Kats Gone Global

Author: Kat

  • Money Exchange and Paying in London: 13 Tips and Tricks

    Money Exchange and Paying in London: 13 Tips and Tricks

    If you’re planning a trip to London and you have questions about money, you are not alone. With so many options available you will have no trouble finding solutions on how to spend your money and advice for paying for things in London.

    One of the first questions you probably have is, should I exchange money before I go to London?  You should exchange some money before you leave but plan to get the rest in London. When you do, remember that London and the rest of the UK do not use the Euro. Since London is one of the world’s financial capitals, you will be able to access your money and spend it pretty much as you do in the U.S.

    As London is a mecca for tourists, they want you to spend your money.  Here are some things to know and even a few tips and tricks to have up your sleeve before you head across the pond.

    Think Pounds, Not Euro

    When the euro was first proposed as a single currency for the European Union (EU), the UK Prime Minister (Tony Blair) decided that the euro needed to pass five economic tests. The tests didn’t meet the expected outputs so the UK opted to keep the pound (technically the “pound sterling”) as its official currency.

    Therefore, if your stay is only to London or the rest of the UK, then you will only need the British Pound.  If you are planning to travel in the rest of Europe, then you will need Euros or those countries’ currencies.

    Deciding on the amount of each to take will require some planning.  We’ll talk more about that later.  First, let’s decide where to get your pounds sterling.

    Is Exchanging Money Before Traveling a Good Idea?

    You should make a decision based on numerous factors, including:

    • How much time you have before leaving?
    • Whether my travel card will give good rates for the destination
    • If the destination is cash-driven
    • Your comfort level about how much foreign currency you want to have with you

    If you have plenty of time before leaving, then you should consider getting some pounds or find a travel card that suits you.

    The security of having some British pounds as soon as you arrive in London is nice but make sure you always find the best place to exchange your money. Banks will usually give you worse exchange rates and charge additional fees.

    How To Turn Your Money into Pounds?

    British Pounds with a Calculator

    As someone that travels constantly getting the best rates for my money is very important! I always recommend Googling the best travel cards or exchange places in your hometown or city before purchasing pounds.

    You have several options for getting hold of those pounds.

    • Pre-paid travel card
    • Travel Credit Card
    • Money Exchange Places
    • Large National Banks
    • Your local bank or credit union
    • In America you can go to AAA offices (American Automobile Association)
    • Post Office

    Travel Card

    Finding a travel card (debit or credit) that suits your needs and the trip is important. London is slowly becoming more card only so I would recommend travelling with at least one card. Countries like Sweden are already leading the way with becoming card only economies.

    When choosing a card bear in mind a credit card will give you additional support when travelling and debit gives you cheaper withdrawals (in most cases). For this reason, I like to travel with both.

    In the UK you will find the common ones Mastercard and Visa are more widely accepted in the UK but American Express is very easy to use in London and major stores.

    Getting Money from Your Bank

    If you have an account at one of the major banks, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank (follow the links for more information), then the transaction will be fairly easy.  You can order in person or online, but you will have to wait for several days to receive your pounds. 

    Smaller banks and credit unions will typically also be able to exchange currency.  You might not get the best rates with a smaller bank, but you will avoid the delivery fees that larger banks charge to deliver the bills to you.  Whether you use a credit union or a larger bank, you will have to wait a few days to receive the pounds.

    Why We Got Some Pounds Before Traveling

    Before I lived in London, I travelled to London a few times. Each time I made sure that I went to my local money exchange to get out a £100 before coming to the UK. I also have my 28 Degrees Mastercard (Australian based credit card) and normal banks cards with me.

    It was super easy to get the money I told them how many British Pounds I wanted and next thing I knew I had the cash in my hand.

    I hate having to deal with airport kiosks or currency exchange stores. This way if I need a taxi, a bottle of water or some food I was set. It’s a little comfort blanket when travelling.

    Why Getting Money While on the Way is a Bad Idea

    Don’t. 

