Planning your trip to London

Planning your Trip

What to Pack

Be prepared for all weathers as it is not unheard of to experience all the seasons in one day. Be sure to have a waterproof jacket and umbrella with you, even in summer, and in winter, you will need a warm coat and sweater. Formal wear is rarely obligatory, but people do dress up for the opera, as well as for some theatrical shows and smart restaurants. If you are visiting in summer, make sure you have enough sunscreen to protect your skin whilst visiting London attractions.

Currency

For security, bring a cash card or traveller’s cheques. Before arrival, check whether your cash withdrawal card is acceptable in the UK, which many are. Bring a little British currency to pay for fares and immediate needs on arrival, as currency exchange outlets are widely available.

Passports and Visas

A valid passport is needed to enter the UK. Visitors from the EU, Commonwealth countries and the US do not need a visa. Determine whether you need one by contacting the British Embassy in your country. You will need to contact your country’s embassy in London if you need to extend your stay beyond six months.

The contact details for several of these are as follows:
Australian High Commission • Australia House, Strand WC2 • 020 7379 4334 • www.uk.embassy.gov.au
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Canadian High Commission • Trafalgar Square SW1 • 020 7258 6600 • www.unitedkingdom.gc.ca
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US Embassy • 24 Grosvenor Square W1 • 020 7499 9000 • www.usembassy.org.uk
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Customs Regulations

Firearms, offensive weapons, endangered species and some types of food and plants cannot be brought into the UK at all. If you need regular medicine, bring adequate supplies and a prescription with you to prove that you require it. For more information visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

Insurance

Before you leave, take out a travel insurance policy that covers loss of baggage, theft and health. Although emergency treatment is usually free from the National Health Service, and there are reciprocal arrangements with other EU countries, specialist care, drugs and repatriation are costly.

Driving Licence

If you are planning to drive in the UK and are an EU citizen, be sure to bring your licence as well as registration and insurance documents. Make sure you inform your motor insurance company of the trip. Other foreign nationals require an international drivers licence.

Time Difference

Don’t forget to set your watch to Greenwich Mean Time when you get to London, which is one hour behind Continental European Time and five hours ahead of US Eastern Seaboard Time. Daylight Savings Time is in operation so the clocks are moved one hour forward and back in summer and winter respectively.

Electrical Appliances

Throughout the UK, the electricity supply is 240 volts AC. Plugs are of a three-square-pin type, so buy an adaptor before leaving home. Most hotels have two-pin sockets in their bathrooms in which shavers can be used.

Children’s Needs

Planning ahead when travelling with young children can help add to the convenience of a trip. Avoid travelling by public transport during peak hours. Book tickets in advance, and use a fold-up stroller.

Membership Cards

Bring any membership cards for driving or heritage organizations with links to the UK, such as the Automobile Association or National Trust, that offer discounts at many attractions. A student ISIC card is also useful.

Arriving in London

Heathrow Airport

London’s main airport is 15 miles (24 km) west of central London. The Heathrow Express train to Paddington is the quickest way into the centre, taking 15 to 20 minutes. Trains run from 5am until about 11pm daily. A journey by taxi can take an hour or more depending on traffic, and they tend to be expensive. Cheap options include the tube (Piccadilly line) or National Express coach into the centre. Heathrow information • 0844 335 1801 • www.heathrowairport.com

Gatwick Airport

London’s second airport is 31 miles (50 km) south of the centre, on the Surrey-Sussex border. The Gatwick Express train runs every 15 minutes into Victoria Station, taking around 30 minutes. There are also train connections to London Bridge and St Pancras. The National Express coach is a little cheaper but takes an hour longer. Gatwick information • 0844 8920 322 • www.gatwickairport.com

Stansted Airport

The UK’s third busiest airport is 35 miles (56 km) northeast of London. The Stansted Express train to Liverpool Street station takes 45 minutes. Coaches to various London locations take between 1 – 2 hours. Stansted information • 0844 335 1803 • www.stanstedairport.com

