make your own destiny in London and create an
event and invite other people along. Advertise your event on the Facebook
groups and the next thing you know you will have a sea of people joining you.
When I move to London I met my
friend Mel in a hostel and ended up becoming friends. One day we started
talking about book clubs and next thing I know I’m a part of a book club. We
started off with a few ladies and then the group dwindled down to 3 members.
We advertised on some Facebook
groups and next thing you know we have 10 new people attending our bookclub the
next month.
It’s been such a success in the
way that I make friends in London, every few years we have to do another
recruitment run as people move away but it has been the number one way I make
friends in London by running this group.
Say ‘YES’ to Everything (Within Reason)
Mimic Jim Carrey in Yes Man and
just say yes to everything. Taking that leap and putting yourself out there is
the best way to make friends. If you are just watching events go by and not
joining any, the journey to finding friends will be longer.
Just be careful and don’t get
burned out but truly it is a great way to meet a bunch of new friends.
Stay in a
Hostel
When I first moved to London I
stayed in a hostel for 3 months and it was the place that I made my initial
friends. I even ended up moving out with
one of the guys that I met and then eventually our other friend joined us in
the flat.
I get that living in a hostel
isn’t for everyone but they can be buzzing places and great a place you can
meet people. If sharing a room isn’t up your alley then look at a private room
whilst you are flat searching.
Talk to the Organisers if you have Social Anxiety
Recently on a few social media
groups, there have been posts about people reluctance to come to events as they
suffer from social anxiety. Everyone has a different level of anxiety and I
know it can be strong enough for people to cancel.
A lot of the lovely people I have
met in London will be happy to help out and try to ensure you feel comfortable.
Reach out to the organisers and in most cases, they will do their best to
discreetly help you to feel at ease and relaxed.
I’d hate to think people might be
missing out because they’re uncomfortable. It’s not easy being away from home.
Feel free to PM me on social media as well!
Hopefully, that has given you a few ideas on how to make friends in London and some of these have personally worked for me. If you have any other suggestions on how to make friends don’t forget to leave them in the comments and let’s help the community out!
One of my favourite things to do when travelling is hunting for amazing viewpoints. Riga doesn’t disappoint as the city provides you with 4 fantastic viewpoints! You’ll be able to get different views of Riga’s Old Town, the beautiful art nouveau architecture buildings, cobblestone streets and magnificent churches.
I would recommend adding at least one of these viewpoints to your Riga sightseeing list:
St. Peter’s Church
Latvian Academy of Sciences – Panorama Observation Deck
Riga Skyline Bar
National Library of Latvia
St. Peter’s Church
View from St Peters Church Riga
I know that other people recommend doing this view but the disadvantage of this is that you don’t get views of St Peter’s Church itself. You do get amazing 360 views of the Old Town on the other hand. It’s a hard toss up so maybe do at least two views to get your fix of panoramic views over Riga!
Tickets for St Peter’s church will set you back €9.00 and
these are bought just inside the church. There will be a set of stairs and then
a lift that will take you up to the view point. It will shake a little when
getting up toward the top so don’t freak out when this starts happening.
You’ll be able to get your iconic photo of the colourful houses and the city.
Before leaving the church make sure you wander around the
gallery inside the church which is all about Latvian people and life.
Practical Information for St. Peter’s Church
Website: https://peterbaznica.riga.lv/en/news/ Address: Reformācijas laukums 1, Rīga, LV-1050 Opening Times: 1 May to 31 August Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00 Sunday 12:00 – 19:00 1 Sept – 30 Apr Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00 Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00 Price: 9.00 €
Latvian Academy of Sciences – Panorama Observation Deck
Latvian Academy of Sciences – Panorama Observation Deck
The Latvian Academy of Sciences offers a perfect viewpoint and gives the best views without any obstructions in the way. In my opinion this view is better than that from St Peter’s Church as you can see St Peter’s Church in your view. As it’s slightly out of the city centre it will also give you a view of the TV tower, the library and the markets.
If stairs are something you struggle with there are only 2 flight of stairs involved in this viewpoint. It’s located on the 17th floor which is 65-metre-high but has a lift to the 15th floor.
The building is very noticeable as it’s built in Soviet Style and reminds me of the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw and Seven Sisters in Moscow. It was built in the honour of Communist leader Stalin and completed in 1961. Creepily the building was built on the site of a Lutheran cemetery and church.
The building states that it is open from dawn to dusk and it
costs €5.00 to enter. The viewing platform is open during the high season
(April – October).
As you can see it was super windy at the top!
Practical Information for Latvian Academy of Sciences
Address: Akadēmijas laukums 1, Rīga, LV-1050 Opening time: 1 April to 31 October Monday to Sunday: 09:00 – 22:00 Price: €5.00 (cash only)
Riga Skyline Bar
Angel Falls cocktail at the Radisson Blu Hotel is the Skyline Bar
Located in the Radisson Blu Hotel is the Skyline Bar located on the 26th floor. It’s a perfect place to relax with a cocktail an enjoying view of Riga. The building is out of the Old Town Again but gives you views on the Orthodox church, one of the boulevards into the city and of course views on the Old Town.
The cocktails were absolutely delicious, I tried the Angel Falls cocktail which was a refreshing tropical drink made with Venezuelan & spiced rum, mango, passionfruit, pineapple juice, lime, sugar cane and bitters. There is no better way to end the day than this!
Cocktails are around €9.00 to €12.00, mocktails are around €7.00 to €9.00 and beers are about €5.00. Be aware that there is a cover charge of €5.00 on Thursday to Sunday 21:00 to 01:00/02:00.
The reflections made it hard to capture the best photo but the views are amazing!
Practical Information for Riga Skyline Bar
Website:https://www.radissonblu.com/en/latvijahotel-riga/bars. To see the food and drinks menu on offer, go to the Skyline Bar website. Address: Elizabetes iela 55, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 12:00 – 02:00 Friday to Saturday: 12:00 – 03:00 Sunday: 11:30 – 02:00 Price: Price of a drink, cover charges after 9 pm Thursday to Sunday of €5.00
National Library of Latvia
National Library of Latvia is located across the river so
it’s nice to cross and see the city from the other side. It’s the cheapest view
of Riga as you only need to store you coat and bag which is free. You do need a
€1.00 coin to check in your bag but this is given back when you pick up your
stuff.
There is a slight downside to the view is that the windows
have little dots on them and impacting taking photos of the view.
To get to the top floor head to the reception when you
arrive at the building and ask for a badge to the view point. This will allow
you to take the lift to the top floor (but only on a Sunday). You will still be
able to get views of the city on the other floors, but the top of course is the
best.
The great thing about the library is you can explore the library which is a bit like a museum and it’s away from the crowds of the Old Town. Also there is a café and restaurant where you can chill out and have a coffee.
Practical Information for National Library of Latvia
Website: https://www.lnb.lv/en Address: Mūkusalas iela 3, Rīga, LV-1423, Latvia Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 09.00 – 20.00 Saturday to Sunday: 10.00 – 17.00 Price: No cost
Expert Tips for Riga’s Must-See Views:
National Library of Latvia is the only free view
of Riga and the top floor is only open on Sunday.
Skyline Bar is a relaxing and nice way to see
views of Riga.
St Peter’s Church has the best views on the Old
Town and be sure to check out the art exhibit at St. Peter’s.
The Science Academy Building Observation Deck is
open during the high season (April – October).
Where to Find the Viewpoints
Here is a map of all the view points mentioned in the
article, be sure to save this map before heading to Riga.
Let me know in the comments below which was the best view of Riga!
The quest to find a flat in London is an involved process and with all the different types of properties, ways you can rent, ways to search for accommodation, knowing what to look for and figuring out the rules, it can get confusing.
I know just how overwhelming this can be when you are new to London. Rental properties are snapped up quickly. If you are immigrating here, you can have a disadvantage with the lack of credit score and UK based references. Those from the UK will find it easier to find a flat.
To save you having to wade through the tricks and pitfalls of the game I am going to give you the best resource for finding a flat in London. This guide to finding a flat in London covers the key things you should know when searching for a flat including:
When to start flat hunting
Things to know as a renter
Setting a budget
Learn the London flat terminology
Creating a list of deal-breakers and must-haves
Researching neighbourhoods
London expat neighbourhoods
Using websites and apps for finding flats in London
The viewing – what to look out for
When you’ve found a place – offer, contracts, etc
How to deal with issues if they occur
The guide to flat hunting in London comes not only from my experience and others I have helped over the years but also contributed to by my amazing partner who is an estate agent. With his expertise, we have made sure you have all the tops tips to make your flat hunting go smoothly.
Please note this article
isn’t about finding a shared house which will be covered in another article.
When to start flat hunting
It’s normal for you to want to get a flat before you arrive in London and by all means do go online to get a feel of what is available. However, I recommend not starting the process until you arrive.
Not only will it be easier but you will also have the important things established (like a job or bank account). Plus, you will have the ability to get a sense of the neighbourhoods, safety, commute to work and much more once you are in the city.
If you do want to
start searching for flats before arriving in London tend, then start you search
4 to 6 weeks (as this when properties tend to come available) prior to your
desired move in date.
This is not to say it is impossible to get an apartment before you arrive. However, in my time of living in London, I’ve only met one couple that successfully got an apartment before arriving in the UK.
They had a friend that was willing and able to go house hunting for them and assist during the process. Plus, they had enough money to pay 6 months rent upfront.
Another
alternative is to employ a Search Agent, they will hunt for a flat on your behalf.
