London Thanksgiving
For those American expats and visitors who find themselves in London on Thanksgiving, below is a list of restaurants that serve Thanksgiving dinner in London.
If you prefer eating at home in London on Thanksgiving, Whole Foods, Raoul's Gourmet, and a few others offer set and a la carte prepared Thanksgiving meals.
Thanksgiving in London Restaurants:
London Thanksgiving at Big Easy Bar.B.Q
Phone: 020.7352.4071
Web: www.bigeasy.uk.com
London Thanksgiving at Bodean’s
Phone: 020.7287.7575 (SOHO location)
Web: www.bodeansbbq.com
London Thanksgiving at Cactus Blue
Phone: 020.7395.5801
Web: www.cactusblue.co.uk
London Thanksgiving at Christopher’s: The American Bar & Grill
Phone: 020.7240.4222
Web: www.christophersgrill.com
London Thanksgiving at The Chesterfield Mayfair
Phone: 020.7491.2622
Web: www.chesterfieldmayfair.com
London Thanksgiving at The Conservatory at the Lanesborough Hotel
Phone: 020.7259.5599
Web: www.lanesborough.com
London Thanksgiving at The Georgian Restaurant at Harrods
Phone: 0207 225 6800
Web: http://www.harrods.com
London Thanksgiving at Hard Rock Cafe
Phone: 020.7514.1700
Web: www.hardrock.com
London Thanksgiving at Maxwell’s Bar and Grill
Phone: 020.7836.0303
Web: www.maxwells.co.uk
London Thanksgiving at Missouri American Grill & Restaurant
Phone: 020.7481.8422
Web: www.missourigrill.com
London Thanksgiving at Navajo Joe
Phone: 020.7240.4008
Web: www.navajojoe.co.uk
London Thanksgiving at Planet Hollywood
Phone: 020.7478.1558
Web: www.planethollywoodlondon.com
London Thanksgiving at PJ’s Bar and Grill
Phone: 020.7581.0025
Web: www.pjsbarandgrill.co.uk/
London Thanksgiving at Sticky Fingers’ Café
Phone: 020.7938.5338
Web: www.stickyfingers.co.uk
London Thanksgiving at Tentazioni Restaurant
Phone: 020.7237.1100
Web: www.tentazioni.co.uk
London Thanksgiving at The Texas Embassy
Phone: 020.7925.0077
Web: www.texasembassy.com
London Thanksgiving at Villandry
Phone: 020.7631.3131
Web: www.villandry.com
London Thanksgiving at 140 Park Lane Restaurant & Bar
Phone: 020.7647.5678
Web: www.140parklane.co.uk
Labels: London, Thanksgiving, UK
Eurostar Ski Train from London to the Alps
The popular Eurostar ski train from London to the Alps runs directly from London St. Pancras train station to Moutiers, Aime La Plagne and Bourg St Maurice during the winter ski season.
Eurostar ski trains depart London St. Pancras on Friday nights at 8:31pm and Saturday mornings at 10:00am from mid-December to mid-April.
Returning Eurostar ski trains depart Bourg St Maurice train station on Saturdays at 9:59am and 10:15pm. After stops in Moutiers and Ashford International, ski trains arrive at London St. Pancras train station at 4:12pm and 7:12am, respectively.
Trains from London to Plymouth
Trains from London to Plymouth run regularly from London's Paddington train station to Plymouth train station. This is a good transport option for those looking for trains from London to Cornwall.
Trains leave London Paddington train station for Plymouth train station 1-2 times an hour throughout the day, and more frequently at peak times. Trains from Plymouth to London return at the same intervals.
The total train time from London to Plymouth ranges from 3h-4h30m on weekdays, and can take longer on weekends.
The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Plymouth is 40.50 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.
Trains from London to Luxembourg
Trains from London to Luxembourg run regularly from London's St. Pancras train station to Luxembourg City's train station. All trains from London to Luxembourg require a change at Brussels Midi train station.
