It’s no secret that London is one of the most revered and recognizable tourist destinations in the world. With countless historical tales and landmarks accompanying the capital’s rich history, London has plenty of stunning features which pull in visitors from all over the world.
It’s also no secret however, that the city’s network of busy roads, tubes and motorways is understandably difficult to navigate, so for visitors who are new to the area, a little forward planning is required.
With that in mind, lets take a look at a few simple tips which could help you find easy access to London city centre, and find suitable accommodations once you arrive!
Arrival / Departure
One thing London is well-known for is its iconic regiment of black cabs, so whether you arrive via train, air or a network of busses, you can be sure there will be a suitable cab rank outside the airport or station. If you would rather book a service which is catered to you individual needs (many families travel in large numbers and a minibus cab is required) then the station/airports information desk and help centre is sure to have suitable information on local services that can meet your needs.
Getting to and from the airports is fairly simple. If you are travelling light and would rather use public transport links you can use the information desk’s ‘route planner’ services in which they will help you plan your journey using the appropriate means of transport are available.
If you are departing from one of London’s airports and you have arrived by car, you may wish to take advantage of one of London’s many airport parking zones. There are many companies that offer solutions to Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton Airport parking, and comparing prices in advance to source the best price and location is a surefire way to ensure you find the best spot for you.
Accommodations
Types of accommodation in London are extremely varied and all are in extremely high demand. Arriving in London without pre-booked accommodation is certainly not advisable, so planning ahead and establishing a booking at a suitable establishment is the best course of action.
If you are looking for luxurious accommodation close to the city centre, you can expect to pay a considerable amount of money per room, especially with last-minute bookings. Be sure to compare prices of all suitable hotels in the area you are looking to stay in.
Alternatively, there are many reasonably priced B&Bs towards London city centre which offer basic rooms and a breakfast. Although somewhat lacking in charm and luxury, these establishments are extremely useful for last minute bookings and travelling students.
‘Chain’ B&Bs such as ‘Travel Lodge’ are commonly situated in city centres and near large rail stations and airports, so if you are looking to find accommodation as close as possible to your entry point to London, be sure to research the closest one.
About the author: Daniel Travis – Brown is an avid traveler and regular visitor to London. For more great helpful tips and advice be sure to find Dan on Twitter @DanTravisBrown.
Photo credit: krzysiuc