LONDON VACATION
Top 5 things for families to remember when visiting London
By Binh Zientek
London as an attraction for families looking for an exciting city break is
unrivalled. There are so many exciting things to do, visit and see for all
the family, a few weeks is not enough. The downside of having a
break in this world-class city, it is that it can be horrendously
expensive if you are not aware of money saving choices. This article is
my way to help you plan and prepares the perfect the family holiday to
London.
Transport
Transport in London, thanks to our Mayor Ken Livingstone is now one
of the most expensive in the world. Travelling around either by driving
your own car or by public transport is a costly affair, as you are either
paying the congestion charge or a very expensive tube ticket. As a
family on holiday can appreciate, saving money wherever you can is
very important so here are some ideas for a family top consider:
1. London Underground fares are exorbitant if you pay by cash, so buy
an Oyster card. This card allows you to pre-purchase tickets and fares
are considerably cheaper. For example, a one stop journey on the
tube can cost £4 by cash, but the equivalent journey will cost £1.50!
Visit www.tfl.gov.uk for more details
2. Buy a family one day or weekly travel card which can be used on
trains and buses. This card will allow you to travel within a number of
London zones, at a set price. So you will not be hit with expensive
surprise! Visitwww.tfl.gov.uk
Accommodation
Aside from expensive travel costs, accommodation for families is also
hard to find. Many hotels do not have a spacious, one room to fit a
family of 2 adults and 2 children. Even if they are offered a room with
twin double beds, it can become slightly claustrophobic sleeping in
the same room for a week! Also in a hotel, there is basic tea and
coffee making facilities within the room, so eating out daily is an
expensive must.
Another accommodation option is to stay in a serviced apartment
instead of a hotel room. Serviced apartments are usually flats with
separate bedroom, living room and a fully equipped kitchen with
washer/dryer, cooker etc. Depending on your budget, a family of four
can either stay in a two bedroom apartment from £220 per night, or a
one bedroom with one double bed and a double sofa bed in the living
room form £160 per night. Having a fully equipped kitchen will also
save you money because you can cook and enjoy refreshments
instead of dining at restaurants or using hotel room service. Serviced
apartments do share similar benefits to hotels, such as maid service
high speed internet.
Tourist Attractions
There is not a doubt that London has some of the most fantastic
attractions for families to explore and savour. It can be also hard
hitting on the budget when average price per adult is £10. Here are
some ideas to help:
1. Purchase a London Pass: this card will save you money on
hundreds of tourist attractions, tour buses and restaurants. The cost
starts from £39 for an adult one day pass with travel, £22 for children
one day pass.
2. If you are buying individual tickets to attraction try to research on the
internet first, as sometimes there may be a special internet price to
thank you for booking in advance. Even if the price is the same, you
can save yourself time from having to queue at the ticket office.
3. Check out Visit London tourist board regularly to find special deals.
Visit www.visitlondon.co.uk
Book Early
Try to book as much as you can in advance, especially
accommodation. The peak time in London for tourists is from May to
September, so hotel rates increases rapidly and apartments are fully
booked. Book at least 3 months ahead to guarantee your place in the
rush, otherwise you can find yourself stuck in an overpriced and dingy
room. Book tourist attraction tickets early as well, because some of
the most popular ones like the London Eye are always fully booked in
advance. For example, one family friend of mine wanted to enjoy a
ride on the London Eye at 2:00pm, so they turned up at 1:00pm to buy
tickets and was told (1 hour later) that the next available ride was at
midnight! You have been warned.
Free things to do!
Despite all the costs of London, there are fortunately many wonderful
things to do for FREE.
1. Visit the famous Borough Market in Southwark (near London Bridge
tube). There are many stalls of cheeses, sausages and lovely food to
behold. It is a very popular spot for all Londoners, so try to get there
early between 8:00-10:00am when it is not so crowded.
2. Museums and Art galleries: many museums and galleries are
totally free to visitors. The children will love exploring the British
Museum, where they can view Egyptian mummies, or dinosaurs at
the Natural History Museum. The Tate Modern is fabulous and will
inspire them!
3. Parks are free. Choose from the expansive Hyde Park, elegant
Regents' Park or the glorious St James' Park. Lots of open space to
let the children roam while you enjoy a picnic in peace.
4. Covent Garden. One of the most vibrant markets in the Capital.
Enjoy free, live music daily ranging from funky guitars or a soaring
soprano fresh from opera school.
Despite its downside, I love London because it is still a very thrilling
place to visit. There is just so much to do and new places to discover.
It was and still remains one of the favourite destinations for family
holidays and vacation.
Binh Zientek
Official Company Websites:
www.qualitylondonapartments.co.uk
www.qualitypragueapartments.co.uk
Our company Blog to insider tips:
www.qualitylondonapartments.blogspot.com
Helpful websites
www.visitlondon.co.uk
www.tripadvisor.com
www.tfl.gov.uk
About the Author
Director of Quality London Apartments, an online company offering a free
search and book service for all travellers seeking an alternative to hotels -
serviced London apartments. After 10 years in the hospitality industry,
specifically within 5 star hotels, I launched my own company to offer honest,
good old fashioned service and helpfulness. Call me on +44 (0)20 7476 8963
Top 5 things for families to remember when visiting London
By Binh Zientek
London as an attraction for families looking for an exciting city break is
unrivalled. There are so many exciting things to do, visit and see for all
the family, a few weeks is not enough. The downside of having a
break in this world-class city, it is that it can be horrendously
expensive if you are not aware of money saving choices. This article is
my way to help you plan and prepares the perfect the family holiday to
London.
