Cheap London Hotels for Budget Travelers

Not everyone in this world can afford to stay in a luxury hotel. This is especially true when you are visiting London that is counted among the most expensive cities in the world. However, to maintain the astounding growth if its travel industry, the city welcomes people with varied budgets. There is a good selection of cheap London hotels that offer cheap accommodation to their guests along with many facilities. Many low budget tourists also choose to stay at hostels and bed and breakfast places to save money that can be spent on leisure activities.

One of the best areas to find cheap London hotels in the city is Marble Arch in west London. This area attracts numerous visitors due to its close proximity to some of the best shopping streets in the city. Also, the famous Marble Arch monument is located here and is a huge crowd puller. It is situated at the junction of Oxford Street, Edgware Road and Park Lane. If you choose to stay in the Marble Arch area you can walk to Oxford Street at any time of the day. This busiest shopping street of Europe houses popular fashion stores, such as Topshop, Zara and Gap, and department stores such as Selfridges and John Lewis. You can even escape to the nearby Hyde Park which is an oasis of tranquility and leisure for Londoners in the middle of city's bustling streets. Tourists can take advantage of the Marble Arch tube station for an easy commute.

Bayswater is another popular area which is home to some cheap London hotels where many international tourists stay. Located in west central London, Bayswater is just a walk away from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. It is a cosmopolitan area and is home to a considerable Arab, Greek and American population apart from the ancestral Britons. Guests can easily get to the nearby popular streets Queensway and Westbourne Grove to enjoy exotic cuisines at the numerous restaurants here. Bayswater tube station is well-connected to other underground stations including Queensway, Lancaster Gate and Royal Oak. St. Sophia's Cathedral and Whiteleys Shopping Centre are some of the major attractions in Bayswater.

Business travelers looking for cheap London hotels can choose to stay at a hotel in the Paddington area. Paddington is in central London reducing the travel distance to the various other parts of the city. Moreover, Paddington station is served by trains from many different cities of England including Cornwall, Bath, Oxford, and Bristol. Apart from these, you can also find cheap London hotels in areas, such as Earl's Court, Notting Hill, Piccadilly, and around Hyde Park.

When you are searching for cheap hotel London make sure that you find one that provides all the basic facilities needed for a comfortable stay. You can log on to parkgrandlondon.co.uk to get good accommodation at affordable prices in central London.

Budget London Hotels: Cheap Accommodation In An Opulent City

London, the classy city that draws in thousands of visitors from all over the world, is also quite an expensive city. It hosts cheap hotels in several parts of the city that make reasonable accommodation possible. If it is cost which is bothering you, don't hold back your wish to visit London. Go for a cheap hotel.

London, the capital of the UK, is also known to the world for many more reasons. Regarded as one of the classiest cities in the world, London is a world class city with modern amenities and a rich cultural heritage at the same time. Thousands of tourists visiting the city every year are a testimonial to the city's appeal. The classic places of interest like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, the Millennium Wheel and Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum continue to call in several visitors from around the world. The art galleries and night life of London are also attributes of the city that anyone who has visited London never fails to talk about. At the same time, visiting London itself is a luxury. The city is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Even so, don't be too quick to decide. There is no denying the fact that London is indeed an expensive place in many aspects, yet it is possible to get cheap accommodation in the city. It is growing trend of cheap hotels that makes it possible. Being cheap, however, does not imply that the services offered are not up to mark. In fact, the definition of cheap varies from person to person. What one person may consider expensive may appear cheap to another. However, the hotels classified as cheap or budget hotels are cheaper in comparison to regular or highly luxuriant hotels like five star hotels.

London offers a broad range of hotels to cater to different requirements of holidaymakers. So, there are luxuriant hotels, the prices of which are sky-high. At the same time, there are hotels that offer a more economical alternative to people willing to spend a modest amount for their holiday. The hotels provide bed and breakfast services that are quite convenient as well as economical for travellers. Overall, they offer all facilities for a comfortable stay. The hotels are perfect for people with stringent budget limits, holidaying with a large group or family, or travelling for other purposes.

Budget hotels are available in many areas of London like Bayswater, Victoria, Paddington and Kensington. Victoria is a more preferred location for most of the holiday seekers owing to its ideal location. Victoria has an easy access to the airports like Gatwick Airport and is also well connected to many places of interest to the holiday seekers, some of the essential features that people look for in the location of the hotel. This gives an edge to budget hotels located in Victoria, over hotels scattered in different parts of the city.

It is cheap hotels that make it possible for holiday seekers with tight budgets to stay in an expensive city like London. Savings on lodging facilities is substantial if you wish to enjoy the city to the utmost.

A wholesome holiday means spending time on shopping, eating out, visiting the popular sights, wandering around the city, enjoying the local flavour, exploring the night life and so on, and that implies expenses. Saving on accommodation costs means there's more to spend on your holiday.

If the next holiday on your mind is in London, then explore the cost cutting possibilities of budget hotels. Cheap central London hotels will not only offer you a comfortable stay but also help you save a good deal. Plan your next holiday in London, explore the classy city, relish the rich cultural heritage and enjoy world class amenities while staying at a budget hotel.

This article has been written by an expert, working with Hanover Hotel, a premier bed and breakfast London Victoria hotel offering superior services at an economical cost.

Best London Hotels For Business

Those who visit London on business often have a very precise set of needs.

Location is one of the key factors since your time is usually at a premium when you are on a business trip. Generally, it's essential that everything runs smoothly to ensure that your business trip is worthwhile.

We've divided the following mini review of London's best business hotels into 3 sections, depending on the area of the city you need to be in and the budget you have available.

Best hotels for business in the West End

The Hilton Metropole is a great choice for business for various reasons. It is centrally located since it is near Edgware Road and easy to access by bus, train or taxi.

It's a venue which pretty much everyone in London knows, so you can often arrange a meeting there quite spontaneously. It's enjoyable to meet in the hotel's large lobby where the service is attentive without intruding on your privacy.

The hotel certainly has enough capacity for thousands of meeting attendees. The quality of rooms and the service is good and the hotel is considered one of the best Hiltons in London (though it's not the number 1 according to guest reviews). It is also conveniently near the charms of Little Venice.

The Hotel Indigo is close by and is another solid hotel if you are visiting London for business. It is again well-rated by business travellers according to recent TripAdvisor reviews.

The same goes for the Montague on the Gardens Hotel in leafy Bloomsbury (near the British Museum and the University of London): it is one of the most highly-rated mid-price hotels in London.

Best hotels for business in the City

Hilton Canary Wharf is one of the best Hiltons in London if you believe independent guest reviews.

It is modern and especially convenient if you need to go to London City airport and for anyone doing business in London's financial heartland.

There's also the Andaz Hotel (formerly the Great Eastern Hotel) right near the City - a hotel well-known for its modern design, free WiFi and wide range of restaurants. When you arrive at the Andaz you won't find a check-in desk - instead the staff greet you personally and will act as "hosts" to ensure the smoothest stay possible.