To get from London to Luxembourg, take the Eurostar train from London St. Pancras to Brussels Midi, then board a train from Brussels Midi train station to Luxembourg City train station.
The total train time from London to Luxembourg is approximately 6h50m, including the time it takes to change trains in Brussels.
The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Luxembourg is approximately 74.00 GBP for standard class (59 GBP for the Eurostar and 19.20 EUR for the Belgium-Luxembourg ticket*).
Make sure to book your Eurostar ticket well in advance to get the best price.
*Eurostar tickets to Belgium allow the traveler to travel onwards from Brussels to any other destination in Belgium for free. Thus, when booking your ticket from Belgium to Luxembourg, make sure to book a ticket from Arlon, the eastern-most Belgian city on the train line, so as to avoid paying double.
Labels: Eurostar, London, Luxembourg, Trains, UK
Best London Restaurants
A NY Times article on the best new restaurants in London, including L'Anima, Le Bouchon Breton, Cinnamon Kitchen, J Sheekey Oyster Bar, Bob Bob Ricard, and Bocca di Lupo:
Full Article - A New Crop of High Profile Restaurants in London
A New Crop of High Profile Restaurants in London
By PAM KENT
LONDON'S vibrant restaurant scene, already considered among the world's best, shows no sign of slowing down — economic collapse or no economic collapse — with a crop of new, high-profile restaurants continuing to draw the city's well-heeled foodies.
On a recent Monday night, the recently opened L'Anima was fully booked, said Ben McCormack, editor of the restaurant guide “Square Meal,” even though it is in the financial district, “an area where lunch is usually the busiest time.”
In fact, the financial district — known as the City — is the site of several notable new restaurants, along with the still-hot nearby East End.
L'Anima (1 Snowden Street EC2; 44-207-422-7000; www.lanima.co.uk), which opened in June and whose minimal-chic look was created by the architect Claudio Silvestrin, is the latest project from Francesco Mazzei, responsible for St. Alban on Regents Street. The menu was inspired by the cuisine of Mr. Mazzei's native Southern Italy, with main courses like fish stew with Sardinian fegola, and Sicilian rabbit stew. Dinner for two costs about £100, roughly $180 at $1.78 to the pound.
Continued on nytimes.com
Labels: L'Anima, London, London restaurants, nyt, UK
Eurostar Trains from London to Avignon
Eurostar trains from London to Avignon run directly from London St. Pancras train station to Avignon during the summer season.
Eurostar trains depart London St. Pancras on Saturdays from mid-July to mid-September at 7:09am and arrive in Avignon at 2:13pm.
Returning Eurostar trains depart Avignon train station on Saturdays at 4:09pm and arrive at London St. Pancras at 9:30pm.
You can here.
During the off-season, Eurostar trains from London to Avignon run via Paris. You will have to change trains at Paris Gare du Nord in order to reach Avignon from London.
Eurostar Trains from London to Lille
Taking the Eurostar train from London to Lille is the fastest way to get from one city to the other.
The Eurostar train leaves from London St. Pancras train station and arrives at Lille train station.
The Eurostar travel time from London to Lille is 1 hour and 42 minutes. You can here.
Eurostar fares vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book your Eurostar ticket. Weekend tickets are often less expensive than weekday tickets.
Eurostar Trains from London to Brussels
Taking the Eurostar train from London to Brussels is the fastest way to get from one city to the other.
The Eurostar train leaves from London St. Pancras train station and arrives at Brussels Midi train station.
The Eurostar travel time from London to Brussels is 2 hours and 6 minutes. You can here.
Eurostar fares vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book your Eurostar ticket. Weekend tickets are often less expensive than weekday tickets.
Bonfire Night London
Also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night in London is celebrated every year in November. The day celebrates the capture of Englishman Guy Fawkes, who was notorious for taking part in the famous Gunpowder Plot.
When is Bonfire Night 2009? When is Guy Fawkes Day 2009?
Bonfire night 2009 and Guy Fawkes Day 2009 are on November 5, 2009.
What happens on Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes Day?
