Top Tips for Visiting London Town

Planning a trip to the UK? If so, then at least a few days in London is an absolute must. 

It would be hard to find a more exciting city and one with more things to see and do.  To help you make the most of a short stay in London, Flight Centre has compiled a list of the Top 10 activities in London.

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THE LONDON EYE

The London Eye is a great place to start a trip to London. The 32 capsules carry around 10,000 visitors every day and, after a 15 minute ascent to the top, provides a full 360 degree-panorama.

TIP: Save time by booking tickets online ahead of the day – you could save hours! 

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BROWSE THROUGH HARRODS

Since opening in 1849, Harrods has been regarded London’s most prestigious shopping destination. The department store’s story is tied up in the people who have passed through its doors – including several members of the British Royal family. 

TIP: You simply can’t go past the world-famous food hall.

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LONGITUDE ZERO

The Greenwich Meridian is the base point for world time, and you can see the time ball drop at 1300 hours every day.  The Royal Observatory is a great place to wander to see everything related to time, astronomy and navigation, and best of all, admission is free!

TIP: To make the most of a visit here, travel by boat via the River Thames from Westminster Pier.
 
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BIG BEN

The distinctive 96 metre Clock Tower is one of London’s best known landmarks.  ‘Big Ben’ is actually the name of the main Bell inside the Clock Tower, but the clock is known to almost everyone as Big Ben.

TIP:  Set your watch by the clock, which keeps remarkably accurate time.

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HEAD OUT TO STONEHENGE

This immense and intriguing circle of stones has baffled people for centuries.  Archaeologists think that the arrangement dates from around 2500 BC, and each of the main stones weigh around four tonnes.

TIP:  Plan your trip out to Stonehenge to coincide with the Summer Solstice, when thousands of people congregate to watch the sun rise at around 5am.

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KENSINGTON PALACE AND GARDENS

In 1689, King William III purchased a section of London’s Hyde Park as the location for what was later to become Kensington Palace. He found the location quiet, and his palace later became the residence of Queen Victoria and more recently Diana, Princess of Wales.

TIP:  Find one of the best loved features in the gardens - a bronze statue of Peter Pan.

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MIND THE GAP ON THE TUBE

London has what is often considered the most extensive public transportation system in the world, and taking the Underground – or “riding the Tube” is one of those must-do experiences for visitors.

TIP: Listen out for the “Mind the Gap” announcement when a train arrives at a station. One of the recent recordings earned the nickname “Sonia” by tube drivers, because her voice 'gets on yer nerves.’

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LISTEN TO A LANDMARK

Westminster Cathedral is one of the great secrets of London – and is not to be confused with the famous Abbey of the same name.

Heading down Victoria Street, tourists are often surprised to come across the eastern, Byzantine style building, with an extraordinary facade of towers, balconies and domes.

TIP:  Time your visit right for daily Mass or evening prayers and you will also hear some of the most beautiful voices in the world.

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THE TOWER OF LONDON

The Tower of London is has been a palace, prison, and palace of execution for some of Britain’s most famous and influential figures.  It is the repository of the Crown Jewels, and has housed lions, bears, and, to this day, flightless ravens.

TIP:  Watch the Ceremony of the Keys, the traditional lock-up of the Tower of London at 6.53pm.

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THE BRITISH MUSEUM
 
The world famous British Museum houses a spectacular – and controversial – collection of historical artefacts from ancient Greece and Egypt.  Here you can see an actual Mummy, the Rosetta Stone, and the Parthenon Sculptures.

TIP: The British Museum is huge, so plan to spend at least three hours exploring.

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For special Flight Centre deals collated just for grownups, visit www.flightcentre.co.nz/grownups.

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