London is the capital of many things: England, the United Kingdom and British fashion. It is also home to a number of exciting and historical events and activities. London recently saw the royal wedding and London will soon be home to the 2012 Olympics, which will transform the already bustling city into a hive of sporting activity. Even without these massive global events London is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world for good reasons. Here are a few things to see and do in this exhilarating city.

Liberty

One of the most famous department stores in the country, Liberty has long been providing the people of the UK with intricately designed products. Built from a ship, the Tudor revival building is a spectacular place to take part in a bit of retail therapy. With designer brands and a wide array of home ware products you are guaranteed to find a special product within the bowels of this great beached vessel. You can also grab a cup of tea, and a scone in these impressive surroundings.

Hamleys

Hamleys is one of the world’s largest toy shops and holds a great number of exciting wonderments for any child who steps through its doors. The store contains seven floors of toys, gadgets and other exciting products. Its flagship store in Regent Street, London, is the one of the most exiting places in the city, especially for children.

Tower of London

The Queen's House at the Tower of London

See the crown jewels in their resplendent glory at the Tower of London. The exhibitions housed in the tower also have a lot to offer any tourist looking to learn more about the city and its history.

London Dungeons

Experience London and its incredibly gory past at the London Dungeons. The experience will both entertain and enlighten, as actors strive to recreate the conditions of plague infested streets and horrible historical events.

Rachel Whitehead's installation in the Turbine Hall.

Tate Modern

With free entry into most exhibits you can explore the artist contributions from visionaries all over the world. With current exhibits including the largest collection of works by J M W Turner in the world and other international artists you can spend the day gazing at some of the most impressive pieces of art in a truly spectacular location.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

London: Portobello Road (& the Saturday market)

Rent an apartment for a weekend through somewhere like CityBaseApartments.com, who offer London apartments short stays and long stays alike. Nestled in West London’s rather salubrious Notting Hill area, Portobello road is a haven for treasure seekers and vintage lovers alike. Sauntering from the tube past Notting Hill’s white and decidedly summery-looking Georgian townhouses to Portobello Road is something to behold in itself – but as soon as you reach Portobello road, you’ll know about it. Curiosity shops of all shapes, sizes and persuasions offer Aladdin’s-Cave-style experiences, perfect for those with a taste for anything artistic, eccentric or outrageous.

Berlin: Badeschiff

Otherwise known as the ‘Bathing Ship’, Badeschiff sits atop the Spree River and is hailed as one of the best party places in Berlin. This boat boasts no less than a floating pool, an open-air bar and a beach-style sunbathing area and offers massages, fitness tuition, concerts and nightclub parties. The place attracts crowds even in the winter when they simply install a couple of saunas and continue the party by covering the vessel with a big white membrane.

Copenhagen: Christiana

Europe’s most famous 850-strong squat, Christiania is located in Copenhagen’s Christianahavn and is probably most famous for its lawlessness when it comes to cannabis. However — don’t be put off by this, because that part of Christiania can be ignored as easily as it can be found. Whatever season you visit, this place really is a spectacle worth visiting. From quaint little hand-build eco homes to a vegan café and an all-female iron monger workshop, Christiania offers plenty to marvel at. And if you manage to walk from the main entrance all the way through, there’s an incredible grotto-style café to greet you on the other side.

Barcelona: El Born

If you’ve been to Spain before, then you’ll know it’s relaxed — and the Spanish love nothing more than late nights, parties and fantastic food. Head to Barcelona’s new cultural quarter, El Born (or if you want to sound more with it, it’s just ‘Born’). Begin your evening around 10pm at one of Barcelona’s best wine bars, La Vinya del Senyor, followed by Cuines Santa-Caterina for a nice, sharable and light tapas dinner before midnight. Be careful not to eat too much though — there’s plenty of dancing to be done at the Woman Caballero nightclub. But don’t go over August — most of the city shuts for the month.

Paris: Paule Caillet’s Promenades Gourmandes cookery course

A non-residential cookery course, this can easily be squeezed into your girly weekend perfectly — although it’s not cheap. Cordon Bleu chef and tour guide, Paule Caillat, will guide you and your friends around some of Paris’ very best markets, herb and truffle shops, among other places, and — the Pièce de résistance — the kitchens at the prestigious Hotel de Crillo, before you head back to cook something scintillating.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

London is renowned around the world for its diversity and attracts millions of tourists year after year. Visitors are never short of things to do in the English capital – after all, there are 32 different boroughs in Greater London — but there is no way that anybody can see everything worth seeing in London in one day. London is a long-stay city.

Apartment rentals in the capital are popular amongst tourists because they provide the opportunity to chill out in luxury and see the city in style. The attractiveness of Kensington and Canary Wharf apartments, for instance, as alternative ways to experience London is growing, even despite the recession.

