Discount Rates at Beaufort House Knights-bridge Hotel London

Discount Rates at Beaufort House Knights-bridge Hotel London

Situated in Central London, Beaufort House Knights-bridge London is close to Harrods. Some of the popular facilities provided at this 5-star property are a fitness center and an indoor pool.

There are a range of amenities at Beaufort House Knights-bridge London that travelers are welcome to make the most of, including massage services, babysitting / child services and a sauna. Internet access is available for those wishing to stay online during their stay.

All apartments are air conditioned and equipped with a refrigerator, a microwave and cable / satellite channels. For those who like to cook independently, each apartment has a kitchenette that is furnished with tea and coffee making facilities.

On-site dining options include a restaurant, which is ideal for those who want to stay near to all Beaufort House Knights-bridge London’s facilities while taking time out to have a satisfying meal.

The property is within a 20-minute walk of Royal Albert Hall, the Natural History Museum London and the Science Museum. The Victoria and Albert Museum is also located just a short stroll away.

For great hotel rates at Beaufort House Knights-bridge Hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at Apex Hotel City of London

Discount Rates at Apex Hotel City of London 

What Should I Know About the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom (UK) is a country that consists of several islands off the coast of mainland Europe. It consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and northern Ireland. For centuries, it has been one of the greatest world powers, though its influence has depreciated somewhat since World War II, but it is still the fifth largest economy in the world. In 1801, Great Britain and Ireland were formally united as a kingdom. The current incarnation of the United Kingdom was formed in 1927, when the southern part of Ireland declared independence as a separate country. Throughout history, the country has been formally controlled by a monarchy system. However, today, the monarchy controlled by Queen Elizabeth II is little more than a symbol; the royal family has not actively participated in the country's politics for centuries. Though the monarch is responsible for signing Acts of Parliament into law, no one in the royal family has refused to sign a bill since 1708.
The United Kingdom has been one of the world's largest colonial powers. Over the past centuries, it has developed colonies and held power in many countries for a period of time, including the United States, Canada, Australia, India, and many islands, including the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Bermuda. The United States was first settled by British colonialists, but the Americans later rebelled against control by the United Kingdom, sparking the Revolutionary War for American freedom. Other countries, such as Australia and Canada, never initiated such rebellion against British control, and still maintain symbolic ties to the UK, although they are now regarded as independent countries.

For great hotel rates at Apex Hotel City of London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Royal Park Hotel London at Discount Rates

Royal Park Hotel London at Discount Rates

These are the 6 Things You Need To Know About London 

London is one of Europe's largest cities
London has a population of 7.5 million people and covers 600 square miles which makes it one of Europe's largest cities. Over 270 nationalities live there and between them they speak over 250 languages, more than any other city in the world. 
For traveling the 'Tube' buy a 'travel card' or an 'Oyster Card'
London's underground, better known as the 'Tube' transports over 1 billion people around the English capital every year. There are 12 lines in operation and because many of the city's top attractions have their own stops, you'll definitely use it at some stage. For buying tickets you should buy one of these two: Off-peak travel card for zones 1 and 2: Costing just over £5, this will permit you unlimited travel on the tube within zones 1 and 2, which should be enough for any visitor to the city Oyster Card: These can be picked up at tube stations. They cost £3 and work on a pay as you go basis. Each journey then costs £1.50, but there is a 'capping' scheme where once you use a certain amount, it will stop taking money off your card. They make traveling on the tube cheaper, easier and quicker. 
Many of the world's most instantly recognizable landmarks are here
Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and more landmarks can be found in London. A great way to see lots of them in a short space of time is by going on a walk up the Thames from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge. First you'll see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, then the London Eye, while further down the river you'll see St Paul's Cathedral, the Gherkin Building, Tate Modern, Tower of London and, of course, Tower Bridge. 
The city's top museums and galleries are free
Many of London's top museums and galleries are free. This includes the Natural History Museum and Science Museum on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, and the Victoria and Albert Museum around the corner from here on Cromwell Road. Closer to the West End are the National Portrait Gallery on St Martin's Place behind Trafalgar Square, along with the National Gallery which is actually on Trafalgar Square. The famous Tate Modern is also free, while the most popular of all is the British Museum on Great Russell Street which has over 7 million artifacts.
There are lots of parks to chill out in
As London is such a busy city, it's good to know there are lots of parks to chill out in. The biggest and best known is Hyde Park which is full of lakes and fountains, and is where you will find the famous ‘Speakers Corner' where people come to speak their mind on all subjects every Sunday morning. Other parks worth checking out are St James's Park and Green Park in front of Buckingham Palace, and Regents Park and Primrose Hill up in North London.
This is one of the best cities in the world for shopping
Some of the best known streets for shopping in London are Carnaby Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street. The famous department store Harrods can be found in Knights bridge, while bargains can be found at the markets in Camden Town. 