Simply they will take all your requirements, view the properties, set-up
virtual viewing (if you want) and as they have knowledge in the industry pick
up any issues with the flat or negotiate.
A Search Agent
will normally have the following fee structure:
Retaining fee – Payable upon instruction prior to the commencement of the search.
Success fee – a percentage of the annual rent. Payable – Upon signing the rental agreement.
Things to Know as a Renter in London
Some of the key
things to know about flat renting in London are:
Your annual salary (as a general rule) needs to be 30 times more than the monthly rental price. This will vary between different agents and landlords but is a good benchmark to have in mind. If you are renting with other people the combined salary of all on the agreement will be taken into account.
The tenant fee ban is being introduced on the 1st of June 2019. Here are the Permitted Charges in accordance with the Tenant Fee Act 2019:
First month’s rent in advance
Tenancy Deposit 5 or 6 weeks depending upon the rental amount
Holding Deposit maximum one week’s rent
Early termination when requested by the tenant a charge not exceeding the financial loss experienced by the landlord
Utilities, communication services, TV licence and council tax
Default charge for late payment of rent limited to interest charged at 3% above Bank of England base rate, when rent is more than 14 days late
Default charge for replacement of lost key or security device equivalent to cost incurred
Changing the tenancy documents after the commencement of the tenancy
With the changes in June there will also a cap on deposits agencies and landlords can request. If the yearly rent is under £50,000 a year the maximum deposit that can be requested in 5 weeks rent. For properties that the rent is over £50,000 the maximum deposit is 6 weeks rent.
There is now a Zero Deposit Guarantee which means you no longer have to pay a deposit upfront, instead these deposit guarantee will request 1 weeks’ worth of rent and a yearly admin fee. You will not get your money back using this method so if your rent is £1,000 a month and therefore, you’d lose around £200 + the admin fee. If there are any damages during the tenancy you will still be liable for these.
Your deposit should be protectedif you rent a flat under Assured Shorthold Tenancy contract (AST). This will change if you are renting a short let (i.e. anything under 6 months).
Pets can make searching for a flat more difficult as not all leases allow pets in the building.
This is a really useful documentfor anyone struggling with understanding the new acts and fees you can be charged.
Immigrated to London? Things to Know Before Renting
Relocating to London can make renting harder especially if you’ve just arrived in England. The more time you spend in London working, the easier it will get over time. Here are some things to consider:
Not having a credit historywill impact your ability to be accepted through estate agents. Some landlords will request that you provide 3 to 6 months rent in advance to ensure the landlord has security.
If you wish to go down the guarantor route to avoid paying so much rent up front you would need a person that is a UK homeowner who is willing to act as your guarantor so this can be a challenge for those who immigrate here.
You need to prove that you can legally be in the UK so British Passport, EU Passport or working visa. The paperwork can’t be started until you can prove this.
Set A Budget
If you want a good flat in London it can feel like you are spending a lot of money to get it. There is hope when budgeting correctly and having patients. P.s. December is a great month to negotiate deals.
According to the National Statistics Officethe top four categories of spending in England are transport, housing, fuel and power, and recreation and culture.
Based on those statistics, in 2017 BBC released an article stating that Londoners are spending 41.1% of their annual salaries on rent so as you can easily see your money is gone quickly.
It’s no wonder
that London is consistently ranked as one of the worlds most expensive cities
to live in.
The best way to help you determine the budget you have available is to use a pay calculator and get a rough idea of your take-home pay. In my experience, this has given me a close enough figure to work with.
Now you can determine which neighbourhoods you can potentially afford; the next step is to consider how much money you will spend on bills and council tax.
In the UK the renter pays property tax and will be based on the occupancy, the band the flat is in (from A to H) and borough you live in.
The council tax will be based on a yearly cost, for example, I live in Bromley in a band c property which is £1,367 a year. Note that students don’t have to pay council tax, and single occupants get a 25% discount.
There are other factors to consider like food, utilities, transport, etc and you can read more about my breakdown of how much it costs to live in London.
Learn the London Flat Terminology
Flats in London can be converted houses or purpose-built flat blocks.
If you speak English then you will know that there are different terminologies we use in each country. In this section, I will cover the nuances plus a few additional UK rental terms that you may not have heard of.
What is a flat in London? Simply just terminology difference between the UK and countries like Australia and the US. There is no difference between the two. Flats can be built or converted, the two terms are:
Purpose-built – A block of apartments that were built as apartments when first constructed.
Conversion (e.g. Victorian Conversion) – A building that was originally a house once upon a time and then converted into flats and one of the most common styles of flat living in London.
Here is some additional London flat terminology to get you started:
Flat share/House share – The most common way of renting in London. It’s where you live with others, either friends or strangers. If you’re renting with strangers there is normally an interview process to see if you fit within the houseshare.
Maisonette – There are different set-ups for Maisonettes but basically means that it will have its own private entrance.
End of terrace, Terraced, Semi-detached are houses and not flats.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished – Rental properties can come with various levels of furnishing so fully furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished. White goods are included in most cases – this includes refrigerator/freezer and washing machine. Don’t expect a dryer as there often isn’t space for these in flats in London. If a flat is unfurnished you can request the landlord to add furniture like a bed, wardrobe, sofa and dining room table however the landlord is under no obligation to do as you request and this will vary usually depending on the strength of your offer.
PCM –In the UK you can here PCM which means Per Calendar Month.
PW – Sometimes properties are advertised with a Per Week price.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) – The most common type of tenancy if you rent from a private landlord or letting agent. You won’t have an AST if you share accommodation with your landlord. To read more about ASThere.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) – This is only relevant if you are renting a property with at least 3 people who are not from 1 ‘household’ (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. For example, if you are renting with 3 other friends then this could become an HMO. To check if a house is an HMO here.
When you’re
looking for a place to live you will have a list of deal breakers and a list of
must haves for you to want to move into that property. The list shouldn’t be
extensive otherwise you’ll never find a place to live but a handful of things
will help you assess the properties out there.
Here are a few
things to consider:
Commute time
Furnished/ Unfurnished
Proximity to tube/train station, bus and shops
Number of bedrooms, size i.e. do you need
double rooms
Number of bathrooms
Parking
Pet-friendliness
Garden/outdoor space
Kitchen amenities/space
Research London Neighbourhoods
With so many
choices in London it can be hard to narrow the search to which neighbourhoods
suit you. Luckily there are some tools out there to help you refine your
search.
There are lots of handy websites which will give you the latest area costs. Using maps tools will help guide you with the prices for areas in London. Here are some to start out with:
London Mayor website has a heat map that breaks down costs by postcode (for example E1 Whitechapel area) with sample data from the past 12 months.
Sparerooms has a “where to live wizard” which is a good starting point to get a rough idea of the potential areas. The downside is its based-on room prices and not the rental prices of a flat.
GoodMigrationsis another website that helps identify neighbourhoods. Select the filters that suit you best and it will automatically start pulling up neighbourhoods. When you click on the area it will give you a breakdown of average rent price for the area, what’s around the area, safety, transport and walkability.
Determining if the London Neighbourhood is Safe
Determining the safety of the area can change depending on the person and your comfort levels so it’s good to have some statistics as well. The police publish a crime map and under the find your neighbourhood tab you can enter your postcode or the accommodation you are planning to stay at and see all reported crime in the immediate area.
Wandering around the London neighbourhood during the day and night will give you a good sense of whether you do feel safe.
Determining Your Commute
Citymapper is a great app for getting a sense of the commute you will have to work and is loved by Londoners. The app will provide you in real-time the fastest route to work. Just make sure you set the departure time to your commuting hour.
National Railis great if your area is on a National Rail route. South East London and a few other areas don’t always access to the underground.
London Expat Neighbourhoods
London is a city filled with expats and there are some areas that we are just famous for building our roots in.
For example, Aussie and Kiwis tend to live in West and South West London like Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush, Fulham, Putney, Southfields, Wimbledon, Wandsworth and Clapham. Even I have spent some time living in Clapham and it was hard not to pass a fellow antipodean.
The antipodeans
have slowly spread their wings to North and East to be in the hip and trendy
areas. Shoreditch, Hackney, Dalston, Angel, Islington and Old Street.
Kensington, Notting Hill and Islington are meant to be where the American live.
Finding your
expat neighbourhood in London can make you feel settled in like having familiar
people, supermarkets catering to your nationality and making friends. Although
I always this it’s always good to spread your wings out a little.
What are the Best Property Websites for Finding Flats in London?
Zoopla or Rightmove
The best place to start your hunt isZoopla or Rightmoveas they are the big players in listing properties. The search settings will allow you to set a budget and property preferences.
What is the difference between Zoopla and Rightmove? There is no real difference in the portals. They have different interfaces and different agents will choose where they advertise.
London Estate Agents
Using the estate agents in the neighbourhood you’ve narrowed will provide you with more options and contact when new properties come to the market. Some of the common ones are Hamptons International, Foxtons, Knight Frank and Savills.
A good way to check if an estate agent is reputable is that they are a part of the Property Ombudsman. I would also check their physical office, branding and online presence to see if that all matches and they are legit.
The Aggregators
Home.co.uk and Nestoria collate properties from across the various portals and act as a search engine for property listings across the web.
Private Landlords
OpenRent– is where private landlords list their rental properties. The properties will be managed directly by the landlord and not via an agency. The stock is not as abundant on OpenRent so you might not find the property you are looking for.
I tend to avoid websites like Gumtree when
searching for a flat as there are lots of scammers and less genuine listings.