The best bits of London are spread right across the city, so you’d be hard pressed to fit them all into one day when you consider the travel time involved. Yes, taking the Tube is quick and easy (and an essential part of experiencing London), but the layout of the city means that you’d spend half your day on it travelling to your destinations. It’s best to take your time, soak it all up and be able to put your feet up at the end of the day.

Most first-time visitors want to see all the major attractions like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace, but there is so much more to London than the international tourism industry recognises. Have you heard of the Ice Bar just off Regent Street? A bar made of ice in which you can enjoy an ice cold cocktail in a glass made of ice with your friends. Cool, huh? Then there’s the London Dungeons to send even more shivers down your spine.

For accommodation, people who visit London tend to prefer centrally located properties in zone 1 or zone 2. We may not be able to afford some of the penthouse apartments the city has to offer but, with a bit of research, you can find luxurious and affordable apartments based right where you want to be.

Enjoying London is much about not rushing from one place to the next. You’ll enjoy your stay in the city more if you take things in your pace and discover the city on your own (instead of only following a guidebook’s advice). And while the touristy sights are highly visited for a reason, you’ll be glad you saved time to see London beyond the  tourist attractions.

This is London (courtesy of Flickr user maistora)

Written by Joe Johnson

One of the biggest clichés about England is the weather, most outsiders and indeed the majority of inhabitants will cite the predominantly wet, dreary atmosphere that envelops the country for approximately nine months of the year. What is impressive is that despite this, millions upon millions of tourists visit the small island nation every year, arriving in their droves to marvel at the ancient yet cutting edge city of London, the rolling green pastures and hundreds of other tourist attractions like Stonehenge, the Eden Project, Lindisfarne Castle and Old Trafford football stadium, home of Manchester United FC. These are no doubt impressive sites but there is something else, something intangible, magical that draws people from thousands of miles away to England’s fair shores.

It’s often said that British people are rude or ignorant, while some of us may come across like this, I’d like to defend us by saying that we’re merely polite in the extreme, this is why you might encounter an English person who appears to ignore you, they are simply being ultra polite and waiting until they’re directly addressed to speak. The British value order and organisation which is why you will always find impromptu queues, we don’t need to be asked to be civilised.

It is this intrinsic sense of decency and respect for others that means Britain has such an inclusive, democratic and diverse society. One of the first things tourists notice about Britain, particularly in big cities, is how diverse the population is. People of different nationalities, colours and creed live and work alongside one another creating an infectious cultural melting pot that influences everything from music to fashion to food. It is this level of diversity that makes the country such a refreshing, interesting place to visit; fancy some Bangladeshi cuisine in deepest rural Sussex, you got it!

Of course the one thing that makes England stand out from its European cousins and indeed almost ever other country in the world is its illustrious history, but more so the fact that many of the remnants and artefacts from the country’s empirical past remain. Ancient castles dating back hundreds of years are dotted across the landscape, many of them expertly preserved and converted into museums that document this history in an informative and compelling fashion. Influences from more recent historical periods are evident in the residential architecture; do yourself a favour and visit a traditional English public house.

There are so many reasons to love England, and for some tourists, they are enough to lure them into making England their home which leads me finally onto my main point, why do I love England? I’ve lived here all my life and am therefore well placed to comment on its worthiness as a tourist destination, as well as a place to settle. So, what’s my favourite thing about England? It may seem boring since I’ve been harping on about the magic of the place and the hospitality of its inhabitants, but my favourite thing about this country is its size.

I’d describe England as compact rather than small, an apt term when you consider that so much culture and history is compacted into the island nation. Being relatively compact means it’s fairly easy to get from one side of the country to the other. This makes visiting relatives and friends, attending national sports events, commuting to work and generally being able to see different parts of the country far less painful than a country like the U.S, where driving from end to end takes several days.

Of course there are several other more sentimental reasons I love England, I grew up here, went to school here, made friends and studied here, my life is here. Many inhabitants complain about the weather, the over-crowdedness, the government, and the cost of living, and while I’d agree that England isn’t perfect, and I do enjoy getting away from it all now and again, England is my home, I love it and I plan on spending the rest of my life here.

Joe is an English Travel blogger, he takes Spain holidays for the weather but always looks forward to returning to his home country!

London Night Skyline (courtesy of Michal O.)

Written by Daphne Dunphy

When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination, most people opt for the sun, the sea and the sand – enjoying cocktail after cocktail on a nice, quiet and romantic beach somewhere. But if you fancy a slightly more alternative choice, forget the Bahamas, forget the Caribbean and choose London.

The English capital might not be everybody’s first choice for a honeymoon holiday for two, but its capacity for romance should not be underestimated. In fact, there is not much you can’t do in London.

London hotels west end are amongst the best in the UK, if not the world, so you can choose to spend your honeymoon however you please. You can get sensual in the spas of Windsor hotels or sprightly in the city in luxury Kensington apartments. Diversity is precisely the charm of the great city of London.

