Travel and Vacation Digest » London

Child Friendly Accommodations

Ed — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 14:21:01 +0000

When traveling with your family, it can be a real challenge to find a place to lay your weary heads after a long day of sightseeing and fun. Many of the hotels in London are more formal than they are child friendly. However, there are accommodations to be found that offer connecting rooms, extra cots, and even babysitting services. Your family vacation can run smoothly when you choose a hotel that offers the services you need.

1. Fraser Place Queen's Gate: Located close to the Natural History Museum, this apartment hotel is an ideal choice for your family. The apartments are available at a nightly rate, and are child friendly. The modern decor, painted walls, and easy to clean wooden floors, make this a place where the whole family can relax after a hard day of having fun. Babysitting services and maid services are available, and you can check in 24 hours a day.

2. Base2Stay: This white stucco farmhouse in Earl's Court, offers you an alternative to restaurant dining, as each of the rooms has a stocked kitchenette. You are able to choose whether you would prefer bunk beds for the children, a suite that will accommodate 3 or 4, and connecting rooms. If you don't feel like making breakfast you can order breakfast-in-a-box and have it delivered to your room for

Is There Really A Lot Of Fog In London

Ed — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:57:01 +0000

The climate in London is very temperate, and the precipitation is usually very slight throughout the year. Except for the rise in temperature recently, London temperatures did not reach too much above 33oC or 91.4oF. The highest recorded temperature ever recorded in London was 38.1oC or 100.6oF. This was at Kew Gardens during the heat wave that hit Europe in 2003.

Snowfall is usually slight, in the past few years snow has only settled on the ground once or twice. London will receive less participation annually than Sydney or Rome. London's downtown area that is built-up, causes a microclimate or Urban Heat Island. This is where heat is stored by the buildings in the city, and released back into the air. The temperature in this heat island is usually 5 to 9 degrees warmer than the areas surrounding it.

When you hear the term "London Fog", you think of the big city being enveloped in fog, the way it is portrayed in horror movies. The truth is, terribly thick fog used to plague the city before the 1956 Clean Air Act, which permits the burning of only fuels that do not produce smoke. This fog was not so much an event of the weather, but one of pollution.

In 1952, from December 5th through the 9th smog rolled into London and stayed. At least 4000 people died as a direct result of the smog, and there were reports of cattle dying from not being able to breathe. Fog is caused by tiny drops of water in the air and the visibility is less than 1,000 meters. There is great trouble when the visibility falls below 50 meters.

The death rate in London even before this phenomenon was 135 people per day. On the second day of the fog that number jumped to 500 and didn't drop below 200 for three weeks. The high incident of deaths for that long, is a clue to the fact that many of these people had their life cut short by the smoggy atmosphere.

The government of that time tried to ignore the problem and any evidence that pollution was responsible for the deaths of so many. The public did not take no for an answer and later Parliament was pushed to pass the Clean Air Act of 1956.

As it stands now, London fog is pretty much like the fog you will see anywhere. It is a bit more common closer to the areas surrounded by water, but when the sun arrives it burns off the fog. I'm sure no matter where we reside we have seen days when the sun was hidden in the clouds and it remained foggy for the entire day, especially in winter.

It is said that London experiences more fog than Dublin. Fog rolls in there about once every two or three years. The Thames River may have a good deal to do with the city having a bit more fog, but believe me, it is nothing like it has been reported to be.

Eating Out In London With Your Children

Ed — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:03:01 +0000

If your visit to London is a family affair, you will be interested in this list. These restaurants are kid friendly, and you will be able to enjoy family dining with the heart and appetite of a child.

* Bank: This restaurant has a full menu for children, and they offer such child friendly foods as sausages n' mash and sticky toffee pudding. This establishment also supplies the children with crayons and coloring books to keep them entertained while they are waiting for their food to arrive.

* Belgo Centraal: Located in Convent Garden, this restaurant sports a shiny chrome interior with long tables to accommodate even the largest family. This establishment has the Mini Beglo menu for children under the age of 12, and children always eat free. However, there is a limit of two children per adult to qualify for the free food. The food in this restaurant is Belgium style.

* Cafe Rouge: This is a chain restaurant that offers the best activity packs for kinds in London. There is a French theme to the activity packs, which include stickers and puzzles. Your children can choose from the kid's menu or order smaller portions from the adult menu.

