Get Around London on Cheap

Getting around London on a shoestring is within your grasp by using a few insider's pointers. Get started on savvy savings straight away by purchasing an Oyster card for a transfer by the Tube from Heathrow International Airport or by train from Gatwick Airport. Transport for London provides home delivery of an Oyster card by mail for visitors who pay postage and allow two weeks or more in advance. However, an Oyster card purchase can also be done at the station in the airport. Remember, children 11 and under travel free on the London Tube and buses.

Getting in From the Airport
While Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express trains provide frequent service to London's Paddington Station and Victoria Station respectively, they are pricey and require an onward taxi or a Tube ride. At Heathrow, follow circle-shaped red, white and blue signs for the London Underground instead. At Gatwick Airport, opt for Southern Railway to London's Clapham Junction where train and the Tube connect. Oyster cards are valid on many trains, plus the Tube and buses. The card delivers on convenience, time savings and money over purchasing journeys separately and will never exceed the daily price cap, no matter how many trips you take with it. Load value onto Oyster with cash or credit card at a machine or ticket window, calculating initial spend for a round-trip airport transfer, plus more for days spent in the city. Oyster cards can be topped up at any Tube station in London and at most news agents.

Using the Tube and Buses
Avoiding taxis is the main objective when watching the wallet. With 250 miles of tracks and 270 stations on 11 lines, London Underground covers all of Greater London. Fares are determined by zones; the more zones you pass through, the higher the fare. Hefty penalties apply for having the wrong ticket at the exit, so swipe an Oyster card in and out for the best possible savings on every journey. Any underground trips taken during peak hours attract a premium, so avoid Tube travel Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:59 p.m. If you're not in a hurry, save even more by taking one of the thousands of London buses that blanket the city 24 hours a day. Tube stations are gated closed between the last train around midnight and the first train pre-dawn, but the schedule varies according to each station stop.

Sightseeing on a Budget
Some of London's bus routes are ideal for a self-guided sightseeing tour, enhanced by taking a seat on the upper level. London highlights visible from some public buses read like a guidebook's must-see list. Route 74 passes South Kensington's three famous museums -- the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum -- plus Royal Albert Hall, Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, Harrods, Marble Arch, Speakers Corner, Baker Street and Madame Tussauds. From the windows of Route 9 buses, passengers see Kensington Palace, St. James's Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Savoy Hotel and West End theatres. Route 11 travels down the King's Road in Chelsea, then provides a good look at world famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Bank of England, Mansion House, Royal Courts of Justice in Fleet Street and the Tower of London.

Riding a Bike
See London from the seat of your rental bicycle. Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme has hundreds of highly visible blue bicycles at docking stations throughout the city where they can be collected or returned any day, all day. Register online for an unlocking code that gives access to an inexpensive way to get around, especially suggested for cycling in the parks. Visitors must be aware that helmets are not mandatory nor provided, sidewalk riding is illegal and Londoners do drive on the opposite side of the road. In fact, even the traffic signals and the rules of the road at intersections are different than in the United States. Nonetheless, a spin around Richmond Park to see the deer, into Kensington Gardens for a picnic by the Serpentine or through St. James's Park to glimpse Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace are at the top of the list.

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Get Around London on Cheap

Getting around London on a shoestring is within your grasp by using a few insider's pointers. Get started on savvy savings straight away by purchasing an Oyster card for a transfer by the Tube from Heathrow International Airport or by train from Gatwick Airport. Transport for London provides home delivery of an Oyster card by mail for visitors who pay postage and allow two weeks or more in advance. However, an Oyster card purchase can also be done at the station in the airport. Remember, children 11 and under travel free on the London Tube and buses.

Getting in From the Airport
While Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express trains provide frequent service to London's Paddington Station and Victoria Station respectively, they are pricey and require an onward taxi or a Tube ride. At Heathrow, follow circle-shaped red, white and blue signs for the London Underground instead. At Gatwick Airport, opt for Southern Railway to London's Clapham Junction where train and the Tube connect. Oyster cards are valid on many trains, plus the Tube and buses. The card delivers on convenience, time savings and money over purchasing journeys separately and will never exceed the daily price cap, no matter how many trips you take with it. Load value onto Oyster with cash or credit card at a machine or ticket window, calculating initial spend for a round-trip airport transfer, plus more for days spent in the city. Oyster cards can be topped up at any Tube station in London and at most news agents.

Using the Tube and Buses
Avoiding taxis is the main objective when watching the wallet. With 250 miles of tracks and 270 stations on 11 lines, London Underground covers all of Greater London. Fares are determined by zones; the more zones you pass through, the higher the fare. Hefty penalties apply for having the wrong ticket at the exit, so swipe an Oyster card in and out for the best possible savings on every journey. Any underground trips taken during peak hours attract a premium, so avoid Tube travel Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:59 p.m. If you're not in a hurry, save even more by taking one of the thousands of London buses that blanket the city 24 hours a day. Tube stations are gated closed between the last train around midnight and the first train pre-dawn, but the schedule varies according to each station stop.

Sightseeing on a Budget
Some of London's bus routes are ideal for a self-guided sightseeing tour, enhanced by taking a seat on the upper level. London highlights visible from some public buses read like a guidebook's must-see list. Route 74 passes South Kensington's three famous museums -- the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum -- plus Royal Albert Hall, Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, Harrods, Marble Arch, Speakers Corner, Baker Street and Madame Tussauds. From the windows of Route 9 buses, passengers see Kensington Palace, St. James's Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Savoy Hotel and West End theatres. Route 11 travels down the King's Road in Chelsea, then provides a good look at world famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Bank of England, Mansion House, Royal Courts of Justice in Fleet Street and the Tower of London.

Riding a Bike
See London from the seat of your rental bicycle. Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme has hundreds of highly visible blue bicycles at docking stations throughout the city where they can be collected or returned any day, all day. Register online for an unlocking code that gives access to an inexpensive way to get around, especially suggested for cycling in the parks. Visitors must be aware that helmets are not mandatory nor provided, sidewalk riding is illegal and Londoners do drive on the opposite side of the road. In fact, even the traffic signals and the rules of the road at intersections are different than in the United States. Nonetheless, a spin around Richmond Park to see the deer, into Kensington Gardens for a picnic by the Serpentine or through St. James's Park to glimpse Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace are at the top of the list.

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Nude Beach in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has a number of beaches--both with and without lifeguards. Among them is Blooming Point Beach, which is used by nude sunbathers and swimmers. Here is how you can find it.