    Airport Kiosks will have the highest fees and poor exchange rates, so only use them as a last resort.  Even airport ATM’s will give you poor exchange rates so walk past them as quickly as possible and head into the city before exchanging or using an ATM (if possible).

    Getting Money in London

    There are numerous places to exchange money in London and whenever I need of an exchange place I always tend to end up at ACE-FX (mainly because it’s on my commute). Thomas Exchange Global, Eurochange and UK Post Offices are a good place to start if you don’t have time to research before exchanging.

    To see the best rate use the buyback function of Money Saving Experts, simply put in your home currency and how much you want to exchange, the result will appear with the best exchange place that day.

    If you are trying to find a money exchange on the street look for the bureaux de change signs.

    In tourist areas, you will often see currency exchange kiosks or storefronts.  They will post their rates, which will usually look to be quite favourable.  But read the fine print—there will be fees associated with the transaction. Add in those fees, and that favourable rate isn’t so favourable.

    Banks are another option but generally, require you to have your passport.

    Find a Cash Machines Instead

    Kat getting money out of the ATM
    Kat getting money out of the ATM

    ATMs are everywhere in London. Savvy travellers walk past currency exchange vendors, banks, hotels, or the bureau de change (the French name for British exchange counters) in the post office and head for the nearest ATM. If you have the right travel card this will always be the winner option.

    They will be easy to spot at airports, banks, and other high traffic areas.  However, if you are off the beaten path (you rented a B&B on a quiet street), Link Q provides an online service that will show you nearby ATMs.  You can download the Link app or use their website to locate one near you.

    Things to Keep in Mind When Using the ATM in London

    You can use your credit or debit card to get pounds. Put your card in, enter the pin, and make a withdrawal. You will receive your card back first and then the cash.

    Do not accept the currency conversion by the ATM! This will always give you the worst exchange rate. It will give you an idea of how much you are taking out which is always a good indication to ensure you have enough money to withdraw.

    Some important advice:

    • You may have to pay fees so double-check what fees you will be charged before you leave
    • Visa and Mastercard will work anywhere; American Express sometimes; and Discover won’t
    • Cards with Visa and Mastercard logos are ideal as they are most commonly used
    • If you’re worried that your bank or credit unions card won’t work, consider opening an account a different account or getting a prepaid travel card—at least for the trip
    • It’s a good idea to have a back-up card in case the ATM, for various reason, the ATM is hungry and eats your card, the card gets demagnetized or the card doesn’t work.
    • Contact your bank(s) before you leave so they have the dates and location of your travel. Even if they say you don’t need to, do it anyway, there is nothing worse than being overseas and your card is blocked.

    Debit cards in most cases will have fewer fees associated to them, I say this as I did have a credit card that was specifically for travellers and provided better rates than my debit card. Generally, avoid using your credit card in an ATM, unless it’s an emergency.  Cash advance fees, transaction fees, exchange fees—that’s a lot of fees. On top of that, your bank may charge higher interest rates for cash advances.

    One last thing: A lot of ATMs in London don’t always have letters on their pins, so if you have memorized Always Scramble Your Eggs, memorize 2-7-9-3. 

    Using Money in London

    London is moving towards paying electronically so you want to have at least one card when travelling to the UK but ideally two cards. 

    • Your credit card is good for larger purchases (hotels, shops, car rental agencies) and for ordering online. I also like paying with a credit card for the protection they provide to your purchases, it’s my go-to card in London.
    • Your home countries cash is a good back-up. I like to have a hundred dollars for an emergency. You never know if the ATMs won’t work, all your cards get rejected, and you’ve run out of pounds.  Cash is cash.
    • But keep the cash as a back-up and never use it at places that say they accept foreign currency. You will receive the worst exchange rates.
    • Pounds sterling. 

    Paying by Card

    Card is widely used in the UK and in London some places are turning card only, so it is essential that you have the ability to pay by card.

    Paying Electronically (Phone, Watches, etc.)