* China House: Located in Bloomsbury, is an excellent place to dine with your children. They offer "panda" portions on all orders. They offer Chinese arts and craft activities at certain times (call to be sure when this activity is being offered). These activities include origami experts, magicians, and caricaturists.

* Ed's Diners: There are several of these American cuisine restaurants around London. The High stools, burgers, and milkshakes, make this place popular with the kids.

* Hard Rock Cafe: This eating establishment serves up burgers and rock n' roll music to give the kids a great atmosphere. They also have rock memorabilia on display.

* Imli: Located in Soho, this restaurant has Indian tapas food. They offer a children's menu, and a great atmosphere to drop by for a bite. I'm not sure if kids eat free there, but they did have that option.

* My Old Dutch: The specialty of the house is pancakes. With three restaurants in London, you will enjoy an array of savory or sweet pancakes in a kid friendly atmosphere.

* Planet Hollywood: This kid friendly restaurant will entertian you with movie memorabilia, films clips, and soundtracks as you munch on your burger and fries.

* The Rainforest Cafe: You will experience dining in the midst of cascading waterfalls, rain showers, animated animals, thunder and lightening, mist and real tropical fish. They offer American and tropical cuisine, and the kids will love it.

* Sticky Fingers: This restaurant is the brain child of the Rolling Stone's bass player, Bill Wyman. Here you will find Stone's memorabilia, and a diverse menu. You and your kids will enjoy burgers, fajitas, steaks, seafood and more. No matter your taste you will find it here.

While there are many more restaurants in and around London, these have been tried and tested for the most kid friendly and come out with flying colors.

What To See While Visiting London

Ed — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:02:01 +0000

* The Brick Lane Market: a huge market that sells second hand items and new clothing. Located on Brick Lane in London, it is a "must see" for visitors. The market is open all year and at New Year.

* British Airways London Eye: A Waxworks, Themed Ride, Tableau, in London. This establishment has become recognized the world over. It has the worlds tallest observation wheel, and you will be able to see views of up to 25 miles on a clear day. Located at the Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London.

* British Red Cross Museum and Archives: The museum has exhibits showing the humanitarian work of the British Red Cross from 1870, in times of war and peace. And shows how vital it is to society today.

* Brunel engine House Rotherhithe: The first project of Isanbard Kingdom Brunel's, with his father. Ancient monument and international landmark. This is the oldest part of the London tube (subway).

* Burgh House: A historic house/palace in London, this building houses the Hampstead Museum. Here you will find regular art exhibitions, concerts, and recitals. There is also a licensed buttery in the basement, and a beautiful terraced garden.

* Camden Lock: This attraction is open 7 days a week, and is a craft center. Craft workshops, stalls, shops, bars, restaurants, and cafe's are featured at this center. This is one of London's busiest and best known markets.

* Clowns International Clown's Gallery and Museum: Is a gallery attraction in London featuring a national showcase about clowning and clowns. There is a large collection of clown memorabilia.

* Apsley House: This London museum is the former home of the first Duke of Wellington. It is an 18th century town house that is an exhibition to the Duke's military career. The Duke's greatest victory was at Waterloo in 1815.

* Highgate Cemetery: Is an architecturally important London attraction, with visually strange Chapels, Victorian buildings, Colonade, and Catacombs.

* The Changing of the Guard: It happens at Buckingham Palace at 11:30am every day from April to July, rain or shine. This is when and where one member of the Queen's guard relieves another and takes over the duty of guarding the Queen and the palace. The guards still wear the red jacket and bearskin hat, and the changing of the guard is set to music. From August to March the guard changes on alternate days.

* The Ceremony of the Keys: This ceremony has taken place at the Tower of London, every evening for the past 700 years. Wearing a long, red tunic and Tudor bonnet, the Chief Yeoman Warder carries a candle and locks the main gate. He then delivers the keys to the Resident Governor of the Tower. Even though this attraction is free, you will need to book up to two months in advance in writing.

* Sir John Soane's Museum: This man was an architect and also a collector of antiques. The museum displays his wonderful collection from all over the world. This is his former home and will allow those who enter a glimpse into the life of this unique man.

Kids Need Entertainment Too

Ed — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:42:01 +0000

There are few of us who don't enjoy seeing a live performance at a theater. Kids are no exception and London has some of the best children's theaters in the world.

