Going Underground, Going Overground

London is one of the things that makes Britain great as it offers so much to the Londoner and the tourist with its many iconic landmarks, museums, park grand accommodation and a wonderful array of shops and theatres. It is an impressive 1,572 km², which is a fair way of you’re looking to explore all corners of London; this is why there are an extensive list of options when it comes to travelling around the city. You can take to the skies on a cable car, you could sail across the Thames with a River Cruise, or you could partake in a rather lovely horse and cart ride through one of the Royal parks. With so much choice, this guide lays out all of the most popular ways to travel around the large city of London.

Time for the Tube
The London underground is possibly the most effective and most popular way to travel, well aside from the weekends when all the maintenance work is done on the lines. With 1.23 billion passengers in 2012/13 alone, it is known for its efficiency, hence why it is usually packed during rush hour as it is how most Londoners commute to and from work. It has a total of 270 stations and has 250 miles of track which also transports to Greater London and parts of Hertfordshire, Essex and Buckinghamshire. There are 11 lines in operation all over London; these are the Central line, the Circle line, the Bakerloo line, the District line, the Jubilee line, the Northern line, Waterloo and City line, the Victoria line, Piccadilly line, the Metropolitan line and the Hammersmith and City line. The trains run every few minutes at a time and during certain times it can get very crowded, so if the one train is completely full and you can’t get on, another will arrive soon after it.

The Red Double Decker Bus
A symbol of patriotism and Britain, the double decker buses can be seen frequenting the roads around London. The Routemaster bus is synonymous with the Swingin’ Sixties era and ran the city’s roads from 1956 until 2005 when its doors closed forever. The double decker buses cover the entire city and many offer sightseeing tours around all the major sights and, with over 23 tours to choose from such as ghost tours, party buses or simply the classic sightseeing tour, you are spoilt for choice. If you want to create your own tour, do a little research and see what number buses take the routes alongside the places and monuments you want to explore; with over 8,500 red buses driving around London, it wouldn’t be hard to do.

Black Cabs - Look for the Orange Light
Another iconic symbol of the capital city is, of course, the black Hackney cab. Just as common on the roads as the double decker buses, the term ‘hackney carriage’ has been around since the late 17th century when horses and carriages were used as the form of public transport; unbelievably, this continued up until 1947. The cabs we hail today were brought in in the 1900’s and over 20,000 travel on London’s roads every day wiith each cabbie having had to past The Knowledge test to gain his licence so, more often than not, they won’t get you lost. However, that’s not to say they won’t take a slightly longer route to keep the meter going but they are a guaranteed way of getting you to your destination efficiently and safely.

Rickshaws...Oh no!
Riding in one of these is fantatsic as it goves you a new lease of life due to the near death experiences you will have during your 5-10 minute trip. What’s not to love about sitting in a fabric hut that’s being pulled along Piccadilly Circus by a bicycle whose rider is trying to race the two double decker buses adjacent to you? Just the epitome of fun and excitement but just remember to haggle the price as it has been known for the drivers to charge £20 for less than 5 minutes.

Fancy a Bike Ride?
Just around the corner from the hotels near Lancaster Gate tube station lies a “Boris Bikes” docking station. This mode of transport is readily available throughout the Big Smoke with a staggering 10,000 bikes and 700 bike docking stations all over the city. The starting price for borrowing the bikes is very reasonable as it starts at £2 for 24 hours use; this lets you to get to your destination through the parks and other more natural parts of London, such Kensington Gardens and Kyoto Gardens. If the sun is shining and the birds are singing, why not hire a bike and explore parts of London that you wouldn’t see on the tube, in a cab or on top of a double decker bus.

The all-purpose Travelcard can Save you Time and Money
Now you have the tools, you just need the materials. To travel on the buses, trains, underground and river boats, you need to invest in a travelcard and these can be bought for one day’s travel or for 365 day’s worth of travel, the choice is yours. There is a paper ticket, which is usually used for one day or a week’s travel, or a legendary Oyster Card which can be topped up, reused and tapped on top of the barriers at your starting point and your destination; this reduces the amount of waiting time that you would usually have clocked up by standing in a queue.

London and the legend of a certain John Keats

There is without a bit of doubt, a lot one can do when he or she is in London and happens to be a person who is interested by literature. After all, Shakespeare’s legendary Globe Theatre is south of the line cutting across the city in the form of the River Thames. London is surely a city which caters to tastes of all kinds.

John Keats is a man whose contribution to the literature of English is valued to the same extent of that of other greats such as the two Williams; William Shakespeare and William Wordsworth and other such figures.

London is such an amazing and historic city that one can head over and pay a visit to the former residence of this well known and well reputed man. The place is located on the street of the same name; Keats Grove. Just as the nation’s representative, the Prime Minister stays at 10, Downing Street, in a similar vein, John Keats, who is a fitting representative of the heritage and repute of English literature resided at 10 Keats Grove.