To celebrate Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes Day, there are large fireworks displays and bonfires throughout London and the UK.
Locations for Bonfire Night fireworks include:
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Display
Battersea Park Fireworks Display
Bishops Park Fireworks Display
Clapham Common Fireworks Display
Hampton Court Palace Fireworks Display
Kingston Fireworks Display
Morden Fireworks Display
Ravenscourt Park Fireworks Display
Victoria Park Fireworks Display
Walthamstow Fireworks Display
Wimbledon Fireworks Display
Lord Mayors Show London
Ealing Fireworks Display
Labels: Bonfire Night, Guy Fawkes Day, London, UK
Trains from London to Newcastle
Trains from London to Newcastle run regularly from London's King's Cross train station to Newcastle train station.
Trains leave London King's Cross train station for Newcastle train station every thirty minutes at peak times. Trains from Newcastle to London return 10-20 minutes at peak times.
The total train time from London to Newcastle ranges from 2h50m-3h30m.
The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Newcastle is 99.30 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.
Trains from London to Edinburgh
Trains from London to Edinburgh run regularly from London's King's Cross train station to Edinburgh Waverley train station.
Trains leave London King's Cross train station for Edinburgh Waverley train station every thirty minutes at peak times. Trains from Edinburgh to London return every thrity minutes to an hour.
The total train time from London to Edinburgh ranges from 4.5-5 hours.
The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Edinburgh is 102.40 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.
Trains from London to Sheffield
Trains from London to Sheffield run regularly from London's King's Cross train stations to Sheffield train station.
Trains leave London King's Cross train station for Sheffield train station every 15-20 minutes at peak times. Trains from Sheffield to London return every 10-30 minutes at peak times. The total train time from London to Sheffield is 2.5 hours.
The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Sheffield is 67.60 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.
Trains from London to Glasgow
Trains from London to Glasgow run regularly from London's King's Cross and Euston train stations to Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen's Street train stations.
Trains leave London King's Cross and Euston train stations for Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen's Street train stations regularly throughout the day. Trains from Glasgow to London return several times an hour.
The total train time from London to Glasgow ranges from 4.5-6.5 hours, so make sure to check the length of time when you book.
The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Glasgow is 102.90 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.
Trains from London to Leeds
Trains from London to Leeds run regularly from London's King's Cross train station to Leeds train station.
Trains leave London King's Cross train stations for Leeds train station every half hour at peak times. Trains from Leeds to London return every half hour at peak times. The total train time from London to Leeds is just under 2.5 hours.
The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Leeds is 78.20 GBP for standard class. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.
Trains from London to Birmingham
Trains from London to Birmingham run regularly from London's Marylebone and Euston train stations to Birmingham New Street train station.
Trains leave London Marylebone and Euston train stations for Birmingham New Street train station every half hour at peak times. Trains from Birmingham to London return several times an hour at peak times. The total train time from London to Birmingham is 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
You can book trains from London to Birmingham on . There's no booking fee, so you can save 6 GBP when you buy tickets.
The cost of a round-trip train ticket from London to Birmingham is 10-60 GBP for standard class, depending on the time of day and whether you purchase tickets in advance. Discount train tickets are available if you book in advance or with a railcard.
Dates of the London 2012 Olympics
The dates of the London 2012 Olympics will bet July 27 through August 12, 2012. The London 2012 Paralympics will take place from August 29 to September 9, 2012.
The London 2012 Olympics will be the third London Olympics, the previous London Olympics taking place in 1908 and 1948.
Top 10 Off the Beaten Path London
If you've been to London a million times and are looking for something new to do there, here is a great list of Top 10 Off the Beaten Path Destinations in London.