Finding a Rental Property in London that is Pet-Friendly
How can someone say no to renting you a flat with London pets this cute!?
Whatever your reason is for wanting to move to London, you’ll likely want to bring your pet along with you if you own one. They are such a big part of our lives!
Is London a dog-friendly city? Yes, London is a dog-friendly place to live and is known as one of the most pet-friendly cities in the world. London offers plenty of beautiful walks and places to live that dogs will enjoy.
Even though London is one of the most pet and dog-friendly cities in the world, it will still take your time doing some research to figure out where the best place to live will be for you and your pet. Lets with Pets is a fantastic starting point as you’ll need to find a pet-friendly rental property, especially a dog-friendly one.
If you have found an area that you already want to live in then make sure you speak to the lettings agent to help find you a pet-friendly rental property that isn’t overpriced. Do be prepared that this might take some time.
Pet Renting Additions
When shopping around for rental properties for you and your pet, consider making a “pet CV. Creating a “pet CV” can be similar to a person’s CV, but you should list the rental properties you’ve lived in with your pet before.
Then you should also add “references,” like previous landlords and neighbours that can attest to how well-behaved your dog is. That way, you can persuade landlords to consider your pets when they might not otherwise have done so.
Besides figuring out a beautiful place to rent for
you and your dog when you live in London, you’ll also want to know about some
fantastic places to go with your dog. We’ve developed a list of some of the
best dog walks in London for you.
The viewing
Now that you’ve spotted some flats that you wish to view, and you’re all pumped for the viewing, you should have some questions on your list for the viewings.
With the list of must-have this should be your starting point at the viewing to make sure it ticks all the boxes you were looking for. There are some additional questions and checks I’d recommend adding to the list when going on views.
Questions to Ask When Viewing a Flat
Financial Considerations
How much is the rent and what is
included? This would
have been included in the advert but it’s always wise to reconfirm with the
agent.
How much of a deposit is required? What are the conditions for the landlord deducting money from the deposit? As per things to know as a renter there is a cap being placed on deposits so you shouldn’t be requested more than 5 weeks rent. Also if you wish to do the Zero Deposit Guarantee then ask the agent if they are offering this service.
What are the estimated running costs
of the property?
Helps to get a sense of how much you will be paying in bills (unless the
contract is bills included).
Flat Considerations
What type of boiler is there? In the UK there are generally two
types of boilers;
Combi boiler is instant hot water.
Standard boiler will heat up water on a daily basis (as long as you have the right settings).
Is it managed by the landlord or by
the agent? Landlords
can do find a tenant only or managed by the agent so this will give you an idea
of who you will be speaking to when issues occur.
Who is responsible for what? Depending on the type of flat there
could be common areas, such as kitchens, gardens, courtyards or hallways to
upkeep so its good to know what you will be responsible for.
Are repairs required? This will help form a part of your
offer if there are issues you can state I would like x fixed before moving in.
What’s the water pressure like? This was a massive issue in some of
my flats but this was mainly the shower didn’t have enough pressure to shower
in.
Do kitchen appliances such as washing
machines and dishwashers work? As most rentals come with white goods you should check that
these are in working order and if any issues add this to the repairs.
Can I decorate? Before making somewhere feel like
home check what you’re allowed to do to the flat.
Put in an Offer
Now that you’ve found a place you just have to put in an offer and get the contracts sorted!
When you put
in an offer then you need to put any terms you want them to meet, for example,
Adding furniture (beds, wardrobes
etc)
Repairs
Then
stipulate:
the amount you wish to pay
break clause that you wish to have,
for example, 6 months
the length of the contract
the date you want to move in
The landlord
will either accept or reject the offer which you can decide the next way
forward from there.
Signing the contract
At the point of signing the contract make sure you check the following as a minimum:
the date
the terms you agreed
amounts
break clause
length of the contract
where your deposit is being held
Inventory
The landlord or agent should provide an inventory (or check-in report) which you agree before you move in.
Make sure you agree with any amendments and as an extra safeguard, make sure that you take photos.
If there is ever a dispute about the deposit at the end of tenancy this will make it easier.
Once you are happy to sign it and keep a copy from your records.
Meter Readings
Last thing you want to be doing is paying for the previous tenants’ bills so check the meter readings before you move in.
Contact details
It’s in your
rights to know the name and address of your landlord and agent including phone
numbers. These to be used in the case of an emergency.
How to Deal with Issues If They Occur
Sometimes
things don’t go well and if you are unable to resolve the issues with the agent
or landlord then there are services to help support you. Here is a list of
companies you can contact if issues do occur:
Citizens Advice – provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. They will be able to help you understand your contract, issues with break clauses, condition of the property and much more.
Shelter – housing and homelessness charity who offer advice and support.
Crisis – advice and support for people who are homeless or facing homelessness.
Your Local Housing Authority – to make a complaint about your landlord or agent, or about the condition of your property.
Planning a trip to London can be difficult with weighing up all the factors!
From deciding whether your wallet can fund the trip, best places to stay, what
London sights to see and how much time you need to explore them.
How many days do you need in London? Ideally, three to four is the most common amount of time tourist spend in London. If your budget and time allow it then you can easily be entertained for a week or more!
At the end of the day, there are no right or wrong answers! On my first trip to London, I spent 1 day and then 3 days at the end of my trip. After that, I packed my bags and moved over. I loved the city that much I thought I could make it my home.
To help you decide how long you need in London with some of the best
tips for visiting from a local, this article will help you plan your trip
to London and give you a feel for how long you should spend here.
How Many Days Do You Need to See London?
I’ve broken the decision down into 5 areas, your budget, what
you are most interested in, day trips from London, pace and distance of
activities.
1# Deciding Based on Your Budget
London is an
expensive city so if you’re on a budget it can impact the time you will be able
to spend here. Luckily there are affordable options
like hostels, London is spoilt with free museums, incredible
parks and lots of events that pop up around the city.
However, the cost of attractions and food can
kill your budget. I’ll give you a rough estimate of food, accommodation,
attractions and transport to get you started on how long you can afford to
be in London.
The minimum I would bring is £60 per day,
this will get you:
A bed in a hostel (generally at this price you’re expecting to share with 8-bed dorm) for £20
For food, meal deals, markets and cooking in the hostel for £10 to £20
Daily Oyster (Zone 1 to 2) £9
Midrange:
A low to midrange hotel for £80 to £150
Everyday restaurants £20 to £40+
London sightseeing activities £30+
Daily Oyster (Zone 1 to 2) £9
Splurging in London:
Four-star or boutique hotel room for £200+
Dinner at London’s finest restaurants £80+ per
person
Good theatre tickets £100+
Taxi’s around £30+
Budget Saving Tips for London
Before you head to the sights and pay for entry have a look
at:
Days Out Guide
Days Out Guide is great if you’re two people travelling together or you make some friends along the way as they offer 2for1 deals on London attractions. Just make sure you buy aNational Rail ticket (Oyster and TFL tickets don’t count) and get the vouchers (either print online or get one at a National Rail station).
Visit London Oyster Card
Visit London Oyster card, you can get tourist
discounts for various sights. Go to the Visit Britain shop for more
details.
The London Pass
The London Pass is a popular choice as it has access to over 80+ London attractions. Make sure when you are planning your days you will be able to get the most out of this. When you purchase you simply choose how many days you would like, active the card within a year (i.e. your travel date) and show it at the venue.
Railcards are great for travelling around the UK, they
offer you up to 1/3 off ticket prices. You can also connect it to your
oyster card and automatically save on National Rail journeys like to Gatwick
Airport.
Check for last minute theatre tickets if you’ve not purchased in advance. There are a couple of sites to look at but the most popular is TKTS London.
2# How Long To Spend In London Based On The Things You Are Interested In
If it’s your first time in London it can be so easy to have a jammed packed itinerary, but I would only choose two to three main things a day to give you time to relax. Start by writing down all the things you want to see in London so you can plan how much time and money you will need.
London is a big city so there is no way that you will
be able to see everything in a couple of days, after all I have been living
here for 7 years and still exploring corners of this city.
A couple of questions to get you started:
Do you love museums and art? It could easily take you days to explore the museums and galleries.
Love markets? Then you should tailor your time in London to the weekends.
Want to see London’s iconic landmarks? Then you could see the outside in a day but exploring inside can add half a day per landmark.
Love Harry Potter? The studio will take you a day and if you want to watch the play this runs over two nights or a whole day.
Enjoy day trips? These add days on to your itinerary.
Like Theatres? This can easily add a couple of extra nights.
As you can see the must-do list will easily affect how much time you
need. Do allow for some spontaneity as a jammed pack to-do list
means you won’t be able to discover London’s hidden gems.
Here are some London guides to get those idea’s flowing!
London has great transport options which means day trips can easily be squeezed in as they are a short train ride or bus trip away.
It’s a nice way to see more of England without moving your belongings and finding another hotel.
Here are some London day trip options:
Stonehenge Day Trip
Stonehenge and Bath are a common day trip that you can take. Bath is an
absolutely beautiful place to visit so well worth getting this added to your
day trip. You will be able to explore the Roman Baths, the Abbey and Jane
Austen Centre.
Stonehenge is a little more difficult to get to by public transport and I would recommend a tour for this one. Get Your Guide has serval tour options available like this one Stonehenge Half-Day Morning or Afternoon Tour.
Windsor
The Royal residence of the Queen and where Harry and Meghan got married.
It’s the perfect day trip by train from Paddington station.