The hotel is well-organised for business and has plenty of meeting space along with a 24-hour business centre. The hotel feels quite hip with art on display near the lobby and lots of parties are organised there.

It has a good location to the east of the centre but still handy for getting into the West End.

Rumour has it that the best rooms at the Andaz are the corner rooms (e.g. rooms 374 and 474) which tend to be a bit bigger.

Finally, there is also the Apex City of London Hotel which has a lofty rating on TripAdvisor and is a very good hotel for both business and leisure visitors.

Apex Hotels (the parent company for this hotel) is a past winner of the "No 1 Overall Hotel Group" Award from the BDRC "venue verdict" survey (based on customer feedback) at The Meetings & Incentive Travel Industry Awards.

Best hotels for business on a budget

You get good value from budget chain hotels like Travelodge and Premier Inn and these hotels are certainly worth considering.

They are scattered throughout London and offer a good choice, especially when you take account of their very low room rates.

A couple of Travelodge hotels that score well in guest reviews are the Southwark and Tower Bridge hotels, while there is also a good Premier Inn right by the London Eye.

These are especially good if you have your own business and are spending your own hard-earned cash. But be warned that they charge for internet access, which can sometimes add up.

Travelodge even has a Business Account Card which makes life easier for companies: this gives you access to free credit, dedicated account management and a loyalty scheme. Unfortunately though, at Travelodge you have to pay for WiFi internet access - you can however find an up-to-date list of London hotels with free WiFi at the London Hotels Insight blog.

We hope you found this review of London's best business hotels useful and that you have an enjoyable and productive business trip to London.

The author gets the inside scoop on the best London hotels at London Hotels Insight, which also features in-depth information on cheap hotels in London which get good reviews on TripAdvisor.

London Hotel Booking Tips For a Budget Traveler

Are you visiting London for the first time? Then you must be searching for the best places to stay in London at the cheapest costs. Here is how you need to go about the London hotel booking systems:

(a) The first thing you should know that is London is a very busy city all the year round. There are tourists coming in from far across the world to visit London for various affairs. Hence the hotels in London are busy all around the year, with no bookings for most part of the year.

(b) The second thing that you should know is that there are numerous hotels in London situated in various places across the city. You will find the best hotels in London in the heart of the city in Central London. They are the costliest and among the world's best hotels in terms of luxury, lavishness and comfort. Hence if you are on a good budget, you can have a stay at these hotels, where you will have the time of your life, and be pampered by all the exclusive services that are offered by these hotels like swimming pool, spas and delicious world class cuisines to choose from.

Otherwise, if you are on a moderate budget, you can opt for the low expense hotels in London, where you can have good accommodation at moderate costs, and spend the rest of your budget roaming around and seeing places in London. You will not find such hotels in central London, but you can easily find them in places like Dockyards, Ealing and Finchley.

Then you can also find the cheapest London hotels in the outskirts of the city, where you will not have to pay even half the money that you would have to pay in a high budget hotel for a good accommodation. As these budget accommodation hotels are situated in the outskirts of the city, you will have one disadvantage during your stay, and that is distance. You will have to travel a lot everyday in order to visit places in the heart of the city. But, as long as you are on a very tight budget, the distance would not matter to you as much.

(c) To book for cheap hotels in London, you need not go around searching for the hotels in different places. Now, nearly every hotel in London has its own website, and you can catch up with them, inquire about the number of rooms available with them and also the rent of each room. These hotels also allow you to book your rooms online, so that you will not have to go around searching for the hotels once you are in London.

(d) An additional benefit of online London hotel booking of the hotels in London is that many hotels offer you discounts on off-season booking. You can avail such discounts and save further on your budget.

(e) You can also run a random search on the online search engines on the internet for cheap hotels in London or budget hotels in London. You are sure to be flooded with numerous options and websites, some of which are especially designed and dedicated to finding you the best London hotels in your budget.

The Shaftesbury group of hotels is the perfect choice if you are looking for budget accommodation London. If you want to check into a London budget hotel that is centrally located in London, is chic and classic with all modern amenities like conference services to Internet connections, 24 hour room service or just a pleasant and memorable stay, the Shaftesbury Hotel is the place to be. So wait no further and doLondon hotel booking now.

Best London Hotels Just For You

London is a vibrant city and its lively atmosphere will make you welcome as soon as you enter it. To stay in any hotel in London is not much difficult. The choices are enormous and you won't be able to decide easily which London hotel to choose. There are many hotels in London which can suit an average budget traveller and in these hotels you will be able to find all the amenities and comforts which you will expect as in a five star suite.

If you have to stay in the region of North West area, then one of the luxurious hotels is the Landmark London. It has been built on the site Grand Central Hotel of the 19th century and has British Victorian elegance along with contemporary amenities. This London, UK hotel is a delight to stay in and offers all the modern comforts.

One of the best London hotels is the Dorset Square hotel which was built in 1800. It will take you back to the royal age with its art deco and antiques. It gives a feeling of English country home having marble and mahogany bathrooms. You won't realize that you are not in the country while staying there.
A London hotel in the North London giving decent comforts is the Hilton Islington. It has all the facilities that are offered in the Hilton chain. The rooms can be standard, deluxe suites or plain suites. Modern amenities like air conditioning, web access have been provided for the guests. Those who don't want to miss their daily workout, there is a health and fitness club in this hotel in London.

If you don't associate East London with any luxurious hotel, you are wrong. There is obviously a five star hotel there. The Four Seasons on Canary Wharf has all the comforts that you want. It has got stunning views of the Thames. It has the facility of suites as well as concierge for its guests. It is a huge hotel having 10 storey building. The historical elegance of the building is quite picturesque and has contemporary style. It even has a penthouse and a presidential suite if you need it. It is one of the best London hotels in the East of London.

The London Bridge Hotel is one of the well known hotels in London. It is located in South East London. The large and luxurious rooms have fine facilities which will give you a warm welcome. The view of the Thames River from this hotel is stunning. It has two top class restaurants Simply Nico's and Georgetown serving mouth watering European dishes.

In the South West London the chic exterior of the Mandarin Oriental hotel located in Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, SW1X, is superb. This Five star hotel is situated in the middle of Knightsbridge and has views of Royal parkland. It has been restored recently and has incredible rooms and suites, two in house lively and elite restaurants overlooking Hyde Park, a bustling bar and a select spa.

In Central London there are many renowned London hotels with a touch of luxury making any visit perfect. One such hotel is the Grange City Hotel in White chapel. It is a new hotel compared to other hotels having five star hotel rooms. It has incredible views over the city and the River Thames. So enjoy your luxurious trip to London in any of these hotels.

Author is a marketing strategist specialist having great knowledge on Travel and Tourism. To find out cheap hotel deals visit London Hotels and hotel in London

Irresistible London Hotel Deals

London is one of the world's best cities and you will realize this fact when you visit London. The lovely green scenery surrounding this city, the culture and tradition of this great city - all these will enthrall you. There are many London hotel deals for the shoppers who want to stay near Piccadilly and can easily go to Regents Street, Carnaby Street and Oxford Circus. There is a wide range of hotels in this area from luxurious to low priced hotels.

