Updated on – Jan 01, 2021
If you’re looking for an unforgettable interactive tree experience, you must be in London’s Wembley Park. You can enjoy the Slideatron that looks a bit like a Tetris-inspired Christmas tree.
You can also enjoy a pulsing light show every hour and houses a slide in its core. The Slideatron allows you to accelerate through the tube in just 18 seconds. That’s amazing !!
Let’s explore this ancient city also known as The Big Smoke because of the dense fogs and smogs that permeate the city from old times.
Best Time to Travel to London
The best time to visit London is the spring season (March-May) because the temperature is mild at that time. Days start to get warmer and the city is blooming with greenery all around.
You also see less tourists during this time and you can avail of better offers on flights and hotels.
The next best season is the Autumn season. Though days become a bit colder still you can wander the city and take beautiful photos of autumn fall.
On the other hand, during summers and winters, the weather remains extreme. This is the peak season when tourist footfall is high and most areas like Oxford street are overrun by tourists.
| Season | Temperature Range | Climate |
| March to May | 13-19 degrees | Moderate to heavy rain |
| June to August | 21-23 degrees | Warm and pleasant |
| September to October | 12-16 degrees | Moderate to heavy rain |
| November to February | 9-12 degrees | Cold and heavy rains |
How to Travel from Heathrow to London
Heathrow is one of the most crowded airports in the world, located 15 miles to Central London. You can reach London using different means of transport. Let’s discuss the major transport mediums to reach London.
#1. Tube
‘Tube’ (underground public rapid transit system) is the most inexpensive way to travel from Heathrow to London. The tube service is very frequent from airport to the city. You don’t have to wait for more than 10 minutes.
Children below age 11 are free to travel if an adult is accompanying them.
The train service starts at 5 AM and available till midnight. So it is better to recheck the train timings if you are arriving after midnight or early in the morning.
- Duration – 45 minutes transit from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Central London.
- Cost – $3.5 if booked using contactless card.
#2. Heathrow Express
Heathrow Express is the quickest way to reach London especially if your stay is near Paddington Station. It takes just 15 minutes to reach Paddington station.
Train frequency is 15 minutes and you can buy tickets onboard but you can save up to 75% on the fare if you buy tickets online.
- Duration – 15 minutes
- Cost – $7 if booked 90+ days advance up to $34 for one way ride.
#3. Uber
You can book an Uber to reach London from Heathrow airport. You must avoid rush hours (7 am – 9 am and 4 am – 7 pm) to avoid delay in case you are running late.
You also check your pickup location on ‘Uber App’ and reach that terminal only to avoid any last minute hassle. Because there are Five terminals of Heathrow Airport, so confirming your pick up terminal is good.
- Duration – Approx. 1 hour but varies depending on the traffic.
- Cost – Around $50.
#4. Black Cabs
You can also experience a Black Cab which is the traditional London taxi that you can hail around the street or you can hire from the cab station.
Black cabs vary in fare, you can check meters while starting the journey. However, there some apps like Gett that offer a fixed price taxi service. Black cabs can also take Bus lane but not permitted to other cars on road including Uber.
- Duration – Approx. 50 minutes depending on traffic.
- Cost – $55 to $90
#5. Bus Service
You can also take a bus from the Central Bus Station near Heathrow’s airport or you can go to the bus stop 11 to 14 outside the terminal building to take a bus to London.
- Duration – 30–50 minutes (Bus has dedicated lane that reduces the travel time)
- Cost – $6 for victoria station and you have to pay an additional $2.5 if you want to choose seat.
Best Places to visit in London
#1. London Eye
The London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel located at the south bank of Thames river. You can onboard one of the 32 capsules for a breathtaking experience. The views of London’s most famous landmarks from this wheel are mesmerising.
#2. The View from the Shard
If you think London Eye didn’t give you enthralling experience, then climb to The View from The Shard’s observation deck, which sits 800ft in height making it western Europe’s tallest building.
It will give you a unique perspective to see the whole London city and surroundings up to 40 miles (64km).
#3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour
If you are a Harry Potter movie lover, you shouldn’t miss Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Where you can experience Harry Potter’s world. You can see costumes and props used in all the Harry Potter movies. You can also visit some of the movie locations like the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office and Hagrid’s hut.
#4. London tower
You can also visit one of the world’s most famous buildings, The Tower of London. You will go back in time machine to live 900-year back in history as a royal palace, arsenal, jewel house and zoo.
