Visiting London

Visiting London is something you must do while you are stationed here.

Here are some tips to help you to get the most of any visit, save some money or perhaps see something that you don’t find in the travel books:

• If you plan on going once or more, it pays to get an Oyster card. An Oyster card is an electronic ticket for the Underground. It allows you to do all the travel you want without paying more than what it costs to purchase a Day Travelcard (so if you travel less then you save!).
• Some people drive to Epping and park but you can also take the train to London to find a route try Transport Direct. It gives great details of how to get where you are going.
• You can drive into London but there is a congestion charge but it looks as if it is in the centre of the city. Find out more about it here.
• If you are going to go see a lot of sights in London, we recommend the London Pass. It allows you to get in to some attractions for free, you don’t have to wait in line and you get deals on other attractions. You can get a one or two day pass, check the website for more details.
• Looking for good deals on plays, concerts and other attractions check Last Minute and Get into London Theatre.
• Book ahead for attractions like the London Eye and save money.
• Free things to do:
• Museums-Many of the museums are free to visit (they might have some areas that you might need to pay to see). Such as the V & A, Museum of London, Bank of England
• Art Galleries- Tate Modern and Tate Britian and the National Portrait Gallery
• Royal Parks- Hyde Park, St James’ Park and Kensington Gardens (hosts the Diana Memorial Playground)
• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace- 11:30 am every day in the summer and every other day in the winter time.
• Walk along the South Bank- You get a great view of many of the iconic symbols of London such as the London Eye, Big Ben, Millennium Bridge and The Globe Theatre. Some of these things cost to go in but seeing them from the outside is just as great!
• Trafalgar Square- is free and a beauty full sight to behold. It is near the National Portrait Gallery
• Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London - you have to apply ahead of time and have to have an address in England. See website for details

Please let us know if you have any tips that we can share, seeing London doesn’t have to be expensive!