When one comes to pay a visit to London and in particular to the erstwhile residence of John Keats, it is quite important, to say the very least, the book oneself into a hotel which provides good value for money and a great location to go along with it, so as to make sure that the visitor to the city does not have to spend much time travelling to the various sights he or she wishes to pay visits to. A hotel of this sort would be one of the hotels in Notting Hill but since quality does matter and makes a difference, it is more prudent for the traveller to the city to choose a preferred name in the area such as the Shaftesbury premier London notting hill.

The man spent only a couple of years here between the years 1818 and 1820. However, the place was not known by the current name back then. Instead, it was known by its former name, which was Wentworth Place. In fact, the original dwellings of the famous poet would have been a lot more Spartan than the ones one is exposed to when he or she pays a visit to the house at 10 Keats Grove. This is because the present day Grade I listed villa is an amalgamation of the residence of Keats and that of Fanny Brawne.

In addition to this, the place was thrown open to the public in the wake of a renovation which entailed the documents, which are on display, to be updated. After the extensive work which was undertaken so as to reflect the short life of the poet in the most accurate and genuine way that was possible.

To say the very least, Fanny Brawne was a significant figure in the short but impactful life of John Keats [the poet’s life lasted just about a quarter of a century]. Miss Fanny Brawne was a neighbour to him and he fell in love with her. It would be of interest to any person who is interested in the personal life of the poet that the engagement ring which was given to Fanny Brawne is among the items which are available to be seen on display.

Paying a visit to this residence, which is steeped in history, is not an expensive affair at all. In fact, adults can enter for just five and a half pounds, those eligible for concessions enter at three and a half pounds while any people who are under seventeen and wish to pay a visit can do so for no cost to them whatsoever. This, probably, does it fair part in propagating the love of the work of Keats among the youth of the city and today.

It is of an immense level of literary significance that a great majority of the work of Keats was written at this place, rather than in Italy which is where he moved with Fanny Brawne; whom he was never able to get married to on account of succumbing to tuberculosis.

As a matter of fact, Ode to a Nightingale was a composition which Keats created while seated under a plum tree in this very garden.

To this day, the poetry of John Keats, in addition to his memory, is kept alive in the form of readings of his work which are conducted on quite a regular basis; along with educational events to increase the awareness of the impact of Keats on English literature, which was destined never to be the same again after his meaningful impact was made.

London Tube travel tips

Each day, the lives of quite a few of the many London residents who exist are made a lot easier by their ability to travel on the Tube. The Tube also works as a cost effective and time efficient method of travelling for people who are visiting London on holiday.

That being said, however, it is also important to observe the practices of taking the Tube so as to make sure that the ride he or she goes on is flawless and goes off without a hitch.

The first important thing to remember when one makes use of the Tube is to take a good look at the route map. The Tube and its network can be pretty extensive so a lot of the times, the maps depicted are abridged. There is a full form of the map available in the form of a pocket map, which is available of the stations.

Apart from this, in the coaches of the Tube as well, there are maps detailing the routes which can be looked at for information but these are not comprehensive in nature.

 A traveller in the city should remember to stay clear of the Tube, as far as possible, during rush hour. The stations cater to so many people that it can seem to one that there is almost literally no space to breathe. After all, when the mode of transport in such a big capital city one is using happens to cater to more than a billion and a quarter people in a year; things like these are to be expected without an iota of surprise! It is not without reason that Transport for London has made the Tube pricing such that it is more expensive for one to travel on the Tube during the designated peak times. It is something a tourist who does not wish to spend unnecessarily in London should take due cognizance of. Quite often, certain stations on the network of the Tube are temporarily shut so as to make sure that the crowds on their platforms have an adequate chance to clear up and disperse by getting on the trains coming in before they are replaced by more people.

In the event that one has to travel on the Tube during peak times it makes very good sense to choose a station to travel from which does not feature on multiple lines of the Tube network.

It is always polite to stand on the right while in Tube stations, a convention which allows for people who are in a rush to pass somebody who does not need to travel with the same sense of urgency. The prompt to stay on the right can be found on quite a few sign boards in the stations on the Tube. Sometimes, the Tube staff also apprise or remind the travellers of it. It is considered proper and polite to stand on the right of the Tube and there is no harm in following this convention while one is travelling in London while making use of the Tube.

Hotels near Moorgate Station are great if one wants to discover London while using the Tube as his or her primary mode of transport in lieu of taxis or buses. A hotel one would do well to consider is the M by Montcalm Shoreditch. This hotel is well located and makes for a restful night of sleep after a long day spent discovering the city.

Talking about a restful night of sleep, there are quite a few people who do not really prioritise this and in its stead, prefer to discover the amazing night life the city has to offer instead. While there is a strict no admission policy for those carrying alcohol into Tube stations, it is not watertight from preventing people who have had a little too much to drink from making use of the Tube. While these people are only loud, one would do well to keep a safe distance away from them while travelling on the Tube.

If one who is travelling on the Tube is impeded from being able to walk freely either due to a broken leg or due to disability or having to push a baby’s pram along, he or she should take care while travelling to ensure that he or she alights at a station on the network which is designated to be a ‘step free’ station; which is a designation entailing one’s not having to climb any stairs to make it up to the ground level. This ensures the ease of mobility of people who cannot use steps without undergoing significant discomfort in the process of doing so.