Begin at Charlottetown, the easiest starting point for these directions. The beach at Blooming Point is to the east of the National Park.

Start out on Route 2 and follow it towards St. Peter's until you come to Route 218.

Take a left hand turn onto 218.

Follow Route 218 until it becomes a dirt road. At the dirt, take a left and it will take you to the beach at Blooming Point.

Keep going on Route 2 until you reach Mill Cove and then follow signs to the beach, if you miss the turn for Route 218.

Tips & Warnings

Be sure to stay in the clothing optional section of the beach if you will be using Blooming Point as a nude beach.
There are no lifeguards on duty.
There are neither restrooms nor food services available at the beach at Blooming Point.

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Take Day Trip to Stonehenge

Stonehenge is 88 miles southwest of London, near Salisbury in the county of Wiltshire. The prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage Site is accessible as a day trip from London by car, train or bus, with the further option of either independent or escorted travel. Since the 2013 completion of a new visitor center 1.5 miles from the stones, adjustments have been made to highway access routes, parking and ticketing arrangements in the interest of preservation. Visitors are now strongly advised to book timed admission to Stonehenge in advance to gain entry on the day desired. Therefore, the journey should be planned in accordance with your timed tickets, leaving ample time to reach the site. Admission to the interpretive visitor center is optional and can be purchased at the door.

Driving to Stonehenge
Driving is the fastest way to reach Stonehenge from London. Follow the M4 west out of London to the junction of the M3. After 50 miles, connect to the A303 at exit 8 in Hampshire. Continue 31 miles to the A344 in Wiltshire, following brown historic markers for Stonehenge. Upon reaching the site's designated parking area, purchase a cash-only parking ticket available from kiosks accepting British sterling coins. Frequent free shuttle buses operate from the parking area to the site, a 10-minute journey for which no reservation is necessary.

Stonehenge by Train
South West Trains operate from London Waterloo Station (WAT) to Salisbury (SAL) in a journey of approximately 90 minutes. The first departure is at 6:30 a.m., with trains scheduled twice an hour throughout the day until the last return train departs Salisbury at about 10:30 p.m. As Salisbury Station is 10 miles from Stonehenge, a taxi or a Stonehenge Tour Bus will take you to the shuttle that operates from the visitor parking area. The Stonehenge Tour Bus transfer is 30 minutes and operates hourly from 10 a.m., more frequently in summer, with a hop-on, hop-off option that can include Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and Old Sarum. There is no public bus service from Salisbury Station.

Buses to Stonehenge
Britain's largest coach operator, National Express, operates comfortable buses from London's Victoria Coach Station to Salisbury Bus Station, offering discounts for youth under 27, adults aged 60-plus and groups of four or more. Victoria Coach Station is across Buckingham Palace Road from the rear of Victoria Station, a 10-minute walk from the Victoria London Underground Station at the front of the building. Use the online journey planner and click on "return" to see round-trip times and fares. The fastest journey is scheduled as 2 hours and 45 minutes. A connection to the Stonehenge Tour Bus or a taxi would complete the trip to get to Stonehenge's shuttle.

Sightseeing Bus Tours
Among those operating sightseeing trips between London and Stonehenge are three reputable tour companies: Evan Evans Sightseeing Tours, Golden Tours and Premium Tours. A private driver and guide can be booked to pick you up from a Central London hotel or private address in a town car, minivan or a limousine. Alternatively, join a scheduled coach tour without commentary; audio headsets are provided free on arrival at Stonehenge. Some trips include admission to the interpretive visitor center and some include admission to Stonehenge itself, according to details on the websites. Pick-up and drop-off points in Central London for these tours vary among the sightseeing companies.

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Tips to Move to England

A move to England is challenging, but not impossible. To make a smooth transition from living in your country to living in England you need to follow specific steps that include applying for visas and filling out a lot of paperwork. Read on to find out how.

Decide if you want to become an English citizen or if you want to keep your current nationality. This decision is going to influence the type of visas and paperwork you will need to complete before you can move to England.

Apply for a work visa or complete the paper work and other requirements to become an English citizen. You will need to complete these steps before you arrive in England. There are several different visa programs available. You can find details about these programs, about the steps needed to become a citizen and you can find all of the required forms online at the "Immigration and Nationality Directorate" website.

Locate job opportunities before you arrive in England. After your visa has been approved you can start your job search. There are a lot of English online job services that you can use to find a job lead. You can also contact English employment services directly by phone. You will need a CV (British equivalent of a resume) and your visa information.

Make plans to visit England for interviews and to find a place to live. You can use travel websites like "Travelocity" to book your airplane tickets, hotel and rental cars, or you can work with a travel agent.

Work with a British estate agent to help you find a flat or a house.

Set up a British bank account. Do this before you arrive to make your country transfer easier.

Pack for your move. Space is a premium when moving to another country. You will want to pack only the things that you have to have. Ship these via an international courier. Realize that you may have to pay importing charges on your personal items.

Complete required steps after you arrive in England. These steps include registering with the local police, completing paperwork for your flat, completing paperwork for your new job and setting up your new household.

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Go to Harrods in London

Harrods welcomes 15 million visitors a year to Europe's biggest department store, where 26 restaurants and eight floors of upmarket retail space cover 4.5 acres. In business since 1834, Harrods is a short walk from London landmarks such as Hyde Park and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The Heart of Knightsbridge
Harrods is in the middle of Knightsbridge, at 87-135 Brompton Road, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, right at its border with Westminster. Covering an entire city block, the distinctive terra-cotta brick facade of Harrods is accented by green awnings and outlined by 12,000 white lights that come on at dusk. Knightsbridge Underground Station on the Piccadilly Line is adjacent to the department store; follows signs for the Brompton Road exit when leaving the Tube. At the time of publication, London buses stopping nearby are the 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 137, 414, 452 and the C1.

The Food Halls
Shiny display cases and polished countertops compete for attention with high stuccoed ceilings, intricate mosaic designs, and black and white tiled floors. However, food is the real star of the show in this series of interconnected rooms collectively known as Harrods Food Halls. Customers take a number to discuss meat, fish, shellfish, deli, cheese, pastry and cakes, served by smartly aproned clerks with pedigree knowledge. Immaculately arranged baskets are piled high with perfect produce beside vitrines loaded with chocolates, petits fours and pastel colored macaroons. Fancy gift items from Royal Warrant suppliers -- such as truffles, champagne, smoked salmon, oysters and caviar -- could upset most household budgets in a flash.

