London Things to Do

Greenwich Park, located in south-east London, beside the River Thames, is the oldest royal park in London, established in 1433 and now forming part of the Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encompassing 183 acres (74 ha) the park is made up of beautiful sloping grasslands including a deer sanctuary home to a herd of Fallow and Red deer; a traditional early 20th-century style Tea Pavilion; and forested hillsides offering sweeping views across the River Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.

It’s the oldest royal park in London and was established in 1433. It’s 183 acres (74 ha) of beautiful sloping parkland leading up to the Royal Observatory (home of the Prime Meridian) and Planetarium, including the historic Queen’s House, the Royal Naval College and the National Maritime Museum. Due to the park’s use for the Olympic Games, it will be closed to the public until August 4th.

With the 2012 Olympics starting in London on Friday, July 27 and ending Sunday, August 12, this exciting event is just around the corner! Whether you’ll be in England before the games, during, or after, here are some resources for transportation, navigating the crowds, and what to see and do during this summer in London.

Crossing Charing Cross Road at Shaftesbury Avenue during rush-hour on Thursday, I found the traffic halted, more police than I’ve ever seen in my life and people lining the kerb. The Olympic Torch was coming past, circling through central London and ever closer to the stadium.

And so today it begins: Opening Day of the Olympic Games London 2012.

Only about a week to go and things are getting hot up here. Even the forecast for next week is supposed to be sunshine – fingers crossed.

There are more athletes, officials and spectators arriving every day and the Torch draws ever closer to London and the Olympic Stadium. So far the airports, roads and railways seem to be coping with the extra people in town – although some of the buses bringing athletes from Heathrow to the Olympic Village did get lost giving an unexpected tour of the sights of London to the American and Australian teams. Mostly everyone kept their sense of humor though and enjoyed seeing Tower Bridge.

Day 54 of the Torch Relay and it’s getting closer to lighting the flame at the stadium and the beginning of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Despite the summer so far being one of rain, rain and more rain in England – though it is still warm – the crowds have been turning out across the country to cheer. Crowds have watched the Torch go by and celebrated all the Torch Bearers who have ranged from Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, to pop icon Cliff Richard to George Weedon who is 92 and was a gymnast in the 1948 London Olympic Games. Yesterday, the torch visited Windsor Castle where the handover was watched by the Queen and Prince Philip.

The City of London Festival starts on Monday, June 25th with the bells of St Mary-le-Bow resounding at midday. There follows a month of great events throughout the city including concerts in venues the public can’t normally visit. Look out for the 50 pianos dotted around the streets which you can sit down and play, and many free events.

My tour of the old city will introduce you to this fascinating area with its atmospheric alleys, vibrant markets, hidden gardens, medieval churches and striking modern architecture. There is something for Harry Potter fans too!

Horse-racing at Royal Ascot is one of the most important social, fashion and sporting events of the year in England.

First run in 1711 under the auspice of Queen Anne, tradition continues with a daily horse-drawn procession from Windsor Castle to the racecourse. The Royal carriage goes first and often carries the Queen herself as she’s keen on horse-racing and has owned many champion horses. 2012 is her Diamond Jubilee Year so she is likely to be seen even more than usual.

One of the most challenging parts of the London Olympics for spectators may be getting around the city. London’s transport system is generally very efficient and with the added pressure on the bus and tube system, it will be a good idea to plan ahead so that you are sure to have plenty of time.

London 2012 is not just about running fast and jumping high, there’s also a Cultural Olympiad with nearly 3 months of events across the country.

Plays, literature, comedy, fashion, music, film, food and of course those excellent London museums will also be getting involved.

Accommodation in London during the 2012 Olympics is selling fast, so you need to book soon if you’re planning to be in London then. The Olympic Games open on July 27th and run until August 12th. In addition, the Paralympic Games are from August 29th until September 9th. The Olympic Torch will crisscross the UK for 70 days leading up to the opening ceremony on July 27th, so there will also be plenty of tourists heading for the UK even before the start of the Games.