The Tube is the way one can discover London with the least effort; one should make good use of it!

Romantic Restaurants in London

The city that exudes history and culture follows a wide variety of food staples. This rich and diverse variety makes it easier for a visitor or a native to plan ahead. Here, we look at the best places to eat in London on occasions of a romantic encounter. Be it the first date or for a seasoned couple, we bring to your table a good mix of restaurants that will create the perfect environment:

Clos Maggiore: It doesn’t get any better than Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden. It could also pass off as a tad over the top. You have your pick from the wood-panelled restaurant or the atmospheric conservatory, bedecked in a forest of fake white blossoms that seem to extend into eternity as they bounce off the restaurant’s mirrors. Fairy lights, candles and a fireplace add to the soft focus vibe. It’s a Provençal-inspired menu, and although à la carte choices are pegged at the sharp end, the pre-theatre menu offering is a bargain

Opera Tavern: Another lovely affair in Covent Garden, the Opera Tavern remains one of the best dining options and among London’s top tapas restaurants. Formerly a pub, it’s split into a slightly charmless upstairs restaurant and a cosy, mirror-backed bar at street level. The latter has been stylishly updated with chocolate leather bar stools, copper spotlights and an open grill; the main kitchen is in the beer cellar. The Spanish-Italian menu is kept fresh with regular specials.

Andrew Edmunds: Traditional, but not stuffy, this intimate French bistro in an 18th Century townhouse considers itself one of the last bastions of old Soho and has been welcoming couples in search of low-key romance to its wax-splattered wooden tables for years. The menu changes regularly but expect dishes such as dressed crab and Rose veal chop. Good news for those who can't bear to leave their furry friends at home, it's a dog-friendly restaurant.

Osteria Basilico: A neighbourhood institution for Notting Hill locals, Osteria Basilico offers unfussy, home Italian cooking at very reasonable prices. Just down Kensington Park Road, the cosy, rustic decor and warm lighting make for a romantic (in the best way) setting. Go for the burrata with prosciutto and seafood linguine. Book ahead — it's busy every night, let alone a Valentine's Day that falls on a Saturday

15/25 Asian Dining Room: Located on London Premier Kensington Hogarth Road and a few minutes from Premier Inn London Kensington, The 15/25 Asian Dining Room experience is worth the visit. The service is faultless and the food is simple and reasonable priced. Serving mostly Indian fare, the restaurant staff also pays extra attention to the decor. Needless to say, this is the perfect for a regular, hassle-free night out for the two. 

Check Into The Amazing Nira Caledonia Hotel At The Centre of The Vibrant City of Edinburgh

The fantastic Nira Caledonia Hotel is a top residence at the heart of the exciting city of Edinburgh that’s the perfect place for both working and leisure guests. The stunning lodgings are ideal for tourists as they are close to many attractions and landmarks making it easy for travellers to get to their destinations. The pleasant members of staff at this establishment try their hardest to provide the best service throughout the stay and are always on hand for advice. Travellers choosing this hotel will enjoy staying in this beautiful part of Edinburgh.

There are many top air-conditioned rooms and suites that are ideal for all types of travelling groups including families, friends and couples. The gorgeous period furniture in the living spaces is something that tourists will remember. The large, comfortable beds are perfect for a wonderful night’s sleep and ensure visitors are fresh for the next morning. The rooms and suites have a range of modern comforts such as a flatscreen television, iPod docking station, telephone and complimentary Wi-Fi ideal for checking emails or keeping up on current events. The living spaces also have a modern Nespresso coffee machine, while the spacious suites have full-length sash windows, a huge living room area and super king-size beds.

The Jacuzzi Suite is perfect for travellers searching for a large slice of luxury with plenty of space to entertain fellow tourists or work colleagues. Business visitors staying at the Nira Caledonia hotel will enjoy using the facilities at 23 Melville Street, which is a boutique business centre found close to the residence. This has two meeting rooms that can take up to 14 guests and has a main boardroom with a plasma screen, DVD and CD player and free Wi-Fi internet. Tourists can ask the qualified members of staff to help organise work events including conferences, seminars, training days and product launches during their stay at the hotel in Edinburgh.

There are many food destinations to head to around the residence but the best place for a meal is definitely the in-house restaurant. Blackwood’s Bar & Grill is a fantastic eaterie that offers amazing lamb and fish meals as well as a whole array of other dishes. Breakfast is a popular meal of the day to have at the hotel, and tourists can tuck into the unique smoked salmon organic sausages among other tasty food. The hotel bar is a lovely place to visit with its 25 varieties of whisky to try with many brands sourced from the area and across Scotland.

Edinburgh is a beautiful destination with so much to offer when it comes to attractions and landmarks. Travellers should start with the beautiful Royal Mile and Princes Street for shopping where they will find unique boutiques and high street names. The historic sights of Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle should definitely be on the itinerary. Another great venue is the city’s Royal Botanic Garden that’s a peaceful place to visit. There are many theatres, museums and galleries dotted around the hotel that are worth taking a trip to during the holiday. Tourists can easily get to Edinburgh Waverley train station that links well with other parts of Scotland.