For great hotel rates at Royal Park Hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at St Giles London – St Giles Classic Hotel

Discount Rates at St Giles London – St Giles Classic Hotel

Here are 10 of the many reasons why London is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world.

1. Three of the top ten museums and galleries in the world are in London and 857 art galleries in total.
2. London has four UNESCO world heritage sites: Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich, Westminster Palace which includes Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church as well as Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
3. There are more than 300 languages spoken in London, more than in any other city in the world.
4. There are more than 17,000 music performances a year across London's 300+ venues including The O2 Arena - the world's most popular music venue for the last five years running.
5. 84% of Londoners think that the city's cultural scene is important in ensuring a high quality of life. (GLA/ICM research).
6. London has over 170 museums with 11 national museums including the British Museum - home to thousands of years of culture including the Rosetta Stone (196 BC).
7. Around 250 festivals take place in London every year including London’s largest free festival - The Mayor’s Thames Festival and Europe's biggest street festival- The Notthing Hill Carnival which attracts near one million people.
8. The first performance of a Punch and Judy show at Covent Garden was recorded in Samuel Pepys's diary entry for 9 May 1662, and it is believed a similar puppet show has been seen there every year since. (Oh yes there is!)
9. London presents more live comedy than any other city in the world. From hosting new talent in the backrooms of pubs to the likes of Ricky Gervais, Chris Rock and Steve Coogan performing in major arenas.
10. London dominates the UK visual arts sector, which accounts for 30% of the global art market.

For great hotel rates at St Giles London – St Giles Classic Hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at Montrose Guest House London

Discount Rates at Montrose Guest House London

Wondering where to Find Stylish Clothes for the Figure at These London Stores?
As you might hope and expect, women in London come in all shapes and sizes and we have shops for everyone. Firstly, I have some handy international Clothing Size Conversion Charts here to guide you to the UK equivalent sizes. It seems most of the Plus Size women's clothes shops in London are around Oxford Street so you won't be dashing around all over town. 
Evans
Evans has 180 stores of plus size fashion so they know how to get the shape right to flatter curvy women. They stock up to size 32 and have everything from nightwear to special occasion wear.Evans have been the plus size women's fashion leader for a long time but don't dismiss them as too 'safe' as Evans had their first catwalk show at London Fashion Week in 2014. You can check the online store locator for other branches but, if you are shopping at Oxford Street, Evans has a branch near Marble Arch.
Primark
Also at the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street is a huge branch of the cheap fashion chain Primark. They cater for all sizes, including children's and men's clothing, and don't have a lot in larger sizes but it can be worth checking for basics (t-shirts, leggings, etc) and for some cheap summer dresses.
Next
On the opposite side of Oxford Street is the chain store Next and they have clothing up to size 26 and a better quality than in Primark.
New Look
Almost next door is a large branch of the chain store New Look. The clothing is quite cheap and the range changes regularly so there's usually something on-trend.
Marks & Spencer
Carrying on along Oxford Street, there's a large branch of M&S on the same side of the street. The M&S Plus range goes up to size 28 and has some good everyday clothes which are usually better quality fabrics than other chain stores.
Long Tall Sally
If you are tall too, head up Orchard Street to find Long Tally Sally on Chiltern Street where they specialize in flattering clothing for women 5'8" (173cm) and above. Clothing is up to size 24 and they stock larger shoe sizes too.
For great hotel rates at Montrose Guest House London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Baglioni Hotel London at Discount Rates

Baglioni Hotel London at Discount Rates

Have you Seen the Smallest Permanent Sculpture in London?
 