Luton Airport

This airport is 31 miles (50 km) north of London. A shuttle bus connects the airport to Luton Airport Parkway station, from which trains go to St Pancras and take around 20 minutes. Green Line operates a coach service to central London. Luton information • 01582 405 100 • www.london-luton.co.uk

London City Airport

Situated in Docklands, 9 miles (14 km) from the centre, this airport is best served by the DLR from Bank tube station. A taxi to the centre takes about 35 minutes. London City information • 020 7646 0088 • www.londoncityairport.com

Other Airports

England’s other main airports are Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and East Midlands. All have direct road, rail and bus connections to and from London.

Victoria Coach Station

Both national and international coach journeys operate from here, London’s main coach station. The terminal is a 10-minute walk from Victoria railway station. Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road SW1 • Reservations: see individual operators • www.nationalexpress.com

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St Pancras International

Home to over 50 shops, bars and restaurants – including Europe’s longest champagne bar – this is the arrival point for those travelling to London via Eurostar. Trains take under 2 hours from Brussels or 2 hours 15 minutes from Paris. St Pancras International • Eurostar enquiries and reservations: 08432 186 186 • www.eurostar.com • www.stpancras.com

Google Map

Channel Crossings

Eurotunnel operates a drive-on-drive-off train service between Calais, in northern France, and Folkestone, in the south of England (35 minutes from London). Ferries from Calais to Dover, which is the shortest Channel crossing, take around 90 minutes. The drive to London on the M20 motorway takes around one and a half hours. www.eurotunnel.com • Reservations: 08443 353 535

Other Sea Links

Car ferries sail from northern France to other Channel ports in the south of England, as well as from Bilbao and Santander in northern Spain to Portsmouth or Plymouth. Hoverspeed operates a fast catamaran service from Dieppe to Newhaven (summer only). Passenger and car-ferry services also run to other ports around the country from the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Ireland.

Getting Around

The Underground

London’s underground train network – or “the tube” – is the fastest way to get around town, but trains are crowded during rush-hour and are best avoided during these periods, if you can help it. Lines are colour-coded and easy to follow on the map on the back cover of this book. Trains run from around 5:30am to midnight and certain lines running 24 hours at weekends, with fares based on the six zones into which the network is divided. Zone 1 covers Central London. Transport for London • 0843 222 1234 • www.tfl.gov.uk

London Buses

Slower than the tube but a cheaper way to travel, buses are also a good way to see the city as you go. To travel in the city between midnight and 6am, you will need a night bus. Most night buses may be picked up at bus stops around Trafalgar Square and the West End.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR)

The automated overland railway serving Docklands has two branches, one that heads south to Greenwich and Lewisham and the other to Woolwich and Arsenal. It is linked to the Underground network at Bank, Tower Gateway (near Tower Hill) and other stations. Outside rush hour, it is a pleasant way of seeing this regenerated area of the East End. Transport for London • www.tfl.gov.uk

Pre-paid Travel Passes

One-day and weekend Travelcards are economical if you make more than two trips by public transport in a day. They can be bought at tube stations or newsagents, and are valid on the Underground, some overground trains, buses and the DLR, on weekdays after 9:30am. Oyster cards and weekly and monthly Travelcards are also available: for a monthly pass you need a passport-sized photo. You can buy a Visitor Oyster Card or Travelcard online before you arrive by visiting www.tfl.gov.uk

Rail Travel

Suburban and intercity travel is facilitated by the ten main London termini. Rail travel is expensive and the fare structures complicated. Planning ahead for long journeys is advisable and may save you money. National Rail Enquiries • 08457 484950 • www.nationalrail.co.uk

https://www.thetrainline.com/ is Europe’s leading train and coach app. They work with 270 rail and coach companies to offer our customers travel to thousands of destinations in and across 45 countries in Europe. Their aim is to bring together all rail, coach and other travel services into one simple experience so people can get the best prices and smart, real-time travel info on the go.