It all depends on what kind of honeymoon you want. You can experience it from the streets, the river or the sky – and, with the latter, we’re not just talking about the London Eye. One of the most exciting and exhilarating ways to see London is from a helicopter. Thousands of tourists have seen London from the eye, but how many have had the privilege of seeing it from a moving platform?

Honeymoons have to include at least one celebratory dining experience in a top-end restaurant. You’ll find some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in the world in the Mayfair area of London. The Square is amongst the best, with two Michelin stars to its name and a vast and sophisticated menu of high quality food and wine. It is a little bit pricy but, hey, it’s your honeymoon!

London also boasts some out-of-this-world tasting tours, too, from wine to beer and chocolate to cheese. Some places, like the London Wine Academy, even combine these experiences. In a range of restaurants, they spice up the weekend with perfect combinations of various wines and cheeses from around the world. If you both share a passion for two of the best gastronomic delights known to man, then this is the perfect honeymoon activity for you.

A great way to finish off your honeymoon in London is to go to the Whispering Gallery in St Paul’s Cathedral. The dome there is perfectly shaped to carry your whispers to the other side of the building, allowing your partner to hear your sweet nothings as if you stood next to them.

There is much more romance to London than this article can accommodate, but at least this is a starting point. The English capital has such diversity that it is bound to deliver the perfect honeymoon for every kind of newlywed couple.

As a graduate of English and History, Daphne Dunphy combines her creative streak and passion for the English language with her love for all things travel. 

Gordon’s Wine Bar (courtesy of Flickr user Chris_J)

Written by Daphne Dunphy

While once, I wasn’t a staunch fan of this city, I’ve lived here so long and done so much here that I really have grown to love the place, and I must, by now, have gained honorary-Londoner status. So when my old university friends and I decided that a reunion was in order, we decided that a staycation here in the big smoke would be as good as one in any city abroad, and with my flat barely big enough for me, let alone seven fully-grown women and all their garb, I duly looked online for some suitable (luxury!) city based apartments in London. I’ve also been to Liverpool apartments which were no where near as nice and central as they were for this city.

The girls were coming on Friday night, so I opted to bring them to Charing Cross’ hotly-tipped Gordon’s Wine Bar (London’s oldest wine bar). Happily plonked just outside the Charing Cross tube station entrance, Gordon’s proved to be a winner with everyone. It’s quirky, friendly, serves an ample range of British delicacies and cheeses, and offers (as you’d imagine) an incredibly extensive wine list.

In anticipation of our catch-up, I booked the group a ‘cage’ downstairs – something which the Gordon’s site highly recommends. When we descended into the belly of this magnificent wine bar, we found it to be dimly lit by candlelight and full of atmosphere, with ancient, discoloured newspapers decorating the walls and couples petting in the privacy of the bar’s shadowy corners.

Next, the size of the wine list was bewildering – I asked our friendly barkeep to recommend something to begin with – he more than knew his stuff, and bid us to try his Echeverria Merlot Reserva which was, as we knew it would be, divine. After a long night slowly sipping good wine and interspersing it with nibbles on bread and cheese, we embarked upon our short and rather unsteady stroll from Charing Cross to our wonderful Covent Garden apartment.

Knowing that we might well be a little worse for wear after whiling away an evening in a wine bar, I offered up a few different options for the Saturday. The first involved lunch followed by a visit to the V&A and the Natural History Museum (South Kensington tube, on the Piccadilly, Circle and District lines). The second was brunch on Portobello Road (Notting Hill Gate tube, on the Central line), followed by the Saturday market there. Considering that we class ourselves more as ladies who lunch than as history enthusiasts (I did try to be grown up!), we went with the latter.

Electric Cinema & Brasserie (courtesy of Flickr user j_silla)

I’d heard great things about the Electric Brasserie on Portobello road, and had provisionally booked us a table earlier in the week. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting after having seen the website – it was very busy, with tables spilling onto the pavement outside, and staff scurrying around with plates of food and trays of glasses. We were apprehensive as we entered this cramped-looking, corridor-like establishment. Had I made a mistake? Perhaps.

We waited patiently by the hostess stand to be seated, after which our hostess promptly took us down to the back of the restaurant where, thankfully, it opened up into a bigger, wider, and much less busy part of the restaurant – we were saved! We settled in and ordered our drinks (which took longer than you’d expect to arrive), and marvelled at the menu before us.

While the staff seemed a little disorganised and impersonal (often a characteristic of London restaurant staff, I’ve found), the food, thankfully, was beautiful. There’s a great range on offer on the Electric Brasserie brunch menu – and clearly, brunch was something this place did very well indeed.

The menu boasts a wide range of vegetarian breakfast fare, including veggie sausages, blue cheese scrambled eggs on toast, and giant Portobello mushrooms. The sumptuous lunch and dinner options include a sublime French onion soup, butternut squash lasagne, spinach and ricotta cannelloni and a number of vegetarian sandwiches made with homemade black olive focaccia bread. There’s plenty more (including non-veggie dishes) that I can’t even recall, but I do remember I had a particularly spicy bean burger with homemade tomato salsa, which was absolutely perfect – just what my belly was calling out for!