Considered by some to be the smallest permanent sculpture in London, the Philpot Lane Mice are indeed small and missed by many a passersby. Two brown mice and a piece of very yellow cheese can be seen above head height on the Philpot Lane side of 23 East cheap, EC3, where the cafe meets its next door neighbor at 13 Philpot Lane. These mice apparently date from 1862 when the Victorian building was constructed for the spice merchants Messrs Hunt & Crombie by John Young & Son.
Philpot Lane
This small side road is named after Sir John Philpot who was Lord Mayor of London between 1378-1379. Philpot Lane links East cheap and Fen church Street and is going to get a lot more visitors since 20 Fen church Street - the skyscraper better known as the Walkies Talkie has opened. The entrance to The Sky Garden is at the back of the building so you will walk along Philpot Lane.
Why Mice?
The story goes that two builders who were good friends were having lunch together high up on a building site (and before the days of Health and Safety). They had packed bread and cheese to eat but one of them found his lunch had been nibbled and he wasn't happy. He accused his friend and a fight broke out which led to both men falling to their death. It was after this accident that a mice infestation was discovered on the building site. Some say it was during the construction of the Victorian building where you can see the mice sculpture and some say it was during the construction of The Monument. As that was completed in 1677 - nearly 200 years before this one. I somehow doubt that story is true.But most people do believe these mice are a memorial to the builders who died.

For great hotel rates at Baglioni Hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Hotel 41 London at Discount Rates

Hotel 41 London at Discount Rates 

Have you Seen these Pods at Heathrow Airport?

London is a city that is well known for iconic transport. From the red double decker buses to the London Underground trains, Boat Travel and even a Cable Car Over the Themes, we really do have it all here. But not many people know about these pods at Heathrow Airport. Unless you are a British Airways Business Class Traveler who drives to Heathrow Airport and uses the business car park you may never have seen these pods. (That does rather narrow down the chances, doesn't it?) But they are too much fun to leave just for those travelers so here's where you can find them and what they are all about.(By the way, if you really do like London public transport I've put together this London Public Transport Day of Families and all for a plan for a great day out. I first did this with my daughter but have also done the route again with adult friends and we all had fun.)
 What Are The Pods?
Commissioned by Heathrow Airport operator BAA, The Heathrow Pod Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system was designed and developed by Ultra Global PRT and has been operational since May 2011. This was Ultra’s first commercially operational pod system and it provides 800 passengers per day with a vital link between the T5 Business Car Park and the terminal itself. The transfer system had to fit within the tights constraints imposed by the airport infrastructure.
There are three stations on the system: two in the T5 Business Car Park and one at Terminal 5. Each journey takes four to six minutes. The system consists of 21 vehicles and covers a total of 3.8 kilometers of one-way guideway. The pods travel up to 40 kilometers per hour and each pod can carry up to four passengers. All are driverless and are started by the passenger and then operate automatically.The autonomously driven vehicles have carried over 1 million passengers already.
Where Are The Pods?
If you are a business traveler, and driving to the airport, follow the signs for Business Parking. If you are in Heathrow Airport, head to Terminal 5 and look for the signs for the car park. It is free to use the pods and you do not need a flight ticket to take a journey. If you have spare time at the airport do pop over and see the pods and have a quick ride. I've even got the tube out to Heathrow Airport just to enjoy them on a sunny day!
For great hotel rates at Hotel 41 London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at Rose and Crown Hotel London

Discount Rates at Rose and Crown Hotel London 

What to Find the More Interesting London Markets?