Luxuries and Teddy Bears
Adjacent to the Food Halls, the ground floor is Harrods' most impressive -- there the all-white Cosmetics Hall, one of Harrods' highest grossing departments, is adorned with a custom hand-blown glass chandelier. Fine jewelry, precision watches for him and her, designer handbags, fragrances and luxury accessories are among the larger collections on this floor, where browsing may bring you to the room with Harrods own brand items, featuring the famous teddy bear collection. Every year, a cuddly Harrods teddy bear is launched with the year embroidered onto its right foot. Picnic hampers filled with imported teas, tins of shortbread and other condiments are also popular items.

Harrods Annual Sales
Twice a year, Harrods holds its famous store-wide winter and summer sales beginning on Boxing Day, December 26, and again in late June. For opening day, guests typically queue up for hours. While in line, they're served refreshments and provided blankets; television cameras film a celebrity performance and ribbon-cutting ceremony, complete with fireworks for Christmas. Sales continue for approximately three weeks or until the inventory is gone. Locals may plan a major household appliance purchase around the sale dates. Brides think similarly, as do international visitors, as savings in all departments except the Food Halls are as much as 50 percent. Harrods tax-free shopping service on the second floor provides paperwork for non-EC international visitors to claim a VAT refund at the airport.

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Plan Driving Tour of the Lake District

The Lake District is an area in Cumbria in North West England that has sixteen lakes and numerous tarns and reservoirs. The region is also home to several mountains. At just 35 miles across, the Lake District is compact, making it an ideal place to take a driving tour.

Plan your approach. The Lake District can be easily reached from the M6 motorway and is just 1 1/2 hours from Manchester, 2 hours from York and 5 hours from London. You can use the AA Planner to confirm the route for your journey.

Choose a starting point. If you're beginning your tour at the southern end of the Lake District, you should leave the M6 at Junction 36 and follow A590. For the northern end, leave the M6 at Junction 40 and take A66 or A592.

Book accommodation. Once you know where you are likely to be each night, you should arrange places to stay. Visit the Cumbria Tourism website to book online, or ring 0845 450 1199 (a £3 service fee applies).

Visit an Information Centre. When you arrive in the Lake District, head for Bowness Bay, Keswick, Ullswater or the Lake District Visitors Centre at Brockhole where you can get information, maps and details of any special events in the area. You can also use the accommodation booking service if you don't already have somewhere to sleep for the night.

See the sights. There are plenty of castles and stately homes for you to explore, as well as abbeys, churches and other historic buildings. You'll find a full list of these on the Cumbria Tourism website. But the main attraction of the area is the great outdoors. You can climb mountains, see lakes and waterfalls, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery.

Get out of the car. The Lake District is full of walking trails, so leave the car behind for a few hours and explore on foot. You can also choose to cycle, ride horses or go boating. There are car parks throughout the National Park; many of them are pay and display, so check the arrangements when you park.

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Plan Visit to Legoland Windsor

How to Plan a Visit to Legoland Windsor. Since its opening in 1996, Legoland Windsor has been offering a fun-filled experience to all visitors. Situated 2 miles from Windsor town, on the B 3022 Windsor/Ascot road, the theme park's 150 acres contain 9 areas with more than 50 rides and interactive attractions. A visit to Legoland Windsor will perk up your day.

Time your visit to Legoland Windsor between March and October. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During summer school holidays, the theme park is open until 7 p.m.

Find out online how to get to Legoland Windsor by accessing the Legoland Windsor website and using the free route planner. Enter the name or postal code of the town you're traveling from and enter Legoland Windsor or its postal code (SLA 4AY) in the destination space, and the planner will come up with the best possible route for you.

Make inquiries about air, train, bus or car travel. The M4 and the M25 motorways link London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports respectively to Legoland Windsor. By train, you can go from London Paddington to Slough and change for Windsor and Eton Central or you can go directly from London Waterloo (the connecting station, if you are coming by Eurostar) to Windsor and Eton Riverside. Take a local bus to the Park from either of these stations. Tour Coaches regularly operate from London. Car-parking is free in Legoland; there's a small fee if you want to park near the entrance.

Make advanced reservations to stay at one of the Legoland hotels around the park. All have excellent facilities and come well-recommended.

Buy your admission tickets and get a Legoland Priority Pass beforehand by online purchase from the Legoland Windsor website. This will save you from having to queue up at the ticket booths and for the rides later. You can also get an all-inclusive package from any railway station, covering admission tickets, rail travel and connecting shuttle bus from railway station to the park.

Check out the available rides and attractions on the website and decide what you want to see first. Try the many exciting rides in Adventure Land and the Dragon Roller-coaster in Knight's Kingdom. Younger visitors will enjoy the river boat rides and Duplo brick trains in Duploland. Have a 4D movie adventure at the Imagination Center and watch live action shows in Lego City. The amazing Lego models in Miniland are a definite must-see.

Plan on snacking at one of the park's 11 restaurants and shopping for some of the Lego products in the park retail shops before you leave.

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Plan Trip to Scotland

One of the perks of visiting Scotland, as noted by Frommer’s, is that the trip requires minimal preparation for North American and European visitors. No visas, no vaccinations, and a relatively short packing list -- unless you plan to hike in the Highlands -- make this country within the United Kingdom easy to tackle. Since Scotland is small, with no place more than 40 miles from the coast, visitors can also complete a whistle-stop tour up and down the country’s length without overstretching themselves.

Key Cities
The Scottish capital, Edinburgh, serves as an ideal base, with rail, road and air connections to the rest of the UK, and an ample supply of hotels, pubs and fine restaurants. The elegant Georgian city is dominated by its castle, but demands a few days’ stay, at least, to cover the Palace of Holyroodhouse, along with the National Gallery and National Museum. Visitors can take numerous historical and ghost-hunting walking tours around the city. Scotland’s second city, Glasgow, is notable for buzzing arts, nightlife and live music scenes; an almost impenetrable local accent; and attractions worthy of a former European City of Culture. For an assault on the Highlands, Inverness serves as an ideal base, with bus and train routes branching out across the region. Visit Scotland recommends taking the Fort William to Mallaig train, one of the country’s most scenic routes, which crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the "Harry Potter" films.