10. Eat lunch at an organic cafe in Stoke Newington
9. Take a stroll through Highgate Wood
8. Watch the deer in Richmond Park
7. Spend an afternoon boutique shopping in Crouch End
6. Go to the RAF Museum in Colindale, London
5. Take in the colors at the Columbia Road Flower Market in Shoreditch, London
4. Explore the hidden trails in Muswell Hill
3. Eat lunch at Chelsea Farmers Market in Chelsea, London
2. Picnic in the Hampstead Heath
1. Visit the Chelsea Physic Garden in Chelsea, London
Labels: London, London Top 10, Off the beaten path london, UK
Eurostar to Disneyland Paris
Taking the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris from London is an easy and expedient way of getting to the Disney park.
You can here.
The Eurostar train leaves from London's St Pancras train station and arrives at Disneyland Paris train station. (The Eurostar used to leave from London Waterloo train station, but moved in November 2007).
The Eurostar travel time is 2 hours and 30 minutes for fast services and 4 hours for slower services (note that there is a 1 hour time difference between London and Paris).
Eurostar tickets to Disneyland Paris have varying prices depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book your Eurostar ticket. Weekend tickets are often less expensive than weekday tickets.
Labels: Eurostar, Eurostar to Disneyland Paris, London, UK
NYT on Base2stay Hotel London
For a great mid priced hotel in London, try the Base2stay Hotel in London's Earl's Court neighborhood. With rooms starting at 93 GBP, the hotel is a great deal in an expensive city.
NYT Article: London: Base2stay
London: Base2stay
By BENJI LANYADO
Base2stay is a boutique hotel for the credit-crunch age. Housed in a stylish London town house with crisp stone pillars, it could rightfully charge a queen’s ransom for a night’s stay. But it doesn’t. By cutting nonessentials — restaurants, room service, gym, spa — the 67-room hotel, which opened two years ago, starts at £93, or $173, at $1.90 to the pound, a night. In this pricey town, you’d be forgiven for thinking that wasn’t allowed.
THE LOCATION
The hotel is tucked down a quiet street just off busy Earl’s Court Road, amid rows of Victorian and Georgian houses surrounding pretty squares and even prettier people. Both the Earl’s Court and Gloucester Road Underground stations are within walking distance, as are the Natural History Museum and Hyde Park. Nearby side streets are lined with chi-chi cafes and trendy bars that attract a mix of tourists and locals.
THE ROOMS
Modern and sparsely chic, the rooms were larger than I had expected and reinforced base2stay’s dueling concept: one eye on style, the other on cost-effectiveness. Shades of milky browns and cream formed a soothing backdrop, and high ceilings and wide wooden windows gave the impression of more space. My queen-size bed was plush and comfortable, with more Egyptian cotton and pillows than I could possibly use. Storage was ample, thanks to the luggage drawers under the bed and a smart-looking kitchenette with stainless-steel counter, fridge, microwave and a full set of glasses, ceramic plates and flatware. It felt like a high-end boutique hotel, but stopped well short of extravagant.
Continued on nytimes.comLabels: London, London hotels, nyt
Eurostar Tickets and Discounts
Eurostar Tickets:
Adult Eurostar tickets from London to Paris can cost as low as 29.50 GBP if booked well in advance. If not, adult Eurostar tickets prices run from 79.50 GBP for Eurostar trains from London to Paris.
right here, directly.
Eurostar Discounts:
The Eurostar train from London to Paris has discount tickets for child (4-11), youth (12-25) and senior (60+) fares.
There are also Eurostar student discounts available if you book your ticket from your home country (you must have the ticket mailed to you in your home country).
Eurostar Discount Tips:
Friday and Sunday afternoons and early evenings tend to be the most expensive times to take the Eurostar train from London to Paris.
To avoid high prices, try to book your Eurostar tickets so that you depart London on Thursday afternoon, Friday morning, or Saturday afternoon and return to London on Sunday or Monday morning.
Also try booking the first or last Eurostar train of the day, as you can often find cheap Eurostar tickets for those trains.
Labels: Eurostar, Eurostar discounts, London, UK
Eurostar Trains from London to Paris
Taking the Eurostar train from London to Paris is the fastest way to get from one city to the other.
The Eurostar train leaves from London's St Pancras train station and arrives at Paris Gare du Nord train station. (The Eurostar used to leave from London Waterloo train station, but moved last year).