There are a lot of London Street Markets from the local neighborhood ones which sell the everyday basics to the large tourist attractions such as Camden Market and Portobello Road Market. But I'm often asked where are the more unusual London markets. The ones that are not on every visitors' list. So I've put together this list of interesting London markets to appeal to the more curious shopper. I've already written about where to buy antique in London but these markets are great for browsing. Alfie's Antiques Market is in a former department store in Marylebone. The Egyptian-style art deco facade gives you an idea how quirky this place is but head inside and you'll find around 100 dealers and a rabbit warren of routes across the floors. Whether you're looking for furniture, vintage clothing, artworks or just a really unusual one-off item this is a great place to explore. And if you need to make a decision on a purchase head up to the rooftop cafe while you contemplate. 

For great hotel rates at Rose and Crown Hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at 9 Hertford Street Apartments London

Discount Rates at 9 Hertford Street Apartments London 

Ever Wanted to Know Can we Share an Oyster Card?

What Is An Oyster Card?
An Oyster card is a reusable credit card-sized plastic card for paying for London transport. You can use it on London Underground, the buses, London Overground and for discounts on river services. You simply add credit to the card and then tap it on the yellow reader as you enter and exit stations for the correct fare to be automatically deducted. Using an Oyster card offers cheaper fares than paper tickets or cash fares. (Do note, you cannot pay cash anymore on any London Buses.) If you make multiple journeys in a day the Oyster card knows to cap the amount deducted when you reach the equivalent Day Travel card rate.
Do We Need An Oyster Card Each?
Yes, you do. You can't put credit on a single Oyster card and then try it use it to pay for the travel of more than one passenger, when traveling together. Each passenger needs a separate Oyster card to pay for their journey.
Can We Share An Oyster Card When Not Traveling Together?
If you have a Pay As You Go (PAYG) Oyster card and are traveling at different times then yes, you can share a card. I keep a spare one at home for visitors and there is no photo card needed; I just need to add enough credit to cover the journey/s. If you have a weekly, monthly, or annual Oyster card then you cannot share it and you do need to use a photo card for the registered user.

For great hotel rates at 9 Hertford Street Apartments London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at Malt House Hotel London

Discount Rates at Malt House Hotel London 

Did you Know There's Chocolate Museum in South London?

This small, free independent museum opened in 2013. It's in Brixton, south London, and just a short walk from the tube station. The museum was established in 2008 by French artisan chocolatier, Isabelle Alaya who also runs Melange Chocolate in Peck ham, south London, where they specialize in chocolate blends including many herbs and spices. The Chocolate Museum has a ground floor, which includes a cafe and shop, and most of the collection is downstairs on a lower level. I discovered that the first Chocolate House in London opened in 1657. And when cocoa first arrived in Europe it was considered a medicine and therefore healthy and good for us.
The collection has a range of memorabilia dating back to the 18th century. There is a permanent collection about worldwide chocolate history and the processing of chocolate on the ground floor. On the lower floor there's the British History of Chocolate collection, as well as the History of Cocoa and Slavery. The lower floor has a video to watch about the chocolate production process from a plantation in Venezuela. I liked seeing the different shaped chocolate molds, plus the hot chocolate cups and pitchers. While only a small collection, the intention is to convey a sense of how the status and demand for chocolate has changed and increased and since the 17th century. The Chocolate Museum also offers chocolate making workshops and chocolate tasting workshops for children and adults but you do need to book in advance. I stopped in the cafe to try the traditional and flavored hot chocolate with friends. There are dairy-free options, and a fun 'solid choc on a wooden spoon' option which you stir into hot milk, plus a children's hot chocolate too.

For great hotel rates at Malt House hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Cafe Royal at Discount Rates

Cafe Royal Hotel at Discount Rates

Want to know how you can see the London Monopoly board places by bus?

While the Monopoly board game originated in the US, the London Monopoly board is world famous.
I wanted to find a way to see the London Monopoly board locations without having to walk for a day (6+ hours) and the pub crawl tour didn't appeal. I didn't want to be on the tube as then I wouldn't see very much along the way so I decided to find normal London buses that would pass as near as possible to all of the locations on the board.I chose not to see the locations in the order they appear on the board, as that would have taken much longer, but I have found a way to see the London Monopoly sights with just four London buses. I've even got a Tick List you can print out to use along the way. The total journey time is around 2.5 hours.
No booking is required - these are standard public transport bus routes - and, of course, you can get on and off as often as you like along each of the routes as long as you have an Oyster Card or travel card.
Even if you have a Pay As You Go Oyster card it will 'cap' (stop charging more) when you reach the equivalent cost of a one day travel card so it doesn't matter if you do 4 or 40 bus journeys on the same day. Do note,you can no longer pay cash on London buses. I've tried to name some of the bus stops to help and you'll be able to find them easily, once on board, as there's a display on both levels of the bus naming the next stop and there are now audible on board announcements too.

