London Things to Do

Who is the oldest Olympian ever? Who was the youngest to ever win a medal? Who has made the most Olympic games appearances? Who began the Modern Olympics? Which country decided Beach Volleyball should be an olympic sport? And BMX racing?

If you’ve ever wondered the answers to some or all of these questions, then London has the answers for you in the many exhibitions around town at the moment.

30km South of London nestled in the vibrant student hub of Surrey, Box Hill is one of South England‘s most popular lookout points, famed for its sweeping panoramas. A popular picnic spot since Victorian times, Box Hill cemented its tourist itinerary status when it hosted the cycling portion of the 2012 London Olympics.

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.

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.

If you’re looking to get away from the mass of people coming to London for the Olympics, here are a few options.

Beaches:

1) Southend-on-Sea, Essex

This is a lovely seven-mile stretch of beaches not far from London, with the pick being Shoeburyness East Beach because of its windsurfing area, grassy headland and long sand beach. Southend has the world’s longest leisure pier, The Southend Pier. The train from Liverpool Street Station to Southend takes about an hour.

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!

All eyes have been glued to the British capital this year, with the epic Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and the upcoming Olympic games thrusting the city firmly into the limelight. Of course, London has long been renowned for its cosmopolitan population, rich history and trailblazing status in art, fashion and music, but this year the city is set to reclaim its ranking as one of Europe’s most popular destinations.

If you’re joining the masses in London this year, you’re sure to be swamped with sightseeing options, but for those looking to get a taste of the real London alongside checking off their to-do list, here’s the insider lowdown on what, where and how to get the most out of the Big Smoke.

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.

Londoners love a curry, and the place to go for a really good curry is Brick Lane in the East End. This narrow street is lined by curry houses serving traditional foods from Bangladesh and India. On any normal night of the week it’s impossible to walk down the street without being offered free drinks and specials by the hosts standing outside restaurants as they vie for customers. It gives the place quite a carnival feel all year, but for one week in May the festivities really unleash for the Brick Lane Curry Festival.

With such wonderful parks dotted all over this huge city, one of the best things to do on a sunny day in London is pack a picnic basket and head onto that green grass with the squirrels and pigeons as company. Many of London’s original food markets have now become more about antiques, bric-a-brac and cheap clothes, DVDs and souvenirs but some continue to thrive and farmers’ markets have sprung up to fill the gaps.