* The Little Angel Theatre: This fantastic theater was founded in the 1960's by John Wilkes, a master puppeteer. The shows at this theater have been enthralling children for a good long time. The theater often uses puppet sets as their feature.

* The Puppet Barge: This theater conducted by the Movingstage Marionette Company has been located in Little Venice for more than 25 years. This will be a very unique experience for you and your children. The specialty of this 50 seat theater is rod puppet and marionette performances. The Puppet Barge is a real gem for kids from 2 to 102.

* Polka Children's Theatre: The performances in this theater will serve to pique the imagination of any child. This theater is based on Wimbledon and is one of the few theaters in Britain that puts on work for children only.

* Half Moon Young People's Theatre: This theater specializes in participation with their young audience. After school and one-off projects, and a wonderful variety of youth theater sessions. The Half Moon theatre welcomes kids from infancy to 17, including those with primary and special needs.

* The Unicorn Theatre: This establishment is one of the most popular children's theater in London. It is located near Tower Bridge and is the first theater built just for children. The wonderful productions put on by this theater, have made it extremely popular. This 340 seat auditorium offers- studios, workshops, an education center, and smaller performance spaces, all for children from 4 to 12.

* The Peacock Theatre and Sadler's Wells: Shaolin Monks, Swan Lake, tango and flamenco, Sadler's Wells hosts an array of productions guaranteed to keep even the most rambunctious children enthralled. The Peacock Theater is an offshoot of Sadler Well's on the West End and families have been thrilled for quite some time with their production of The Snowman, a regular at Christmas.

* The Tricycle: Located in Kilburn, this children's theater offers year round programs for children. Their constant activities include films, productions, films, youth theater and young artist groups.

It isn't too surprising that the bustling city of London and the surrounding areas, have the best in children's theater. If your children have never seen a live performance, you will truly marvel at the look on their shining faces when you take them to one or more of the theaters and productions mentioned above. Even though you may think you are only there for the children, you will find yourself enjoying the show as much as they are. When you leave London, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your family vacation has been wonderful for the entire family. While visiting London, there is no reason that your children should ever be bored. And the family vacation is based on fun for the whole family.

Arriving In And Getting Around London

Ed — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:43:01 +0000

London is right up there with the most popular destinations in the world for leisure and business. London has the finest transportation system of any European city. With over 500 local rail stations, 200 Tube stations, and 600 bus routes.

London boasts 5 international airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and City. Each airport has a connection to Central London by Tube, Express train service, and coach. You may also choose to get to Central London by Taxi, but this can be a more costly alternative. Make sure the taxi you use has a meter, and ask for an estimation of how much it will cost before you start. The Heathrow express train will travel to Paddington station on London's West side, and the Gateway express travels to Victoria, on the South side of London. You will be able to access all of London from either of these stations.

First of all you should invest in a mini atlas, which contains maps of London that show areas to about seven miles outside the city center in all directions. The atlas also contains an index of all roads, streets, lanes, and squares in London. You will always be able to see where you are when you have this atlas. This book also has maps of the London Underground and a great deal of other information. You can also purchase a second version of the mini atlas that extends 16 miles out of the city instead of 7. You will probably not need this unless you want to visit the outlying areas.

London is separated into dozens of boroughs. Kensington, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge are where you want to go for shopping, wonderful cafes, wine bars and pubs. Clerkenwell, Shoreditch, Soho, and Camden have fantastic night entertainment. Primrose Hill, Maida Vale, and St. Johns Wood, are residential areas that are very quiet. The West End, Covent Garden, and the South Bank are where you will find theaters, street performers, and many restaurants and bars.

Public transportation in London is very large and can be quite expensive. To travel the Tube you will want to purchase an Oyster card at any Tube station. This will allow you seven days of unlimited travel on the Tube or any buses within the area of zone 1 or 2, and costs a reasonable flat rate. When in a Tube station be aware that the left side of the escalator is only for people who are walking.

Black cabs and minicabs are the two types of taxis in London. All Black Cabs are not black in color, they are the larger cabs and are a bit more expensive because the fares are regulated. Minicabs are an unlicensed cab with any driver that may or may not be insured.