    In London, especially, it is becoming easier to pay for goods or services with your phones.  Although they are not universally used yet, more and merchants are accepting ApplePay or GooglePay, with ApplePay being accepted at more locations.  Both services work with Visa or MasterCard debit or credit cards.

    Having said that, you will still be paying in pounds so having the right card is essential otherwise you will be charged an exchange fee.

    What About Those Euros?

    If you have some Euros, will you be able to spend them in London?  There are two answers: no and maybe

    • No.  Most shops won’t accept euros.  It’s not worth the hassle to them.
    • Maybe.  Large department stores in London will take euros. Harrods, and Selfridges, for example, will.  Marks and Spencer even have bureaux de change in its larger stores.
    • But even if you can get someone to take your euros, you should consider that it is a foreign currency transaction with hidden exchange rates
    • Smaller stores often have clerks not familiar with taking foreign currency, which will mean more time waiting to pay and less time for exploring
    • Euro coins will almost never be taken
    • Your chances of paying with euros outside of London is practically nil unless you’re at the airport.

    If you plan to travel to Europe after leaving London, get Euros once you arrive at your next destination (unless you want to pay for two exchange rate fees—dollars to pounds, then pounds to euros). If you are visiting London after a European visit, plan ahead so you aren’t stuck with euros that you probably won’t be able to use in most of London.

    About coins: coins for larger denominations are quite common in Europe.  You won’t be able to exchange them when you get back home (but you will be able to exchange your pounds sterling!).  Unless you want to add them to your coin collection or have them to show off (British money is quite fascinating), spend them on knick-knacks, exchange them for paper money, or give them away.

    Is British Similar to American Money?

    In concept, yes.  Pounds sterling, or pounds, are divided into 100 units, just as our dollar.  The coins will look different, but the principle is the same.  Anything under a pound is called a penny, as in 50 pence

    • Larger coins are more commonly used.  If you’re changing is under 5 pounds, expect to receive coins.  1 pound and 2-pound coins are common
    • Differences in coins are not based solely on size or colour; there are also differences in shapes
    • There’s a 2 pence coin

    You will usually hear British people say “pee” rather than pence, as in 50p (50 pee). More colloquially, a pound is known as a “quid”, a five-pound note is a “fiver” and a ten-pound note a “tenner.”

    In appearance, no.  Bills larger than a pound—called notes in London—come in the same denominations you are used to. However, the notes have many surprising differences. 

    • Size–Not all notes are the same size
    • Feel–They have a smoother feel than dollars
    • Security features are more obvious
    • Colour—not all notes are the same colour

    At first British notes take some getting used to. You might decide to take some home as a souvenir. They are great conversation starters, especially if you have gathered some friends and want to talk about your trip.

    Money in the Rest of the UK

     Just to add a little more confusion to the mix—money in all of the UK is not the same.  Both the Bank of Scotland and the Bank of Northern Ireland have their own versions of the pound sterling.  They have the same value, but different images for the notes and different engravings on the coins.  If you visited either of those places and then head to London, you may encounter some difficulties using them.

    It is still a legitimate currency in the UK, but some places can be funny accepting it. To get around this just pop into a bank and they will be able to give you the English version. I tend to find that chain stores will accept the currency with no issues.

    Staying Safe with Money

    London is considered a safe city by most measures. With any city, there are things you need to be careful of. Here are some things to watch out for:

    • Pick pocketer which operate mainly in high tourist areas and crowded trains (tubes) or buses. Be on alert and ensure your wallet is kept in a place you’ll notice something happening. I personally like to keep my wallet in secret pocket or in a hard to get place in your bag, in your front trouser pocket or keep your handbag at the front of your body.
    • Try to avoid walking alone at night in places such as parks and side streets or any unfamiliar environment. If you do have to walk, stick to busy places where is a lot of activity CCTV and good lighting.

    Of course, any time you go into a touristy area you risk spending money on things you could purchase elsewhere for much less.  