Cambridge
Most of us have heard about Cambridge from its prestigious university colleges
and regatta on the Thames between Cambridge and Oxford. Visit the prestigious
colleges like King’s College, Trinity College and St John’s College, go punting
and visit The Eagle pub while you are in Cambridge.
Oxford
The rival to Cambridge and just as many incredible looking colleges!
Also, Lewis Carroll started Alice in Wonderland there which is my favourite
tale. J.R.R. Tolkien who wrote Lord of the Rings studied at Oxford.
Paris
St. Pancras offers frequent trains to Paris by Eurostar, when my cousin
was over, she popped over to Paris for a French cooking class for the day. A
little extravagant but totally doable!
Brussels
Belgium is probably best known for its beer, waffles, pomme frites and
chocolate. It’s a perfect day trip from St Pancras on the Eurostar. If you want
to know more about I’ve got you covered in my Brussels in a Day Trip.
The
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is famous for the pretty houses in golden stone, ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows.
It’s a little harder to get public transport here as it’s the Cotswolds in a set of villages. Here are some tours I recommend to visit the area:
Most famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, explore
where he was born and grew up.
Brighton
A seaside town, on a summer’s day watch all the Londoners flock to the
beach. Visit the famous Brighton Pier, pick up some doughnuts and sit on the
beach enjoying the view. Be careful of the seagulls, they are pretty confident
and have stolen my doughnuts before!
4# Deciding on How Long to Spend Based on
Your Pace
An important part of itinerary planning is your pace. London is really easy to get around by walking and has an excellent public transport network. Sometimes public transport can take longer than actually walking (check out this walking tube map)! Plus you save on transport costs.
When thinking about your pace, consider some of these questions in your
planning:
Are you someone that just likes to see the outside of an attraction or do you like to spend a lot of time exploring the attraction?
Do you like to walk slow or fast?
Like to find cute coffee shops or grab a beer?
Do you like to take public transport or prefer to walk?
An injury that might impact you?
When I travel, I love to walk as much as possible and stop for food and
drinks along the way. I walk at a medium pace and due to my knee injury, I know
I can’t walk more than 2-3 hours in a row, then after 15km, I struggle to walk.
Also, the stairs are a killer! There are only so many tall buildings,
cathedrals and monuments in a day. Knowing your strengths and weakness, all
help in what to factor in your travel planning.
5# Consider the Distance
It’s a good idea to stay somewhere within close proximity to London attractions and activities. This gives you the edge of being able to see things more easily than travelling into London every day.
London is made up of different areas which can sometimes feel like a
collection of villages. A few areas to consider staying in:
South Kensington for the museums and
close to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
Soho is an area forming
part of London’s West End and has loads of bars, restaurants and very central
location.
Shoreditch is east of the
city and one of the cooler areas to stay. You will be able to discover some of
the great coffee shops, famous street art, some of the best markets.
Bermondsey & London Bridge is the
perfect place to stay if you love to discover new street-food, craft beer and
gin and close to attractions like Tate Modern, Tower Bridge and the Tower of
London.
South Bank and Waterloo are very
central to all the main site in London and a fantastic location for the
sightseeing orientated visitor.
Additionally, you want to consider the distance between the
activities you choose to do.
For example, walking from the west (say the Natural History
Museum) to the East (so Tower of London) can easily take an hour and
forty minutes. It’s a popular route for people visiting to take as you pass
by all the sights.
If you only have a limited amount of time these distances can
affect what you can fit in. Whereas taking the tube will be around 30
minutes saving you and providing an hour more to explore inside these buildings.
I recommend downloading the City Mapper app to help you decide
whether walking, tube or bus is a better option (p.s. they recommend step-free
routes as well!). When considering the distance, if it says that the route is
12 minutes on the tube but 15 minutes to walk then I would opt to walk.
More London Articles
Want to know more
about London and practical information to make the most out of your trip? Then
I have more resources to get you ready for your trip here!
Taking home something you can only buy in London means your trip keeps giving long after you’ve unpacked.
Some of it’s beautiful, some of it’s genuinely useful, and a few things are just delicious.
I’ve pulled together a list that covers every budget, from a stuffed Paddington Bear to a full Fortnum’s hamper.
Here’s a list of the top London Gifts and Souvenirs!
1. An Umbrella from the James
Smith & Sons
An Umbrella from the James Smith & Sons
England is famous for its drizzle, so it makes sense there’s a shop dedicated entirely to umbrellas. James Smith & Sons has been selling them since 1830, out of an original Victorian shop near Tottenham Court Road and Holborn tube stations.
They still use traditional methods to build these long-lasting umbrellas. My two picks:
Fortnum & Mason has played a huge part in London’s history since it opened in 1707, originally selling on Queen Anne’s half-used candle wax for a profit before turning into the grocery store, then department store, it is today.
Hampers can be large, and bringing one home depends on your luggage space and how tempted you are. Their tea hampers are always my go-to gift, but browse their latest hamper selection here for the full range.
For a special occasion you can customise one too. A friend did this for my 30th birthday and it’s still one of the best gifts I’ve had.
3. Tea Whittard and Twinings
Tea from Whittard
The English love their tea, and there’s no more classic souvenir than this. Whittard and Twinings are the brands I’d recommend.
From traditional British tea to an assortment of flavours, there’s something for everyone. Not a tea person? Whittard also does incredible hot chocolate, perfect for a cold winter night.
Their shops are scattered around London and the tea itself is lightweight and easy to pack.
4. Pick Up Some Biscuits to Go with Your Tea!
The Brits love a good biscuit with their cuppa, and you can grab the classics cheap. The best packets to pick up:
Custard Creams
Digestives
Jammie Dodgers
Jaffa Cakes
Head to any supermarket, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer or Waitrose, and you’ll find plenty of stock.
5. An Oyster Card
Chances are you’ll end up buying one anyway while you’re in London, which makes it a great souvenir, iconic to the city and genuinely useful. That said, most Londoners now just tap in with a contactless bank card or phone rather than buying a physical card. An Oyster card’s shifted from “necessity” to “nice memento” because of it. It’s a flat, non-refundable fee rather than a deposit these days, worth knowing before you buy one purely as a keepsake.
Go to the Visit Britain shop to pick up a visitor’s Oyster card before you travel, or just grab one when you land.
6. A House of Commons Notebook
At the Houses of Parliament shop you can buy branded items with the official UK Government stamp. As someone who loves a good bullet journal, this is a genuinely cool souvenir. You can buy online, but there’s a good chance you’ll walk right past while visiting Big Ben anyway.
7. A Hat from Lock & Co.
Lock & Co is the oldest hat shop in the world, and it wears that history well. It’s said Lewis Carroll based the Mad Hatter on the shop’s manager.
“You can draw water out of a water-well,” said the Hatter, “so I should think you could draw treacle out of a treacle-well, eh, stupid?”
Alice in Wonderland
Heading to Paris after London? Grab a stylish beret from Lock & Co. On a tighter budget, the canvas bag or Lock keyring makes a perfect London souvenir.
8. Potter Merchandise
Potter Merchandise at Platform 9 3/4
Head to King’s Cross Station, find Platform 9¾, and you’ll magically be swept through the barriers to the Hogwarts Express. Step into Ollivanders to choose your wand, or pick up some school uniform along the way.
Primark is another solid spot for Potter merch at a cheaper price point. And if you’ve got extra time, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (the Making of Harry Potter) is where you’ll find every souvenir your heart desires.
9. London’s Print: Cath Kidston
Cath Kidston is a quintessentially British lifestyle brand. Their iconic prints are stocked in 16+ countries now, but buying one in London just feels more authentic. Cath Kidston does some cute luggage accessories, and my favourite pick is this luggage tag.
10. Authentic English Souvenirs – Mind the Gap, Union Flag, Big Ben or The
Buckingham Palace
The classics: anything featuring Mind the Gap, the Union Flag, Big Ben or Buckingham Palace. Central London is full of shops selling exactly this. A few ideas:
Buckingham Palace has an official gift shop with a huge range of palace-themed gifts, including a Cuddly Corgi, the breed Queen Elizabeth II famously kept for decades and remains closely associated with the Royal Family.
Mind the Gap or Transport for London
The second you arrive you’ll hear the tube announcer say “mind the gap” between the platform and train. It’s pure London, and you can pick up souvenirs featuring the phrase easily. The London Transport Museum shop is also worth a browse for transport-themed gifts.
Big Ben’s restoration wrapped up back in 2022, so the tower’s fully visible again and back to bonging on the hour, its clock faces restored to their original Victorian blue and gold. Get your iconic photo, then bring a bit of it home with this pop of colour from Embarcadero Prints.
11. Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop
Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop
Benjamin Pollock’s is a traditional British toy shop in Covent Garden. Don’t expect anything kids play with today, think retro toy theatres and shadow boxes instead.
As an Alice in Wonderland fan, I love their shadow boxes. They take a bit of assembling, but that’s half the fun.
12. Museum Merchandise
Natural History Museum Merchandise
Museum gift shops always have the predictable stuff, but also some genuinely cool finds. My favourite is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year merchandise: the photos make incredible prints, and you’ll find them at the Natural History Museum.
The British Museum and the V&A also run limited-edition pieces tied to current exhibits, worth checking whatever’s on while you’re there.
13. London Gin
London Jensen’s Gin box.