For great hotel rates at Cafe Royal hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at The Landmark Hotel London

Discount Rates at The Landmark Hotel London

Have you tried the 139 London bus for cheap sightseeing?

There are many London Bus Route that are Great for Sightseeing. I like the number 139 route as it starts in northwest London, passes through central London, and ends in southeast London so there's a lot to see.
Do note, London Buses no Longer Accept Cash Fares so you will need an Oyster Card but if you have it loaded with a travel card your bus trip is free (well, it costs no more for however much travel to do). Or you could use a Contact less Payment Card which will also 'cap' at the one day travel card rate however many journeys you take.

There are some great official hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tours but, if you have some confidence traveling on London buses, you can make any route a hop on/hop off service.

The No. 139 London Bus

Time needed: 1 hour approx.

Start: West Hampstead

Finish: Waterloo
To reach the start of the route you need to go to West Hampstead station which is on the Jubilee Line for the Underground and is also on the Overground network. Walk up West End Lane to bus stop T, near to West End Green. It's on the righthand side of the road as you walk up the hill and is under ten minutes away. (Do note the Underground and Overground stations are not in the same building but are on the same stretch of West End Lane.)

On the same side as the bus stop there are some charity shops to browse for a bargain.
I must say I had the nicest bus driver who smiled and laughed with the first passengers on and stopped and waited for passengers dashing to bus stops along the route.
As ever, it's good to get an upper deck front row seat, which is why it's worth coming to the start of the route. I had a very clean bus as it had clearly been washed recently (but, sadly, this meant the front windows were a bit smeared so I couldn't great photos) yet I did still have a good enough view of the sights along the way.

For great hotel rates at The Landmark Hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

The Halkin Hotel at Discount Rates

The Halkin Hotel at Discount Rates

Have you tried the shortest London Underground line?
The Waterloo & City line is the shortest underground railway line in London as it only connects two stations: Waterloo and Bank. Yet it is a proper tube line and part of the London Underground system. Some Londoners refer to the line as the "Drain" as it passes under the River Thames.

History

The Waterloo & City line opened on 11 July 1898 with the prime purpose to move commuters from the southwest of England arriving at Waterloo mainline railway station to their work location in The City.

The line became part of London Underground in 1994.

The Journey
The route is just 1.5 miles long and the journey takes four minutes.The line is busiest at the commuter rush hours so on weekdays at 7-10am and 4-7pm.The trains have only four carriages so are shorter than other tube trains but they are the same design as used on the Central Line.

Opening Hours

Since September 2013, The Waterloo & City line is open until 00:30 Monday to Saturday. It still remains closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Bank Station

Bank station opened as City and was renamed on 28 October 1940.The Waterloo & City Line is separate from the other tube lines at Bank so you need to come through the barriers and cross over to the W&C Line walkway. There’s a traveler here which always makes me feel as if I’m going on holiday as I generally only see them at airports. The 300 ft long sloping moving walkways were added in 1960 to ease congestion.

Make sure you 'touch in' again with your Oyster Card/Contact less Payment Card so the system knows you are catching a Waterloo & City Line train. Look out for the ‘validators’ before the platform. (When at Waterloo, make sure you 'touch out' at the end of the walkway, before the stairs, and not on the South West Trains platform or you’ll get overcharged. Check with station staff if you’re unsure.)

What To See Near Each Station

While the Waterloo & City Line is mostly used by commuters it is a really great way for visitors to connect two parts of town that you might not think of seeing on the same day.