Taxis

London’s black cabs can be hailed anywhere; their “For Hire” sign is lit up when they’re available. You can also find them at railway stations, airports and taxi ranks. A 10 per cent tip is customary but not compulsory. Black cabs can be ordered in advance from Radio Taxis and Dial-a-Cab.

Dial-a-Cab • 020 7251 0581 Radio Taxis • 020 7272 0272

Car Rental

Car rental is not cheap in the United Kingdom and the rates are similar amongst larger companies. Europcar and Thrifty are most likely to offer deals. Drivers must show a valid licence and be aged 21 or even 24.

Europcar • www.europcar.co.uk Thrifty • www.thrifty.co.uk

Cycle Rental

You need a strong nerve to cycle in London’s busy traffic, but it can be a great way to see the city. Santander Cycles has docking stations in various locations around London. More info: www.tfl.gov.uk

London on Foot

Walking is a rewarding option in London. The centre of the capital is not large, and you will be surprised at how short the distance usually is between two points that seem quite far apart when travelled by tube. The TFL website provides details on the time it takes to talk from one station to another. Traffic drives on the left in the UK, so take care when crossing the road, and watch for light signals.

Sources of Information

London Tourist Board

Visit London is the official tourist organisation for London and has a range of services for visitors to the capital, including a useful accommodation booking scheme. Their website gives a number of options. Visit London • 08701 566 366 • www.visitlondon.com

Tourist Information Centres

Offering advice on anything and everything from day trips and guided tours to accommodation, you will find these Visitor Centres at 1 Lower Regent Street W1, in Leicester Square and at Pepys House SE10 in Greenwich. They are also located in all major train stations, such as Victoria and St. Pancras International. They stock free leaflets on current events and attractions.

Accommodation

London hotel prices are becoming increasingly competitive, and good deals can often be found online. Good alternative is to use Airbnb, where you can find cheaper and authentic accommodation.

Restaurant Websites

There is a wide range of restaurant review sites that offer both unbiased professional appraisals and local diners’ reviews of London establishments, complete with online reservation facilities. The most popular is OpenTable. Visit their site at www.opentable.co.uk

Television

There are five terrestrial channels in the UK: two public service channels (BBC1 and BBC2) and three commercial channels (ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5). TVs with Freeview will get between 20 and 40 digital channels for free, depending on the reception area. These channels include, BBC4, Sky News and BBC News 24.

Radio

London radio stations bring constant news and travel updates for the capital. They include BBC London Live (94.9 FM), Capital FM (95.8 FM) and LBC (97.3 FM).

Publications

For current events in London, see the daily papers, particularly the Evening Standard (the capital’s free evening paper), and Time Out, the weekly listings magazine, which includes activities for children. The Evening Standard’s website www.standard.co.uk is also helpful. Visit London (London’s Tourist Board) publishes useful guides on accommodation and activities in the capital.

Weather

London’s weather is changeable, but if you want to check ahead visit the Met Office website for an up-to-the minute forecast. There are also regular weather forecasts for the capital and other regions on radio and television. The Met Office: • www.metoffice.gov.uk

City of London Information Centre

This information centre, located close to St. Paul’s Cathedral, offers advice on all attractions and events in London with free leaflets on museums, walks and tours. They also offer their own guided tours service and sell tickets to West End shows. St. Paul’s Churchyard, EC4 • Open daily • www.visitthecity.co.uk

Banking and Communications

Money

The pound sterling (£) is divided into 100 pence (p). Paper notes are in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50. Coins are £1 and £2 (yellow-gold); 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p (silver); and 1p and 2p (copper).

Banks

Opening hours for banks are generally 9:30am–5:00pm Monday to Friday. Most banks and building societies have cash machines in an outside wall. Some also have lobbies with cash and payment machines – these can be accessed by your cash card at any time of night or day.

Bureaux de Change

Bureaux de Change outlets are regulated, and their rates are displayed along with commission charges. These are either flat fees or percentage charges. Many offer exchange without a commission fee, but check their rates as these may be less favourable than those charging a fee. Travelex has many branches throughout London where money can be changed.