A couple of hours of more chatting, reminiscing and coffee-drinking, we moved on outside to revel in the delights and sparky atmosphere of Portobello Road market, a veritable shopper’s paradise. Stallholders here love nothing more than to talk to you about their quirky vintage and antique wares, and we loved the good spirited haggling some of them engaged us in (beware of the pushy ones, though – they are around). You could literally spend the whole day wandering around this place, in and out of the tiny, crammed Aladdin’s-cave-style shops and market stalls – if you had the stamina, that is. But however long you decide to stay for, it’s the perfect next-day refuge for a group of hungover vintage-loving thirty-somethings on a bright, summery Saturday afternoon.

As a graduate of English and History, Daphne Dunphy combines her creative streak and passion for the English language with her love for all things travel. 

After hours of cultural immersion, why not point out the places you visited from the London Eye?

Written by Amy Heritage

London is home to a phenomenal amount of galleries and museums, many of which are free to enter — making them a brilliant idea for a thrifty day out. They are also often family-friendly, offering lots of activities for children. Here are a few tips, so you can make the best of your cultural experience:

Limit your visits 

Some of London’s more famous attractions, like the Natural History Museum and the British Museum, hold a phenomenal amount of artifacts. The sheer size and magnitude of these museums can be incredibly daunting, especially if you have young children in tow. Instead of wandering around the museum aimlessly, pushing through massive crowds, until your kids are tired and cranky — research the attraction first. What is it that you really want to see? The whale skeleton? The real-life mummies? Then, put a time limit on how long you intend to stay in the museum. That way you can get the kids involved in planning the trip, they can look forward to seeing the exhibitions, and they will leave before they become tired and bored. If you can’t cram everything you want to see in an hour, just come back another day — that’s the beauty of things being free!

Take a tour

Art galleries often aren’t very exciting for children — there is only so long they can spend walking around looking at pictures. Instead, try to engage them in the gallery — many of London’s galleries run activities for children on a regular basis. Every Sunday the National Gallery runs a ‘magic carpet story telling’ event for under 5’s, where the story behind a painting will be brought to life by lively gallery guides. Even the Tate Modern, which is associated with the cutting-edge of modern art, has an ‘under 5’s zone’ for children to play in a ‘creative environment’ that is inspired by the various themes of Cubist artworks. Check on the website of a gallery to see what’s on, or ring the education officer — every museum and gallery will have one. There is also a UK website, called ‘Kids in Museums’ dedicated to making attractions more family-friendly.

Try something different

Sometimes it can be rewarding to stray from the path and check-out some of London’s less famous attractions. The lesser known museums are often smaller and less busy, so they can be much less stressful. The Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green is entirely dedicated to childhood-related objects and artifacts — so you are guaranteed to find something here for any age. Similarly, the Cartoon Museum has a great focus on both adults and children. A visit to Pollocks Toy Museum however, might not be as thrifty as you had first imagined — the shop is so good you might have to buy something!

Top Thrifty Tip: Food near attractions is hugely expensive, especially if it’s aimed at families. You will save lots if you bring your own food.

Amy Heritage writes about family holidays for thriftyholidays.co.uk.

Universal Studios in Orlando. (Image courtesy of gepiblu.)

Written by Nisha Bashir

Trying to keep everyone happy on a family holiday is no mean feat. However, there are many global locations in which you can do just that, although choosing between them can seem a difficult task whether they are holiday parks or somewhere different. Here are a few of the best options when you’re trying to book some time away from home and have people of all ages to look after.

Gatorland in Orlando.

Orlando, Florida, United States

Orlando is home to not one but many of the planet’s premier destinations for family fun. Walt Disney World is of course one of the most exciting places to visit for both kids and adults, but in the case of this amazing location it’s only the beginning. Sea World is another magnificent theme park worth the trip in itself, as are the incredible Universal Studios and Discovery Cove. It may be a cliché, but things really are done on a different scale here, making for an unforgettable experience for everyone from eight to eighty and beyond.

London, United Kingdom

London is one of the world’s great cities, with history and culture in ample supply. The city has long been a favourite choice for families looking to take a break from both UK and worldwide locations. From Madame Tussauds to the West End, via the Science Museum and the National Gallery, you’d need to spend a long time here to run out of places to visit. London’s gorgeous and expansive family holiday parks also make it the perfect environment on a summer’s day, and with plenty of restaurants catering to the entire family you’re well taken care of into the evenings too.

Sea view in the Canaries.

Canary Islands

The Canaries are understandably a popular choice for people young and old. Regardless of if you visit Gran Canaria, Tenerife or Lanzarote you’re pretty much guaranteed hot weather, as you’re not far from the northern reaches of Africa. Sun and sand are available in plentiful supply, whether you want to get active or chill out. A unique flavour of Spanish culture also prevails here, so the food and drink are excellent. The Canary Islands are a great choice for all inclusive, top value deals.