Practical Info
Transatlantic visitors flying into London can find quick connections on domestic carriers, such as Flybe, to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Alternatively, the fast express train from London’s King’s Cross reaches Edinburgh in roughly five hours, with a sleeper service available. To get to Glasgow, take the train from London Euston instead. Scottish accommodations span swanky boutique hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow to guest houses and bed and breakfasts, often in family homes. Under Scottish ratings, any hotel rated two stars and above must have its own bathroom. If you want your trip to include a major cultural campaign, an Explorer Pass secures reductions on approximately 75 attractions nationwide. If Scotland is just a leg on a larger trip, the Great Britain Heritage Pass covers 600 attractions across the isles. The cheapest time to visit is from just after Christmas to mid-March, with accommodations roughly 20 percent cheaper. Later in the year, pack for benign summers averaging 65 degrees Fahrenheit only, or the prospect of bitterly cold winters in the mountainous north.

Where to Go
Away from its formidable granite cities, Scotland is renowned for its lochs, peaks and islands. Properly equipped hikers can tackle the West Highland Way, one of the best Scottish walks according to Frommer’s, which stretches for 95 miles from Glasgow through Glencoe, Loch Lomond and Fort William to arrive at Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak at 4,403 feet. Scotland also has more castles to visit than any other country. Stirling’s Renaissance-era castle, built in 1540, is just 25 miles from Glasgow, while fans of Macbeth can also tour Cawdor castle, the 14th-century seat of the Campbell clan, and Glamis, the ancestral seat of the family of the same name. If time allows, take one of the ferries linking the west coast with the Hebrides islands, the highlight of which is Iona, historically the burial place for Scottish kings. More remote are the northern Orkney islands, a 70-strong archipelago abundant in ancient archaeological sites and a bird spotters’ paradise.

When to Go
Edinburgh’s International Festival, the largest arts festival in Europe, consumes the city from mid-August to September, providing the forum where many subsequently famous comedians and revue acts got their first breaks. Book well ahead to find accommodation. For kilts, bagpipes and caber tossing, the Royal Highland Gathering in late August near Balmoral, the Queen’s summer residence, champions the kind of indigenous Scottish games featured in "Braveheart." Scotland’s long summer evenings allow extra time to enjoy golf at the country’s legendary championship courses, including Turnberry and Troon in Ayrshire, Carnoustie on Tayside, and the Old Course at St. Andrews. Bear in mind, though, that the Highlands are infested with midges during summer months. Year-round, visitors can also tour Scotland’s whisky distilleries, with guided tours by coach covering all five whisky regions, tastings included.

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Circle Line Pub Crawl in London

Probably one of London's most (in)famous pub crawls is the Circle Line Pub Crawl. This circular subway line in central London has 27 stops. At each one, you must hop off and have a drink. The goal is to finish at your starting point for your 28th celebratory drink.

This is definitely not a pub crawl for the faint of heart. While you might only have a half pint at each pub, that's still 14 pints of booze! Certainly a memorable experience, but only up to the point where you black out!!

Start off at Baker Street Tube Station. There are a number of pubs nearby including The Globe just opposite the Marylebone Street exit. It has outdoor seating, a variety of draught ales and if the weather's foul, seats inside to keep you toasty. After your drink, head back to the tube station and go west on the circle (yellow on map) line to Edgware Road station.

As you come out of Edgware Road station, turn left onto Chapel Street and head for The Chapel which is on the right. After your drink, head back to the tube station and catch the tube westbound to Paddington.

There is the Reef bar at Paddington in the main terminal, but if you want a taste of real London, head to the Dickens Tavern by exiting using the Praed Street exit. Turn right and follow London Street. The pub is at the junction with London Mews. If you're feeling peckish, there's food on offer. Perfect for lining your stomach for a day's drinking.

Your next stop is Bayswater station. The area is filled with pubs, cafes, restaurants and shopping, so while you're still sober(ish) there are opportunities to buy souvenirs or food. Turn left out of the station and head for The Rat & Parrot at the junction with Moscow Road. In the evenings this pub can be lively and busy, so be prepared for fun and possibly long waits to get served.

Next stop - Notting Hill Gate! There are plenty of pubs to be found in the area, but you must remember your goal - about 23 drinks left to go!! Opposite the exit to the station, you'll find Mook. This modern bar's exterior is white, so you can't miss it!

High Street Kensington is just a quick train journey away. At the High Street exit of the arcade, turn right and follow the road for about 150 yards. At Kensington Church Street, you'll see the Prince of Wales on your right. It's a small and quiet pub, perfect for chatting to your friends and it will give you a chance to regroup before you hit pub 7.

At Gloucester Road station exit to the right. The Stanhope Arms is just up the road on your right hand side. It offers indoor and outdoor seating areas and a good selection of beers.

The Oriel is your next destination and can be found close to Sloane Square tube station. It's a modern pub and does turnaway the drunken, so do be careful to maintain your composure to gain entry! It's on Sloane Square itself.

Victoria Station and the area surrounding it is a pub crawlers paradise when the weather is glorious. However, being England, it often isn't! So if you are able to get past the bouncers, who frown on those who have had slightly too much to drink, try the Weatherspoons and stay dry. It can be found in the main terminal around the corner from W H Smith. Just take the small escalator up.

St James Park does not seem to appreciate circle line pub crawlers, so it's best to keep yourself on best behaviour in these parts! Use the Palmers Street exit of the station to find The Feathers pub. Head (or stumble) left towards Scotland Yard and follow left onto Broadway. It's on your right.

At Westminster station, use the Bridge Street exit and head for Big Ben. St Stephens pub is ahead of you on the right hand side. This real ale pub is a stone's throw from the tube station and serves food if you need a pick-me-up!

Next station - Embankment. If you've been drinking halves, you'll be just finishing your 6th pint in The Ship & Shovell. Come out of the station and head up the hill. Opposite the Princess of Wales pub there's a shopping arcade, The Arches. Head in there and you will find this real ale pub which has plenty of snugs for you to chat quietly or grab a moment's shut eye!

There are a few pubs to choose from at your next stop, Temple. But after 6 pints, there's all the likelihood that you'll get lost. Let's it keep it simple. Walkabout is located just 50 meters down the road from the station exit. Take a left out of station and follow steps. At the top, turn left again and you'll see it ahead on the left.

At Blackfriars station, take exit one. Just opposite the exit you'll find the Blackfriars pub. It has some amazing wood carvings and architecture, but unfortunately the crawl doesn't allow you very long to enjoy it.

At Mansion House, try The Hatchet, a small City pub. Take a right at the station exit and it's ahead of you. Now that you're in the City, you'll find pubs such as this one are better to visit during the week. Many are closed on weekends as office workers are their main trade.