Credit Cards

Most establishments accept the major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard (Access). American Express and Diners Club cards are less widely accepted in the UK. Credit cards are particularly useful for hotel and restaurant bills, shopping, car rental and reserving theatre or movie tickets by telephone. They can also be used to obtain cash advances, with a PIN number.

Postal Services

Post offices and sub-post offices are located throughout London. They are generally open from 9am–5:30pm Monday to Friday and until 12:30pm on Saturday. You can also buy stamps in shops, hotels and other outlets. The main West End post office is near Trafalgar Square. Mail sent Poste Restante to this address will be kept from two to four weeks. American Express also provides a poste restante service for its customers.

Post office • 24/28 William IV Street WC2

American Express • 30–31 Haymarket SW1 • www.americanexpress.com

Royal Mail Customer Services • 0845 774 0740 • www.royalmail.com

Telephones

Most phone boxes take coins (60p minimum) and credit cards. You will need at least £2 to make an international call. If you have difficulty contacting a number, call the Operator (100) or International Operator (155). In an emergency, dial 999 or 112.

Dialling Codes

The code for London is 020, which you can omit when dialling within the city. When calling from abroad, dial the access code followed by 20, omitting the initial 0. To call abroad from London, dial 00 followed by the access code of the country you are dialling. To find a number call one of the directory services listed below.

Directory Enquiries • 118 500 International Directory Enquiries • 118 505

Security and Health

Emergency

For emergency police, fire or ambulance services dial 999 – the operator will ask which service you require. This number is free on any public telephone.

Personal Protection

London – like most metropolitan areas – has its share of bag snatchers and pickpockets. You should be aware of this late at night and in outlying or poorly populated areas. Look after your possessions, keeping valuable items concealed and avoid unnecessary displays of wealth. In pubs and other public places, keep hold of your bag – it is not unknown for bags to vanish from between their owners’ feet in movie theatres and bars. Some bars will have hooks affixed to the underside of tables where bags can be hung where is remains in your eye line. Avoid poorly lit back streets at night and if you are alone.

Theft

Make sure that your possessions are insured before you arrive and, if possible, leave passports, tickets and travellers’ cheques in the hotel safe. Report all thefts to the police, especially if you need to make an insurance claim. There is a police presence in busy areas, such as Leicester Square and Oxford Street, as well as several central police stations. West End Central Police • 27 Savile Row W1 • Non-emergencies: 101

Lost Property

Anything found on the tube, buses, trains or black cabs is sent to the Transport for London Lost Property Office. Allow three to five days for items to get there. Transport for London Lost Property • 200 Baker Street NW1 • Open 8:30am–4pm Mon–Fri • 0845 330 9882 • www.tfl.gov.uk

Hospitals

There are a number of hospitals in central London with 24-hour emergency services, including dental hospitals. Emergency accident treatment may be free for visitors.

St Mary’s • Praed Street W2 • 020 3312 6666

St Thomas’ • Westminster Bridge Road SE1 • 020 7188 7188

A&E (24 hrs) • Euston Road NW1 • 0203 456 7890

Guy’s Hospital Dental Department • St Thomas’ Street SE1 • 020 7188 1748

24-hour advice line • 0845 4647

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (known as chemists in England) are open during business hours, some until late, and can give advice on minor ailments. Boots is a large, respected chain with branches throughout London.

Boots • Piccadilly Circus W1 • 020 7734 6126 • Open 8am–midnight Mon–Fri, 9am–midnight Sat, noon–6pm Sun

Bliss Pharmacy • 107–109 Gloucester Road SW7 • 020 7373 4445 • 9am–midnight daily

Dentists

Hotels can usually suggest local dentists, and many are listed in Yellow Pages. For emergency dental work, go to Guy’s Hospital Dental Department, near London Bridge.

Embassies and Consulates

These are around Mayfair, Belgravia, Kensington and the West End if you lose your passport, need a visa or legal advice.