Being a year-round tourist centre, with only a few of its attractions closing or changing its opening hours in winter, you have to delve into all the London hotel deals properly so as to get the best possible deal. There are many offers going on all the time especially during off tourist season. To get the best London hotel deals it is better to be an early bird and book early. When you book during off season there are bound to be more offers which you can take advantage of.

London has many traditional sights like the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. These still retain their positions as most visited place for tourists. Wherever you are in London you will find picturesque, historical buildings everywhere. Enjoy your sightseeing with medieval banqueting halls, great churches of Christopher Wren and the diverse Victorian architecture of the British Empire. There are so many places to see and enjoy that your budget should allow you to spend on sightseeing. So if you don't get a good hotel deal there will be huge dent in your budget.

You cannot compare any city to London when you are looking for Hotels in London. There are so many tourists visiting this exceptional city where hotels don't have to advertise much. If you are looking for a comfortable hotel in London you have to make a lot of inquiries. The hotel market is a seller's market and so the best way is to grab a deal which is profitable for you. The hotels in the best localities of London will not have many deals to offer you. However, the hotels in outskirts of the city will have more deals.

The hotels in London have a lot of traffic coming their way so it can be possible that there will be a shortfall in the way of amenities, atmosphere and good maintenance. The hotels have hoard of tourists filling up their room so they don't care much for your comforts.

The hotels in London are larger than the Bed and Breakfast places. The cheap London hotel is not much better than the Bed and breakfast place. The hotels in London are owned by companies while the Bed and Breakfast places are generally family run places.

To get a tempting London hotel deal always makes a point of checking the standard amenities being provided in the room. Most hotels provide a number of standard amenities. These amenities generally include breakfast in the room tariff. The room can be a single room, twin sharing room or a double room.

To get a profitable deal out of your hotel trip make sure that the rooms have all the services that have been told to you. Generally the entire mid budget London hotels provide telephones, shower, kettle etc. However due to a lack of space, the rooms of hotels are generally small. So plan your visit to London to get the complete picture of this dynamic metropolis.

Author is a marketing strategist specialist having great knowledge on Travel and Tourism. To find out cheap hotel deals visit cheap London hotel, and London hotels deals

HOME::Travel-and-Leisure/City-Guides-and-Information X Visit London - Top 10 Attractions By Andrea Vian Article Word Count: 505 [View Summar

As the city is really full of great spots to visit, during your London trip you can miss something important to see. London is huge and you need time to move from one area to another. The suggestion is to take information about what you want to visit and plan your London tour. Here is a top 10 list of the main things to see:

1. The London Eye: the major feature of London skyline, it is one of the biggest panorama wheel in the world. The complete run lasts 20 minutes and the view is really wonderful.

2. The tower of London: one of the most famous buildings in the world, during its visit you can discover its great history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal and jewel house. Tip for the visit: interesting guided tours are organized every day.

3. National Gallery: it displays one of the greatest collections of painting in the world, especially by European artists (from 1200 to 1900). If you want some names, here they are: Leonardo Da Vinci, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Turner.

4. Houses of Parliament: the building is really stunning but it is also worth taking a walk over Wastminster Birdge, you will get the view from the South bank. The famous Big Ben is the bell in the clock tower, one of the city symbols. If you want to visit the building inside, there are tour visit only during August and September.

5. Madame Tussauds: visit this museum and meet face-to-face some of the most famous persons in the world. Figures from the field of politics, sport, Royalty and showbiz are present there. Some examples: Shakespeare, Rooney, Britney Spears and Her Majesty the Queen.

6. Tate Modern: On the banks of River Thames, housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern displays great paintings by Picasso and Matisse and other important contemporary artists.

7. British Museum: one of the most famous collection in the world, the British Museum host very famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, the Portland Vase and sculpture from the Parthenon. You can admire also an important drawing collection.

8. Buckingham Palace: The Queen's official residence, Buckingham Palace is the famous official residence of the Queen. In front of this palace take place the very famous Changing of the Guard, scheduled on specific days and times. You can check before and organize your trip, you will be able to get there early and find a good position to watch. You can visit the State Rooms and the Palace only during the Annual Summer Opening (months of August and September).

9. Trafalgar Square: Trafalgar Square is one of the most iconic areas of the city and the famous Nelson's Column is really something to see. The National Gallery is located close there.

10. Natural History Museum: It boasts a collection of the rarest animals in the world as well as the dinosaur exhibition (permanent). The brand new Darwin center is going to open in September 2009.

If you need an accommodation just check now this list of London apartments that you can book directly online.

London Attractions

London is Europe's largest city, spanning more than six hundred and twenty square miles from its heart on the River Thames. London is Europe's most diverse metropolises: there are around two hundred languages spoken within its confines, and more than thirty percent of the population is made up of first, second and third generation immigrants.

Despite Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish transference, London is still where the country's news and money are made. London is where the central government resides and where unsophisticated life begins. Londoners' sense of superiority causes enormous resentment in the regions, but it is undeniable that the capital has a great measure of success in most walks of British life.

Most of the major attractions in Europe is located in London. London boasts four World Heritage Sites, 238 attractions that are free to enter (so there's nowhere else in the world where you can see so much for so little). Visit the many museums and castles that the city has to offer.

About thirty percent of London is open space; the other areas are filled with one of the 143 registered parks and gardens. Many of the parks have short walking paths and nature trails can be found in places like Hampstead Heath and Mile End Park, so let us put on our walking shoes and go for a stroll, take a picnic lunch for the end of your walk.

The National Gallery houses paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, including the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne along with other great works.

The British Museum exhibits the works of man from primitive to modern times with a collection from all around the world. The Rosetta stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase are included in this museum.

Attractions to Explore On Your London Vacation

London is among the most famous cities in the whole world. Millions of tourists flock to it every year, but most of them are not able to explore the entire city and witness its grandeur. Thus many visitors return to London during several vacations to relish more of its wonderful attractions. If you are yet to see this beautiful city, or if you have already went there but still want to see more of what it can offer, consider visiting the following attractions that will truly make your visit unforgettable:

1. The Tower of London - one of the most important sites in the great city. Consider yourself not being in London if you have not been to this attraction. This medieval fortress houses the world famous Crown Jewels. It is also known as a prison and execution sites of many of England's historical icons including Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and the Duke of Norfolk.

2. The Tower Bridge - this drawbridge serves as the easternmost entry of Thames. It also has a museum which allows tourists to walk along the old pedestrian paths to have a great view of the city. It is a must see for any London vacation.

3. The London Eye - this is one of the newest attractions in the city, created by the British Airways. It is a giant Ferris Wheel that sports 32 closed capsules that allow people to have a 360-degree view of the great historical city. A great theme park, this can make a vacation fun for any age.