Waterloo brings you to the South Bank so you can stroll along the pedestrianized riverside walkway for a fabulous free day out. You can start from the London Eye (also the London Aquarium and London Dungeon in County Hall), then the South bank Center which often has free events including a weekend food market just behind, watch the skateboarders, stop for a bite to eat at Gabriel’s Wharf, shop at the OXO Tower and visit Tate Modern – the nation’s free contemporary art gallery in a former power station.

For great hotel rates at The Halkin Hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Sofitel London St James at Discount Rates

Sofitel London St James at Discount Rates

Have you been to London's Little Venice?

Little Venice is a pool of water where the Regent's Canal meets the Padding ton Arm of the Grand Union Canal. It is a lovely calm location in upmarket Maida Vale and a real contrast to the busy London you may be expecting.There are colorful narrow boats and tree lined streets with white stuccoed mansions and villas in this wealthy neighborhood. It's a popular spot and right on the water there is a puppet theater and waterside cafe. Plus there is a boat service to Camden and London Zoo.

The Name!

Most attribute the name of Little Venice to the poet Robert Browning who lived overlooking the canal at 19 Warwick Crescent from 1861 to 1868. But the London Canal Website believes it is Lord Byron who should be credited with comparing this section of London's waterways with the Italian city as while we think the area is incredibly picturesque now it was, apparently, even more beautiful in Byron's time. The name came into use after the Second World War as the area was largely untouched by bomb damage.

How To Find Little Venice?

The nearest tube station is Warwick Avenue on the Baker loo Line. Take the left exit from the tube station and walk straight up Warwick Avenue (that's the name of the road). At the traffic lights turn right on Bloomfield Road and the Pool of Little Venice will be on your left. Walk down to West bourne Terrace Road Bridge on your left and cross over.On the right-hand side of the bridge is the Old Toll House which dates back to 1812. On the left at the end of the bridge, at the junction of Delamere Terrace and Warwick Crescent, there's a slope to lead you down to the canal path.Alternatively, you can also walk from Padding ton in about 15 minutes. Follow the directions for the Rolling Bridges but instead of going up the steps and crossing the canal, stay on the canal path and walk on for about 10-15 minutes to reach Little Venice.

For great hotel rates at Sofitel London St James click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at The Bentley London - a Hilton Hotel

Discount Rates at The Bentley London - a Hilton Hotel

Do you know about Regent's Park's secret garden?

The Regent's Park secret garden as it is such a peaceful location with few visitors. It's a garden that was designed to be meditative, providing an elegant counterbalance to the busy pathways of the larger park. It's also a bit hard to find which helps with the mystique.Many visitors to Regent's Park may never find the secret garden, or even know if its existence, and that just makes it all the more exciting when you do.

Regent's Park was designed by John Nash (1752-1835) who was a government architect and friend of the Prince Regent. The large round park included a processional road to St. James's Palace, that we now know as Regent Street. 56 villas were planned for The Regent's Park but only 8 were ever built.
St John's Lodge
Located off the inner circle in Regent's Park, St. John's Lodge is one of two remaining garden villas included in John Nash's residential plan of 1811. (The other is The Holmes.) St. John's Lodge was the first villa to be built in Regent's Park in 1817-19 and remained a private residence until 1916.

The grounds had an informal layout until the 3rd Marquess of Bute purchased the lease to the Lodge in 1888.The Bute family did not extend their lease on St. John's Lodge as some of the land (5.5 acres) was taken back into Regent's Park in 1916 and it would have made their chapel near the lake inaccessible from the house. The chapel is no longer here but the Regent's Park nursery was established near the east of the garden and, I believe, that's now the Regent's Park Allotment Garden, which is just next door and also open to the public to visit.During World War One, the villa and outbuildings were used as a hospital for disabled officers, and later, in 1920-37, by the St. Dunstan's Institute for the Blind. Other occupants include the University of London's Institute of Archaeology, from 1937-1959, and by the history department of Bed ford College, from 1959-1983. A development company, Messila House, occupied the house from 1987-1994 before it was sold for £40 million.

