London Things to Do

With Eurostar trains taking a mere 2 hours and 20 minutes from Paris to London, there’s no reason why you can’t be dining atop the Eiffel Tower one night and enjoying Afternoon Tea at the Ritz the next. In fact, it’s so easy to hop between the 2 capitals, that it’s even possible to take a day tour to London from Paris.

Along with the vintage red telephone boxes, black taxi-cabs and the red-suited Royal guards with their towering bearskin hats, the double decker bus, traditionally painted in fire-engine red, has become one of the most famous symbols of London. While the classic red versions are now more commonly found emblazoned across souvenir mugs and key rings than chugging along the streets (although there are still some in action), the double-decker bus is still one of the most popular methods of transport for Londoner’s to get from A to B.

You could spend weeks exploring London’s myriad of tourist attractions, but with so many sights just a short bus or train ride away, there’s no excuse to only stay in the city. Whether you want to hit the beach or explore England’s historic towns, here are some of the best day trips to take from London.

A creative hub where London’s flair for the eclectic is center stage, Camden has long nurtured its reputation as the city’s most rock’n’roll district and its unique markets are as popular among London’s mohawked youths as they are with international tourists.

Whether you want to sip champagne overlooking the London skyline or party the night away on a River cruise, you’ll plenty are of ways to impress your lover in the British capital. Here are a few ideas for romantic things to do in London.

The Crawleys are back in prim and proper style this January, as Britain’s favorite period drama, Downton Abbey, finally hits US screens for its third season, and it seems America just can’t get enough of Edwardian-era England. So get your top hats and teacups at the ready, because visitors to London can now add Downton Abbey tours to their itineraries.

There’s a myriad of festive fun to be had in London this Christmas, but to get you started, here are a few suggestions.

1) Christmas lights: London’s shimmering decorations are some of the best in the world and none are as impressive as the Oxford Street display, in the heart of London. November 5th was the official lights-on date, marked by a celebrity studded ceremony and crowds of thousands. This year’s lights were switched on by British pop stars Robbie Williams and Leona Lewis, and viewing places will be ticketed so book your place now.

With the UK Premiere of the latest addition to the James Bond franchise, Skyfall, hitting London on October 26th, the world’s favorite spy is once again back in the spotlight. Marking the culmination of the Bond 50th anniversary year, the latest offering is the 23rd film in the franchise that started with Dr No back in 1962.

Winning over a legion of new fans as the host of the London 2012 Olympics sailing events, Weymouth and Portland are among England‘s most attractive seaside resorts, drawing thousands to their shores each year.

Weymouth, with its sandy beaches and rugged coastal cliffs is the perfect antidote to London’s urban sprawl, earning itself a stellar reputation among outdoor adventurers. Rock-climbing, paragliding, hiking and cycling are all popular ways to soak up the scenic surroundings, and the resort has fast made a name for itself as a water sports hot-spot, with kite surfing, water skiing and wind surfing all on offer.

Hitting headlines recently as the 2012 Olympic Shooting venue, the London Royal Artillery Barracks boast a long military history, built in 1776 for the companies of the Royal Artillery and used by them until 2007. Not only that, the Royal Artillery Barracks once hosted the Royal Arsenal complex, home to the British Government’s principal armaments manufacturing facility, and the Royal Military Academy which trained officers and engineers from 1741 to 1939. Nearby Woolwich Common is still a military training area, so if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Royal troops marching through the park.