If you will be traveling by taxi at night, you should use a black cab or go to an official mini cab office. Do not go with anyone who asks you on the street, if you need a taxi. Especially in Picadilly, Soho, and around the Oxford Street area, where there are many unlicensed and illegal drivers. You will need to take care anywhere around London, even if they offer you a cheap fare, you may find yourself in a dangerous situation.

Where To Stay In London For Less

Ed — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:00:01 +0000

You are on a budget and need affordable accommodations that are comfortable and convenient to London attractions. You can find a room you can be comfortable in without paying a high price. There are quite a few quality hotels to be found if you know where to look.

1. Georgian House: This hotel is located in the midst of Pimlico's white stucco enclave, and is very close to all of the attractions of Central London. You will enjoy a delicious breakfast in a wonderful garden room, but be sure you are up to stair climbing as they have 4 floors and no elevator. You can also arrange your restaurant and theater bookings through this establishment.

2. Henley House Hotel: This hotel is a friendly and popular choice. Tucked away on a quiet side street, it is only a two minute walk to Earl's Court station. The comfortable rooms offer a view of the beautiful gardens. Enjoy breakfast in the conservatory, or sit and relax in the reception. This hotel is an excellent choice for those traveling alone.

3. Hotel 55: Located on a busy road, this stylish hotel makes up for the crowded bustle with a conservatory bar and dining room, and a quiet, colorful garden. The rooms offer soothing, neutral colors, Egyptian cotton sheets, Indian art, plasma TV, air conditioning, and clean private bathrooms. You can take the 20 minute ride on the Tube and visit the West End with it's many attractions. These comfortable rooms are available for under

How To Fit In When Visiting London

Ed — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:26:01 +0000

You plan on visiting one of the most exciting cities in the world, and the most visited city anywhere. I would like to pass on some tips to help you fit in with the locals and make the most of your trip.

1. KEEP A LOW PROFILE: You are a guest in London, and if you are loud and act out, you will not make a great impression on the locals. Keep your voice at a normal level, and don't call attention to yourself. I know you will be excited, but making demands and talking loudly about how everything is better where you come from, is never a good idea. Look at this as a learning situation, and soak up as much of the ambiance as you can. You will be back to your old routine soon enough, take the time to learn about the different cultures that make up the London Population. Remember, you can hear much better when you listen quietly. Things will be different than they are at home, take it in stride and if you don't understand something, ask about it politely. The British are known for their genteel manor, and are a people of culture. Use the manners your mother tried to teach you and you should have smooth sailing during your stay.

2. LEARN ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF LONDON: London is a huge melting pot of different cultures, and many Londoner's are from the Caribbean, India, and the Middle East. I find different cultures fascinating and am like a sponge when I come into contact with someone from another country and culture. Don't assume the two men conversing in a foreign language are not British, as they may have been born in Britain but practice a different culture. There are also a large number of different religious backgrounds among Londoner's. London has, and will continue to, see a large influx of tourists and the migration of people from other countries. Many people will continue to make a new home in London. Londoner's may have a reserved attitude, don't let that throw you. They are quite a private lot, and if you offer too much information about yourself when you are first introduced, they may not give you the warmest reception. It can be a bit difficult to get a Londoner to open up or speak to you freely until they know you a bit better. You should take care not to come on to strongly on a first meeting.

3. DRESS LIKE A NATIVE: Most women in London dress in jeans when they are not working or attending a function. If you are from the US you should fit right in. The fashion is pretty much the same there. Men dress casually in jeans as well as women.

4. LEARN THE LANGUAGE: As with anywhere in Europe you may travel, Londoner's use different words for certain items that you may not. Such as "lift" for elevator or "mobile" for cell phone. If you listen you will pick up the lingo in no time and be able to speak the language. You may be referred to as a "septic", don't be offended. Know that is a rhyming cockney slang (septic tank- yank). It really doesn't mean you smell bad, just laugh it off, as it isn't meant as an insult. If you are spoken to and do not understand, do not say pardon or what. Instead reply with "Sorry?" and you will do well. Never fake an English accent, it will seem as if you are making fun of the way they speak, they will be able to tell what you are doing and may be very offended.

Staying Safe While Visiting London

Ed — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 09:09:01 +0000

It isn't that London has more crime than other places, but we all know where many people congregate, there may be unscrupulous people lurking around. This is just a list of do's and don'ts while visiting London.