The Eurostar travel time is 2 hours and 15 minutes (note that there is a 1 hour time difference between London and Paris).
You can here.
Eurostar fares vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book your Eurostar ticket. Weekend tickets are often less expensive than weekday tickets.
Labels: Eurostar, favorites, London, Trains from London to Paris, UK
Trains from London to Cardiff
Trains from London to Cardiff run regularly from London's Paddington Station to Cardiff Central Station.
Trains leave London Paddington for Cardiff Central every half hour at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Trains from Cardiff to London return every half hour at 25 and 55 minutes past the hour. The total train time from London to Cardiff is just over two hours.
NB: Weekend, evening and early morning trains from London to Cardiff run less frequently and often have a longer journey time.
Labels: cardiff, London, trains from London to Cardiff
London Audio Walks
Looking for free London audio walks? This website has suggested itineraries for neighborhoods throughout London.
http://www.londonwalks.libsyn
Labels: London, London Audio Walks, UK
Just Airports Car Service London
Just Airports
Just Airports Phone: +44 (0) 208 900 1666
Online bookings available
Just Airports car service in London is a great way to get from any of London's airports to central London. Just Airports will send a driver to pick you up at the Hertz counter at the airport and drive you to your destination. They also have a service to pick you up from central London and drive you to Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, or London City airport.
Just Airports has some of the lowest prices of all airport car services in London. Prices start at 24.00GBP from south London to Heathrow and 41.00GBP to Gatwick. Prices vary depending on where you're coming from/going to.
NB: There is an extra £6.00 and parking charge for airport pickup.
Labels: Airport Car Service, Just Airports, London
Best Day Trips from London
In England, all roads lead to London. The nice part about visiting London, then, is that all roads lead away from London as well. That means that the best day trips from London are easy to do and relatively inexpensive. Here is my list of best day trips from London:
Oxford
Cambridge
Windsor Castle
Canterbury
Stonehenge
Greenwich (ok, so it's in London, but it still makes a great day trip)
Dover (NEW!)
Labels: Brighton, Cambridge, Canterbury, Day Trips from London, Greenwich, Hampton Court Palace, London, Oxford, Rye, Salisbury, South Downs, St Albans, Stonehenge, Winchester, Windsor
Greenwich London
Greenwich, London is located in the southeast of England's capital city. Home to the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Greenwich, London attracts visitors from around the world.
Greenwich, London is famous for its many museums, including the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, The Queen's House, and the Old Royal Naval College. Greenwich is also famous for its architecture, most notably that of Sir Christopher Wren and Inigo Jones.
People visiting Greenwich can get there by taking the tube and DLR to Cutty Sark. Visiting the museums, walking around the park and exploring the town takes around 4-5 hours.
How to Get from Central London to Greenwich
Visitors to London sometimes find it confusing to get from central London to Greenwich, as the tube does not extend as far southeast as Maritime Greenwich. As such, many wonder how to get from central London to Greenwich.
The best way to get from central London to Greenwich is to take the tube to Bank station and then change to the DLR, an overground train. Take the DLR from central London's Bank station to Cutty Sark station in Greenwich.
The total time to get from central London to Greenwich varies from your starting point, but usually takes 20-40 minutes.
Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich
The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is best known for its beautiful Neoclassical exterior designed by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren. With its twin domes and long colonnades, the Old Royal Naval College was intentionally built in two separate halves in order to preserve the river views from The Queen's House behind it.
Nonetheless, the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is a breathtaking sight, and it houses two equally beautiful interior rooms that are worth visiting. The first of these is the Painted Hall. The Old Royal Naval College's Painted Hall is a masterpiece of artist James Thornhill, who cleverly painted himself into the scenery at the back of the room. The second is the Chapel in the opposite building. Decorated in the Greek Classical style with Wedgewood-inspired ceiling colors, the Chapel is a peaceful place to rest after a day of sightseeing in Greenwich.