New York City, United States

New York City is a place that simply never loses its appeal, whether you’re into the arts, modern history or just want to experience the bright lights and big city thrills. They weren’t joking when they said this is the city that never sleeps, and the excitement simply never stops. New York City represents the full array of American culture in all its incredible diversity, a unique and unforgettable pleasure.

View of the Seine from the Eiffel Tower.

Paris, France

One of the world’s most beautiful places, the city of Paris is a truly beguiling one. With an inexhaustible supply of galleries and museums, the city’s buildings are themselves a breathtaking sight. The River provides the backdrop for much in the way of family fun, with a boat trip either by day or night surely one of the loveliest ways to see the sights. For eating out, Paris is hard to beat, with more world cuisines represented than you could ever want.

Nisha Bashir works as the editor for Holiday365 and has been representing the business for the last two years now. Holiday365 offers some great deals in the UK, why not pay them a visit to see the latest deals, holiday365.co.uk.

Many people think you have to sacrifice comfort and quality if you want to stay in a cheaper hotel when you travel. There are some bad apples, it’s true – but there are also plenty of budget accommodation options out there that give you a great experience and charge you less for it.

What budget accommodation is right for you?

Hostels

If you’re travelling with a big group of friends, hostels are great for saving money on group accommodation – they also have a fun and friendly atmosphere, and you’re likely to make new friends just by hanging out in the common area. Hostels have cheaper rates because they offer non-private dorm accommodation, and bathrooms are shared. Towels, bedding, Wi-Fi and private lockers are often free, but it’s down to the individual hostel whether food is offered – however, lots of them have communal kitchens, so you can make your own meals on the cheap. If you travel solo, staying in hostels is a great way to meet other travellers on the road.

Cheap Hotels

Most cheap hotels still offer extras like free breakfast or Wifi.  Credit

If you want to stay in a private room with an en suite bathroom, but don’t want to pay the high rates charged by four- and five-star hotels, go for the cheaper option. Cheap hotels keep their rates low by offering a more stream-lined range of facilities: while a five-star hotel might have a business centre, spa, swimming pool and full-service restaurant, a cheap hotel might offer just one or two of these things. Cheap hotels give you extras like free Wi-Fi and breakfasts, and you will still get a great service. They’re a good option for families, couples and smaller groups of friends.

Top Destinations for Budget Accommodation

London

Vibrant Colours of Notting Hill Carnival, London – Credit

Big, free events in London like the Notting Hill Carnival in August suit groups of friends, so get your London hostel booked well in advance. If you travel to London with your family to take in attractions such as the London Eye, Big Ben and West End shows, go for cheap London hotels for conveniently-located, budget accommodation.

Recommended cheap hotel: The two-star Grapevine Hotel is five minutes’ walk from Victoria tube and rail station. It charges from EUR 39.70 pppn (per person, per night), and has free Wi-Fi, free breakfasts and flat-screen TVs in rooms.

Paris

Steps of the Sacré Cœur at Montmartre, Paris. Credit

Paris is the city of love, so if you’re travelling there for a Valentine’s break on a budget, go for cheap Paris hotels for a private and romantic place to stay. For festivals like Rock en Seine, a Paris hostel makes a great option for a large group of friends – and you’re likely to meet other festival-goers there too.

Recommended cheap hotel: Hotel Audran in Montmartre occupies a lively neighbourhood a short walk from the Sacré Cœur, the bars of Abbesses Street and Pigalle metro stop. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, and rooms start at EUR 68pppn.

New York City

Bow Bridge over The Lake, Central Park, NYC. Credit

If you’re planning a shopping trip to New York, look for cheap New York City hotels so you’ve got a secure, private room where you can store all your new goodies! Those travelling in a bigger group for free music festivals like the Central Park summer concerts, or solo-travelling to see stunning New York sights, will find hostel stays ideal.

Recommended cheap hotel: Hotel 31 is found in the heart of Midtown Manhattan between Lexington and Park Avenue. Rooms have cosy, traditional décor and start at EUR £73.81pppn.

The bottom line is, cheap can still mean chic. Whether you’re looking for budget accommodation in major cities like London, New York or Paris, or you’re planning anything from a beach break to a ski trip, browse AnyTrip.com for a great-quality selection of affordable properties for short-term stays.

Isabel Clift is a writer for AnyTrip.com, the travel-booking specialists. She lives in London, and loves to take city-breaks in Europe whenever possible – her favorite cheap destinations for a long weekend are Berlin and Budapest.

Written by David Pomonis

The Royal Wedding. As the 29th of April draws ever closer, enthusiasts of the Royal Family and British culture itself are set to descend upon London to experience an event that will no doubt bring the UK together in celebration of Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton. The event is expected to attract an extra 600,000 visitors to London, with a large percentage having travelled from countries like America, Brazil and Russia. Many of which are likely to stay over the weekend after snapping up their flights and hotel the day the date was announced. If you have yet to sort out your accommodation you probably need to think outside the box and stay one step ahead of everyone else to stand a chance of attending for a reasonable price.