    A Pretravel Checklist

    • Make sure you have contacted your bank regarding travel dates and locations
    • Check your cards for expiration dates
    • Memorise your pin
    • Adjust your ATM withdrawal limit. You will want to exchange larger amounts if your bank charges a single withdrawal fee.
    • European ATMs will withdraw funds from your checking account, not your savings account
    • Ask about fees so you won’t be surprised later
    • Traveller’s checks will incur extra fees and lines at banks to cash them.  Not worth your time

    Determining How Much Something Costs

    Wonder how much that cup of coffee costs in American dollars? You can use a currency converter, but why would you use up your phone data when you can use your head? Since the pound is decimalized, knowing the currency rate and doing a little mental math will get you to a close estimate.

    Say the currency rate was 1.3 pounds for a dollar.  Since the price charged is the price you pay—taxes are calculated in the amount—your 3 quid cup of coffee costs you $3.90. Of course, it was a freshly-made Americano, not something that might have been sitting around for two hours.

    Final Thoughts

    Hopefully you are travelling to London for pleasure, or at least you are able to add a little pleasure if it is a business trip. If you do some planning ahead, you will be able to limit the extra expenses so that you come home with fond memories, some treasures (who can resist buying something a little extra), and no surprises.

    More London Articles

  • Drinking Water in the UK: What You Need to Know

    Drinking Water in the UK: What You Need to Know

    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.

    Source: The Telegraph

    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?

    Bathroom in St Johns Hotel Manchester

    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
    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.

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  • Do You Tip at Nail Salons in the UK? What I Actually Pay

    Do You Tip at Nail Salons in the UK? What I Actually Pay

    Money Guide · London

    Two ways to do it

    Written by Kat in London, United Kingdom

    I’ve got the receipts for this one so here are the numbers. £125 on my nails in December. £193 on my hair in July and I tipped £15.75, which lands at 8%. And one visit this year where I paid, said thank you and left nothing, which is the useful one.

    All of this is London. It’s where I live and it’s what I pay. Prices are different in the rest of the country and so is what people can afford, so I’m not going to pretend I know what the right tip is in Leeds.

    Here’s where I’m coming from, because it changes the answer. I’m Australian and tipping was never really a thing where I grew up, which is about as far from the US as you can get. There’s a legal minimum wage here so I’ve never thought of my tip as covering somebody’s wage, but a minimum wage and being able to afford London are two different things. My own costs have gone up a lot in the last few years and I think about that when the screen turns round, which is most of why I tip more than I used to.

    There are two ways to do this and I should say up front that mine is the less conventional one. Option one is a percentage of the bill. That’s the 15 to 20% you’ll see quoted online, or whatever percentage you’re comfortable with. If you loved the service and it’s within your spend, that’s the one to go with. Option two is a set amount, which is what I do. I go on what the service cost, how it made me feel and what I can afford that day. Nails, that’s usually £5 to £10. Hair, £10 to £20. Nobody has ever said a word to me about it, but I’m not going to tell you it’s the proper way.

    So this is what I actually pay, what the card machine asks for, what happens to the money after you tap and how to work out your own number either way.

    The conventional way
    A percentage of the bill, if you loved it and it’s within your spend
    What I do instead
    A set amount. £5–10 on nails, £10–20 on hair, going on cost and how it went
    Where these numbers come from
    London. My prices and my tips are London ones. Elsewhere in the UK the bill will be different and so will what people can afford
    Card or cash
    Card at the hairdresser, cash at the nail place. Some of the places I go take nothing else
    What the machine asks for
    10, 15 or 20%
    Service charge
    I’ve never seen one added to a salon bill I’ve paid. That’s a restaurant thing in my experience
    Works for
    Anyone who’s just moved here and anyone who’s been quietly panicking at the card machine for years

    £15.75 on £193 and the 75p is a mystery

    July last year, a salon in Shoreditch. Face framing £80, wash, cut and blowdry £76, Wellaplex with the colour £37. That’s £193 before anything else.