The Banker at Cannon Street offers views of the river Thames from its balcony. It's a short walk from the station, but worth it. Turn left out of the station and take the first left and head towards river. It's right at the back of the station.

Nearly 2/3 of the way through your journey and you're at Monument. If you're feeling ambitious, you could try a drunken climb up to the top of the Monument to the Great Fire. But be warned, it's a long way up that narrow, spiralling staircase. Worth it for the view, but in your drunken haze, it could be best to check it out another time.

Instead, head for the Hogs Head. As you leave the station, turn right. You will see the Monument ahead of you on your left and opposite, you find the pub!

Tower Hill is your next stop. Exit the station and follow the path to your right. You have a choice of several pubs, but for a weekend jaunt, Pepys at the Novotel is your best bet.

At Aldgate, the pub closest to the station is the Still & Star. Cross the road after exiting the station and you'll find the Still & Star at the rear of the buildings in front of you.

Nearly there...well a few more to go! Liverpool Street has a few pubs closeby. The closest two are the Railway and the Lord Aberconway. To reach them, come out of the station into the main square. The Railway is in the square itself and Lord Aberconway is on a side street, Old Broad Street.

Still in the City, many of Moorgate's pubs are shut at weekends. The John Keats is the closest to the station. Just turn right after exiting and it can be found on the right side of the road. The pub has a pool table, so if you're feeling sporty or just love a drunken challenge, give it a whirl.

At Barbican, try the Barley Mow at Smithfield. Re-opened a year ago, it has friendly staff and great amenities including a pool table, quiz machines and a dartboard. As you leave the underground, head right. Take the first road on the right and it's just a short walk down the road.

So you've had 11 pints, can you make it to 14? Try The Sir John Oldcastle, a Weatherspoons pub, in Farringdon for your next drink. If you're feeling peckish, there should be some great food on the menu for you!

The Duke of York on platform 8 at Kings Cross is your next destination. If the weather's foul, it means not having to leave the station. It's a good place to grab a swift half and move on to finish your trek!

Use the North exit at Euston Square to reach The Crown & Anchor on Drummond Street. Exit to the right - away from the main road. Go past the first junction and the pub can be found on the right hand side. If the weather isn't too bad, there's an outdoor seating area to catch your breath and get your second wind for the last few pubs on your list.

Great Portland Street has a few decent pubs closeby. Perhaps the best and most convenient is just behind the station. The Albany has a good selection of foreign draughts and the atmosphere is lively during the week.

You've made it!! So, you can head back to The Globe for your last drink or head into the Metropolitan which is just outside the station for your grand finale. The Met is another Weatherspoons Pub so expect good food and service...not that you'll be in much of a state to judge by this point. To get there, take a left out of the Marylebone Road exit and you'll see steps leading up on your right hand side.

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Navigate & Ride London Tube

When London's calling for business or pleasure, get comfortable with the London Tube, officially the London Underground. This subway system is the best way to travel around crowded central London areas. Each station has color-coded maps that show you the direction of the train, the line you're on and the stops you'll make. You can also find printed maps in guidebooks or print a PDF from London tourism websites. There's also a London Underground app for both Android and iPhone.

Tube Stations and Lines
There are nine Tube travel zones and the higher the zone number, the further outside of the city you'll find yourself. Tourists generally travel in Zone 1, which covers central London. Lines are color-coded. For example, the red line passes through Bond Street, and the green and yellow lines take visitors to Westminster. The Circle Line travels between the Hammersmith and Edgware Road stations, spiraling through London, and is extremely handy for tourists. The trains are well-marked with the final destination on the front of the train as it pulls into the station.

Mind the Gap: Tube Tips
"Mind the gap" is a regularly announced reminder on the trains to watch your step. Let passengers get off the train before you get on, allow people with disabilities and the elderly to take a seat before you do and move inside the Tube carriage so you don't block the doors. You can buy a one-way ticket to your destination or save money on travel with an Oyster Card or Travelcard, which you add money to as needed. Generally, the Tube operates between 5 a.m. and midnight Monday through Friday, but times vary by station. Hours are limited on Sunday and holidays.

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Visit Windsor Castle in England

Although Windsor Castle is outside London, visitors will find the 1,000-year-old official residence of the Queen a perfect complement to a tour of the capital’s royal sites. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor has been home to 39 monarchs and venue for numerous high-pomp state visits and banquets.

Getting There
Too far out to secure a stop on London’s sprawling underground network, Windsor connects to the capital via overland trains. Trains from London Waterloo run direct to Windsor and Eton Riverside, while those from London Paddington require a change at Slough en route to Windsor and Eton Central. From the town, it is an uphill walk to the castle, so comfortable shoes are a must. Alternatively, Green Line operates a daily coach service from London Victoria, along with the fleet of private tours that pick up from hotels around the capital. By car, Windsor is off Exit 6 on the M4 from West London, but bear in mind parking is scarce in the town, with no parking near the castle.

When to Go
The castle is open year-round, closing an hour later from March to October. Since many tours from London on their way to Stratford-upon-Avon or Bath incorporate an early stop at Windsor, lines to buy tickets at the admission center are significantly thinner after 11:30 a.m. On the other hand, holders of a London Pass are entitled to free admission to the castle and fast-track entry. The Changing of the Guard is at 11 a.m. daily from April to July -- although never on Sundays -- and every other day from August to March. Dating back to 1660, this slice of royal pageantry sees guards march to and from Victoria barracks accompanied by military bands. St. George’s Chapel also is closed on Sundays to the general public. In winter months, visitors may peruse an additional five Semi-State rooms, the opulent private apartments built for George IV.

Tour Basics
The admission fee includes a self-guided audio tour of the castle and 30-minute tour of the Castle Precincts, led by wardens in full Windsor livery. Tours typically last two to three hours to cover the State Apartments, decorated with works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto; St. George’s Chapel, the burial place for 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII; and the Drawings Gallery, featuring works from the Royal Collection. Children inevitably hone in on the Queen Mary’s Doll’s House, completed in 1924, which is the world’s largest and features dolls swathed in designs by Cartier and Hermes, among others. Private tours for groups or individuals are available, and every Saturday is family Saturday, with themed events including storytelling and art and craft workshops.