Transport
Transport in London, thanks to our Mayor Ken Livingstone is now one
of the most expensive in the world. Travelling around either by driving
your own car or by public transport is a costly affair, as you are either
paying the congestion charge or a very expensive tube ticket. As a
family on holiday can appreciate, saving money wherever you can is
very important so here are some ideas for a family top consider:
1. London Underground fares are exorbitant if you pay by cash, so buy
an Oyster card. This card allows you to pre-purchase tickets and fares
are considerably cheaper. For example, a one stop journey on the
tube can cost £4 by cash, but the equivalent journey will cost £1.50!
Visit www.tfl.gov.uk for more details
2. Buy a family one day or weekly travel card which can be used on
trains and buses. This card will allow you to travel within a number of
London zones, at a set price. So you will not be hit with expensive
surprise! Visitwww.tfl.gov.uk
Accommodation
Aside from expensive travel costs, accommodation for families is also
hard to find. Many hotels do not have a spacious, one room to fit a
family of 2 adults and 2 children. Even if they are offered a room with
twin double beds, it can become slightly claustrophobic sleeping in
the same room for a week! Also in a hotel, there is basic tea and
coffee making facilities within the room, so eating out daily is an
expensive must.
Another accommodation option is to stay in a serviced apartment
instead of a hotel room. Serviced apartments are usually flats with
separate bedroom, living room and a fully equipped kitchen with
washer/dryer, cooker etc. Depending on your budget, a family of four
can either stay in a two bedroom apartment from £220 per night, or a
one bedroom with one double bed and a double sofa bed in the living
room form £160 per night. Having a fully equipped kitchen will also
save you money because you can cook and enjoy refreshments
instead of dining at restaurants or using hotel room service. Serviced
apartments do share similar benefits to hotels, such as maid service
high speed internet.
Tourist Attractions
There is not a doubt that London has some of the most fantastic
attractions for families to explore and savour. It can be also hard
hitting on the budget when average price per adult is £10. Here are
some ideas to help:
1. Purchase a London Pass: this card will save you money on
hundreds of tourist attractions, tour buses and restaurants. The cost
starts from £39 for an adult one day pass with travel, £22 for children
one day pass.
2. If you are buying individual tickets to attraction try to research on the
internet first, as sometimes there may be a special internet price to
thank you for booking in advance. Even if the price is the same, you
can save yourself time from having to queue at the ticket office.
3. Check out Visit London tourist board regularly to find special deals.
Visit www.visitlondon.co.uk
Book Early
Try to book as much as you can in advance, especially
accommodation. The peak time in London for tourists is from May to
September, so hotel rates increases rapidly and apartments are fully
booked. Book at least 3 months ahead to guarantee your place in the
rush, otherwise you can find yourself stuck in an overpriced and dingy
room. Book tourist attraction tickets early as well, because some of
the most popular ones like the London Eye are always fully booked in
advance. For example, one family friend of mine wanted to enjoy a
ride on the London Eye at 2:00pm, so they turned up at 1:00pm to buy
tickets and was told (1 hour later) that the next available ride was at
midnight! You have been warned.
Free things to do!
Despite all the costs of London, there are fortunately many wonderful
things to do for FREE.
1. Visit the famous Borough Market in Southwark (near London Bridge
tube). There are many stalls of cheeses, sausages and lovely food to
behold. It is a very popular spot for all Londoners, so try to get there
early between 8:00-10:00am when it is not so crowded.
2. Museums and Art galleries: many museums and galleries are
totally free to visitors. The children will love exploring the British
Museum, where they can view Egyptian mummies, or dinosaurs at
the Natural History Museum. The Tate Modern is fabulous and will
inspire them!
3. Parks are free. Choose from the expansive Hyde Park, elegant
Regents' Park or the glorious St James' Park. Lots of open space to
let the children roam while you enjoy a picnic in peace.
4. Covent Garden. One of the most vibrant markets in the Capital.
Enjoy free, live music daily ranging from funky guitars or a soaring
soprano fresh from opera school.
Despite its downside, I love London because it is still a very thrilling
place to visit. There is just so much to do and new places to discover.
It was and still remains one of the favourite destinations for family
holidays and vacation.
Binh Zientek
Official Company Websites:
www.qualitylondonapartments.co.uk
www.qualitypragueapartments.co.uk
Our company Blog to insider tips:
www.qualitylondonapartments.blogspot.com
Helpful websites
www.visitlondon.co.uk
www.tripadvisor.com
www.tfl.gov.uk
About the Author
Director of Quality London Apartments, an online company offering a free
search and book service for all travellers seeking an alternative to hotels -
serviced London apartments. After 10 years in the hospitality industry,
specifically within 5 star hotels, I launched my own company to offer honest,
good old fashioned service and helpfulness. Call me on +44 (0)20 7476 8963
LONDON VACATION
LONDON HOTEL
LONDON APARTMENT RENTAL
LONDON HOTEL
LONDON APARTMENT RENTAL
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