* When you are traveling on the Tube or strolling in a busy place, remain alert. Keep your purse and other possessions close by your side. If you are a man do not leave your wallet in your hip pocket. Move it to one of your front pockets, it will be a good deal harder for a pickpocket to get at it. In areas where there are a many of tourists present, you will notice signs warning you about pickpockets.

* Never leave your purse or any important items on the seat next to you while traveling the Tube or at an outdoor restaurant. If you hang your coat on a rack at a restaurant, make sure there are no valuables in the pockets. Keep your cell phone in your purse or breast pocket.

* Be alert and keep your eyes open. Don't go through your purse or count your money in public. Make sure you know where everything is before you leave your room, so this will not be a problem.

* Plan your day ahead of time, and avoid deserted areas. You should also avoid walking by yourself at night, and make sure the route you take is a main road and well lit. Avoid alleyways, short cuts, and wooded areas. You never know who may be lurking there.

* Do not wear headphones, you will not be able to hear if you are being approached, or if a car is speeding toward you.

* Don't ever leave your purse unattended. Not only can it be stolen, but it may also trigger security alerts.

* When using an ATM, always check to see that there isn't anyone else near. If someone approaches and gets too close to you abort your transaction and walk away. If you notice anything suspicious about the ATM, call the police. If your card is not returned to you, report it to the card issuer as stolen. Do not hang around the ATM after you have completed your transaction. Do not use the ATM at night or if it is in a deserted location.

* Keep your cell phone out of sight when you are not using it. Always use the security lock on your phone. Make sure you have recorded your electronic serial number and consider insuring the phone. Report a lost or stolen phone to the police at once. Inform the service provider if the phone is lost or stolen, this will keep others from running up a big bill with your service.

You should practice safety every day and not just when you are on a trip to London. Theft
And bodily harm can happen anywhere. It is best to secure your money and personal property
Than it is to take a chance on theft. And never, ever visit an ATM after dark.

A Few Tips And Warnings For The London Traveler

Ed — Sat, 24 May 2008 17:55:01 +0000

If you find you need directions a cab driver or a newspaper vendor will be a good source for directions. If you are in a busy shopping area, you may find a policeman that will be able to point you in the right direction.

Black cabbies own their own vehicles, never leave garbage or food in their taxis. They take care of their cabs and take pride in the appearance so don't make their working life harder. If your Cabbie is sociable, they can be a great source of information. Some black cab drivers will not pick up someone who is extremely drunk, and prefer that you do not smoke in their vehicle.

As of July 1, 2007, you are not allowed to smoke in restaurants, pubs, bars, the Tube, and in theaters. You will be issued a 200 pound fine if you violate this law. This also includes enclosed places where people work.

Become familiar with the local Tesco, Sainsbury's, and M&S foods. These are grocery stores and you can purchase inexpensive snacks and lunches to take back to your room. This is a great, and more economical alternative to eating out every night.

If you plan on visiting London in the summer months, you will need to be sure the hotel you choose is equipped with a good air conditioning system. Many hotel rooms do not have enough cross ventilation and you may find you room unbearably stuffy and hot. When traveling the Tube, know that the temperature can be up to 10 degrees higher than outside. Wear layers of clothing you can peal off.

Don't try to keep up with the locals when it comes to drinking alcohol. Drinking is a large part of the social culture in London, and British beer is stronger than US varieties. You should also know that the Imperial Pints served by the London pubs are 4 oz larger than the pints served in the US. Three British pints add up to 5 bottles of American beer.

When ordering in a restaurant or pub, you may signal by holding up 2 fingers for 2 pints. Whatever you do, make sure your palm is facing the waitress or bar maid. If the back of your hand is facing them it is the British equivalent to giving someone the finger.

If you come across an unattended bag or parcel, do not touch it. Call 999 the emergency help number, this is also true in any type of emergency where you require assistance. This number will also get you in touch with the police in an emergency, and obtain lifeguard assistance. This number can be accessed from any pay-phone. You may also dial 112 to harmonize with other European areas who use that number. If you dial 911 from a mobile it will be directed to the 999 number. 911 will not work on any pay-phone.

Take care when crossing the street, as cars in London are driven on the left side and Americans have had the phrase "Keep To The Right", burned into their brain for years. It can be a bit confusing to you and London van drivers move quite fast down small side streets. Try to cross the street with a group and not alone.