Before and After
Windsor Castle is fully accessible to physically challenged visitors. As at Buckingham Palace, tours are in one direction only, for security reasons, and visitors need to clear airport-style security checks at the entrance. Visitors may not bring food or drink into the State Apartments or chapel, and must place them in closed bags. For those who want to go into town for refreshment, re-entry tickets are issued. No filming or photography is allowed within the castle, and visitor schedules or room openings are liable to change throughout the year depending on state events. For alternative perspectives on the castle, a 3-mile-long, tree-lined avenue called The Long Walk leads to Windsor Great Park, which is free. Alternatively, Eton College, arguably the world’s most famous private school after Hogwarts, is just half a mile from the castle and open to visitors.

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Travel to St. Andrews, UK, from Edinburgh

A visit to St. Andrews in Scotland is a step back in time. From Edinburgh, cross the glacial Firth of Forth to Kingdom of Fife, where the spires of a medieval cathedral in ruins dominate the scenery, complemented by castle ruins overlooking the sea. Home to the world's third oldest English-speaking university, St. Andrews is also known as the home of golf, where even the private club is called both royal and ancient. In St. Andrews, getting around is easiest with a car, but alternative means of transportation are available from Edinburgh. Visitors from abroad must remember that driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

Driving to St. Andrews
The drive from Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh to St. Andrews is 50 miles to the northeast. Depart Edinburgh on the A90 (Queensferry Road), which leads to the Forth Road Bridge. Once across the bridge, the autoroute turns into the M90 motorway. Follow until junction 8, exiting onto A91 heading east, which is marked for St. Andrews. For journeys beginning at Edinburgh Airport, located 7 miles east of the city, follow airport exit signs for Eastfield Road to Glasgow Road (A90) and then Forth Road Bridge/M90. The university has buildings spread throughout the town, and the golf course lies adjacent to the town, on cliffs perched above the sea.

Getting to St. Andrews by Train
Trains from Edinburgh's Waverley Station call in at Leuchars Rail Station for St. Andrews-bound passengers, with a journey time of approximately one hour. Leuchars is located 6 miles from downtown St. Andrews. Public bus services into town are generally timed to meet train arrivals. Alternatively, a taxi rank is just outside the train station. Advance purchase tickets are generally cheaper. Some trains have a first class option. "Kids Go Free" is a ScotRail policy that allows up to two children 15 years old and under to travel free when accompanying a fare-paying adult. For extended stays, visiting students and travelers ages 16 to 25 with the required identification are eligible for a Youth Rail Card, available at certain manned stations or posted to U.K. addresses via domestic mail.

Bus Travel to St. Andrews
The Edinburgh Bus Station located at the east end of the city center between George Street and the St. James Center is sometimes referred to as the St. Andrews Street Station, which can cause some confusion for visitors. Stagecoach buses offer frequent service on comfortable, air conditioned coaches operating from Edinburgh to the modern bus station called St. Andrews, Fife, on Station Road. From there, the walk into town is only a few minutes. Scheduled travel time is approximately two hours on routes labeled X58, X59 or X60, all of which have free Wi-Fi onboard. Bus tickets may be purchased online in advance.

Visiting St. Andrews
St. Andrews has a population of about 17,000, roughly one-third of whom attend the university. It borders St. Andrews Bay overlooking the North Sea on Scotland's eastern coastline, where sand dunes separate the sea from the celebrated links of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club's Old Course dating from 1754. The University of St. Andrews, founded in the 15th century, is enjoying a 21st century afterglow of attention as alma mater of both William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Other sightseeing draws are a popular aquarium, the 2 miles of unspoiled West Sands beaches featured in the opening scenes of "Chariots of Fire," Sunday public tours of the golf course, and climbing the cathedral stairs for a view that incorporates lush Fife countryside and a look out to sea.

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Send Letter From the UK to USA

Living internationally doesn't mean you can't keep in touch with friends overseas. While it might be faster to shoot off an email, it's a treat to receive a letter in the mail. Before you post your letter, make sure you've addressed the envelope properly and affixed the correct amount of postage so it reaches its destination.

Addressing Mail Properly
Format the address of your recipient on the front of the envelope. The first line should have the person's name, while the second line has the building number and street name. The third line contains the city or town, state and five-digit postal code. The fourth line should read "USA" or "United States of America." Add the words "Air Mail" or an Air Mail sticker on the front, and then turn over the envelope and write your return address on the back. Although it's standard in the U.S. to include the return address on the front, it differs in the U.K.

Size and Postage
The Royal Mail requires that your letter is a minimum of 140 by 90 millimeters and a maximum of 240 millimeters by 165 millimeters. It cannot be thicker than 5 millimeters or 100 grams. The amount of postage you must affix to the upper right corner of the envelope varies based on the letter's size, weight, delivery time and factors such as proof of delivery. The Royal Mail website offers a postage calculator to determine how many stamps to purchase.

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Visa Application Forms for UK

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, more often called the UK, is a group of countries that include England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It should not be confused with Great Britain, which is the island that holds England, Scotland and Wales. Travelers to the UK should be aware of visa requirements that apply to their country.

Considerations
For tourism purposes, many countries do not require a visa to visit the UK. Among such countries are the United States, Canada and all of the countries in the European Union. Before traveling to the UK, be sure to check the visa requirements for citizens of your country. In order to determine your status, visit the UK Border Agency website. It will ask for your nationality, the purpose of your visit and your current country of residence, and will then inform you of your visa requirements.

Types
Visa requirements for the UK differ based on the type of visit. American and Canadian citizens do not require a visa to visit the UK, but will require a visa to study in the UK. Similarly, they will require a visa to work in the UK unless they hold a six-month work permit. If you intend to travel to the UK to get married, you will also require a visa.

Features
When you are not in the UK, you can apply for a visa online or in person at the nearest embassy or consulate. To check if you are eligible to apply for a visa online, check the listing of supported countries on the Visa 4 UK website. Applications can also be completed on the same website. If you are not eligible for online UK visa applications, you will need to fill out one of the visa forms that can be downloaded from the UK Border Agency website.

Identification
The visa forms for the UK will require you to provide personal information, contact information and details about your purpose in the UK. If you fill the form out online, you will be able to save and retrieve your data. Be sure to take note of supporting documents that are required for your visa application, as failure to provide them will result in a canceled application.

Warning
A visa for the UK does not necessarily guarantee entry into the country; if you have given false information on your visa application, border officials will not allow entry, and you may be denied a visa for 10 years. If your travel plans are delayed, your visa will generally not be changed, but you may be able to apply for an extension of up to three months. If your travel is delayed, you should apply for another visa. Likewise, if your reason for being in the UK changes, you should apply for a visa for that purpose.