Accommodation. The great thing about London is the diverse range of accommodation on offer, anything from world renowned luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts and hostels as well as the familiar hotel brands. However, visitors searching for accommodation in central London for the weekend of the Royal Wedding have been frustratingly presented with a “fully booked” result as far back as late November. Instead of listing accommodation around Westminster Abbey, as there’s no guarantee there will be rooms left by now, here are two other ideas you can consider.

Renting a Room. Getting in on the expected tourist boom, and as a trial run for the Olympic Games, an estimated one in four Londoners plan to let rooms in their houses for the day of the wedding and the weekend. So, if you’re all about the wedding, and accommodation arrangements are low on your list of priorities, this option will likely be cheaper (on average £38 per night) than the rates many hotels will offer over the long weekend. Sites like gumtree.com and spareroom.com are two sites where you can find rooms available for rent.

Airport Hotels. If you’re still set on a hotel but aren’t happy with the price you need to pay for a prime location, look at accommodation further out of central London. After all, London does have an excellent transportation network. Although it might be busy you can travel down for the procession from wherever you stay. For example, near Heathrow airport, an international hub for visitors from all over the globe, you can find many hotels whose room rates are less affected by the increase in tourism over the weekend. As a major hotel, it provides excellent, cheap and reliable transport links to central London making this a very viable option if you’ve left your accommodation arrangements to the last minute.

This guest post was written by David Pomonis from Heathrow Airport Guide.

Europe offers one of the most intense travel experiences in the world, with a diversity of cultures and customs packed into a relatively small geographical area, meaning that visitors can really make the most of a visit of any length to get a real feel for the area.

One of the best ways to approach the planning of a European tour is to take in as many capital cities as possible, as plotting such a route through the continent offers many more exciting experiences along the way.

London

For many travelers, one of the highlights of a European visit will be London. The UK capital has long been an influential city on the global scene, from the swinging sixties when it led the world in fashion and music to the present day as it prepares to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

For this reason, those looking to head to Europe on their travels would benefit to start by finding cheap flights to London and using this as their jumping off point for the rest of their journey. On arrival attractions in London include the London Eye — the biggest “big wheel” in the world — and Westminster Abbey, which will host the Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Paris

From London it is just a short hop across the channel to France as travelers head for Paris — the City of Light. A world away from its near neighbour, the French capital epitomizes all that many outsiders consider Europe to be with its wonderful wide boulevards and breathtaking architecture. Must see sights include the iconic Eiffel Tower — a structure that has stood as a symbol of the city for more than a century. Other areas to visit include artistic Montmartre, home to the Sacre Coeur cathedral, and world renowned shopping street of the Champs Elysees.

Spain

From Paris, visitors can choose to head south to Spain, where both the capital Madrid and beautiful Barcelona are cities not to be missed, with the opportunity to head for the country’s famous costas for some beach based rest and relaxation.

Central Europe

Alternatively, visit Germany, Switzerland, or Austria, where central European culture begins to make its mark offering an experience that is a world away from the mellow Mediterranean mood of some neighboring nations.

Italy

Heading onward to Italy, visitors can immerse themselves in the remnants of the ancient Roman culture at Rome’s Colosseum, or soak up the country’s history and heritage by viewing some amazing art and architecture. Other Italian cities not to be missed include Venice with its intricate network of canals, and Florence whose renaissance past is still apparent on every street. History buffs should head for the Neapolitan Riviera to combine stunning scenery with the Roman ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneum in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.

Prague

A trip to modern Europe is not complete without venturing into the East, with many former communist countries now serving a lively tourist trade. Top of the pops in terms of eastern European capitals is Prague, whose rich history sits alongside a recently emerged cosmopolitan café culture making it a great place to round off a European tour.

Walk the well known Wenceslas Square and head for the Narodni Muzeum (national museum) for an insight into this culturally rich country, or relax al fresco on the Old Town Square, from where a range of exciting trips and tours can be joined, including those to the original Jewish ghetto or the city castles that once housed the kings of Bohemia.

Sunrise over Docklands © Sam MM

There are many great reasons to book one of the many hotels in London and visit this amazing capital every year, and 2011 is no exception. In this blog post we will look at some of the major events coming up in 2011 and why you should take a trip to what was voted World’s leading destination in the 2010 World Travel Awards.

New Years Day Parade

The 2011 New Year’s Day parade will mark the 25^th anniversary of this fantastic event. Come and watch dancers, musicians and other performers partake in this silver themed parade. Performers from all around the world will start off outside the Ritz hotel and make their way to Parliament Square in a spectacular fashion.

If you are staying in London for New Years Eve and fancy joining in with around half a million people, then make sure you are up and awake for 12 noon to see what is sure to be another spectacular New Year’s day parade.