    Hair salon receipt showing £193 of services and a £15.75 tip, totalling £208.75
    Shoreditch, July 2025. £193 of hair, £15.75 tip. That’s 8%.

    I tipped £15.75 at the terminal, which on £193 is 8%.

    Fifteen quid is right in my normal range for a big colour appointment so that part makes sense. The 75p is the bit I can’t account for. I don’t do percentages and I didn’t round it up either, because £208.75 isn’t a round anything. I’ve stopped trying to work it out. It’s an odd number and it’s what the receipt says.

    Which is about as scientific as my tipping has ever got.

    The £125 nail bill

    December 2024, a nail place in Shoreditch about five minutes from the hairdresser. Acrygel extensions with gel polish and detailed cuticle care £85, then Category 3 art on top at £40, down from £43 because they knocked a few quid off. £125 all in.

    Nail salon receipt showing acrygel extensions at £85 and nail art at £40, totalling £125
    Shoreditch, December 2024. £125 and no tip line anywhere on it.
    Matte black and neon pink coffin nails with a confetti accent nail
    What the £125 bought, same night.

    This was the first time I’d had my nails done properly in a long time and I went somewhere pricey. They were beautiful and I’m not going to pretend the cost didn’t sting.

    I booked through Fresha so £112.50 came off as a deposit three days before and the last £12.50 went on the card on the night. I went in at half five and the art was still going at quarter past seven, so it’s a proper sit-down, not a quick one.

    There’s no tip line on that bill and that’s on me, not the salon. Nail places can take a tip if you want to leave one. Every place I’ve been to with a terminal has put the options in front of me and the cash-only ones have taken cash or a bank transfer when I’ve offered. That night I just tapped and left, mostly because I was still recovering from the total.

    Nails are not tools

    Nobody warned me. I broke one two days in.

    Extensions change how you do absolutely everything. Opening a can needs an actual tool or a friend without nails. Same with anything with a lid, a zip or a ring pull. It’s not a complaint, it’s just a thing to know before you spend £125 and then snap one on a tin of chopped tomatoes.

    A hand with pink nails finished with silver glitter tips
    February 2025.

    The time I didn’t tip and why I’d still do it

    Earlier this year I went to a place that only takes cash or a bank transfer. I’d gone in to have a bad set of extensions taken off, which is ten minutes of work and no fun for anybody.

    They were lovely about it. They took pity on me and gave me a discount without me asking, which I hadn’t expected at all. My nails are still recovering from the damage the old set did.

    I didn’t tip them. I paid, said thank you and left and I don’t feel bad about it. If I’d gone in for a full set I’d have put cash in their hand, which is how I do it at nail places (the hairdresser gets it on the card because the terminal asks). The tip follows the job, not the transaction. A ten-minute removal on a discount already felt like they’d done me the favour. Worth having a note on you if you’re going somewhere little though, because some of them take nothing else.

    What the card machine actually asks for

    August this year, a coffee shop on Bishopsgate, about quarter to ten in the morning. Coffee and something, £8.20.

    The terminal came up with 10% (82p), 15% (£1.23), 20% (£1.64), then Custom Tip, then No Tip in the smallest box at the bottom.

    A card machine screen asking for a tip on an £8.20 sale, offering 10, 15 and 20 per cent
    A coffee shop on Bishopsgate, a Thursday morning in August 2026. £8.20 and it wanted 20%.

    Twenty per cent. On a coffee.

    The salon tills I’ve paid on do the same thing. They turn the screen round, it offers percentages and the number I want has never once been the obvious button. You’re allowed to press Custom and put in your own amount. That’s what the button is for.

    Do you tip hairdressers in the UK?

    More than nails, yes. Still nowhere near 20%. Mine lands somewhere between £10 and £20 depending on what I’ve had done. A big colour appointment gets the top of that. A wash and blowdry on its own gets less, or I round up to the next tenner and leave it there.