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Things to Know About London Weather

Although weather is something of a national obsession in the United Kingdom, the climate in London and the southeast is surprisingly temperate and unobtrusive, if a little unpredictable. Visitors following popular culture might come to the capital expecting drizzle and smog, but neither is typical. In fact, smog has largely been absent from “The Smoke” -- a colloquial name for London -- since the 1950s. With London’s unrivaled spread of attractions, visitors generally are largely unaware of the weather. On those days when the mercury soars or the clouds open, options for beating a retreat are abundant.

Peak Season
Summer temperatures average 64 degrees Fahrenheit, although so-called heatwaves -- during which temperatures reach a modest 86 degrees -- are not uncommon. Evenings in July and August are sometimes humid and sultry, while travel on the Tube, London’s subway, can be stiflingly hot since there is no air-conditioning, an oddity that visitors will also notice in many of London’s hotels and buildings.

Luckily, London provides plenty of opportunity to escape both the summer heat and the crowds. Parks are scattered across the capital, with Shakespeare in the Park a seasonal treat at the Regent’s Park Open Air theater. Most restaurants and cafes also move some of their tables onto outside terraces for some alfresco dining. While lines are longest at the London Eye, Tower of London and Madame Tussaud’s over summer, this is the only time you can visit Buckingham Palace. Come August, the Notting Hill Carnival heralds one of the world’s largest street parades.

Ideal Time to Visit
Lonely Planet recommends spring and fall, when temperatures average 52 to 59 degrees, as the ideal seasons to visit London. Not only are the crowds significantly down, but hotel prices and air fares can be up to 20 percent lower.

From March to October, British Summer Time also makes for longer evenings. As the nights close in and evenings turn chilly, the West End theater scene comes into its own from September to May, along with opera and ballet. Look out also for the Museums at Night series, during which the capital’s museums and galleries put on a program of special after-hours events.

Bracing morning temperatures and overcast skies make April the perfect month for two key London events, the Boat Race on the River Thames and the London Marathon.

Mild Winters
Winter temperatures average 36 to 43 degrees, meaning snow and ice are rare in the capital, but there is an artificial ice-skating rink at Somerset House on The Strand during the holiday season for a bit of seasonal fun. However, evenings and mornings can be bitingly cold, especially along the Thames, and the sun rarely seems to venture through the clouds. The focal point for Christmas celebrations in the capital is Trafalgar Square, dominated by a spruce tree donated by Norway each year. The square is also the hub of New Year’s Eve celebrations, but crowds are formidable. Keep in mind that public transportation operates on a reduced schedule over some of the holiday period. Chinatown in central London comes alive in February for Chinese New Year celebrations, while the London Film Festival in October puts on a 12-day program of premieres and events.

London Weather Myth
Despite Britain's reputation as the spiritual home of gray, rainy weather, it rains on average only 11 to 15 days a month in London, with November and August the wettest months. When it does rain, a slow and persistent drizzle is the norm, but summer brings the occasional spectacular thunderstorm. March and April are the driest months. Wet days in London can be a blessing in disguise, either as an opportunity to hole up in a centuries-old pub over a pint of warm beer or to decamp to world-class museums and art galleries, which are nearly all free. London’s top three visitor attractions -- the British Museum, National Gallery and Natural History Museum -- are all free, although some exhibitions require advance tickets.

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Interesting Places in London to Go

"Fodor's" calls London one of the coolest, most modern cities in the world. It’s undoubtedly one of the most historic, too. From castles to cuisine, word-renowned art galleries to back-alley market stalls, the United Kingdom’s capital sports a slew of interesting places to check out.

Historical Attractions
Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has housed British sovereigns while in London. Now the Monarch’s administrative headquarters, the complex, housed in the borough of Westminster, is used to welcome foreign heads of state and tourists. While the monarch resides in Buckingham Palace, their crown jewels are kept in the Tower of London, a central London fort that has throughout its 900-year history housed some of the nation’s most notorious prisoners. One such resident was Guy Fawkes, who in 1605 attempted to blow up the British Parliament. The complex now serves as a museum and exhibition center, watched over by the iconic ceremonial guards known as “Beefeaters” and a flock of ravens. There have been five churches built on the central London site where St. Paul’s Cathedral now stands. A sequence of fires led to the structures being rebuilt, the current one completed in 1711 courtesy of renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren. The cathedral is one of Europe’s grandest, and only Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica sports a larger dome.

Cultural Sites
The iconic Tate Modern museum stands in a former power station in Pimlico that overlooks the River Thames. Inside are some of the finest contemporary and modern works by artists such as Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso and Warhol. For an entirely different experience, in the Westminster borough rests Soho, home to a number of bars, restaurants, theaters and the capital’s Chinatown and red light districts. There is a vast array of markets scattered throughout London. Alfie’s Antique Market, in Marylebone, is the city’s largest indoor market; its stalls sell mainly antiques, vintage clothes and collectibles. The market of Camden boasts more than 100 stalls that sell designer clothing, art, food and furnishings. Covent Garden Market can be found in its eponymous central London piazza, graced by street performers and a slew of specialty stalls. Since the 19th century, Notting Hill's Portobello Road Market has been one of London’s most diverse and, since the 1950s, have become especially well-known for its collection of antique stalls.

Natural Experiences
Hyde Park was first established in the Westminster district in 1536 as a royal hunting area. The following century, it opened to the public. At 1.5 miles long and a mile wide, it is one of the city’s biggest parks. Its lake, the Serpentine, is London’s oldest boating waterway. In the summertime, it’s not uncommon to catch people cooling off in the park’s Joy of Life fountain. Also in Westminster and spreading over to Camden, Regent’s Park is home to Queen Mary’s Gardens, which boast 400 varieties of roses. One-hundred of the park’s 395 acres of land are dedicated to fitness, the largest outdoor sports area in central London. Regent’s Park sports a zoo, an open-air theater and the U.K.’s largest free-to-access waterfall collection. Stretching from Hampstead to Highgate, Hampstead Heath is an island oasis just outside the capital’s center, famed for its epic views. It also sports a zoo, athletics track, three swimming ponds and an education center.

Contemporary Landmarks
The London Eye is a 443-foot Ferris wheel on the banks of the River Thames near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Affording unsurpassed views of the city, it is one of the most visited attractions, with 2 million visitors each year. Not to far away, the 1,000-foot Millennium Bridge was the first pedestrian river crossing constructed in London in more than a hundred years. It connects two of London’s finest landmarks past and present -- St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern Art Gallery. Premium sports facilities and a slew of stunning parks and water features are housed at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the site of the 2012 Olympic Games. The Copper Box Arena, Hackney, is where the London Lions -- the city’s only professional basketball team -- play, while the nearby Arcelor Mittal Orbit, Britain’s tallest sculpture, provides spectacular city views.