Valentines Day in London

If you fancy impressing your partner this February, consider booking a weekend break to London and spend the most romantic day of the year in one of the most exciting destinations. Many restaurants along and around the river Thames offer stunning views of the city, that you can take in whilst you dine on a sumptuous meal.

There are many great romantic walks you can take around the city with your loved one and if you really want to impress them, then book a private Champagne ride aboard the London Eye.

London Boat Race

Visit London towards the end of March and you might be lucky and catch one of the most exciting free events on the city’s calendar. Watch Oxford take on Cambridge in the world famous boat race from the banks of the Thames. Cambridge won last year and have the best record with 80 wins versus the 75 that Oxford have won.

London Marathon

April the 11^th is a hot date that many running fans have marked in their diary. Come and join the crowds to cheer on the many amateur and professional competitors as they make their way around the 26.2 mile course passing some of the city’s most famous and historic land marks. If you are feeling brave, get training and join in the race, you still have a couple of months to prepare.

Notting Hill Carnival

Start looking for Hotel Deals for this August bank holiday if you fancy taking in the Caribbean themed carnival in West London. Dazzling colours and vibrant sounds will transport you to another world as you watch costumed performers go by in a spectacular fashion.

These are just a few of the many events and attractions that you enjoy if you decide to visit London this coming new year.

Westminster Abbey

Written by Ronnie

If you’re visiting London, having a bit of insider information can turn that nice London vacation into a great pleasure.

You see, it’s only been through running our blog and the questions readers asked that I realised there are little things that we Londoners know that guide books never mention and visitors are never told.

We decided to bring out a free London mini guide, titled What Every Tourist Ought To Know About London, so everyone could have that insider information.

The guide is split into two parts. The first part is about things you need to think about and plan before you come to London. The second part has tips and advice for when you’re actually in London.

Do you know how to pick a good London hotel?

We didn’t want to go over ground that guide books usually cover. So, for instance, one of our chapters goes into how to pick a good London hotel using Tripadvisor.

Let’s face it, we all use Tripadvisor, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to use it. Now guide books don’t tell you what that is and in fact neither does Tripadvisor. But we do.

Also many people don’t realise that if you really want to know something about a city you need to read the bloggers who blog about that city.

I’ll tell you now, in London there are lots of blogs. So what we’ve done is highlight 15 of the best ones that we think cover every aspect of the city. I’m not saying follow each of them, but find a couple that you like and you’ll get a much greater understanding of London.

Other chapters in the first part such as what’s the best London travel guide, where to get the best Pound exchange rate and what to wear as a tourist will all help you save time and money in your prep for London.

What are you going to do when you get to London?

I’ve lived in London all my life and one of the advantages I say about living in London is it doesn’t matter where else you go in the world. Everything seems cheap to you.

London is expensive. This is why in part 2 of the guide we mention the Days Out offers, which give you 2 for 1 offers at various London attractions. We tell you how to get those offers, what stations to go to and what to ask for.

But London’s not just about sightseeing. If you don’t want to be conned or treated like a tourist you need to have a basic knowledge of how London works.

You see, London is the most diverse city in the world. All cultures are here. Yet a tourist still stands out like a sore thumb. To help you fit in more easily our 10 quick London tips is an essential read.

But one of my favourite chapters is the one about money saving tips that all Londoners know, but tourists don’t. This chapter alone makes the guide worth getting because it’s all too easy to fall into one of those traps.

I could go on and mention other chapters such as where and how much to tip or the one about what to do when it rains in London.

But I think the best thing to do if you’re visiting London is to download the guide from epok.com and if you have any questions to leave a comment below.

Ronnie is one of the co-founders of EPok.com; it helps visitors to London save money on eating out and going out in London. He also writes for their London blog 3 Guys on a London bus.

A trip to London: Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace. If just reading this list makes your eye lids heavy then this tour guide is for you. London is the heart of the country and is home to National treasures (Eastenders excluded) but it is also a patchwork of different cultures and an influence which makes our country truly great and unique.

On the surface, London is the same as any metropolis in the world. Fast-paced, impersonal and cold but look deeper and you may well find more than meets the eye. If you baulk at the idea of history tours, why not join the Da Vinci Code tour? Retrace the story on foot and breathe fresh life into London’s landmarks for a more than reasonable £20.

Or if you’re a gossip magazine reader and the idea of spotting celebs has you foaming at the mouth, why not pop into Madame Tussauds and find them all under one roof? Although steer clear of the Alan Titchmarsh statue which is currently cleaned twice a week due to the amount of granny lipstick it attracts. Be impressed by their likeness or amused by their lack of, these statues even have their own fans on Facebook! If attractions, the thought of site seeing and west end shows has your pulse racing then why not research London theatre tickets to find the show for you. Popular on the West End at the moment is Wicked the Musical – definitely worth a watch.