Londoners love their gin, and a bottle from a micro-distillery makes a proper souvenir. Some are right in the heart of the city, others a bit further out:
Craft Beer at Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick London
London’s craft beer scene is genuinely great. Not the easiest souvenir if your luggage’s already tight, but worth stocking up on a few bottles if you’ve got the room. Some favourites live along the Bermondsey Beer Mile, plus Gipsy Hill, Southey, Beavertown and Camden.
Want to dig deeper into the scene? Add the Bermondsey Beer Mile to your London to-do list.
15. Fabric from Liberty of London
Liberty opened its doors in 1875 and has been a London institution ever since, famous for fashion, interiors, luxury goods and its own in-house fabrics and textiles.
If you love sewing or quilting, this is heaven. Buy some of their famous fabrics for a dress, skirt, top, or a beautiful addition to a quilt.
16. Beatles Memorabilia
The Beatles weren’t from London, but one of their most iconic album covers was shot on Abbey Road in St John’s Wood. Near Baker Street Station you’ll find the London Beatles Store, selling everything from postcards to original tour programmes.
17. Vintage knick-knacks from Portobello Road
Market
Head to Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill for antique glass, cutlery and old books. Saturday’s the big day for the full market and its famous antiques stalls, Friday’s the quieter second-best option, and Sunday’s mostly closed outside of seasonal markets, so plan around that.
It’s not just a shopping trip either, it’s genuinely one of the most iconic things to do in London full stop.
18. Bulbs or Seeds
Flowers from Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road Flower Market is one of my favourite weekend mColumbia Road Flower Market is one of my favourite weekend markets. Head there on a Sunday and wander through the flowers and plants, a tradition that’s been running since the 1800s.
You’re probably not taking a full plant home, so bulbs or seeds are the next best thing, and they come with a story attached. Just double-check your home country allows plant imports first; Australia, for one, will confiscate them.
Even without buying anything, Columbia Road is a gorgeous Sunday out, and consistently one of the prettiest of London’s Sunday markets.
Not scarfs but it is Arsenal Football Stadium! It’s as close as I will get to a souvenir.
A scarf from a famous team like Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal or Chelsea makes a proper gift. Visit the club shops directly, Arsenal and Chelsea are both London-based, or hit one of the souvenir shops on New Oxford Street or around Piccadilly Circus.
20. Penhaligons Perfumes & Colognes
Penhaligon’s is a British perfume house with beautiful gift sets for both men and women, ideal if you’re travelling with hand luggage only.
They’ve got boutiques across town, or shop online if you can’t get to one in person. My top picks:
Molton Brown is the fancy stuff you actually want in your stocking, a proper step up from the everyday hand wash and moisturiser you’d normally grab.
They’ve built a reputation as a luxury bath, body and beauty specialist, and you’ll find their products in five-star hotels and department stores across the country, including a boutique at Heathrow if you’re short on time before your flight.
As someone who loves travelling light, I love their refined wanderer drawstring travel pouch for hand luggage. To cut down on plastic, I keep the little bottles and refill them with other toiletries later.
22. Pimm’s No 1 Cup
Pimm’s is the drink of British summer, you’ll find it on nearly every menu. A classic Pimm’s Cup is Sprite, strawberries, orange, apple, cucumber and mint, though you’ll also find versions with champagne, prosecco or extra spirits mixed in. I prefer soda water over Sprite if you struggle with sweetness like I do.
Impress your friends back home with a bottle and whip up some summery London cocktails once you’re there.
There are other Pimm’s flavours out now, but Pimm’s No. 1 is the classic and the one I’d recommend trying first. You’ll find it at any supermarket or duty-free.
23. Paddington Bear
Kat and Paddington Bear
Paddington Bear is as iconic to London as it gets, and a perfect gift for kids. Drop by the Paddington Bear shop at Paddington Station for stuffed toys, key rings, mugs, T-shirts and the books themselves.
For a free souvenir, head to Platform 1 and pose for a selfie with the bronze Paddington statue under the clock, right near where the Brown family first found him in the books.
24. London Christmas Ornament
If you’re in London around Christmas, which is genuinely magical, stop by a market stall or department store and pick up a classic icon: Big Ben, a red phone box, the Underground roundel, or a London bus.
London runs on afternoon tea. Why not recreate it at home with a proper tea set? A few places worth checking:
Harrods, for high-quality designer teapots
John Lewis, for well-designed teapots at a more affordable price
Any of the tea shops, like Whittard’s
Museums also sell unique tea sets if you want something a bit more unexpected.
26. Arts and Crafts
I love filling my house with art and crafts, and Backyard Market in Shoreditch is where I’ve picked up some real favourites, including several pieces from UK artist Alice Tam, whose cute prints and Birds in Hats collection I’m obsessed with.
Stalls rotate, and you’re not guaranteed the same artists every visit, which is half the fun. Crafty Fox Market is another favourite of mine; they move locations regularly, worth checking their site for current dates before you go.
Map of Store Mentioned
To make shopping easier, I’ve mapped every store above with an icon to match.
This is just a selection of things you can only buy in London. Let me know in the comments what you picked up, or any other unique finds worth adding to the list. Want more? I’ve got a whole list for England too.
Hyde
Park is one of London’s biggest and most beautiful parks in the city. On a
sunny day, Londoners will flock to the park to enjoy picnics, drinks, brisk
walks, boot camps and some fresh air – but is cycling allowed in Hyde Park?
Hyde Park is friendlier to
cyclists than the other Royal Parks around. There are a number of designated
routes you can take and is ideal for an early morning wake-up ride between April and
September. Being flat it makes it an easy ride!
Getting to Hyde Park
With the park being in Central London it’s super
easy to get public transport here. I wouldn’t recommend driving to the park as
central London traffic and parking can be a nightmare.
Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Queensway and
Marble Arch are all good options to arrive by tube. Don’t forget to check the
map at the bottom of the article as it will guide you where the closest bicycle
hire is.
Where to Rent a Bicycle
Santander Bicycle Station in Hyde Park
London has a public bicycle
renting scheme, nicknamed Boris bikes and run by Santander. The bicycles are
named after Boris Johnson who was the Mayor of London and brought the bicycles
to the city. You will find cycle docking stations in the immediate vicinity of
Hyde Park.
You pay £2 when you first get the bicycle out of the docking station and then £2 every 30 minutes you rent the bicycle. You can find a breakdown of how Santander bicycles work, here.
A bicycle can be found:
North
Carriage Road near Speakers Corner – the two near here I can’t confirm what
type of bicycle hire they are. I’ve included them as they are on the Royal
Parks map.
West
Carriage Road near Serpentine Sackler Gallery
West
Carriage Road near Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
South
Carriage Road near Marble Arch Station
Queensway
Station – Notting Hill Bike Tours (they offer private hire of their bicycles).
The Royal Parks provide a map of all the cycle hire stations, or the TFL website shows all the available bicycles plus docking spots and I’ve included a map below so you can find the hire stations.
There is an app you can
download as well for Santander which will give you up-to-date information on
whether there are bicycles available or docks available to park the bikes.
I’ve searched the internet high and low and not found a place you can get child seats for babies. The closest is London Recumbents in Battersea. If you find anywhere let me know in the comments below!
Taking Your Own Bicycle to Hyde Park
Taking your bicycle on public transport can be complicated, however, if you are planning to travel on weekends and non-peak times it’s generally fine. You can find the guidelines on taking your bicycle on public transport on TFL and National Rail website.
Where to Park Your Bicycle
Hyde Park has parking spaces
for bicycles these can be found:
West
Carriage Road near Serpentine Sackler Gallery
West
Carriage Road near Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
South
Carriage Road near Will to Win Hyde Park Sport Centre
Royal parks provide a map of the spaces here or you can look on the map I’ve provided below.
Designated Cycle Routes
The Royal Parks have designated cycle routes and covers the main paths in Hyde Park. If you do want to explore a little more you will need to park your bicycle before doing so.
The basic circular route is about 2.5 miles (or 4km), if you’re cycling for exercise then this won’t take longer than 20 minutes (although you need to avoid all the people on the path). If you’re planning to take in the sights around the park then I would allow an hour.
Things to See in Hyde Park
With several cycling routes
taking you through Hyde Park there are lots of things to do and see on your
visit. Whether you prefer to keep cycling on or stop to take in some of the
attractions there are so many reasons to stay.
Signs on where to go in Hype Park
Speakers’ Corner
Starting back in the
mid-1800’s Speakers’ Corner has been a place for public speeches and debates.
The park has hosted some famous people during its time like Karl Marx, Vladimir
Lenin and George Orwell. Speaker’s corner is busy on the weekends, see if you can catch a few
speeches!
The Serpentine Galleries
The Serpentine Galleries are free to the
public and are located on either side of the Serpentine in the grounds of
Kensington Gardens. Featuring contemporary art pieces, some that have been
featured in the galleries are Man Ray, Andy Warhol, Henry Moore and Damien
Hirst. It’s quite a popular tourist attraction in the park hosting over a
million visitors a year.
Memorials, fountains and statues
In the park there are easily
20 statues you can visit, here are a few to consider:
Diana
Memorial Fountain – In memory of Princess Diana, the Memorial is
meant symbolise Diana’s quality and openness. The fountain has three
bridges where you can cross the water and go right to the heart of the
fountain.
Serenity
– Made by British sculptor Simon Gudgeon the artist was is inspired by the
Egyptian goddess of nature to create this bird bronze statue.
7
July Memorial – In honour of the victims during the 2005 London
bombing.
Holocaust
Memorial – The first memorial in Britain to remember the victims of the
Holocaust. It’s a garden of boulders surrounded by white-stemmed birch trees.
