Tag: london

Some Great Hotels in London, Part 1, The Rubens at the Palace

  • On February 4, 2024
  • By

We haven’t written much about hotels in London because often when we visit we book a flat to rent for our stay. However, holiday flats in central London are getting more expensive, so recently we’ve tried a few hotels and found a few we like.

The typical chain hotels in London are Marriott, Hilton, Holiday Inn, etc., and they are well-operated and centrally located. However, some smaller chains operate unique, boutique hotels that have wonderful …

Grab a cuppa and read on...
0

Thanksgiving in London, Part 2

  • On April 1, 2022
  • By

It has been a while since I posted Part 1, but I do want to finish these two articles so here goes.

While in London during Thanksgiving, one event that is definitely worth the time is to visit the various Christmas Markets, both in London and out of the metropolitan area. These Christmas Markets are full of small booths or chalets, populated by local crafters and small volume artisans who peddle their wares at …

Grab a cuppa and read on...
1

Thanksgiving in London (Part 1)

  • On February 11, 2022
  • By

As I sit to write this in early February, it seems strange to talk about Thanksgiving. It’s so far away! But if you are planning to travel to London, Thanksgiving is a pretty good time to go. We have been there twice for the holiday, and hope to do so again. London at that time of year is magical. The Christmas street decorations are starting to appear, the stores are open, excitement is building for …

Grab a cuppa and read on...
8

Mind the Gap: Getting Around London Part 3 – the Black Cab

  • On February 27, 2019
  • By

In the first two articles in this series, we shared about the Underground and the busses.  The final transport we want to cover is also an iconic classic—the legendary London Black Cab, although today not all of them are fully black.  Once known as a “Hackney Carriage,” the term “Hackney” comes from a part of London where horses were supplied to the city of London.  Hence a “hackney” was a horse-drawn carriage.  Curiously, the …

Grab a cuppa and read on...
0

Mind the Gap: Getting Around London Part 2: Red Bus.

  • On February 25, 2019
  • By

In the first article of our series, we wrote about the Underground. In this, the second part, we’ll cover another way to travel in London, the red bus, also known as the double-decker bus. The red bus is an icon of London, and has earned iconic status by navigating the streets of London (and other cities in the UK) all hours of the day and night. The first omnibus service was started in 1829 …

Grab a cuppa and read on...
0

Mind the Gap: Getting Around London. Part 1, Underground

  • On February 21, 2019
  • By

London is such a magnificent city, and most of the points of interest for a tourist are in the center of the city. Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, Hyde Park, Tower Bridge, Victoria and Albert Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard are just a few of the sights to see.  If one adds the shopping of Harrod’s, Fortnum and Mason, Selfridges, Liberty, Carnaby Street, Oxford Road, Regent Street, Portobello Road, …

Grab a cuppa and read on...
0

Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

In London there are many attractions and unique offerings for a visitor. We have not personally been able to see them all, but that doesn’t mean we cannot tell you about them. Our good friend, Misty Watkins and her husband recently visited London for a few days before going on to other sites and then joining us for a cruise back to the US. They were able to experience one attraction that we have not …

Grab a cuppa and read on...
0

Borough Market: Food, Food, and Then Food. (Did I Mention Food?)

  • On August 17, 2018
  • By

The Borough Market, on the south side of the Thames River, was established in 1756 and has been in operation ever since. The area is near the river, the Shard, and the London Bridge. The first time we visited, the weather was rainy, actually it was pouring down rain. As the market is mostly covered, it was crowded with intrepid visitors and shoppers from all over the world.

The market is made up of …

Grab a cuppa and read on...
0

Hey, It’s Raining in London! What Shall We Do?

  • On August 12, 2018
  • By

Let’s get serious here, traveler. It rains in England. Often. In fact, if you look at London climatological data, it rains in London every other day, on average. So, if you plan to be in England, you can assume it will rain sometime during your visit.

What do you do when it rains? I have three words for you: “Brolly,” “Mac” and “Wellies.”  Now before you go off in a huff because I used foreign …

Grab a cuppa and read on...
0

If I’m in London, Why Don’t the Signs Say So?

  • On July 30, 2018
  • By

Take a look at this typical street sign from London. Notice anything? That’s right, it doesn’t say London! How can that be? I’m in London, right?

Well, yes and no. London is not a “planned” city with everything neat and tidy. According to legend, as told by Geoffrey of Monmouth, London was first founded by Brutus of Troy in about 1000-1100 B.C. Geoffrey also said that an early king in the area was named …

Grab a cuppa and read on...
2
Next Page »