Labels: Greenwich, London, Old Royal Naval College, UK
The Queens House in Greenwich
The Queen's House in Greenwich is a remarkable example of Palladian architecture by Inigo Jones. Sadly, The Queen's House in Greenwich is usually mistaken for other buildings in Greenwich, including the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College (even Lonely Planet's London guidebook mistakenly labels a photo of it as the National Maritime Museum).
Despite the confusion, The Queen's House in Greenwich is worth a visit if only to see the completely symmetrical cubic hall and the beautiful Tulip Staircase. The staff are very friendly and will give you a private guided tour if you are interested.
The Queen's House in Greenwich Opening Hours:
10am-5pm - Sept-May
10am-6pm - June-August
Labels: Greenwich, London, The Queens House, UK
National Maritime Museum in Greenwich
London's National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, southeast London, is a great museum for lovers of naval history and the sea. Home to numerous models of famous ships as well as the uniform Lord Nelson wore the day he was killed (complete with bullet hole), the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is also a famous architectural work by Sir Christopher Wren. The National Maritime Museum is free entry for all.
National Maritime Museum in Greenwich Opening Hours:
10am-6pm - April-Sept
10am-5pm - Oct-Mar
Labels: Greenwich, London, National Maritime Museum, UK
Royal Observatory Greenwich
London is famous for the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, which is in the southeast part of London. The Royal Observatory is home to the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Designed in the seventeenth century by the famous London architect Sir Christopher Wren in the neo-Classical style, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich is a great architectural treasure. The buildings themselves are home to numerous interactive exhibits relating to time and astronomy (free entry). The Royal Observatory in Greenwich also houses the newly-opened Planetarium, which visitors can enter for 6.00GBP.
Labels: Greenwich, London, Royal Observatory, UK
Kew Gardens in London
London's Kew Gardens are a large expanse of greenery in southwest London. Kew Gardens is famous for its large glass palm house, Princess of Wales Conservatory, Temperate House, Alpine House, and rotating exhibitions like the Henry Moore Sculptures at Kew Gardens.
In addition to the greenhouses, Kew Gardens has many outdoor attractions including spring daffodils and winter snowdrops. Kew Gardens is home to four cafes, many children's activities, and daily walking tours at 11am and 2pm.
Kew Gardens is best reached via the District Line on the London Underground or the London Overground Network (Kew Gardens station).
Labels: Kew Gardens, London, UK
Henry Moore Sculptures at Kew Gardens
The Henry Moore sculptures at Kew Gardens are part of the largest outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore's works ever seen in London. The Moore sculptures at Kew Gardens runs through March 30, 2008 and features 28 large-scale Henry Moore sculptures. Among the sculptures on display in Kew Gardens are Large Reclining Figure (1984) (pictured), Double Oval (1966), and Oval with Points (1968-70). The Henry Moore sculptures at Kew Gardens are displayed throughout the grounds and can be visited via audiotour (download on your mobile phone for 1.50GBP) or by a walking tour that starts at noon from Victoria Plaza in Kew Gardens.
Labels: Henry Moore Sculptures, Kew Gardens, London, UK
Windsor Castle Day Trip from London
Windsor Castle is a great day trip from London. Located just 35 minutes away from London by train, Windsor Castle is easy to get to and spectacular to see.
Visitors making the Windsor Castle day trip from London can walk to the castle from the nearby train station. Once at Windsor Castle, walk around the grounds with a free audio tour or take a guided tour with a castle guide. Make sure to visit the highlights of Windsor Castle, including St. George's Chapel with its beautiful fan vaulted ceiling, the State Apartments, the Drawings Gallery with its da Vinci sketches on display, and the curiously delightful Queen Mary's Dolls' House with its working electricity and functioning plumbing.
The entrance fee for Windsor Castle is 14.80GBP for adults (tickets are valid for re-entry for up to a year after purchase).
Windsor Castle Opening Hours are until 4pm March-October and 3pm November-February.
Labels: Day trip from London, London, Windsor Castle
Trains from London to Windsor
Trains from London to Windsor, England run regularly from London's Paddington Station. Other trains from London to Windsor run from Waterloo Station, but they are not as fast.