The Duke of Wellington Museum: Apsley House
The first Duke of Wellington
bought Apsley House after he was victorious at Waterloo. Now it is a museum run
by Victoria and Albert Museum, the museum hosts a magnificent collection of
paintings which include pieces like Velázquez’s “Waterseller of Seville”.
The Rose Garden
As the name alludes to, it’s
a beautiful rose garden with other seasonal flowers incorporated into the
beds.
Hyde Park doesn’t have speed
limits for cyclists so you won’t be penalised for speeding. As pedestrians have
priority within the park for safety, it’s recommended that your speed is no
more than 12mph (19kmph).
Keep to Cycle Tracks
Ensure you keep to the park
roads and cycle tracks when enjoying your ride in the park. The park staff can
fine you on the spot £60 if you don’t comply,
unless you have evidence that someone’s messed up the
cycling permitted signs (erroneously or maliciously) on the path where you were
stopped.
Are Helmets Need?
In Western Australia wearing
a helmet is mandatory when cycling so I thought UK Law would be the same,
however, they don’t require you to wear helmets. It’s a totally optional thing
to do here. If you want to wear a helmet you either have to bring your own
helmet or can rent one from the bike shop.
There is less risk when
riding in parks that a car is going to hit you but having a helmet, in general,
will provide you with more protection.
Facilities in Hyde Park
Stop for Drinks and Food in Hyde Park
Water Fountains
As someone
that loves to cut down on my plastic use and carry my water bottle around with
me everywhere, having free water available is important! There are only three
water fountains which are available in the park, which are highlighted in the
pdf map or the google map I’ve included. With the
limited fountains make sure you note these down as a stop on your ride to
refill and rehydrate.
You will find several
refreshment points if you wish to buy bottled water or other drinks.
Food
Hyde Park is a fantastic place
for a picnic if you have a chance to bring along a
picnic blanket and food. You’re also allowed to drink alcohol in the parks so
if you feel like having a beer or wine with your food that’s totally fine.
Barbecues are
not allowed to be used so unfortunately you’ll have
to skip on that sausage sizzle.
Refreshment points are
located around the park and offer quick refreshments like coffee, ice cream,
snacks and sandwiches. You can also stop by one of the cafes and grab some hot
refreshments, like:
Serpentine Bar and Kitchen
The Serpentine Bar and
Kitchen serves hot meals and snacks, freshly prepared sandwiches and salads,
cakes and drinks.
Lido Café and Bar
Lido Cafe has a large outside
dining area with views along The Serpentine. The perfect place to take a rest
from cycling and do some people watching.
Toilets
Toilet facilities can be
found in Hyde Park, some of them are free and some require you to have 20 pence
available to pay. It’s good to carry some coins around just in case.
The toilets available in the
park:
Serpentine
Bar and Kitchen
Lido
toilets
Tennis
Pavilion
Bandstand
(costs 20p)
Reservoir
(costs 20p)
Map of the toilets can be found here and some highlighted on the map below.
Map of Hyde Park with Facilities
Other Cycling Destinations in Europe
If you love a cycling holiday, then I recommend Amsterdam! If you plan to visit Amsterdam you must check out my friend’s blog. Rafal has been living in Amsterdam giving fantastic tips on the city.
A Guide to Cycling in Hyde Park (With a Handy Map). This guide is perfect for people wanting to know how to cycle in London’s Hyde Park, facilities available and things to do in Hyde Park. #hydepark #london #cyclinglondon #england #UK
With London being such a big bustling city, it is understandable to want to book ahead so you enjoy your time here. You’re probably wondering if you will get into the popular attractions like the London Eye, Tower of London, London Dungeon, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge Experience and Tombs, and Westminster Abbey without a booking.
Do you really need to book ahead to enjoy London? Potentially but this is dependent on the type sights, restaurant, event and things you want to do. In this guide, I will cover how to look out for discounts before you book, what you should book in advance and what you don’t need to book.
Check Potential Discounts Before Booking
We all like to save a bit of
money when on holiday. Before you head to an attraction, restaurant or anything
in London check whether there is a discount available.
Days Out Guide
Days Out Guide is a great way to save money in London. It offers 2 for 1 price for London attractions. To be able to use the deal you need to book the vouchers online or visit a rail station for the voucher (it needs to be a physical copy) and have a National Rail ticket for each person. I’ve used 2 for 1 on the Tower of London before which save my mum and I £15 each on our entry.
The London Pass
The London Pass has a list of sights you can enter once you have paid for the pass and often with fast track entry. They cover an impressive 60+ attractions including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge Experience and the Thames River Cruise. It’s key to plan out your days you have the London Pass so you can get the total benefit.
Groupon
Groupon will have quite a few deals for restaurants and cafes for the week. It’s not uncommon to see a Michelin Star restaurant offering a Groupon deal. The times are normal weekdays but if you are visiting during the week it’s such a great way to grab a deal for your holiday.
Buying Tickets Online
Booking in advance can
sometimes save you a few pounds. I mentioned in the Days Out Guide section you
can get into the Tower of London under 2 for 1 but if it is
the high season this option isn’t normally available. Instead of buying at the
door for £25 you can buy an adult ticket online for £22.70.
This is also true of train
tickets, some train companies do add discounts to their own websites. For
example, a train company may offer a discount for booking on their website
which others cannot provide the same ticket. It is more an incentive to get
people booking with the train operator they are travelling with and away from
the competition.
What You Should Book in Advance in London
Train Tickets
When to book: 12 weeks in advance before
you plan to travel.
Planning on leaving London or
taking a day trip? Booking train tickets in advance will save you a ton of
money. There are different types of tickets that you can buy:
Advance (where you can save the most money) – With the advance tickets, you need to travel at the exact time and on the train stated on the ticket.
Off Peak – cheaper tickets than any time and allow you to travel any time off-peak. There may be restrictions on routes so double check beforehand.
Anytime – this ticket gives you the ability to travel anytime and will be the most expensive ticket available.
Group tickets – if there is more of you travelling and these can be cheaper than the advance ticket.
The
tickets will be available in standard and first class. For any short trips like
Cambridge, Oxford and Brighton I would suggest not buying first class as it
doesn’t give you any added value and going with the standard. If you are
travelling to Birmingham, York, Leeds and Manchester and have the cash to
splurge on first class then it’s totally worth it. P.s. sometimes you can get
upgrades on the weekend for £10+.
Check National Rail or Trainline for the latest ticket prices. National Rail is like a Sky Scanner for the rail industry and will hand you off to the train company offering that ticket.
For trains to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and more European check Eurostar or Trainline for the latest ticket prices.
Watch these train travel tips to help save more money on UK Rail.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
When to book: Two months +.
The Sorting Hat at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Just received your Hogwarts letter and ready to catch the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross? If only! Instead, you will be catching the muggle train to Watford. Although it still doesn’t take the magic away, after all, you will be going to Warner Bros. Studio Tour which is where most of the filming of the Harry Potter series happened.
Warner
Bros. Studio has recently changed the entryway to include the Chocolate Frog Café,
perfect for those starting early and need a coffee fix. Also, you will be able
to see the newly installed Gringotts!
Before you get started there are some important things you should know about your admission to Hogwarts! Mainly when to book your tickets!
Book 2 months in advance: For Warner Brothers Studio I would allow at least two months in advance to book tickets or earlier if you can. Getting morning slots will be harder to obtain than afternoon slots! If you want to spend a lot of time at the studio’s book as soon as you know you are coming to London to get those awesome time slots.
It’s a self-guided
tour and will take about 3.5 hours to walk around the studio and take it all
in.
An
alternative way to get tickets is to use the Golden Tours as they seem to have
tickets available when the official website does not. The downside is it costs
a little more and only gives you 3.5 hours at the studio before you must return
to London.
Pro-tip: Make sure you speak to the staff
dotted around the tour, they are experts in all things Harry Potter.
Practical Information Warner Brothers Studio
Book Tickets: To book tickets for Warner Brothers Studio go here for the official site or here for Golden Tours. Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR Opening Times: Tickets are available from 9 am to 18:30 pm (Tickets are only valid for your time slot)
Shakespeare’s Globe
When to book: A few months in advance for
plays. A few days in advance or on the day for the tour.
Plays at the Globe can sell out so look at buying these in advance. Standing tickets are the more iconic way to see a play, as this what people did in the 1600s. There are 700 £5 standing tickets available for each performance in the summer theatre season, which runs from April — October.
There is also seating which is slightly more expensive.
The Globe also offers tours of the iconic theatre. These don’t need to be booked in advance so go with whatever works for you the best. The London Pass is accepted for entry to the Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour.
When to book: A few months to a few days
in advance.
Harry Potter at the British Library
Museums and galleries in
London have some pretty cool exhibitions and can sell out pretty fast. For
example, London celebrated the 20th year of the first release of Harry Potter
and the Philosopher’s Stone. In October, the British Library launched an
exhibition showcasing ‘Harry Potter: History of Magic’.
The event was so popular with
the fans that there were no weekend dates left in the first week or so of the
event opening. The British Library had assembled a room for every lesson that
was taught in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There are classrooms
for potions, alchemy, herbology, astronomy, charms, divination, defence against
the dark arts and care of magical creatures.
It does make you wish that
magic really exists!
If Hogwarts doesn’t make you excited then look out for other types of exhibitions in London that might spark your interest. Look at booking these in advance as the popular ones sell out pretty quickly. I would highly recommend the Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum which is on every year.
