SEVEN REASONS WHY I LOVE VISITING LONDON
By Rose Palmer
I love visiting London. And since it’s often a layover destination for me on the way to other spots in Europe, I get to visit quite often.
I think London is the perfect introduction for a first time visit to Europe. The language is familiar, there is a lot to see and do, and it’s very easy to get around on public transportation.
Easy access from the airport
London’s major airport, Heathrow, is about 15 miles outside the city center, yet it is easily accessible by public transportation which means I don’t have to spend a lot of money on a taxi. I like to take the blue Picadilly Underground line which goes into the center of the city and also connects with many of the other Underground metro lines. I usually like to stay near the Earl’s Court station since hotels are a little less expensive than those in the center of London, but I can still easily get to any central London attractions and also get back to the airport when I have to fly home.
So many London transportation options
London has a vast network of public transportation options that makes it possible to get anywhere in the city (with time and patience). London developed the first underground railway line, or “Tube”, in 1863. Now there are multiple layers of tunnels that connect all parts of the city. I use the Google maps Public Transport option to show me how to efficiently get from point A to point B and my credit card lets me tap into and out of the Underground station.
Everyone should experience a red double-decker bus in London at least once. The number 15 bus conveniently connects Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery with St. Paul’s Cathedral. Again, a contactless credit card makes it easy to pay for the fare.
When I have a little more time and the weather is nice, I also like to take the river ferries. This works for sights that are close to the River Thames, like Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London. Seeing London from the water level provides a completely different perspective. Again, Google Maps helps me find the closest ferry pier and identifies which ferry line I should use to get to my desired destination.
So much to do in London
Even though I’ve been to London many times, I always find something new to see or do. London has numerous world-class museums, many of which are free. The British Museum, The Victoria and Albert, the Natural History Museum, and the Imperial War Museum (just to name a few) don’t charge an entrance fee. For art lovers, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, and the Tate Britain are also free to visit.
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Some of London’s most famous sights also come without a price tag. Trafalgar Square and its lions, Tower Bridge, views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Millenium Bridge, or Big Ben and Westminster Bridge all provide classic London scenery. In fact, my favorite stroll is from St. Paul’s across the Millenium Bridge along the South Bank of the Thames River to Westminster Bridge. It’s fun to stop at one of the local watering holes along the way for a drink and snack and people watch as both Londoners and tourists enjoy the riverside promenade.
Performing arts for all tastes
On each visit, I try to take in at least one performance. My favorite venue is Royal Albert Hall which manages to be both large and intimate at the same time. Any time I visit London, I look to see if there is a performance I am interested in.
The West End is known for its excellent theater productions. In fact, many award-winning shows premier here before going to Broadway. I often have good luck getting discounted tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. On my last visit I saw an incredible performance of Frozen. And at Christmas time, a traditional Pantomime (or Panto) is a fun option, though it helps to go with a local who can translate the inside jokes.
Another performance venue is the multipurpose O2 arena on the Greenwich Peninsula. On this trip, I will be taking part in Mamma Mia! The Party combines a Mediterranean dinner with my favorite ABBA music.
Good food and afternoon tea
London is now a foodie’s delight. With influences from all over the world, British cuisine is no longer boring. My favorites are Chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s NOPI and ROVI restaurants. His seasonal, Mediterranean inspired menus are always a delight to taste. He also has smaller cafes that are scattered around the city. On my current trip I plan to try the Ottolenghi Chelsea restaurant before heading to the Chelsea Flower Show.
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For me, a visit to London is not complete without at least one afternoon tea experience. I’ve tried a few different ones, but my favorite remains the High Tea at Fortnum and Mason. Long-time purveyors of high-quality food, their afternoon tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is an indulgent experience that should be savored at least once (reservations highly recommended). The hardest part will be choosing from their collection of 150 teas and then trying to finish all the delicious food they serve (I skip breakfast).
Lots of day trip options
Besides the many things to see and do in London, there is also a large variety of easy day trip options. I’ve taken organized tours that I booked via Viator or Get Your Guide, and I have also done excursions on my own. Sometimes it’s easier and more efficient to let someone else do the driving. One organized tour took me to Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, and Winsor Castle all in one day. To get to closer sights like Kew Gardens, Hampton Court, and Warner Brother’s Harry Potter Studios, I took advantage of the UK railway system. Booking my train tickets with the Trainline app made this very easy.
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Great way to spend a few days before a cruise
Lying on the coast about two hours south of London is the port town of Southampton. The city’s historic claim to fame is Titanic’s departure from the Southampton White Star dock on April 10, 1912. Today, this is still a popular cruise ship port (but without the Titanic’s end result). I’ve cruised from Southampton twice before and am about to embark on my third cruise from this location, this time heading to the Baltic region. I like to spend a few days in London before I get on the ship to adjust to the time zone, catch up on lost sleep from my overnight flight, and enjoy some of my favorite experiences.
For me, a visit to London never gets old.
Rose Palmer believes that life is a patchwork of experiences. Traveling the world is one of her deepest passions which continues to add to her ever-growing quilt of life experiences. She likes to focus her traveling lens on art, architecture, history, nature, and soft adventure with a touch of luxury. Rose shares her award-winning stories and photos on her blog www.Quiltripping.com
Follow Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” Podcast here: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/