#5.Madam Tussad’s Museum
It’s time to come face-to-face with some of the world’s famous celebrities whether it’s Shakespeare to Robert Downey Jr., you’ll see big icons from cinema, history, politics, sports and even royal families.
#6. Tower Bridge (London Bridge)
Tower Bridge (mistaken as London Bridge) is the oldest historical river crossing. It’s one of the must-see landmarks for the tourists. You can experience the unparalleled views from the new Glass Walkways or wander along the Thames.
#7. Buckingham Palace
You can visit Buckingham Palace and experience the lavishness of the Royal family.
You can also enjoy the ‘Changing of the Guard ‘ ceremony at Buckingham Palace. In this ceremony, ‘The Queen’s Guards’ on duty handover responsibility to the New Guards.
Other places
There are other attractions like Free museums, parks, sea life aquarium, borough market, zoo and many more.
Best Hiking in London
#1. Seaford To Eastbourne
You can enjoy Seaford to Eastbourne hike for its stunning views across dramatic cliff-tops and river valleys. This is called the best hike near London located in south-east England.
On the one side, you see the views of the white cliffs of Seven Sisters, Beachy Head, and on the side the lovely Cuckmere Haven river valley. The hike finishes up in Restro Seaside Town of Eastbourne.
Most of the hike is flat but the views make it worth walking.
Duration – 3 hours in transport and 7.5 hours for the hike.
#2. Chess Valley Walk
If you are a history buff, go for the Chess Valley Walk. This is the second-best hike near London. Total distance is 10 miles.
You will enjoy passing by the 1,000-year-old town Rickmansworth and one of the oldest school in the country.
You will come across some lovely villages following the River Chess. The views of this area are breathtaking. You will walk along with kingfishers, dragonflies, and orchids.
Duration – 1 hour in one side travel and 5-6 hours in the hike.
#3. Leith Hill
You can climb to the highest point in the southeast to capture mesmerizing views.
Leith Hill is another best hiking trails in London where you will enjoy the green meadows and the gorgeous old cottages.
You can climb the tower and see the clock face on Big Ben and the English Channel if the day is clear. Leith Hill hike is 7 miles long.
Duration – 2 hours for transit and approx. 4 hours for the hike.
#4. Mole Gap Trail
If you wanna enjoy hike along with wine. Go for Mole Gap Trail.
Starting from Leatherhead to Dorking through beautiful Surrey countryside that makes it the best hike near London.
You’ll cross an 18th century Manor House following the river Mole and the Denbies Wine Estate, the largest vineyard in the country.
You can also visit pubs on the way and taste different wines.
Duration – 4.5 hours including transport and walk.
#5. Hastings Circular
You have to travel to Hastings old town in East Sussex county. Hasitngs circular is among the best hike in England other than London.
The hike starts from Hastings Old Town and then ends at the seafront at Rock-A-Nore with beautiful views of the seashore. You can also see the castle ruins there. You walk around 5.9 miles to complete the hike.
Duration – 3 hours to reach Hastings old town by train and 3 hours to complete the hike.
London Travel Guide
which option one should choose.
Best Way to Travel From London to Paris
Paris is 287 miles away from London. There are multiple options to travel from London to Paris. I am going to discuss them all one by one.
#1. By Train
The best option to travel from London to Paris is by train. A train takes 2-3 hours time to reach Paris from London.
You can reach Paris within 2 and a half hours if you get a direct train with no transfers. Traveling by train is the maximum used transport medium between Paris and London.
- Travel Time – 2 to 3 hours
- Travel Cost – Around $150 (but you can get cheap fares if book advance)
#2. By Bus
The bus is the most inexpensive way to travel to Paris if you have spare time. A bus takes around 8-9 hours to reach Paris from London.
You can easily get a direct bus from London to Paris and it doesn’t take many stops in the journey.
- Travel Time – 8 to 9 hours
- Travel Cost – Around $20 (the cheapest option)
#3. By Air
A direct flight is the quickest medium to reach Paris. You can reach Paris in just 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are frequent flights between London and Paris.
Secondly, going by Air is cheaper as compared to the train. But don’t forget to add the transport fare from the airport to the Paris town.
- Travel Time – 1.5 hours
- Travel Cost – Around $70 (the cheapest option)
#4. By Car
Driving is the least efficient way to travel from London to Paris (or any part of Europe). You have to cross the English channel through an undersea tunnel known as the channel. This is a 31 miles long tunnel.