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Time to Travel to London

The United Kingdom's incomparable capital is a city for all seasons, but for some experiences, you have to visit during summer or winter. For instance, late July through late September is the only time when Buckingham Palace, the Queen's residence, opens for public tours. Compared to winters throughout much of North America, London's are mild, yet cold enough to support outdoor skating rinks at some of the city's most historic buildings, including the Tower of London. Winter is also the best season to take in theatrical productions.

Summer: Most Sun, Least Rain
London's weather is unpredictable, but visiting during summer offers the best chances for warm, sunny days with the least rainfall. From June through August, average highs are around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, lows in the mid-to-high 50s, with some rain on 16 to 20 days. Drawbacks include peak prices for airfares and hotel rooms, as well as the presence of throngs of other tourists.

Winter: Best Bargains
To take advantage of the cheapest airfare and hotel rates, Frommer's advises scheduling your visit from November 1 through mid-December, or December 25 through mid-March. November's average highs and lows are 54 and 45 degrees respectively, and temperatures from December through February range from highs of 48 degrees to lows of 41 degrees. You can expect precipitation on about 20 days of the month in winter, usually rain but sometimes snow.

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Stay in London for Sightseeing

The beauty of sightseeing in London is that the city’s iconic attractions are all packed into a relatively condensed zone. Visitors can cover the major museums, royal and governmental landmarks and famous shopping thoroughfares without having to stray far. That said, the city is notoriously costly, ranking as the third most expensive to visit in the world. For those who want to stay in style, the city won’t disappoint. If you're on a budget, you'll find a surprising amount of options too.

Legendary West End
Choose a hotel in the West End and stay in the heart of the famous theater district, with Covent Garden, Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus a short walk away. Part of the so-called City of Westminster, central London is not actually as budget-shattering as might be expected, with plenty of brand-name hostels and hotels in the area, all within a short distance of a bus stop or tube station. Bear in mind, though, that the area goes to bed late and is the focal point for boisterous revelry on the weekends. A famous landmark might not be the only thing on the hotel doorstep first thing in the morning.

Cultural Center
London's museums and galleries are not only world class, but also free to the public, which explains their consistent ranking among the city's top visitor attractions. Expensive Knightsbridge and cheaper South Kensington are both good bases from which to explore the National History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, with the choice of winding down in nearby Harrods for some post-cultural shopping. Closer to the West End, the British Museum is in Bloomsbury, and the National Gallery is hard to miss in the shadow of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.

Royal Matters
If posing with a bearskin-wearing sentry or trying to catch a glimpse of the queen is on the agenda, try the area around Victoria Station near the River Thames -- it's ideal for tackling Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Westminster Abbey. Medium-size brand-name hotels vie for business with individual hostels and guest houses. The area is noticeably quieter than central London, and the nearby station ensures easy links to the Gatwick airport shuttle.

Leafy West London
Some of the cheapest hotels -- of varying quality -- are in the west London districts of Paddington and Bayswater. These areas have easy links to Heathrow airport and are close to ultrafashionable Notting Hill, but they're otherwise too residential for the tourist wanting to wake up to the major landmarks. Those who do base themselves in west London tend to be drawn to the oases of green space in the heart of the city: Hyde Park, Kensington Park and Holland Park are all within striking distance. Avoid the area over the August bank holiday, though, when over a million people crowd in for the Notting Hill Carnival.

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Things to Do in London in Evening

Like all of the world's great cities, London never sleeps. London evenings offer a broad pallet of entertainment possibilities from theater, ballet and opera to relaxed hours mixing with the locals at pubs once patronized by literary lions.


The dance club scene has never been more vibrant and a moonlit stroll along the Thames is as romantic today as it was Lord Byron's time. London's evenings are waiting to cast their spell on you.

Take a London Walk
There's no better way to get an intimate glimpse of London after dark than by surrendering yourself to the capable hands of a guide who knows the city's secrets. Choose from a variety of after-dark London Walks.

Count on each evening's selection including a pub walk, a ghost walk and a Jack the Ripper walk led by the one of the foremost experts on that grisly page of London's history. Other options include Westminster by Gaslight and The Ancient City at Night. You might even find yourself viewing an Monday evening session of Parliament.

The London Walks website lists all the available walks. Click on the one you find most appealing for the location of the tube station where you'll meet your guide.
That's all you need to do because there's no booking involved. Your guide will be waving a fistful handful of white walk brochures. If the weather doesn't cooperate, simply try again another evening.

LONDON WALKS
London, PO Box 1708
London, NW6 4LW
Telephone (020) 7624-3978
(020) 7794-764
http://www.walks.com/

Open Air Theater Regent's Park
Since 1932 warm weather has meant nighttime dramatics at the Open Air Theater in Regent's Park. Performances at the amphitheater in Queen Mary's Garden begin at 8 p.m., with the grounds opening at 6:30 p.m.

Order a boxed picnic with your tickets and arrive early to eat at the picnic lawn, or wait until you arrive and enjoy the teas, sandwiches, barbecue and freshly baked cakes. Indulge in a Pimm's at the longest outdoor bar in London's West End. You're allowed to bring beverages but not food into the theater.

Come prepared for the unpredictable London weather with a hooded waterproof jacket and a dry plastic cushion to sit on if it rains prior to the show.

Book your seats online for a small booking fee, or get your tickets at the box office after 10 a.m.

The New Shakespeare Company Ltd
Open Air Theatre
The Ironworks
Inner Circle
Regent's Park
London NW1 4NR
(084) 4826-4242
http://openairtheatre.org/

The Showboat Dinner Cruise
For a twist on the traditional London theater experience, book a London Showboat Dinner Cruise. The 3 1/2 hour cruise departs from Westminster Pier, journeying past Parliament, St. Paul's, Canary Wharf and the Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier before returning. Enjoy your four-course dinner and wine to cabaret-style entertainment.

Bring your dancing shoes for a turn on the deck if the weather permits, because there will be live music throughout the return leg.

Be at Westminster Pier for boarding by 7:15 p.m. Arrange for transportation back to your hotel at 10:30 p.m. Optional tips aren't included in your ticket price. Book your cruise online at the City Cruises website.

City Cruises plc
Cherry Garden Pier
Cherry Garden Street
London SE16 4TU
Tel: (020) 7740-0400

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