4. Westminster Abbey - this famous religious site is known for being the venue for many coronations of English monarchs as well as their burial. It boasts of great architecture that exemplifies the style of the 13th and 16th centuries.

5. The British Museum - an art and history museum. This attraction is home to one of the world's largest collections of antiquities from ancient Rome, Greece, and Asia. It also houses artifacts from prehistoric and ancient Britain.

6. The Buckingham Palace - you probably know this as the home of the British Royal Family. Be sure not to miss the changing of the guards, which is one of London's iconic attractions.

7. The Houses of Parliament - this site combines three attractions in one. It is the location of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and the Big Ben, which is probably the most recognizable attraction in the city. It exemplifies great gothic architecture from the Victorian era.

8. The National Gallery - this gallery is home to a great collection of European paintings. The great thing about this attraction is that the entrance is free. The permanent collection encompasses paintings from 1250 to 1900 from Western Europe.

9. St. Paul's Cathedral - this historic site has been the venue of many notable events such as the funeral of Winston Churchill and the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales. It is an architectural masterpiece rebuilt by renowned Christopher Wren in 1710. This is also one of London's attractions that offers a great view of the city, with its 530-stair high gallery.

10. Shakespeare's Globe Theater - this theater is a reconstruction of the original Globe theater where several of Shakespeare's plays were first showcased. It is a replica of the original theater and is considered to be a historical site. A great site for a cultural vacation.

11. Trafalgar Square and the Admiralty Arch - this attraction is a monument honoring England's most respected maritime heroes. Its main feature is the statue of Lord Horatio Nelson that stands 145 feet high. It is also considered to be the centermost part of London. The Admiralty Arch, which is just across this landmark, was built in 1910.

12. Sir John Soane's Museum - this attraction is an exemplification of eccentric architecture. It features a unique and unusual combination of colors, curious perspectives, and a weird display of ornaments from different historical periods.

13. Notting Hill - this very fashionable and trendy district has been popularized by a film starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It has a very characteristic and cozy feel of a small village.

There are many other great attractions in the great city of London. A few days of vacation in the city would not be enough to see them all. However that might be an excuse to keep on returning to this fabulous city over and over again - an ordeal that you probably would not mind.

Five London Attractions You Cannot Afford to Miss

As the largest city in Western Europe and with a metropolitan area that encompasses over 14 million people from across the globe, London truly is one of the most dynamic, vibrant and interesting cities in the world. With so many unique attractions to visit it can be difficult to choose which are the most deserving of your attention, but the following five are attractions that you perhaps cannot afford to miss on a London holiday.

One of the most popular attractions, Buckingham Palace attracts millions of visitors every year. A symbol of the British monarchy and modern day Britain, the palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally known as Buckingham House, the palace was originally just a townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. Since then many additional buildings have been added, and it is today known as Buckingham Palace, serving as a Royal residence and reception for popular royal parties, which attracts more than 50,000 people per year.

Another popular attraction which draws in more than a million visitors per year is Westminster Abbey. The large Gothic church is located in Westminster and is the traditional place for coronation as well as a popular burial place for Commonwealth monarchs. During its existence the abbey has severed as a monastery, a church and a burial site and is now recognised as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.

St Paul's Cathedral continues to be one of London's most popular attractions. Designed by Christopher Wren, the current cathedral is a replacement of the original Gothic building which was destroyed in 1666. The cathedral is open to the public and is free if you attend the midday service; however, it is not possible to get to the top without a valid ticket. What's more, below the cathedral are the tombs of some of the most famous figures in British history, including Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

The Tower of London - founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 - is one of the city's most famous attractions. During its 900 year existence the tower of London has served as a Royal Palace, a prison, jewel house, a place of execution, and countless other roles. If visiting the castle it is worth going to the Ceremony of the Keys, a locking up ceremony performed every night at ten o'clock. During the tower's existence the tradition has never been missed and only delayed once when the Luftwaffe bombed the tower.

Trafalgar Square continues to serve as one of London's most popular attractions. Designed by John Nash in the 1820's as a commemoration of London Nelson's victory against Napoleon at the battle of Trafalgar, the pigeon-popular columns attract millions of visitors every year. Trafalgar square is also the location of London's smallest police station and within walking distance of the popular National Gallery.

Indeed, central London offers travellers a wide range of activities to enjoy, which means it is all the more important to understand that there are a wide range of hotels in London available to help ensure that you make the most of your holiday. And with so many attractions to visit and enjoy, such an option can only be a good thing.

Top Attractions in London - A List For Tourists

A new advertising campaign has been introduced to attract overseas visitors to England's capital. Simply known as Only in London; the campaign revolves around a list of 100 attractions and things that visitors can do in the city.

The focus of the campaign is to increase the number of overseas visitors and judging by the amount of diverse activities listed, it is hoping to attract people from many different countries and backgrounds. For example, the first item on the list is a suggested visit to Eastbury Manor House in Barking where, according to the compilers of this list, the Gunpowder Plot was first contrived.

Plenty more historical references appear on the list including trips to St. Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London and a more obscure reference to stroll the gardens of Down House in Bromley, which was home to Charles Darwin and where he wrote 'On The Origin of Species'.

Sports fans will be interested to see a number of items quoted on the list. The first at number five is the opportunity to see the NFL in action at Wembley. This has now become an annual event featuring a regular season game - the only one to be played outside of continental USA - between two of the League's top American football teams. In October 2009 the game will be contested by the New England Patriots and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 15th suggestion on the list is a tour of Wembley Stadium itself, but there is no mention of any of the capital's top football teams; Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham, Fulham or Tottenham.

However, the option to experience the capital's transport systems does feature. Take a ride on the tube appears low down on the list at 79, but higher up at 39 there is the invitation to connect to the world at Heathrow airport where many of the flights to London arrive.

Music lovers are also catered for on the list with the first suggestion just scraping into the top 10; namely recreate the famous Beatles album cover at the Abbey Road zebra crossing. At 45, a suggestion is to view Pete Townshend of The Who's smashed guitar at the Victoria and Albert's new Theatre and Performance Galleries. Also included at 27 in the list is to buy a ticket to see Michael Jackson at the O2, or alternatively any other O2 show at 24th place!

As you would expect, The London Eye - which was recently voted the UK's number one tourist attraction - appears in the list, as do many other 'must-see' London attractions such as the British Museum, Tower Bridge and Hyde Park. But, however exhaustive the compilers of the list themselves say, this is only a tiny snapshot of the thousands of things visitors can do in London.

10 Free London Attractions

I have visited London almost every year since 1984. Like other major cities it can be expensive. During my visits. I discovered many free attractions. The ones I have listed here are among the favorites. Check out the following 10 free London attractions for an enlightened and satisfying visit.

Among the sites I have chosen are some of the many museums and galleries that are free. There are large ones where you have to choose what you want to see and smaller ones where you can view the contents in one or two hours. Any one of them is well worth your time. While you are visiting you can also stop for food. The large museum and galleries have cares where you can get homemade food at reasonable prices.