The train journey from London to Windsor from Paddington Station takes around 35 minutes. Take a train from London to Slough, then change at Slough for a 6 minute train ride to Windsor Central station. Windsor Central is in the heart of Windsor and is a short walk from Windsor Castle and Eton College.
Labels: Day trip from London, London, Windsor Castle
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races
Shrove Tuesday Dates:
Shrove Tuesday 2009: Tuesday, Feb 24
Shrove Tuesday 2010: Tuesday, Feb 16
Every year on Shrove Tuesday (a.k.a. Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday) there are Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races throughout the UK. The UK version of pre-Lent gluttony is a curious tradition, but a fun one nonetheless. Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races are held throughout London and other UK cities, and usually follow a basic formula: teams of four people (sometimes dressed in funny costumes) race with a skillet holding a pancake, flipping the pancake in mid-race. Crowds of people line the streets to cheer on their favorite teams or just to enjoy the spectacle.
Major Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race Events:
The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race (Dray Walk on Brick Lane, London)
Poulters Company Pancake Races (London)
The All Hallows Great Pancake Race (Tower of London)
Rehab UK Parliamentary Pancake Race (cheer for your favorite MP!)
Labels: London, Pancake Races, Shrove Tuesday, UK
Top London Markets
There is no shortage of markets in London. Whether you're looking for vegetables or vintage clothing, ethnic food or ethnic wares, London markets have a lot to offer. Here is a list of my Top London Markets:
5. Portobello Market
4. Leadenhall Market
3. Exmouth Market
2. Camden Markets
1. Borough Market
Labels: Borough Market, Camden Markets, Exmouth Market, Leadenhall Market, London, Portobello Market, UK
Portobello Market
On Saturday afternoons Portobello Market is one of the busiest places in London. The Portobello Market is one of the most famous markets in London. While it is best known for its antique market, Portobello Market also has vendors selling new goods, second-hand goods, fruits and vegetables, and fashionable accessories. London locals and visitors alike flock to Portobello Road every week to check out the wares at the market.
Portobello Market Closest Tube: Notting HIl Gate
Labels: London, Portobello Market, UK
Camden Markets
London's Camden Markets are a Sunday afternoon staple for those that like alternative style. Big and bustling, the Camden Markets sell everything from goth accessories to emerging designer clothing to ethnic food from all over the world. The Camden Markets include the Horse Tunnel Market, the Camden Lock Market and numerous others crammed into every alley in Camden Town.
Camden Market Tube Station: Camden Town
Labels: Camden Markets, London, UK
Exmouth Market
Exmouth Market is an outdoor market in London's Clerkenwell. On Fridays and Saturdays Exmouth Market is bustling with food vendors and permanent shops selling mouth-watering selections of ethnic cuisine and other culinary delights.
Exmouth Market Opening Hours:
While the permanent shops are open daily, the outdoor market is only open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Friday: 11am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-4pm
Labels: Exmouth Market, London, UK
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is a large covered market in central London. Leadenhall Market is located in The City, just off Gracechurch St. The nearest tube station is Bank.
Leadenhall Market has a grand Victorian ceiling that makes it a perfect place to browse for food or drink on a rainy London day. Leadenhall Market has several food and drink vendor stalls in addition to the permanent shops and eateries. Visit the market to enjoy the architecture and market food, or for a pint at the pub on the corner.
