Discussing the weather is a national pastime in England and can serve as a great icebreaker between people.
London boasts one of the world’s most beloved comedy clubs and attracts both emerging talent in small pubs as well as iconic comedians like Steve Coogan in major arenas. Additionally, London dominates British visual arts.
Getting Around
London’s public transport system is unparalleled in scope and efficiency; yet for visitors it can be dauntingly complex! Knowing how to navigate all its options may seem baffling!
Transport by Tube (underground train) is an efficient way of getting around. Nearly anywhere on your itinerary can be reached via this means of travel; trains usually run every two to five minutes all day long and often through the night. To ride, purchase either a ticket or Oyster Card which allows users to load funds onto it before travel and top it up as needed – one option could even allow access to transport without ever touching pavement!
As another alternative for travel in the city, taking public buses offers an economical and scenic means of travel. They’re readily available on almost every street corner; simply check online or in a map before your trip for their schedule and boarding times. To hail a taxi, stand with hand raised at curb side or use designated taxi stands or stop at one of many zebra crossings to signal for one; taxi fares can be more costly if booked ahead, however the prices could end up being less than anticipated.
Overground trains connect the city to suburbs and neighborhoods that Victorians didn’t tunnel under the Tube system, at lower costs than using Oyster PAYG/Travelcards or OysterPAYG cards directly. If you get lost, most major train stations have information desks with helpful staff on-hand to offer assistance.
Rental cars are available at numerous airports and London itself, making car travel an accessible and flexible means of exploring outside the city and beyond. A car can help you access seaside spots like Southend-on-Sea or charming British villages approximately an hour’s drive away – perfect if you want a seaside break near Southend-on-Sea or picturesque British villages, both about an hour’s drive from London. However, please be aware of the congestion charge if driving during weekdays within central London as parking garages can be limited and costly!
Public Transport
London boasts an extensive and well-developed public transport system, accounting for 37% of journeys in 2017. Walking and cycling accounted for 24% and 2% respectively in that year.
Buses are the main form of public transport in London. Tfl’s not-for-profit transport authority oversees many routes which keep their fares relatively affordable; other routes may be managed privately under contract to Tfl, such as London Overground and Docklands Light Railway services.
TfL regulates London’s iconic black taxicabs, which can be hailered on the street or hired from taxicab ranks (which can be found near major railway termini and tourist hubs). Taxicab drivers must pass an examination administered by TfL’s Public Carriage Office before being granted their license and set their fares and emission standards accordingly.
Tube trains (aka The Underground) are an integral component of London’s public transport network. Offering fast, clean and comfortable service between its stations, the Tube can help you navigate around the city with ease if you know exactly where you need to be going. Their fare system operates based on zones; so for use of The Tube either an Oyster Card or contactless payment is required in advance.
London boasts several suburban rail lines that connect its core with surrounding communities and throughout England. There’s even the high-speed Eurostar service connecting St Pancras station directly with Paris and Brussels within three hours!
Buses are another reliable form of public transport in London’s outer areas, being quicker than Tube rides and often cost-cutting when travelling as part of a group. An Oyster Card or single ride ticket are accepted on these buses.
Bike Rental
No matter your cycling skill or experience level, London offers bike rental services to accommodate you. Choose from various apps with pricing that may change based on demand and promotions – it is always wise to check before heading out on a ride!
Dott and Tier are currently leading this market with their extensive range of e-bikes and e-scooters; after 30 minutes each journey is free! Any additional hours cost PS1, with 24 hour rentals costing PS24 in total. To rent one simply find one of the hundreds of docking stations using the app and swipe your membership card or contactless bankcard against it to unlock. Once cycled simply return the bike back when finished at any station; Dott & Tier offer both electric bikes and scooters.
Both offer membership options that meet the needs of both experienced cyclists and newcomers to cycling alike. Flexi memberships have no joining fees and can be cancelled at any time; regular memberships start from PS20 per month with a 6-month minimum contract agreement.
If you’re still not quite ready to jump in headfirst, taking a short training course is still a great way to learn the ropes of bike riding. Not only will this familiarize you with controls and traffic rules; but also provides confidence when embarking on solo rides across the Thames to Greenwich or local bike trails. There are various courses in London with Look Mum No Hands! in Old Street leading the charge as it offers cafe, workshop, bar, and exhibition space all under one roof!
Military Timings
While in London, take a military tour to learn about British history. Guided tours of the former War Office Building or exploring nine decks aboard HMS Belfast (in service from 1936 – 1963) can provide insights into what life was like onboard this iconic warship and experience what life was like during bombing raids during World War II.
The Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst (RMAS) is an elite training establishment that welcomes both male and female candidates from around the globe, with training designed to hone leadership, teamwork, self-direction and standards-raising skills. On completion of its three-year course successfully soldiers receive Queen’s Commission – making RMAS one of the UK’s most highly-respected establishments; other nations may request soldiers attend its courses as well.
As you travel around the UK, be mindful that many residents still abide by “military time.” This differs from the 24-hour clock used by the majority of world population as it employs special notation and pronunciation aimed at clarity and speed – for instance leading zeroes are written as letters from NATO phonetic alphabet, so 5:43 am would be written as 0543 and 6.00 pm as 0600 respectively; furthermore it should be remembered that an hour is defined from midnight to midday/”noon,” with another 24 hour period between midday/”noon” to midnight!
Making matters even more confusing, some countries use both 12-hour clock and UTC/GMT during winter and summer respectively and change their time zones by moving an hour forward or back. Yet most people around the world can cooperate when conducting military operations.
Tips
London is an incredible city filled with endless sights and activities to experience, making it one of the top tourist spots in Europe. However, you should also expect to spend lots of money and wait in long lines if you go unprepared – by planning ahead you could save both money and have a more pleasant trip experience if you follow some smart strategies provided by both locals and travelers like yourself! Read on for tips from travelers like yourself.
Purchase an Oyster Card for public transport and save money! It is valid on buses, tubes and trains and can also be used to buy theater tickets ahead of time.
Avoid staying in the city center in order to save money on accommodations, and instead choose a neighborhood on either the west or northwest sides of River Thames; these areas tend to be less crowded, providing greater access to public transit services and attractions in your destination area.
England is notorious for its unpredictable rainy climate, so be sure to bring an umbrella and jacket. Additionally, wear comfortable shoes and layers. In addition, make sure your cell phone works with a prepaid SIM card to avoid expensive international roaming charges; don’t forget cash for smaller purchases!
England boasts many free museums and attractions, along with discounts at shops and restaurants. You should familiarize yourself with its currency ahead of time in order to avoid any difficulties when paying, since most places only accept VISA and Mastercard cards rather than American Express or Diners Club cards. In addition, keep in mind that prices in England tend to be significantly higher than they are in the United States so budget for that accordingly.