1. British Museum
Located in the Bloomsbury section of the city, this museum is one of the most visited in the world. Opened in 1759, it is best known for its Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections. The Egyptian collection includes large and small displays. The most famous is the Rosetta Stone. It provided the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. Among other displays are sculptures from the Parthenon in Greece, and artifacts from Rome, Assyria, China and India.

2. National Gallery
Located on the north side of Trafalgar Square, it houses one of the world's great art collections. The art is contained in sixty rooms and divided into periods. Among the artists included are Michelangelo, Da Vinci and the impressionists. It's impossible to view the whole collection in one visit. For a quick overview, join one of the free guided tours.

3. Victoria and Albert Museum
Locally known as the V&A, it's located in South Kensington. In addition to sculptures and paintings, the V&A has one of the world's largest collections of furnishings, textiles. carpets, jewelry, tapestries, musical instruments and glass in the world. There is something to please everyone's taste. Spread over seven levels and organized into major themes, you have to choose what you want to see.

4. Natural History Museum
In the same neighborhood as the V&A, this is a great place to take the family. The collection is divided into zones.

• Red Zone - the earth
• Green Zone - planets, environment, evolution
• Blue Zone - Smallest invertebrates to the great Blue Whale
• Orange Zone - Wildlife Garden

5 Tate Britain
Opened in 1897 in Millbank, this collection covers five centuries of art. It is divided into two main groups: the British Collection and the European and American works. The U.K. collection dates from 1500 to the present.

6. Tate Modern
On the South Bank of the Thames River at Bankside, this collection is housed in a renovated ex-power station. It gives you a very different feel from the traditional museum. There are five galleries of international modern art that covers the periods from 1900 to the present. Included in the presentation are works by Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Rothko and Lichtenstein. After your visit you can walk the South Bank and view the Globe Theater and the National Theater. There is a spectacular of St Pauls' across the river.

7. National Maritime Museum
For a day out take the short trip to Greenwich were you can visit this museum and the adjoining sites. It houses the world's largest collection of maritime artifacts including a permanent display from Vice-admiral Horatio Nelson, hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. You can also visit the Queen's House with it's collection of maritime art. Up the hill is the Royal Observatory, site of the Prime Meridian, from which all time on earth is measured. You can stand with one foot in the Western hemisphere and one in the east. All these sites are fee.

8. St. Martin in the Field
This small Palladian style church, where Bach and Mozart played, is located on the east side of Trafalgar Square. If you enjoy music, stop in for one of the free lunchtime concerts held three days a week. Known for its outstanding acoustics, you can enjoy an hour of artists that range from the piano, violin to trios and quartets. You could combine this with a trip to the National Gallery, and you can walk through Trafalgar Square.

9. Covent Garden
The main building in the center of Covent Garden houses a number of restaurants and boutiques. The area's main attraction is the numerous street entertainers who must audition and obtain a license before performing. Within walking distance of Trafalgar Square, it's a delight for the whole family. Always crowded, you can find restaurants where you sit outside and can enjoy the entertainment in comfort.

10. Changing of the Guard.
Viewed from the outskirts of Buckingham Palace this is one of the favorites of London visitors. You can get there by strolling through St. James Park from Trafalgar Square. Get there early to get a place where you can see. It takes place every day during the spring and summer and every other day in the fall and winter at 11:30 AM. It's the pageantry the British are known for.

I can say, without a doubt, that London is my favorite city. I continue to go back to these sites and see something new each time. The ten free attractions that are included in this article are but a few of the ones in London.

London's Free Attractions

London's a great city to visit and it doesn't have to be expensive if you don't want it to be. I've found that it is actually possible to visit London on a budget! There are plenty of museums in London that are free (apart from some special exhibitions).

Two of the best are The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, both museums are located in South Kensington and are open seven days a week. The Natural History Museum is great for anyone who is interested in nature. September would be the best time to visit, as a new building called the Darwin centre is opening, which gives the public a chance to see real scientists at work. If this doesn't appeal and you wish to have a more hands-on experience then the Science Museum is the one for you! It is here that you can shout down a giant tube, play with huge spinning drums and even morph your face to make yourself look younger!

A visit to the British Museum is also free and lets you explore different world cultures. These include the Aztecs, where you can see the masks of Xipe Totec and Ancient Egypt that displays the Mummy mask of Syros. The British Museum is located on Great Russell Street and is also open seven days a week.

If you're looking to gain some knowledge on London and to learn about its history, then the Museum of London located on London Wall, is the place to visit. Entry is free and the permanent galleries at this museum include Roman and Medieval London.

If art galleries are more your thing, then the Tate Modern is a must! Entry is free and the Tate is also open seven days a week. Here you can find pieces of art for everyone's taste and they even have exhibitions to keep the kids entertained. The National Portrait Gallery located on St Martins Place is a fantastic building to visit and the Beatles to Bowie: The 60s exposed exhibition opens in October.

The best way to get to all these museums is on London's public transport. An oyster card will be the cheapest way to travel round London and can be used on buses, tubes and trams. They are pay as you go cards so you can just top them up, as you need them.

If you want to find cheap places to stay in London, then read a London travel guide for some recommendations! They might even recommend some good value for money restaurants to eat out at too!

Shopping at Oxford Street and Places to Stay in London

Oxford Street is Europe's largest high street with more than 300 shops from leading department stores and flagships, for everything from fashion to furniture, toys to toiletries and the most recent gadgets from all over the world. It is Europe's busiest shopping street. The street derives its name from being part of the old London-Oxford Road. Today the road forms part of the A40, although it is not signposted as this, like other roads in central London.

Oxford Street is one and a half miles from one end to the other. Most of the shops open from 10.00 am until 7.00 pm and some even operate until 8.pm. Some of the Shops now open on Sundays from 12.00 pm to 6.00 pm with very late nights on Thursday. The Flagship of Oxford Street is Selfridges and the other big department stores which can be found in the section from Marble Arch to Oxford Circus, along with most of the very big name multinationals. It is more of the same as you continue towards Tottenham Court Road, but generally on a smaller scale. It is home to major department stores and numerous brands' flagship stores, as well as hundreds of smaller shops. It is the major shopping street in central London, though not the most expensive or fashionable, and part of a larger shopping district with Regent Street, Bond Street and other smaller nearby streets. For many British chain stores, their Oxford Street branches are regarded as their 'flagship' stores and used for celebrity launches and promotions.

The Tube is probably the best way to reach Oxford Street; although there are many London buses serving the area, the traffic congestion is pretty bad, and the wait is lengthy. The Central Line runs pretty much directly beneath Oxford Street at this point, with four stations along its length: Marble Arch, Bond Street (also served by the Jubilee Line), Oxford Circus (also served by the Bakerloo and Victoria lines), and Tottenham Court Road (also served by the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line). If possible, avoid Oxford Circus Station, as its layout is confusing and it's also very busy; at times it can be difficult to get out of the station at all due to pedestrian congestion outside.