Today the villa is a private residence again, owned by the Kuwaiti royal family and the royal family of Brunei, but the garden is open to all and has been available to the public since 1928.
St John's Lodge Gardens

In 1888, Lord Bute commissioned Robert Weir Shultz (1860-1951) to carry out works to the villa and grounds including 'a garden fit for meditation'.

For great hotel rates at The Bentley London - a Hilton Hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Egerton House Hotel at Discount Rates

Egerton House Hotel at Discount Rates

Have you seen those green sheds London taxi drivers use?

You may have seen the green garden shed-like buildings in London and wondered what they are. These are cabbie shelters for London's Black Cab Drivers and inside they can get a hot drink and a freshly cooked meal at a very reasonable rate.London Cabbie Shelters History Back in 1875, Captain George Armstrong, an ex-soldier and editor of The Globe newspaper, wanted to hail a Hansom cab (horse and two-wheel cart) and while there were plenty of vehicles to be seen there were no drivers. He discovered the drivers keeping warm in a local pub which, of course, also meant they were drinking.

Armstrong took a typically Victorian approach and encouraged reform and a better solution to drunken cabbies. Along with the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, and other philanthropists, they set up the Cabman's Shelter Fund. Between 1875 and 1914 the Fund build about 60 shelters in London to provide shelter from the weather and "wholesome refreshments" (no alcohol). Each shelter had an attendant who received no wage but was paid by selling food and drink. They could also charge half-a-penny to cook any food brought in by the cabbie.The first shelter opened in 1875 in Acacia Avenue, St. John’s Wood close to Captain Armstrong's home.

The Shelters As the shelters are on the public highway, the police specified that each shelter could be no larger than a horse and four-wheel cart. Yet even though the structures are small each has a kitchen and seating, with tables, for about 12 drivers.There are railings around the shelters that were intended for the tethering of the Hansom cab's horses. Some of these can still be seen today.Another typically Victorian approach towards bettering oneself, the shelters always had a selection of books and newspapers, and gambling was forbidden. Even today, there is always a selection of newspapers to read to ensure the drivers are up-to-date with the day's news when chatting to 'a fare' later.

While there are 21,000 black cab drivers on the streets of London just 13 shelters have survived. Some were lost during bombing in WWII and others were removed for street improvements for the larger vehicles on the road today. The Cabmen's Shelter Fund look after the Grade II listed buildings. A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund also ensures their place in history is recorded.

For great hotel rates at Egerton House Hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Threadneedles Hotel at Discount Rates

Threadneedles Hotel at Discount Rates

Find out what to expect on a backstage tour of London's Royal Opera House!

The Royal Opera House in Convent Garden is Britain's leading opera house. It is home to The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera. The iconic building covers an area of 2.5 acres.The Royal Opera House Backstage Tour gives an insight into the behind-the-scenes areas as well as the Front of House and the elegant Paul Hamlyn Hall (see more below).Your Guide will explain about the history of the building and how much has changed during the major refurbishment between 1997 and 1999.As this is a working theater every tour varies. You will hopefully get to see inside the auditorium and possibly see The Royal Ballet in class or rehearsing.

Important Notes
There is quite a bit walking on the tour but the tour route is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
Photography is not permitted.
Tours are not suitable for children under 8 years old.
Tours available Monday to Saturday.
Tour duration: 1 hour 15 minutes maximum.

Backstage Tour Review

Tours start from by the Cloakroom area for a good reason. It can be very hot backstage as the ballet dancers cannot let their muscles cool down so do put your coat in the free cloakroom.Your Tour Guide leads the group through the Front of House areas and explains the history of the theater. This is actually the third theater on this site. The first was a playhouse, not an opera house, in 1732. Sadly, it burned down and took two years to rebuild. The second opened as an Italian opera house but that too burned down during a masque ball in 1808. The theater was rebuilt, on time and under budget and opened in 1858. By 1892 the theater gained royal status.

The 1997-99 refurbishment kept many of the Victorian features but also introduced up-to-date technology to allow the theater to function more efficiently. Previously each set had to be dismantled and carried to storage across the road for a different show but now three sets can all be ready to use on a stage that can rotate them into place.

