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London has it all, fine hotels, endless shopping, breathtaking architecture and some of the worlds best loved icons. Whether you are a regular to London on business or relaxing on an extended break there is always something new to discover, from gourmet restaurants to one of London’s hundred museums. The ancient history of London is situated right next to the modern architecture and attractions.
So whether you are here for the day or a week take time to see London at its best – here is a few helpful hints
Language
English is the official language of London, yet with its cosmopolitan diversity
many hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions speak a variety of languages.
Currency
The British pound (GBP) / Sterling is the official currency.
Taxes
Value-added Tax of 15% (VAT) is already included in the price of any
retail products.
Travel
If you are traveling to the UK for the first time please ensure you visit the
below website for all Visa and travel requirements for entry to the UK.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/travellingtotheuk/
Train
The cheapest and easiest way round this city is the London underground. Ensure
you purchase an oyster card at any underground station, which is a pay as you go
travel card, easily topped up at any station. Your oyster card must be swiped at
the start of your journey and swiped again on your way out to ensure your
journey is registered, failure to swipe out at the end of your journey can lead
to problems re entering the tube station. Alternatively travel cards can be
purchased at any underground stop and allow you to travel to all zones all day.
Taxi
Taxis can be easily found all around London, if the yellow light is on
it means they are free to pick you up, place your hand out to get their
attention and they will pull over for you!
Alternative to book a cab please call Addison Lee on 0844 800
66 77 or online -
http://www.addisonlee.com/
Airport transport
Traveling from Heathrow? -
click
here
Traveling from Gatwick? -
click
here
Traveling from London City? -
click
here
Hotel bookings
For any hotel needs you have during your visit please contact Hotel
Express our accommodation agency, who will be able to assist with all
your hotel requirements.
Tel: 01905 732737
Fax: 01905 732738
Email: reservations@eventexpressuk.com
Web: www.eventexpressuk.com
Electricity
Power comes out of UK wall sockets at about 220 volts (actually 220-240). UK
plugs, also used in Ireland, are large and have three, substantial, flat prongs.
They are unlike plugs used anywhere else in Europe. If you use dual voltage
appliances and devices, all you will need, throughout the UK, is a simple UK
Adaptor Plug.
Business Hours
Retail shopping hours are generally from 9:00 am to 8pm daily.
Banking hours are from 9:00 am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday
Shopping
Majority of shops and restaurants will accept all major credit cards. American
Express is the least accepted payment method, please ensure you have alternative
cards or cash with you.
Tipping
Tipping is optional in London, but check it has not already been
included as a service charge on a restaurant bill or hotel bill.
Emergency Numbers
All emergency numbers can be dialed free on any land line or mobile
phone. For all emergency services, fire, police and ambulance please call 999.
Local Attractions
These are our top spots not to be missed in London!
Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
The name Big Ben is often used to describe the tower, the clock and the bell but
the name was actually first given to the Great Bell, which has chimed on the
hour every hour since 1859. Big Ben stands next to the Palace of Westminster or
now better known as the Houses of Parliament.
For more visiting hours and more information please visit -
http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty
The Queen. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to take up residence in
Buckingham Palace in 1837. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining
in the world today. During the summer, visitors can tour the nineteen State
Rooms, which form the heart of the Palace.
For more information on visiting Buckingham Palace please visit -
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk
The Tower of London & Tower Bridge
A great place to view London’s ever changing skyline, Tower Bridge
offers a historical viewing point. Don’t miss a chance to see this famous bridge
rise and a tour of the Victorian engine rooms. For lift times and more
information please visit -
http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/TBE/EN/
The Tower of London is steeped in history having been used as a prison, palace and place of execution (including the execution of two of Henry VIII wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard), since its construction following the Norman Conquest of 1066. For further information about tours and history behind the tower please visit - http://www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon/
London Eye
A more modern addition to the riverbank, the London Eye was built at
the turn of the century and is now one of London’s most popular tourist
attractions, with 3.5 million people a year taking flights. We advise pre
booking your tickets to avoid disappointment -
http://www.londoneye.com/
Tour guides
Open-Top Bus Tours are a great way to see all the major sights of the city, with
an easy hop on hop off system, allowing you to jump off and visit any points of
interest. Whether you only have two hours to see London or the whole day this is
by far the easiest and most efficient way to see London. English speaking
guides, or recorded commentary in various languages, offering a fascinating
insight into the cities history and interesting facts on how London’s famous and
not so famous landmarks!
For tickets contact -
http://www.bigbustours.com/eng/london/default.aspx?gclid=CJitwIesj5wCFZwA4wodSWxEYQ
Museums and Parks
London has a multitude of free museums for you to spend an afternoon in and if
the weather is nice then there is always one of London’s stunning parks to
stroll around. For more information on which museums to visit please see -
http://www.visitlondon.com/attractions/culture/major-museums
And for your nearest park please see -
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/
For more information on what is going on in London during your stay make sure you check the below websites -