There are many London luxury hotels and also cheap London bed and breakfast properties found in the area. It is an affluent area and hotels found there tend to have high room rates. However, Hotels in Bloomsbury which are just about 15 minutes walking distance from Oxford Street will give you very good rates. For instance, the Imperial London hotels which are a concentration of Hotels in Russell Square

It is advisable for someone who does not want to spend much on London accommodation but wants to get high standard of London high standard accommodation facilities to stay in Bloomsbury and just stroll to Oxford Street to do his or her shopping.

How Best to Travel to Central London From Heathrow

Heathrow is one of the most popular airports for London holiday-goers. Whether you've arrived on a long International flight or a short flight from a nearby destination, you'll want to be on your way to your London accommodations as quickly as possible. There are several options for reaching the centre of London from Heathrow, and travel time along the roughly 15-mile route depends on a variety of factors.

National Express Dot2Dot Transfer Service

One of the fastest, most comfortable and convenient ways to travel from Heathrow to your central London or Canary Wharf destination is via National Express Dot2Dot transfer service. Dot2Dot service desks are available at Heathrow Terminals 1, 3, 4 and 5, and if you arrive at Terminal 2, a representative will meet you. You'll enjoy a comfortable ride in a modern minibus with Wi-Fi service and air-conditioning available, and your cost will be less than half of that of a taxi.

If you're traveling as part of a larger group, Dot2Dot offers discounts, too. Service is available 24 hours a day, and return shuttle service from your hotel to Heathrow can also be arranged. Dot2Dot shuttle service costs a maximum of £20.00, and it's easy to pre-book transportation at Dot2Dot. You can also phone +44 (0)845 368 2368 for more information.

Taxi or Limousine Service from Heathrow

Taxis offer another option for transportation from Heathrow to your central London destination. There are several taxi companies that serve Heathrow, and you can find taxis by following signs in each of Heathrow's terminals. A taxi ride to central London usually takes an hour or slightly less, and prices run between £45 and £70. You may be able to save on the cost by booking your taxi from Heathrow in advance.

If you're interested in traveling from Heathrow to London in luxury, you can book a limousine in advance from one of several agencies. This is the most expensive form of transportation available between Heathrow and central London, but it will also be the most luxurious.

Train Service to Central London

If you aren't too encumbered with luggage, you may opt to take the Underground to your London destination. Heathrow Airport is located on the Piccadilly line on the Underground, and Heathrow Express trains also operate frequently to London Paddington station. You can access train service from each of the airport's terminals. Trains run roughly every 4 to 9 minutes and fares start at just £4.00. Depending on your stop, you'll reach your destination in approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Bus Service from Heathrow to London

Bus service is another public transportation option for transfer from Heathrow to central London. Expect your journey to take approximately an hour, although traffic delays could significantly increase your travel time. Fares start at approximately £10 for bus travel.

Heathrow to London by Car

If you are driving yourself, you will want to obtain directions to your destination in advance of your arrival. Your directions will vary depending on which Terminal you are exiting, but ultimately you will need to arrive at the M4 motorway to reach London.

If you are travelling with a significant amount of luggage or with children, it may be easiest to opt for Taxi or Dot2Dot transfer service from Heathrow. Although public transportation such as rail and bus service is less expensive, you will need to carry your luggage yourself along the way. Many travellers find the convenience of Dot2Dot or Taxi service well worth the extra cost, especially upon arrival at Heathrow. You can always choose another option for your return trip to Heathrow if you decide to opt for savings over convenience instead.

Shopping in London

Shopping is one of the main reasons people flock to London in their hoards all year round. With over 40,000 shops from huge department stores to fabulous fashion shops, London is the heart for fashion, style and music. A wide variety of shops are all over London, from high priced exclusive clothing and goods, (some severely over priced I might add) to some amazing deals. For lovers of clothes and shoe shopping and more shoe shopping ladies, London has all the designs and the wackiest looks. But before you start, ring your bank, up your credit card limit, its time to start spending!

Camden Market is the place to go if you want cheaper stuff, it's located next to the Camden Locks; this is London's most popular market. It gets extremely busy here at weekends with thousands of traders, but watch out for the "buggy brigade" (parents with pushchairs!) your feet will be swollen, but not from the incessant shopping... from having them continuously rolled over and stamped on! Even so, you are sure to find the perfect pair of shoes to match that expensive designer outfit you just spent your whole months wages on. On the other hand, if you are looking for something a little different then Kensington Market might be a good choice, it's located on Kensington High Street, this market caters for the underground fashions. You can also find an extensive range of outrageous hair colours, punk and gothic clothing and accessories, record stores, the latest in techno, platform shoes, leather goods and jewellery.

Portobello Road Market features antique goods, as well as clothing and music, hundreds of stalls on weekends, and cafes and bars. It is also a "celeb hotspot" with many famous people living and shopping in the area.

Oxford Street & Regent Street are the main areas in which to find many High Street stores. All the main ones are here from Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, John Lewis, Boots, W.H. Smith, Bhs, C&A and of course Hamley's Toy Shop, which I must add is absolutely breath taking, especially at Christmas, every child and "older child's" dream come true. You may not find many low priced goods here, but it really is worth a look. So credit cards at the ready!

You will also find Harrods; most people make a visit to this shop just to look at the costly price tags, as well as the wide variety of food on offer. But be sure to dress respectively, no light coloured clothing caked in the muddy tyre marks from the "buggy brigade" in the markets!! There is a dress code to shop here!

And then there is Soho. Soho is the place to go for a variety of boutiques; Janet Fitch for designer jewellery, Metalmorphis for body piercings, and Ann Summers for kinky lingerie. Ambient Soho and Black Market Records stock the best of techno, jungle and dance music. Try the Vintage Magazine Shop for excellent movie & TV memorabilia and posters. Soho is the ideal place if you are looking for something to do "After Dark"; it offers a wide range of erotic videos, sex toys, good cafes and restaurants and strip clubs. Soho is an interesting place to wander around, especially for the men who like to "window shop"!!

Shopping in London can be an exciting experience, whether you want to spend or just browse. It's a vibrant city - buying something often involves discovering interesting surroundings and exploring new ones. At the seasonal times of year it is probably best to start early, London streets begin to look like an anthill around lunchtime! I myself am a true Londoner... born and bred, everyday there is something new to be found.

Top 5 'Must Buy Something In' Shops In London - (just for the feel good factor, oh, and the carrier bag!)