    Here’s the thing I’ve worked out about hair though and it changes who the tip is for. I used to go to a salon in Soho and for years that was my favourite place in London. Then my hairdresser moved to a different salon so I moved with her. Nothing wrong with the old place, she’s just the one who makes me feel good about my hair and that turned out to be the whole thing.

    The black shopfront of a hair salon in Soho with a wooden bench and a potted tree outside.
    My old salon in Soho. For years my favourite place in London.

    So when I’m tipping at the terminal I’m not really tipping a salon, I’m tipping her. At the new place she does the whole appointment herself, start to finish, no trainees, so I know where it’s landing. At my old salon I never actually asked. It may well have been shared across the floor, which would have been fine too. “Who am I thanking here” is a real question and you’re allowed to ask it out loud.

    Kat in a salon chair mid-haircut, gown on, in London

    One more thing on salon bookings: a deposit isn’t a tip and isn’t a fee. My hairdresser’s salon takes 60p to hold the slot online and the nail place took £112.50 of a £125 appointment up front. Both came straight off the final bill, so don’t mentally write that money off.

    Receipt for a 60p online booking deposit for a wash, cut and blowdry
    60p to hold the slot. It comes off the bill at the end.

    Where the tip actually goes after you tap

    Here’s the honest bit. I’ve been going to the same places for years and nobody has ever told me how the tips get split with the juniors, or with the person who washes your hair. I still don’t know.

    What I do know is what the law says. Since 1 October 2024 the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act has been in force. It covers every sector and not just hospitality, so salons are in it too. Under it:

    • Tips have to be passed on to staff without deductions, except in very limited scenarios such as tax.
    • Where tips come in more than occasionally, the business has to have a written tipping policy.
    • Staff can ask to see the tipping records. One request every three months, going back up to three years.

    So if you’ve ever wondered whether the tenner you put on your card reaches the girl who did your wash, the person to ask is her. She’s now entitled to an answer, which is why I’ve started asking.

    Checked at gov.uk on 1 September 2026.

    When I don’t tip

    If I’m not leaving happy I don’t tip. A tip, to me, is a thank you for good service, not something I owe for someone turning up. The other one that gets me is price. If the bill comes in a lot higher than I was expecting, I’m not then adding 15% on top of a number that already surprised me.

    I’ve thought about this a lot. If you can afford it and you’re happy, tip. If money’s tight that month, a genuine thank you costs nothing. I’ve walked out of a salon without tipping and nobody has ever said a word to me about it.

    Worth It / Not Worth It

    Worth it

    Cash at a small nail bar. Worth It. The small ones I’ve been to sometimes don’t have a terminal at all, so nothing is going to ask you. Five or ten quid when they’ve done a lovely job is plenty.

    Not worth it

    Letting the screen pick the number. Not Worth It. A percentage is a good tip when it’s the one you chose. 20% on an £8.20 coffee because it was the biggest button is not. Press Custom and choose your own, whatever it is.

    Not worth it

    Tipping on top of a service charge. Not Worth It. I’ve never seen one on a salon bill, but it’s the same reflex. In a restaurant the discretionary service charge already on the bill (12.5% on my last one) is the tip.

    Worth it

    Asking where the tip goes. Worth It. Costs nothing and since October 2024 the business has to have that policy in writing.

    How to work out your own number

    If you loved it and you’ve got the room, a percentage is the conventional way and there’s nothing wrong with it. Pick the one you mean, not the one the screen puts first.

    If you’d rather a set amount, here’s how I land on mine. Look at what the service cost and how you feel walking out, then pay what you can afford. For me that’s a fiver to a tenner on nails and ten to twenty on hair and it moves depending on the day. Somebody with a smaller budget landing on three quid is doing exactly the same thing I am. Somebody who’s had a brilliant morning and wants to round it up generously is too.

    These are London numbers, mine specifically. If your salon costs half what mine does, your tip can too.

    If you’ve come from the US these numbers will look low to you. I’ve never once had a reaction to them. And if you’ve come from somewhere that doesn’t tip at all, you’re fine as you are.