London is also famous for its sporting history. Not only is it the home of the 2012 Olympics but it boasts five Premier league football teams. Even if you don’t follow a team, why not pick one and go for the day. Feel the joy of cheering along with 40,000 Chelsea fans or the pain that it is to be a “Hammer”. Prefer golf before football? Avid golfers can improve their game at excellent golf courses in and around London.

If shopping is more your style then what more could you want than Ox ford Street? World renowned with many of the major retailers such as Topshop housing flagship stores there and a gaggle of celebrities begging to turn on the famous Christmas lights each year.

Dining is a treat. London is a tasting platter of world cuisine from Celeb favorite The Ivy to a Chinese All you can eat buffet. All tastes are catered for. And when most of us are just hitting the sack, London hits the tiles. Drink in a Camden pub with Noel Fielding or schmooze over cocktails and English wine in Soho’s Geisha bar or another late-night meeting spot.

London may be the heart of the country but take the time to feel its beat and it’s likely to find a place in yours.

Liberty Department Store

Written by Fiona Hilliard

If Holly Golightly ever found herself in the midst of the mean reds while travelling through London, she’d surely find solace in the hallowed hallways of Liberty and Harrods. Who needs breakfast at Tiffany’s, when you can devour floor upon floor of weird and wonderful shopping experiences at two of London’s most exclusive luxury department stores?

Sitting snugly on the corner of Regent Street, Liberty has been providing customers with cute self-styled prints and quality designer goods from its charming mock Tudor façade since 1875. Liberty wouldn’t be British if it wasn’t just a little bit eccentric. So, how’s this for quirky — the store’s unusual timber exterior was constructed in 1924 and comes courtesy of reclaimed wood from two ships, HMS Impregnable and HMS Hindustan.

Before you even set foot in the shop, you’ll notice the remarkable window displays — heck, you might even want to photograph them. There’s good reason too. Liberty employs a team of specially trained window dressers to ensure that the windows look more like surreal art installations than run-of-the-mill dummies in frocks. They’re certainly a talking point, as are the freshly cut flowers that greet you at the entrance. And not a sheet of cellophane wrap in sight!

Once you enter the store you’ll find the ground floor split into various rooms, giving you the feeling that you’re visiting the lobby of a cosy stately home rather than a sprawling department store. Liberty’s founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty deliberately planned the building to look this way, saying at the time of its construction that he wanted customers to feel as if they were walking around their own home. The fireplaces definitely add to the effect. Anyone who has visited will agree that the laid-back ambience is a good bit different to the heaving crowds of  Topshop, Oxford Circus…

And so to Harrods. Of course you can get between the two using the Tube stops at Oxford Circus and Knightsbridge, but it is altogether much cleaner and calmer if you travel there with London car hire. By renting a car you’ll be free to shop at your leisure and you won’t have to worry about dragging shopping bags up and down staircases.

Harrods, Knightsbridge is a department store that needs little introduction.  It is brash, decadent and over the top, but in the most wonderful way.

The department store, as we know it today grew from very humble beginnings. Charles Henry Harrod established the business in the rough and ready East End area of London in 1834 as a grocery wholesale shop. With profits on the up, he was able to move to swish Knightsbridge in 1849. The building that houses the store today wasn’t completed until 1905 but over the next few decades, the company made steady progress snapping up property throughout London until it was itself bought over by the House of Fraser in 1959. Harrods remained under their management until 1985 when Egyptian shipping tycoons, the Fayed brothers splashed out £615 million on the store and set about blinging it up in their own inimitable style.

Indeed, since taking over the store, the Fayed’s have been busy putting their own distinctive stamp on the building, perhaps most noticeably through lavish Egyptian décor. Marble floors and walls give the impression that you’re wandering through a jewel encrusted Egyptian temple, while a specially employed opera singer belting out elegant arias assures you that this is a shopping experience like no other.

Two memorials commemorate the tragic deaths of Diana Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed, Mohamed Al Fayed’s son. The first includes photographs of the couple above a pyramid shaped display case that contains a wine glass smudged with lipstick (said to be Diana’s from a Paris restaurant) and what appears to be an engagement ring, thought to have been purchased the day before they died. A second monument was constructed in 2005 close to the Egyptian escalator at door three. It is named “Innocent Victims” and is a bronze representation of the pair dancing on a beach. The jury is still out on whether the monuments are poignant or tacky.  Perhaps a little of both.

On a lighter note, anyone on the market for a new pet will find Chihuahua pups, rabbits and hamsters for sale upstairs in the pet department. Don’t forget to tog out your new canine companion in the latest designer gear from the nearby pet accessories department. See, Harrods has thought of everything — nothing is too excessive, eccentric or expensive.

Next time you’re in London, why not make the extra effort and go see what all the fuss is about for yourself? You’ll be glad you did. Check out TWENGA now for the best deals in hotels in London.

Fiona Hilliard usually writes about London car hire for award winning site ArgusCarHire.com.