Theatre, Ballet and Opera
When to book: A few months in advance to
save money or a few days to on the day if you don’t mind paying the prices
available.
The Theatres, Ballet and Opera
are best booked
in advance if you are set on seeing a particular
show and at a certain price range. You can get last minute tickets
fairly easily as theatres do get frequent no-shows and sell these spots. There’s
more of a risk of being disappointed with the options available to
you and if you are with a group you may not be seated together.
I would recommend
buying in advance:
Book of Mormon
Hamilton
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Lion King
To grab last minute deals try lining up at the theatre for stand-by tickets and returns. You can also visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for cheap, last minute tickets.
Restaurants
When to book: A few months to a few days
in advance.
Kat drinking tea at the Mad Hatters Tea Party at Sandersons
London has a fantastic food
scene and with that, some restaurants can book out in advance. With casual
restaurants, I wouldn’t normally book ahead of time and some don’t allow
booking. If you have a specific restaurant you want to visit, if it takes
reservations I’d go ahead and book.
Of course, busier areas will
be harder to get tables and even harder if you are a big group of people. I
tend to book a table when I head out to Soho, Covent Garden and Shoreditch. Generally,
I will have a look a few days before or on the day.
One of my favourite places to
recommend people and take people when visiting in London is Duck and Waffle.
Normally to get a booking I need to do this 3 months in advance when the
reservations are open. I have been lucky sometimes to get a cancellation a week
before I plan on going.
A few ideas to get you
started:
Sketch – Instagram worthy pink themed 18th-century townhouse tea room turned into a restaurant and cocktail bar.
Circus – Serves Pan-Asian food with cabaret performance during courses. It’s great fun for an evening out.
Bob Bob Ricard – It’s an ionic Soho restaurant most famous for it’s “Press the bell for champagne” button.
La Bodega Negra – Mexican restaurant which disguises itself as a sex shop. It’s a bit of fun walking into the door and the food is great too.
Bars
When to book: A few months to a few days
in advance.
Cocktails at Cahoots
London has some quirky bars!
From cool cocktail bars set in the Victorian era to SpeakEasy, you will be able
to find a bar the perfect place to enjoy a drink. Lots of bars in London don’t
need bookings but there are a few I would recommend booking, otherwise, you
won’t get a table or will be left waiting for hours.
A few suggestions:
Bar Termini – Great little Italian bar location is Soho. Due to the size and the fact they take booking it can be hard to get a table so it’s wise to book ahead!
BYOC – Bring your own cocktail is a ton of fun. Everyone brings a small bottle of spirits and the bartenders make you drinks based of the spirits.
Cahoots – Blitz spirit alive with dazzling cocktails which is set in old style London Underground paraphernalia. Enjoy your drink in one of the tube cars!
Mr Fogg’s – Run by the same owners as Cahoots is based on “Around the World in 80 Days” and transport you back to the Victorian era. Enjoy adventurous cocktails like gin safaris to tipsy teas.
Buckingham Palace – Changing of the Guard, State Rooms, The Queens Gallery and Royal Mews
When to book: Allow a few days to weeks in
advance to book.
Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard
Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic sights of London and still the official residence of the home of Queen Elizabeth. It’s one of the few working Palaces left around the world and has the famous changing of the guards’ ceremony.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is
totally free and you don’t need a booking, you can find the dates on which there is a ceremony here.
For two months (July to Sept) of the year the state rooms are opened whilst the Queen is away allowing us visitors to explore the
Palace. Whilst tickets are still available in March the tickets do start to run
out towards the summer season so I recommend booking in advance.
If you don’t visit during July and September, you
may get to see Queen Elizabeth drive by, after all it’s her actual home and workplace
(p.s. I have actually seen her drive by once).
Alternatively, The Queens Gallery and the
Royal Mews (where the Royal stables are) is open most days of the year.
Practical Information for Buckingham Palace
Due to restrictions currently only the gardens are open to vistors in April and May. The State Rooms are open on selected dates in May and June for guided tours.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms Opening Times: From 21st of May the State Rooms will be open Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
Buckingham Palace The Queen’s Gallery Opening Times: Will reopen from the 17th May. As there are different exhibitions in the gallery opening times will vary. See the latest events in the link above.
Buckingham Palace Royal Mews Opening Times: Temporary closed.
Sky Garden
When to book: 3 weeks ahead.
Bar at the Sky Garden.
On the 35th Floor of the Walkie-Talkie you will discover a tropical oasis, the Sky Garden. The tropical garden wraps around the spacious bar and outdoor terrace which gives you amazing views on London. You will get 360-degree views of London like the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater, the Shard, St Pauls and other iconic London landmarks.
It used to be one of London’s hidden gems but with anything this good it
has become super popular. Before you get started there are some important
things you should know about your visit the Sky Garden.
Book three
weeks in advance.
The Sky Garden is
slightly odd where it is a free attraction but to get a guarantee you can go
inside you to need to book in advance as a limited amount of tickets are
available. Booking opens on a weekly basis with slots up to three weeks in
advance.
When booking you will get to choose a date and time which will allow you
to enter within that hour.
Pro-tip: If you go
to the Sky Garden for breakfast or cocktails you don’t need to book in advance.
Book Tickets:Book tickets to the Sky Garden here. Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF Opening Times for Sky Garden Bar & Restaurants Monday to Tuesday from 7 am to 12 am Wednesday to Friday from 7 am to 1 am Saturday from 8 am to 1 am Sunday from 8 am to 12 am Opening Times for Public Ticketed Hours Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm Weekends & Bank Holidays from 11 am to 9 pm Price: Free Entry
Shard Viewing Platform
When to book: 14 days in advance to get the discounts.
The view from the viewing platform at the Shard.
It’s hard to miss the Shard in the London skyline, after
all it is the tallest building in Western Europe and in London. The viewing
platform spans over three floors, 69 through to 72 floors giving you a ton of
fantastic views for miles. The views make you feel like a giant overlooking a miniature
town complete with toy trains, cars, miniature London landmarks and a
ribbon-like river Thames.
Before you get started there are some important
things you should know about your visit the Shard.
Book
14 days in advance to get discounted tickets or read on how to get free views
at the Shard.
The Shard offers discounts based on when you book
if you book more than 14 days in advance you can get tickets for £24.00,
between 1 to 13 days £27.00 and on the day will be £32.00.
To save even further money make sure you check out Days
Out Guide 2 for 1 offer or if you have a London Pass this attraction will be
covered by this.
How
to get free views at the Shard? At the entrance near
the Shangri La hotel is the entrance to Aqua Shard, Hutong and Oblix. When you
arrive just tell the staff you would like to have a drink at the bar. There is
a quick security check and then you head to the bar on the 32nd floor, the Aqua
Shard or Oblix. The view is amazing and you get to relax with a drink.
When to book: A few days in advance or on
the day.
View of the London Eye from the river Thames.
I feel like so many cities around the world have tried to copy the London Eye but this Ferris wheel still takes the cake of being one of the best in the world (in my opinion). How can anything beat the views of the river Thames and view world-famous London buildings like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben? Before you venture off the London Eye, there are a couple of things you should know.
You should only book the London Eye a few days in
advance or on the day.
London’s weather can be flakey and booking ahead you could risk a day
that has fog, rain or other issues with visibility, making the experience less
than ideal. Leaving the booking to closer to the day will give you a better
chance of beating London’s weather and enjoying your visit to the London Eye.
School holidays, summer and weekends will be the busiest times of year
to go to the London Eye so it can be worth booking online to skip the queue and
get the 10% discount.
Otherwise, it’s easy enough to book on the day if you would like to be flexible.
Practical Information for the London Eye
Book Tickets to the London Eye. Address: The London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB Opening Times: The London Eye opening times vary throughout the year, typically the attraction opens at 10:00 and closes between 18:00-20:30. For exact details please check here. Discounts: On the London Eye website you can get a 10% discount buying online or check out Days Out Guide 2 for 1 offer.
Tower of London and Tower Bridge
When to book: A few days in advance to on
the day – mainly to get the discounts.
Birds eye view of Tower of London
Mixed in with the high rises of the city of London is Tower Bridge and
Tower of London. Almost every day I get to admire the Tower of London and I
just think how lucky I am to see this incredibly beautiful bridge on my walk to
work. It’s possibly the most famous bridge in the world!
Just across the bridge is the Tower of London. The building is from 1078
and use to run as a fortress, royal palace, prison, museum and much more of the
years. So, what’s the best way to book ahead to visit two of the most famous
buildings in London?
Book a few
days in advance to on the day – mainly to get the discounts and skip the
queues.
The Tower of London itself has a number of ticket kiosks and the chance of queueing more than five to ten minutes to purchase a ticket is low. By going early in the morning you will get the benefits of fewer people – head to the jewel room first so you get a bit of peace and quiet while admiring the jewels.
Did you know that you can enter Tower Bridge? Inside you will find
exhibitions and guides who will tell you stories set during the Victorian time
and learn all about its history.
I would book ahead if you wish to score the discounts. You can pick up discount’s
tickets online or during the low season you can get 2 for 1 voucher. The
voucher means you will need to queue at the ticket kiosk.
Practical Information for the Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Tower of London
Book Tickets:Tower of London tickets are available here. Address: Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB Opening Times: During the summer season (01 March – 31 October), the Tower of London opens between 9 am and 10 am, the last admission is at 17:00 and the buildings inside close at 17:30. During the winter season (01 November – 28 February), the Tower of London opens between 9 am and 10 am, the last admission is at 16:00 and the buildings inside close at 16:30. Discounts: Tower of London is included in the London Pass and available on the Days Out Guide 2 for 1 offer.