    The machine will always give you the options. The only mistake is letting it decide for you.

    The Pivot

    Worth It: paying what you can afford, on a job you were happy with.

    Not Worth It: whatever number the screen puts in front of you first.

    And if you want the restaurant half of this, the discretionary service charge and what you can do about it, that’s over on Do You Ask for the Check in London?

    FAQ

    Do you tip at nail salons in the UK?

    Yes, when it’s a proper job and I can afford it, usually £5 to £10 in cash. A percentage of the bill is the conventional way if you’d rather do that. For something quick like a removal I don’t.

    How much do you tip a hairdresser in the UK?

    £10 to £20 depending on what I’ve had done. My last big colour appointment was £15.75 on a £193 bill, which is 8%. That’s less than the 15 to 20% you’ll see quoted online, which is the conventional way and a fine one if it’s within your spend.

    Do I have to tip on the card machine?

    No. The 10, 15 and 20% buttons are the machine’s suggestion, not a bill. Look for Custom and No Tip. They were both on the screen I photographed, the No Tip one in the smallest box, so put in your own number.

    Do nail salons ask for a tip?

    The ones I’ve been to with a terminal put the options on screen. The cash-only ones haven’t prompted me at all, but they’ve taken cash or a bank transfer when I’ve offered.

    Do UK salons add a service charge?

    I’ve never seen one on a salon bill I’ve paid. If the total is higher than the price list, ask what the extra line is.

    Is it better to tip in cash or on the card?

    Cash definitely reaches the person you handed it to. Card tips are covered by the 2024 rules and have to be passed on without deductions, except in very limited scenarios such as tax. Cash is still what I do on my nails.

  • 13 Tips on How to Make Friends in London

    13 Tips on How to Make Friends in London

    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.

    See more about their social package here.

    Ladies Only Facebook Groups

    London New Girl

    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.

    Links to the Groups

    Move into a Share House

    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 found some buddies to rent with make sure you check out my article on How to Find a Flat in London.

    Connect with People You Know

    Friends-Visiting-from-Australia

    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:

    Get to Know your Local

    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.

    Check out the Mayor of London’s Volunteer team, Hands-on London or Do It are just two websites you can look into.

    Join Apps

    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

    My-London-Bookclub

    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!

    More Living in the UK Articles

  • 4 Incredible Viewpoints in Riga, Latvia

    4 Incredible Viewpoints in Riga, Latvia

    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
    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
    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).

    Kat-at-Latvian-Academy-of-Sciences-Panorama-Observation-Deck-1
    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
    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-view-at-Radisson-Blu-Hotel-is-the-Skyline-Bar
    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!

  • A Helpful Guide on How to Find a Flat in London

    A Helpful Guide on How to Find a Flat in London

    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 protected if 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.
    • Read how to rent guide.
    • This is a really useful document for 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 history will 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

    Kat raining money
    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 Office the 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

    London flats in Peckham
    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 AST here.
    • 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.

    Don’t forget to read the essential you need for a flat in London.

    Create A List of Deal-Breakers and Must-Haves

    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.
    • GoodMigrations is 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 Rail is 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 is Zoopla or Rightmove as 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

    Cat playing in a London flat
    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.
    • Money Advice Service – free and impartial money advice.
    • The Law Society – to find a lawyer.
    • Gas Safe Register – for help and advice on gas safety issues.
    • Electrical Safety First – for help and advice on electrical safety issues.
    • Marks Out Of Tenancy – information for current and prospective tenants.

    Let me know in the comments how your flat hunting is going and if you have any additional tips!

    More Living in the UK Articles

  • How to Plan How Many Days You Need in London

    How to Plan How Many Days You Need in London

    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
    • Free or cheap London sightseeing up for £10 to £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 a National 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.

    Booking in advance can save you a whole ton of money in London and I have a very detailed guide explaining when you should book and how you can save money.

    Railcards

    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 out the Railcard website for more information here.