Solo Travellers

If travelling alone, take sensible precautions. Use busy, well-lit streets at night, don’t travel in empty carriages on trains and use licensed black cabs displaying an identification disc.

Sexual Health

St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, and St Thomas’, Westminster have clinics for sexually transmitted diseases. NHS Sexual Health Line • 0800 567 123

Trips and Tours

Sightseeing Bus Tours

Open-top sightseeing buses provide one of the best ways of getting to know London. There are several operators and a number of tours with pick-up points around the city, so you can get on and off all day as it suits you. Some companies include a cruise along the River Thames.

Original Tour • 020 8877 1722 Big Bus Tours • 020 7233 9533

River Trips

There is a choice of boat services on the Thames but they are run by different operators and tickets are not interchangeable. It is best to buy tickets at the piers so that you can find out exactly what is on offer. Westminster and Embankment are the principal central London piers. Boats from here go up river to Hampton Court and downriver to Tower Bridge and Greenwich.

Regent’s Canal

This is a lovely backwater for idle cruising, between Camden Lock and Little Venice. Catch the boat at either end, and stop off at London Zoo. London Waterbus Co • 58 Camden Lock Place NW1 • 020 7482 2550 • www.londonwaterbus.com

Themed Walks

Jack the Ripper Haunts, Ghosts of the Old City, Shakespeare’s London, Hidden London – there are dozens of such walks on offer from both individuals and companies. The longest established operator, The Original London Walks, offers a wide choice of two-hour walks. 020 7624 3978 • www.walks.com

City Jogging Tours

For a healthy and eco-friendly sightseeing tour, join a guided jogging tour around London. The daily tours are led by experienced runners and cater both to individuals and groups of all running abilities. The guides promise a fascinating journey through the streets of the city.0845 544 0433 • www.cityjoggingtours.co.uk

Backstage

Most of London’s historic theatres offer daytime backstage tours. The National Theatre’s tour of all three theatres (the Olivier, the Cottesloe and the Lyttelton), as well as of dressing rooms and workshops, lasts about 75 minutes. Call to reserve. National Theatre • 020 7452 3400

Open House

On one weekend at the end of September, around 700 buildings in London, from city blocks to private homes, open their doors to the public to reveal some hidden architectural gems. The event is run by the organisation Open-City – check out their website. http://openhouselondon.org.uk • Free

Thames Barges

The magnificent Thames barges that used to fill the Pool of London can now be seen at St Katharine Dock. Topsail Events hires out barges for the day or an overnight stay. Tower Bridge is opened to let them through. Topsail Events • 020 7022 2201 • www.topsailevents.co.uk

Out of Town

Several operators run bus trips to well-known sights within an hour or two’s drive of London or further afield, including Paris. Golden Tours is one of London’s leading sightseeing companies and offers a wide range of scheduled tours daily. Golden tours • 0800 509 2507 • www.goldentours.com

Avoiding the Crowds

Rush Hour

Try to avoid travelling during the Monday to Friday morning (8–9:30am) and evening (5–6:30pm) rush hours when tube trains and buses are filled to bursting point and cabs are scarce. If you can, it is often more pleasant and quicker to walk.

Lunch Hour

Londoners generally have lunch between 1 and 2pm, when pubs, café and fast-food restaurants fill up and sandwich bars have long lines of people. On the other hand, this can be a good time to go to smarter restaurants which try to attract lunchtime crowds by offering cheap menus. Lunch in the City tends to be earlier: noon–1pm.

Dining Out

Although restaurants in the West End and the South Bank are generally packed with theatre-goers taking advantage of the inexpensive pre- and post-theatre dinner menus, many of these become less crowded around 8pm once the curtain has gone up.

Early Start

Most sights in the capital – especially the major sights, such as the Tower of London and Madame Tussauds – are less crowded early in the day. However, you will have to fight the rush hour to get there.

School Holidays

During school holidays, London’s museums and other sights in the capital are filled with families and groups of children. In general, school holidays last six weeks in summer from the end of July to the beginning of September, with additional two-week breaks at Easter and Christmas. Sights are also crowded during half-terms: one week in February, May and October.