Hamleys Toy Shop

Wow! That is the only word that came out of our mouths when we walked through the doors of Hamley's, I lost my two kids and my husband immediately! Unfortunately, they found me again when they wanted money! But if you are looking for a reminder of your childhood or looking for something special for your own kids then this is the shop, and it really isn't that expensive either, you can pick up a gift for as little as a fiver. It really is magical, 7 floors of it, a definite must. Nearest tubes: Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus. Official website: http://www.hamleys.com

Covent Garden

If you are on a visit to London then try to visit the very trendy Covent Garden, with all the up-to-date designer shops like French Connection, H&M, Calvin Klein and Gap to name but a few. If you are shopaholic like myself then you will love Covent Garden, a fair few celebrities also shop and eat here. The Ivy restaurant is a well-known celebrity hotspot, if you can't get in to enjoy the tasty food on offer then take a stroll past... 2 or 3 times... spot the celebrity! Nearest tube: Covent Garden

Harrods

A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a visit to world-famous Harrods. Some just want to check out the expensive price tags, others buy stuff just for the carrier bag. Even so, you will find everything you need here, mind you, the store is huge and it is easy to get lost. And remember; if you need the loo... take some money with you! Nearest tube: Knightsbridge. Official website: http://www.harrods.com

Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street has loads on offer for yourself and a guilt gift for him (well, we have to buy him something don't we? After all, it's his credit card!). For him, there are sports shops like Puma, Ben Sherman, G-room and if he's a budding DJ then there's Kingly Court, this a great place to buy great vinyls. Oh, and not forgetting a place where he can re-fuel... there's a few pubs too! And for the ladies, there is a number of fine cosmetics shops, a few boutiques selling vintage mod clothing, designer shoe shops and Liberty's is just round the corner in Fouberts Place. There are places where we can re-fuel too... coffee shops and sandwich bars. Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

New Bond Street and Old Bond Street

Just off of Oxford Street, is the less crowded but far more expensive New Bond Street and Old Bond Street, for all those that have an endless flow of cash then this is the place to spend all of it! Most of the shops here have "greeters" who will smile, open doors for you, and wish you a nice day! Oh, and keep your eyes open for the odd celebrity here too, London's Bond streets are well known for bringing out the odd one or two. Nearest tube: Bond Street

It's a vast, fast and vibrant city; London has it all. Don't miss it... come and visit!

Top Shopping Destinations In London

London is the top tourist destination in the world, and for very good reasons. The numerous historical landmarks will make your trip a memorable one, and the diverse atmosphere is not like any other city. Another thing that many find notable in London is the numerous shopping opportunities. Because of the high amounts of tourism, retailers have stepped up and created shopping destinations that you won’t want to miss.

You’ll have to decide exactly what you want to shop for, since stores are generally grouped by type. If you want to see the really top-notch shops and department stores, Knightsbridge is the place to go. The hyper-fashionable person will find all of the latest trends, and all of the name brand items that you can handle.

If you aren’t looking to stay on the bleeding edge of fashion, and you’d rather just have some fun, then Covent Garden is the place for you. It has a little bit of everything, including some surprising stuff that you wouldn’t quite group with “everything”. Even if you aren’t looking to buy anything, it’s still fun to window shop and eat at one of the many cafés.

Notting Hill has a very unique blend of shops. You’ll find many different eclectic shops that give you alternative options. If you appreciate antique clothes or furniture, you’ll find many shops to provide you with exactly that. It is also home to a popular market that makes for an interesting afternoon visit.

If you’re looking for computers or electronics, then you should look on Oxford Street. It has literally dozens of shops selling everything from cameras and batteries to compact discs and video games. With a little haggling, you can get better prices than you would find anywhere else in the city.

Finally, arguably the most infamous shopping destination in London is New Bond Street. It is filled to the brim with the most premium (and expensive) fashion boutiques. If you just need to go on a shopping spree for some of the most famous brands in the world, then New Bond Street is the place to do it.

As you can see, there truly is something for everyone in the many London shopping destinations. You can do casual window shopping, or you can do extreme fashion shopping. So if you are headed to London soon, consider what sort of shopping you want to do – because there is almost surely a destination to do it at.

Christmas Shopping in Central London

Shopping District of Central London

If you can't find it here you won't find it anywhere! The main shopping areas of Central London are found in the West End. This area includes Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Covent Garden.

Oxford Street is definitely the main shopping street of the whole city and is an excellent starting point. Many chain stores host their flagship store on this street such as Selfridges, the UK's 2nd largest department store; John Lewis, the UK's 3rd largest department store; and others such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Zavvi, House of Fraser, Topshop and Primark.

Half way down Oxford Street, the street is intersected by Regent Street and this area is called Oxford Circus. The shops found here include Nike Town, H&M, Topshop/Topman, United Colors of Benetton and Miss Selfridge.

Regent Street stretches from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus. On this street you can visit Hamley's which has 6 storeys of toy store! Formerly the worlds biggest toy store, this is definitely the place to pick up that must have toy for your little loved ones. Another shop found on Regent Street is the London Apple Store, which is the largest one in the world.

At Piccadilly Circus there is another Zavvi store on the site where there used to be Tower Records.

Bond Street runs parallel, and to the west, of Regent Street. Here you will find some of the world's most luxurious designer stores such as Cartier, D&G, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Versace.

Located away from the West End and situated in Knightsbridge is Harrods located on Brompton street. The second biggest shopping store in the world after Macy's in New York. Harrods occupies a site of 18,000 m2 and contains over 300 departments! Harrods motto is 'Omnia Omnibus Ubique' - All Things for All People.

Also located in Knightsbridge you can find Harvey Nichols, which caters for a younger crowd though its designer gear tends to be more expensive.

Other shops found on Sloane Street, around the corner from Knightsbridge, include Christian Dior, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Armani, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Fahri and Katharine Hamnett.

Kensington High Street in the main shopping street of Kensington and is essentially a smaller and less crowded version of Oxford Street. Located on this street you can fins such shops as Karen Millen, Monsoon, Gap, H&M, Ann Summers, Laura Ashey and a few others.

The one downside to this immense range of options is that you won't find too many bargains as this is one of the more expensive places to shop in England, especially if you have been unfortunate with the exchange rate to Sterling.

Getting to the Shopping Districts of Central London

If you are driving in from Heathrow Airport then it a simple matter of heading out of the airport and onto the M4. Follow it directly into the heart of the city, as it becomes the A4, turn left at Piccadilly Circus and you will be driving up Regent Street with access to all the West End Shopping Streets. This route will also take you directly through Knightsbridge, so no need for any turn offs.

For Kensington, you will need to turn left onto Warwick Road after you have past through Hammersmith and then right onto Kensington High Street.

Parking in the Shopping Districts of Central London

For the above shopping streets, there are a number of car parks you can avail of. Parking on the streets on Sundays is free, but if you are staying overnight be sure to move your car before the wardens are out at around 7:30am.

For the West End, you will find the Oxford Street Car Park located just off the street in Cavendish Square. Parking costs £5 for the first hour and is £32 for a 24-hour period. To the north of this one there is Harley Car Park on Queen Anne Mews, where parking is £5 for the first hour and is £30 for a 24-hour period.

There is also Soho Car Park, on Poland Street which branches off Oxford Street. Parking costs £5.50 for the first hour and is £36 for a 24-hour period, though there is also a £14 over night option (enter after 18:00 and leave before 9:00).

For Knightsbridge and Kensington, you will find the Knightsbridge Car Park on Kinnerton Street which is located just to the south of Knightsbridge Street and can be accessed from Sloane Road. Parking costs £3.50 for the first hour and is £33 for a 24-hour period.