Tower Bridge
Book Tickets:Tower Bridge tickets are available here. Address: Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP Opening Times: 09:30 – 17:00 (last admission) Prices: There are over 15 ticket options so it’s best to check the website for the option you wish to choose. Tickets will be from £8.80+ for Adult and £3.80+ for a child. Discounts: You can save 10% on buying tickets online. Tower Bridge is included in the London Pass and available on the Days Out Guide 2 for 1 offer.
Westminster Abbey
When to book: A few days in advance to on
the day – mainly to get the discount.
Westminster Abbey
This beautiful church has been in London since 960. In 1245 it was
decided to rebuild the church into Gothic style (after all it was the fashion) and
completed in 1517. You’ve likely seen the church during Prince William and Kate’s
wedding as it’s the it place for Royal weddings and also coronations.
What’s the best way to see and book Westminster Abbey? Book a few days in advance to on the day plus I will include a tip on how to see Westminster Abbey for free.
Westminster Abbey doesn’t require booking but booking ahead means you
will get a slight discount of £2 and avoiding the ticket queue. The 2 for 1
discount and London Pass is available for the Abbey.
During the summer queues do get long here so make sure you arrive before
the opening time to skip the wait times.
Pro tips: On
Wednesday the Abbey is open until 18:00 and the tickets will be half price at
the door if you head late on Wednesday.
See Westminster Abbey for free on Sunday’s. The church is open for worship
only and means you can only go inside to pray but you won’t be able to visit
the tombs and monuments during this time.
Practical Information for Westminster Abbey
Book Tickets:Purchase Westminster Abbey tickets here. Address: 20 Deans Yard, SW1P 3PA, London Opening Times: Daily from 9:30 to 15:30 and Wednesday from 9:30 to 18:00. Discounts: You can save £2 buying tickets online and fast track the queue by using the book tickets link. Westminster Abbey is also included in the London Pass and available for Days Out Guide 2 for 1 offer.
St Paul’s Cathedral
When to book: A few days in advance to on
the day – mainly to get the discounts.
View of St Paul’s from One New Change Rooftop.
St. Paul’s Cathedral dome is a landmark of the London skyline so if you haven’t been here, yet you’ve probably caught a glimpse of it. The original cathedral was built in 604 AD but during the Great Fire of London destroyed its predecessor in 1666. Now stands the St. Paul’s Cathedral we know and love today.
You’ll be able to explore the Cathedral Floor, the Crypt and the three Dome Galleries, Whispering Gallery and make your way to the Golden Gallery to get breathtaking panoramic views over London.
What’s the best way to see and book St Paul’s Cathedral? Book a few days in advance to on the day.
St Paul’s offers a £3 discount and fast track queue if you book ahead.
Online tickets are only available to purchase the day before.
Pro tip: If you don’t have money to pay to go into St Paul’s head to One New Change Rooftop to enjoy free views of St Paul’s. During the evening there is a doorman at the elevator as there is a bar on the roof that has a dress code but just let them know you just want to go to the rooftop and not the bar.
Practical Information for St Paul’s Cathedral
Book Tickets: Purchase tickets to St Paul’s here. Address: The Chapter House, St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD Opening Times: Monday to Saturday from 7:30 to 5:00 Sunday from 8:00 to 6:00 Discounts: St Paul’s offers a 15% discount and fast track queue if you book ahead. Online tickets are only available to purchase the day before. You can use Days Out Guide 2 for 1 discount (check availability as it’s not available all year round) and you can use the London Pass to enter St Paul’s.
London Bridge Experience and Tombs
When to book: A few days in advance to on the day – mainly to get the discounts.
London Bridge Experience is an immersive theatrical experience taking
you through 2,000 years of London’s history. Travel back in time with some of
England notorious characters and experience London’s darker history like the
former plague pit and London Tombs. Prepare for a few screams and jumps as the unspeakable
horrors emerge.
Before embarking on your dangerous mission at the London Bridge
Experience and Tombs there are a couple things you should know.
Book a few days in advance to on the day as it will save you cash!
London Bridge Experience and Tombs only requires one ticket that gets you into both the attractions. Tickets start from £19.95 which will give you general admission. To get a fast pass this will set you back around £44.95, although I would suggest getting general admission tickets as there isn’t normally a queue and you can save £20!
When to book: A few days in advance to on
the day – mainly to get the discounts or a show time to suit your itinerary.
Featuring 18 shows and 3 rides, the London Dungeon is a fun way to learn about London’s dark and creepy history. During the experience, you will meet so notorious characters such as Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd.
Here’s what you need to know before booking the London Dungeon. Book afew days in advance to on the day.
London Dungeon has set show times so if you need a certain time to suit your itinerary it’s best to book in advance. Booking on the day they will try and provide you either the closest slot or your desired slot.
Practical Information for London
Dungeon
Book Tickets: Purchase tickets to the London Dungeon here. Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB Prices: Prices start from £45.00 for VIP, £34.00 for fast track, £24.00 for standard and £22.50 for family. Discounts: You can save up to 30% when purchasing online, alternatively, you can use the Days Out Guide 2 for 1 voucher.
What to Book in Advance in London Map
Everything mentioned in this post is on this handy map. Save the map to your phone and you will have all the locations.
When you’ve finished your meal at a restaurant, how do
you ask for the check in London? In London, we ask for the bill and not the
check. However, if you did ask your waiter for the check they would understand.
I’ve seen some forum saying
that some people ask for the ticket. I’ve never heard anyone in London ask for
the ticket unless you are picking up items in the cloak room or at an event.
A quick
note, while tipping is customary in the UK it’s not expected in the same way
other countries do. All staff by law must be paid the minimum wage and the
employer is not allowed to use tips to top up the employees pay. The
expectations on tipping varies from
place to place.
Examples for Asking for the Check/Bill
The polite way for asking for the bill in the UK would be:
May we have the check/bill, please?
Could we have the check/bill, please?
Could we get the check/bill, please?
Or if the waiter comes by and
asks you if you would like anything else, then just say “no thank you, just the
bill, please”.
In a fancier restaurant, you
would say something like “no thanks, I think that’s all for tonight” and then you’ll be presented with the
bill.
The person that asks for the bill is
normally the one presented with the bill. It’s not gender specific, if you ask
for it you will you’ll get it.
A Guide to Tipping in London
Every type of establishment has its own rules for tipping so here’s a quick guide for each type.
Restaurants
Tipping can be awkward and confusing
and the UK doesn’t make it easy with having two ways that tips can work in a
restaurant.
Some restaurants add a 12.5%
to 15% surcharge to the bill and some leave it up to you how much you want to
pay. If the tip is discretionary a safe
bet is to leave between 10% and 15% as a tip.
For tips that are my choice,
I don’t tend to leave more than 10%. Normally my tips are just the coins I have
left in my wallet which will be a few pounds or I will round the bill up. For
example, if it was £27 I would round up to £30.
For service charge the
restaurants are required to state on the menu if a service charge is included
on your bill. If it’s unclear just ask the waiter to confirm.
If you don’t get the level of
service you are expecting you can refuse to pay the service charge. The service
should match the type of establishment you are in so comparing a takeaway store
against Michelin restaurant isn’t a fair comparison.
A fancy bar will have similar
rules to a restaurant especially if they have table service. There will be a
high chance that your bill will have a service charge in this scenario.
For pubs, it’s not necessary
to tip but if you wish to the bar staff will be happy! At the counter there
will be a tip jar that you put your tip into. The pub will normally share this
between all the staff.
Alternatively you can offer
to buy them a drinks by saying ‘and one for yourself’. Although this may not be
permitted depending on the pub or bar so a cash tip is always easiest.
Takeaway Food
With the likes of Deliveroo, UberEats,
Just Eat and Hungry House it’s really easy to get food delivered to your hotel
or apartment. Tipping isn’t required for takeaway but some people do like to
tip. Some sites will prompt you at check-out to provide a tip or you can give
the delivery driver some change as appropriate.
When picking up your food
from the takeaway restaurant tipping isn’t appropriate, simply just collect
your food and pay.
Fast Food Shops
There is no need to tip in fast food restaurants.
Cafes and Coffee Shops
Coffee in a London cafe.
In a cafe or coffee shop,
when you have table service then tipping is usual. Like restaurants, you do
have a mix of service charge and customary tips.
If there is no table service
then there is generally a tipping jar available. In places like Starbucks you
may find that they don’t get many tips, you will find independents get a few
more tips or places that regulars go and build a rapport with the person
serving them.
Paying with Cash or Card?
In London you will get a mix
of payment options, some will be cash or card only and some will accept both as
a payment. Normally you will find a sign somewhere stating if it is cash or
card only.
When presented with a bill in
a place that takes both payments then you need to state to the waiter you would
like to pay with card. The waiter will bring the card machine over to you
for payment. Some machines will allow you to pay the tip on the card machine
but this is hit and miss as an option.
Paying tips by the card
machine could mean that a portion of the tip is taken as a transaction fee and
potentially some could be deducted for income tax. Therefor (therefore) tips are
normally preferred in cash.
Cash is really simple! Leave the cash with the bill and the waiter will collect the money. If you state “don’t worry about the change” or something along those lines then the staff will usually assume this is meant as a tip. Otherwise the waiter will bring you back your change. Depending on whether service charge is included you can then leave an appropriate tip.