Labels: Leadenhall Market, London, UK
Cheap Flights to London and UK Cities
If you're looking for a cheap flight to London or another UK city, you're probably in luck. Most low-cost airlines offer cheap flights to London and other UK cities from destinations all over Europe. Some of the most popular cheap flights are offered by the following airlines:
easyJet
Ryanair
Aer Arann
Air 2000
Air Berlin
Air Scotland
Air Southwest
BMI Baby
British European
CentralWings
Excel Airways
Fare4U
Hapag Lloyd Express
Iceland Express
Jet2
Meridiana
Monarch Airlines
My Travel Lite
Norwegian Air Shuttle
SkyEurope
Snalskjutsen
ThomsonFly
Transavia
Virgin Express
VLM Airlines
Wizz Air
Labels: airlines that fly to london, cheap flights, London, UK
Top 5 Cheap Eats in London
London is a very expensive city. If you're on a budget, you can save money by finding cheap eats in London. Here are a few of my favorite places for good cheap food:
5. EAT - Great sandwiches and other fresh, quick cheap eats.
4. Pret a Manger - Fresh daily-made sandwiches that won't put a hole in your wallet.
3. Wagamama - Great noodles at this cheap eats chain.
2. Late night falafel and gyros - Pick up some great cheap eats falafel on your way home from the bars or clubs.
1. Jenny Lo's Tea House - Not a chain, this noodle house serves up some of London's best cheap eats. Conveniently located right across from Victoria Station.
Labels: Jenny Lo's Tea House, London, London Cheap Eats, Pret a Manger, UK, Wagamama
London Theater Tickets
London is famous for theater, and theater tickets for plays, musicals, ballet, opera, and other events are easy to get. Most London theater tickets can be purchased in three ways:
London Theater Tickets Online - Most London theaters have websites where you can buy tickets directly or through a ticket broker website. Note that there is usually a processing or other fee involved.
London Theater Tickets at the Theater - Most London theaters have box offices that are open during the day and just prior to performances. You can stop in at any time and purchase tickets. Some theaters sell rush tickets at a discount just prior to the show. Check the theater's website for opening hours and prices.
London Theater Tickets at Leicester Square - The TKTS Booth at Leicester Square (formerly called the Half Price Ticket Booth at Leicester Square) is a building right in the middle of the square that sells tickets to most of London's theater shows.
If a show is sold out, try asking your hotel concierge. Sometimes they are able to procure London theater tickets for sold out shows.
Labels: London, London Theater Tickets, UK
Covent Garden 12 Days of Christmas Luxury Food Market
The Christmas Market at Covent Garden is featuring a 12 Days of Christmas Luxury Food Market. While it may sound like just another tourist attraction, the food at Covent Garden's 12 Days of Christmas Luxury Food Market is quite impressive. Highlights of the 12 Days of Christmas Luxury Food Market include fabulous Ghanaian food from Spinach & Agushi, including groundnut stew with rice (watch out for the hot sauce...they're not kidding when they say it's spicy!), out-of-this-world mushroom risotto (you can also buy all kinds of wild and exotic mushrooms), pancakes smothered in whipped cream and sauces, cakes, tarts, brownies, and lots of other culinary goodies.
Covent Garden 12 Days of Christmas Luxury Food Market Dates: December 12 -23
Labels: 12 Days of Christmas Luxury Food Market, Covent Garden, London, London Christmas Market
Top 10 Ways to Save Money in London
London is an expensive city. Here are my top 10 ways to save money in London.
10. Walk - London is a very walkable city. Instead of taking public transport or a taxi, get out and walk around!
9. Visit London's markets - Borough Market and Camden Market are my favorites, but there are many others as well. It's free to walk around the markets, and the food and other goods are reasonably priced.
8. Get an Oyster Card - If you take the tube, make sure to get an Oyster Card. It will save you a lot of money, not to mention time!
7. Visit London's parks - London has no shortage of parks and public spaces, almost all of which are beautiful and free to explore.
6. Get a Young Persons Railcard - If you're under 26 and you plan to take day trips from London, a Young Persons Railcard is well worth buying.
5. Visit London's free museums - Many of London's museums are free of charge. Check out the V&A museum, the British Museum, the Tate, and many others.
4. Go to a pub quiz night - Many London pubs hold weekly quiz nights. Buy a pint and your entertainment is free.
3. Bring your student ID - If you are a student, there are hundreds of discounts you can get when you show your student ID card.
2. Get rush tickets - Many London theaters offer discounted rush tickets to shows on the day of the performance.
1. Fly a