Matinees

Some of the most popular shows and events in London theatres are heavily booked far in advance. However, they often have seats available for their midweek and Saturday matinees.

Booking Ahead

Popular exhibitions operate a system of pre-booked, timed entry tickets in order to prevent overcrowding. Try and reserve well in advance to secure an early morning or late admission to avoid the biggest crowds.

Late Evenings

Shops and galleries in the capital often have late-opening evenings when they are less crowded than during the day. The shops in Oxford Street, for example, open late on Thursday evenings. Major exhibitions at the Royal Academy and elsewhere often stay open until late one night a week. The Victoria and Albert Museum is open until 10pm on the last Friday of each month; Tate Modern is open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Shopping Tips

Shopping Areas

London will satisfy the most ardent shopaholic. Covent Garden has the most up-to-the-minute clothes, shoes, jewellery and gifts; Oxford Street is best for large department stores, music and cheaper fashion; in Bond Street and Knightsbridge you will find all the most expensive designer labels and goods, whilst Mayfair and St James’s have the best art and antiques dealers. One New Change in the city has 60 shops spread over three floors.

Shopping Hours

Shops are generally open from 9:30am–6pm through Monday to Saturday, with late-night shopping until 8pm in the West End on Thursdays and many other shops around London, and in Kensington and Chelsea on Wednesdays. Though many shops do open on Sunday, the trading hours are limited.

Payment

Most shops accept major debit and credit cards and some accept personal cheques endorsed with guarantee cards. VAT (Value Added Tax) is charged at 20% and is often included in the marked price. Stores offering tax-free shopping display a distinctive sign and will provide a Global Refund form to non-EU residents for customs to validate on leaving the country.

Consumer Rights

Goods purchased in shops must be fit for purchase and there are distinct rights that consumers can rely on when this is not the case. Shoppers will have some recourse if goods are faulty or damaged (this isn’t always the case with sale items). Always keep receipts so you can return any unsatisfactory items.

Sales

Large stores and many fashion outlets will often have end-of-season sales in January and July when there are enormous savings to be made on many items, from furniture to fashions. Where possible, check the websites of retailers for details of sales and to find their locations.

Fashion

Bond Street, Knightsbridge and Sloane Street are home to high-end fashion houses. Savile Row and St James’s are famed for bespoke men’s wear. Oxford Street and Carnaby Street are good for mid-range clothes. For street fashion, visit the markets that dot London, including: Camden, Portobello, Petticoat Lane and Spitalfields.

Music

London is one of the world’s music capitals, and its music stores, such as Fopp and Rough Trade, have great selections of CDs and DVDs, including imports. Many specialist and collectors’ shops deal in vinyl, which remains popular. The main opera and concert houses also have music outlets. For sound systems, visit Tottenham Court Road.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Those people looking for gifts will love Covent Garden. Large West End stores, such as Selfridges, John Lewis, Liberty, Harvey Nichols and Harrods (see Shops and Markets) have gift departments with bright ideas. Elsewhere around the city, there are shops selling designer jewellery, pottery, ceramics and household goods, many of which are designed in the UK. Interesting gift stores can also be found at the main museums, galleries and tourist sites.

Art and Antiques

The major commercial galleries are in the West End, around Bond Street and Cork Street. Bonhams and Sotheby’s auction houses are also found there. You can find inexpensive art and craft throughout London. A wide range of antiques can be sought out in Portobello Road, Kensington Church Street and King’s Road (Chelsea).

Out of Town

If you want to do a lot of shopping under one roof and avoid the city centre, there are several huge out-of-town shopping malls, which are situated in and around other parts of London. Brent Cross in north London is “London’s North West End”. Bluewater is an option in Greenhithe, Kent, and Westfield, Europe’s largest shopping complex, is in White City and also Stratford. Shops are open until around 8pm, though restaurants and entertainment establishments stay open later.