    Last Minute Theatre Tickets

    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

    Decide a list of London must see and use London guide books to help with the decision process on how many days to spend in London.

    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!

    3# How Many Day Trips You Wish To Do From London

    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

    Day Trip From London to Oxford to be condisered in how many days to spend in London.

    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

    Day Trip From London to 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:

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Most famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, explore where he was born and grew up.

    Brighton

    Day trip to Brighton Pier

    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!

  • 26 Things You Can Only Buy in London

    26 Things You Can Only Buy in London

    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
    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:

    2. Hampers from Fortnum & Mason

    Hampers from Fortnum and Mason

    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.

    Disclosure

    Some links here are affiliate links. If you click one and buy something, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what goes on the list. Read the full disclosure

    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
    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

    Kat-with-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
    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

    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:

    Union Jack Decorative Pillow

    Union Jack Pillow by LOVE interiorsCo
    Credit: Union Jack Pillow by LOVE Interiors Co

    Add a bit of British flair to your living space with a Union Jack decorative pillow.

    Buckingham Palace

    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

    Big Ben Embarcadero Prints
    Credit: Big Ben Embarcadero Prints

    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 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
    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.
    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:

    14. Craft Beer

    Craft Beer at Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick London
    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

    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
    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.

    Watch the quick video I made here.

    19. Football Scarf

    Arsenal Football Stadium
    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:

    21. Molton Brown Hand Wash & Moisturizer

    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
    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

    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.

    This cute set of London Baubles on Etsy is perfect for the tree.

    Swing by a London Christmas market, or a department store like Fortnum & Mason, and make an afternoon of picking out decorations.

    25. Teapot & Cups

    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.

    Map-of-Things-You-Can-Only-Buy-in-London

    Click here for the map.

    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.

    More London Articles

  • A Guide to Cycling in Hyde Park (With a Handy Map)

    A Guide to Cycling in Hyde Park (With a Handy Map)

    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
    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
    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.

    Cycling Regulations in Hyde Park

    The regulation, legislation and policies for Hyde Park can be found on the website. I’ve included the three main things to note below.

    Speed Limit

    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
    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.

    More London Articles

    A Guide to Cycling in Hyde Park (With a Handy Map)
    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
  • A Helpful Guide on What to Book Ahead in London by a Local

    A Helpful Guide on What to Book Ahead in London by a Local

    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
    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!

    Disclosure

    Some links here are affiliate links. If you click one and buy something, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what goes on the list. Read the full disclosure

    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.

    Practical Information for Shakespeare’s Globe

    Book Tickets: To get tickets to the Globe here
    Book Globe Tour: Shakespeare’s Globe
    Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
    Box Office: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
    Globe Theatre Tours: 09.30 am – 5.00 pm

    Exhibitions

    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
    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.
    • Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Sandersons – Alice in Wonderland is my favourite theme in the world and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is incredible!
    • 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
    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 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. 

    Book Tickets:

    The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
    Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle with Lunch
    The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

    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.
    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.

    Watch more on YouTube here.

    Practical Information for the Sky Garden

    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.
    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.

    Practical Information for the Shard

    Book Tickets: Tickets to the Shard can be bought here.
    Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
    Opening Times: The opening hours for The Shard can vary from day to day, so check their website for up-to-date time schedules is recommended.
    Discounts: The view from the Shard is also on the London Pass and Days Out Guide 2 for 1 offer.

    London Eye

    When to book: A few days in advance or on the day.

    View of the London Eye from the river Thames.
    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.

    St. Paul’s Cathedral
    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!

    Practical Information for

    Book Tickets: Purchase the London Bridge Experience and Tombs here.
    Address: 2 – 4 Tooley St, London SE1 2SY
    Prices: Tickets start from £19.95.
    Discounts: If you have a London Pass this will get you entry and there is 2 for 1 option available, this option will only save you about £10.

    London Dungeon

    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 a few 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.

    What-to-book-ahead-in-London-map

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