A car can be a blessing or a curse in the city, driving in the city centre can be 'interesting' but the luggage space of even a small car can be very helpful especially when you are doing a lot of shopping

Indulge in Some Shopping in London

If you fancy a day out on the town, London has plenty to offer you. Like many other cities it has the combination of well known chain stores and 'one off' shops that are run by individuals.

But no matter where you go or what you want to buy, London has everything you could hope for. And you might be surprised at the difference between areas that aren't too far apart geographically.

For example, there are lots of markets in London, and Camden Market is arguably one of the most popular of all. The area is actually made up of stalls which spread out into several streets, all of which are open every day. It is the mix of stalls which invariably delights all those who visit, and you can get some great bargains here.

Elsewhere in London there are some very different shopping experiences on offer. Many people go to areas like Bond Street merely to window shop - largely because of the prices! But it is still an experience you will want to indulge in. This is the place where all the top designers can be found, such as Donna Karan and Calvin Klein for example.

If you want to do more than just window shop, be sure you don't miss out on Oxford Street. This is far more accessible and is widely regarded as the place to go if you want to do some serious shopping in the capital. You will find lots of well known chain stores here, and because of the well known nature of the street itself many of them have their biggest stores in the country on this very street.

But if chain stores don't appeal to you, don't worry. There are plenty of more quirky shops available nearby if you hop on the Tube and visit Covent Garden. This is an area known for its street entertainment, market stalls and shops, so it can offer a vibrant and exciting day out. In fact, it has been a hub for entertainment for centuries - even Samuel Pepys - the famous diarist, who reported on entertainment in the area some three hundred and fifty years ago!

It is the design of this area - as much as what it holds - that makes Covent Garden so appealing. In fact, if you are looking to stay in London for the weekend - or longer - there are plenty of hotels in London that are situated close by.

The thing you need to be aware of above all else is that shopping in London can be a very expensive pastime! But you don't need to spend lots of money to come home with some new additions to your wardrobe. There are bargains to be found around every corner - you just need to shop long enough to find them.

Stansted Airport London - An Independent Travellers Guide

Of London’s airports, Stansted Airport is furthest from the centre of London, nearly 40 miles. The airport is dominated by low cost budget airlines and in particular Ryanair and easyJet, Europe’s largest low cost airlines.

The overwhelming majority of flights are European or UK domestic flights.
The airport also has significant charter traffic, particularly for the British travelling on package tours to the sun.
The main intercontinental and state carriers like British Airways, Virgin, American and Singapore Airlines all use London’s Heathrow or Gatwick Airports.

The airport is an established airport but was relaunched 15 years ago with a brand new terminal and infrastructure, including a direct rail link and motorway to London. At first it was a white elephant but the emergence of the low cost budget carriers has transformed Stansted into one of the fastest growing airports in Europe in the last decade.
Today, full capacity of the main terminal is within sight and a new terminal and further out a second runway is planned.

There are no surprises with the terminal itself, all the standard facilities are in place including choice of foreign exchange, pharmacies, news stands etc. There is a good range of eating opportunities ranging from fast food and pub food through to sit down restaurants. In common with all airports run by BAA, the owner, there is a lot of luxury shopping outlets. But remember, the vast majority of flights from Stansted are within the EEC and do not qualify for duty free status.

It normally takes around 30 minutes from touch down to exiting customs with most flights if you have luggage. There is an airport information desk immediately outside customs and a desk for AirportCarz who have a monopoly on taxi services at the airport. Taking a taxi to London is only used by a very small minority of passengers because of the distance and expense.

If your destination is London, the quickest option is to take the Stansted Express train. The train station is underneath the terminal so you just descend to the platforms by escalators or lifts.
The Stansted Express takes 45 minutes to London’s Liverpool Street Station and runs about every 15 minutes during the day. Last trains are around midnight. The fares on the Stansted Express are expensive, well over $US40 for a single return fare. The Liverpool Street terminus is also not very convenient for most travellers, being sited in the middle of the financial district of London, 3-5 miles from most of the most popular hotel accommodation. The train stops at an intermediate stop called Tottenham Hale, 10 minutes before Liverpool Street, an interchange with the London Underground (Victoria Line).
Many of the airlines will sell tickets for the Stansted Express, some at a discount, before landing at Stansted Airport.

The budget transfer option into London is to take one of four scheduled coach services run by National Express and Terravision. There is a large, modern coach station in front of the terminal, adjacent to the rail station.

The cheapest option is the Terravision service to Liverpool Street Station, the same route as the Stansted Express. The price is about half that of the Stansted Express Train. Downside like all road based transfers is the London traffic, on a good day the coach will make it in about an hour. National Express run services about every 30 minutes to nearby Stratford Underground at a similar price.

The other route taken by the coaches is Stansted to London Victoria. Both have return fares around $US25. The Terravision service is non-stop, the National Express service makes stops through central London, many of them close to the major hotel districts. The National Express service is a true 24x7 service, the Terravision service only stops for a couple of hours early morning. Some of the highest frequencies are around midnight Stansted-London and very early morning London-Stansted for the first and last flights when the Stansted Express and London Underground have shut down.

Because of the sometimes extraordinarily cheap fares of Ryanair and easyJet a lot of transcontinental travellers have found it cheapest to fly into Heathrow and then complete their journey to their European destination using a low cost airline from Stansted.
National Express run shuttle services between Heathrow and Stansted from the coach station at Stansted. There are usually a couple of services an hour, the journey taking around 90 minutes (though delays on the motorway are almost routine at rush hours). The fare is not cheap either. The return fare is about $US50. It is cheaper to use the indirect National Express service to Stratford and then catch the London Underground to Heathrow, but less comfortable.

If you want to stay over at Stansted Airport before a flight there are plenty of options available. Like all airport hotels at London, room rates are normally much cheaper at weekends than mid-week. If you are transiting from Heathrow or Gatwick which have much fiercer competition, you will probably find rates more expensive at Stansted, particularly in the budget sector.

Immediately adjacent to the terminal is the luxury Stansted Radisson SAS, the only airport hotel where you do not need a hotel transfer vehicle. This is perhaps the most luxurious hotel and at weekends rates can be fairly competitive. The original luxury hotel at Stansted is the 4 star Hilton Hotel on the airport perimeter. The Hilton Stansted runs its own shuttle bus from the coach station about every 30 minutes.
In the immediate vicinity of the airport is an Express by Holiday Inn and a Best Western. The consistently cheapest option is the Days Inn on a motorway services area at the entrance to Stansted Airport. It provides no airport transfer facility itself though of course there are taxis and a local bus service.
Apart from the chains there are a lot of independent hotels in the vicinity. These feature hotels for all budgets and tastes, ranging from Country House Hotels, to pubs to traditional Bed and Breakfasts. The countryside around Stansted is surprisingly unspoilt and there is opportunity to stay in a traditional market town or coaching inn for example.

For current London transfer fares and timetables see: Rail and Road Transfers Between Stansted Airport and Central London.