This is a brief list of online resources for folks who plan to visit us in London.
Travel Books
- The DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide: London is a nice resource (it's a good place to use when planning your trip if nothing else). It can be purchased at many book stores and also has a smartphone app version.
Getting to & from the Airport to Central London
- Heathrow Express - Simple way to get from Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station in Central London. Non-stop trains run every 15 minutes. Tickets can also be purchased at Heathrow right after you have cleared customs with your luggage. Round trip tickets tend to be cheaper than one-way ones.
- Gatwick Express - Simple way to get from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria Station in Central London. Non-stop trains run continuously. Tickets can also be purchased at Gatwick Airport but it may be more expensive to purchase them there.
Getting Around London
- Visitor Oyster Card - This is the card needed to pay for using the Tube (subway) & bus services. Oyster cards can also be purchased at London Tube stations.
- London Travel Card - We've never used this but it might be worth looking into. It is associated with the London Pass.
- Typical Taxi Fares
Hop On/Hop Off Bus Companies - Spend the day (or two) touring
the various London sights by an open top bus at your own pace (hop on & off bus at points all over the city). Tickets
can also be purchased directly at the bus.
Tour Companies & Tour Options
Summer Tours
- Buckingham Palace - The staterooms are open during the summer. Tickets sell out quickly and need to be booked online in advance.
- Houses of Parliament Tour - Guided tours are available year-round on Saturdays as well as on most days during the summer. Tickets need to be booked online in advance.
Discount Opportunities
- The London Pass - A discount card for some of the major London attractions. It looks like there is a transportation option that can be added to this pass.
- Discount Theater Tickets
- London Sightseeing Special Offers (compilation of options from various companies with discounts)
- Groupon and Living Social offer London/UK discounts occasionally for tours, meals, etc.
- Purchasing tickets to some attractions (London Eye, Tower of London, etc) online in advance can sometimes be cheaper than buying them at the location.
2013 London Events
- Trooping the Colour - June 15th (Queen's birthday celebration - Tickets can be requested in Jan. or Feb.)