But you can’t drive through it. Your car will be loaded to a train that will cross the tunnel. Other option is loading the car to a ferry and reaches the other side of the sea. You will remain with your vehicle.
Both ways, you have to pay the freight which is almost similar that is $60 each way.
Apart from that, you also pay auto-tolls costing you $20 each side.
- Travel Time – 1.5 hours
- Travel Cost – Around $132 (including freight, tolls, fuel, and taxes)
Best Option – A direct flight
Best Way to Travel From London to Ireland
England and Ireland are separated by the Irish Sea. You can’t travel the entire distance by one transport mode except by Air.
If you are traveling through train, you can get a combined Sail Rail packages that combine rail transport from England to Wales and further a ferry crossing the Irish sea to reach Dublin, capital of Ireland.
You have to reach to Holyhead, Wales, from where you can board the ferry to Ireland.
#1. By Sail-Rail
Sail Rail is the cheapest way to reach Ireland. You have to reach from London to Holyhead, Wales, by train and this journey would take 3-4 hours. You can buy a combo of Train and Ferry (also called Sail Rail package).
From Holyhead, you move to Dublin in a Ferry. A ferry can take up to 3 hours and 15 mins to reach the shores of Dublin.
- Travel Time – 6 to 8 hours
- Travel Cost – Around $60 (both sail & rail fares)
#2. By Air
Air travel is the best option if you are running short on time. You can reach Dublin (capital of Ireland) in just 1 and a half hours. But a flight would cost you almost double money.
- Travel Time – 1.5 hours
- Travel Cost – Around $110 (the cheapest option)
Best Option – Sail-Rail package
Best Way to Travel From London to Amsterdam
You can opt for 5 different ways to reach Amsterdam. Let’s check out all.
#1. By Air
Air travel is the best option if you are running short on time. You can reach Amsterdam in just 1 and a half hours. However, we haven’t included the commute fare from the airport to the city.
- Travel Time – 1.5 hours
- Travel Cost – Around $100 (the cheapest option)
#2. By Train
Train transportation has 3 options-
#1. Eurostar
You can take a Eurostar high-speed daytime train to reach Amsterdam in just 5.5 hours.
- Travel Time – 5 hours
- Travel Cost – Around $90
#2. Sail-Rail package
Another option is the Sail-Rail package is another cheap way to reach Amsterdam. You can reach Amsterdam in 8 hours.
- Travel Time – 8 hours
- Travel Cost – $50 (both sail-rail package)
#3. Overnight cabin
You can start your journey from central London to reach central Amsterdam. The fare includes the train to Harwich, a private cabin on the ferry with en suite shower/toilet, and further train travel to Amsterdam.
You can leave central London in the evening, sleep on the ferry, and arrive in Amsterdam the next morning.
- Travel Time – Overnight journey
- Travel Cost – Around $70
#3. By Bus
The cheapest way to travel from London to Amsterdam is by taking a coach or bus. It saves you more than $50 but your journey will last for 12 hours.
- Travel Time – 12 hours
- Travel Cost – Around $30 (the cheapest option)
Best Option – Sail-Rail package
Best Way to Travel From London to Scotland
#1. By Air
Air travel is the best option if you are running short on time. You can reach Amsterdam in just 1 and a half hours. However, we haven’t included the commute fare from the airport to the city.
- Travel Time – 90 minutes
- Travel Cost – Around $25 to $100 (keep on varying)
#2. By Train
You have 2 train transit options from London to Scotland
#1. High speed transit
You can take a high-speed daytime train to reach Edinburg in just 4.5 hours.
Travel Time – 5 hours
Travel Cost – Around $90
#2. Overnight sleeper
Overnight sleeper train is the best way to travel from London to Edinburgh while you sleep.
You can get a sleeper seat for your travel. You can save some money on Hotel room because your night will be covered up in the train. An eco-friendly option for your travel.
Sleeper train reaches you Edingburgh in 7.5 hours.
- Travel Time – Overnight journey (8 hours)
- Travel Cost – Around $60 for single seat
#3. By Bus or Coach
Taking a coach is the slower but cheaper option to reach Scotland. It saves you more than $50 but your journey will last for 11 hours.
- Travel Time – 9-11 hours
- Travel Cost – Around $15 – $30
Best Option – Overnight sleeper train
Final Words
That’s it guys. How did you find this guide, do let me know in the comments.
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