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The Berkeley Hotel London at Discount Rates

The Berkeley Hotel London at Discount Rates

Where to see love locks in London?
Love locks are yet another way for couples to declare their love is eternal and cannot be undone. Bridges have been the most popular locations as you can attach the padlock to the bridge and then toss the keys into the river below.
The idea has been seen across Europe since the early 2000s and some say the Pont des Arts bridge in

Paris was where it all started.Lock locks or love padlocks are now often seen in Wedding Ceremonies as the symbolism works well for unlocking your heart and all that romantic stuff. What was once done together in secret at night is now a ceremony performed in broad daylight with accompanying blatant photos and videos to prove you did it.

Some couples use a standard padlock and write or paint their initials onto the padlock and others have special padlocks engraved with the date of their, often Honeymoon,visit.
While love locks can be seen in London there are nowhere near as many as in Venice and Rome where the authorities are spending a lot of time and money removing the locks as they are damaging historic bridges.
I've heard it said it’s a souvenir to leave in a city you love that you hope you can visit when you next return together. Others say it simply disfigures a beautiful bridge.
This footbridge connects the South bank, by the South bank Center, to Charing Cross station and The Embankment on the north side of the river Thames. (Hunger ford Bridge is the railway bridge that runs parallel.) This isn't the most popular bridge for love locks but there are always a few to be seen.

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Discount Rates at The Fox and Grapes Hotel

Discount Rates at The Fox and Grapes

How to enjoy a night out in London without drinking?
Londoners often spend a lot of time socializing down the pub which has made drinking part of our lifestyle. Pubs do also serve soft drinks so many non-drinkers still choose to head to the pub but maybe you are looking for somewhere else. If you have teenagers, health or religious reasons to avoid the booze you will be pleased to know there is plenty to do in London in the evenings that doesn't involve alcohol and this list should get you started.Visit a Museum or Gallery Many museums and galleries have a Late Night Opening either once a week or once a month. Some of the best weekly nights to know about are The V&A which is open until 10pm every Friday and Tate Modern which is open until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Some of the best monthly nights include the Science Museum, Museum of London and the London Transport Museum.You could even stay all night if you do a London Museum Sleepover.

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Discount Rates at Metropolitan Hotel London

Discount Rates at Metropolitan Hotel London

Ever Wanted to Know What is The Sky Garden London?
The Sky Garden is a public area on the top of the skyscraper best known as the 'Walkie Talkie' (and shortly nicknamed the Fry scraper due to its tendency to focus light onto a patch of ground that could just about cook an egg, or Melt all of the plastic on very expensive Parked Car Bellow).
This three stores atrium space is central London’s highest garden and is open to the public but you must book in advance.While the Walkie Talkie certainly isn't the tallest the building in The City of London it is dominant on the City skyline with its unusual reverse tapered design meaning the 37-stores tower office block has a smaller foot print than the previous building yet it expands wider at the top because higher floors can demand higher rents. This has given us a deceptively large amount of public space for the Sky Garden, a condition of the planning permission.

The Sky Garden is on levels 35, 36 and 37. It is 45,000 sq ft of high level 'amenity space' with 360 degree panoramic views of London. There are three events spaces available for hire as well as two restaurants and a private dining room. In all, there is room for 400 diners, plus an extra 200 members of the public exploring the 'garden'.The three dinning options are essentially a cafe, a brasserie and a seafood bar.

Sky Pod is the cafe on level 35. It's a 'coffee and cake' place during the day and a cocktail bar at night. There are sofas, tables and chairs, plus stools and high tables to enjoy the view. This area is under a roof but is within the garden so has no heating but is 'naturally ventilated' which basically means it can be cold in the winter and probably hot in the summer. A bit like the outdoor temperature but without the wind. In case it is a bit chilly there are faux furs and cashmere blankets available to keep you warm.You can book a table or, if there is space, you can just grab a drink if you have a Sky Garden ticket. Sky Pod is the most accessibly-priced dining option in the Sky Garden with a pot of tea costing £3.50 (2015 rate).
There is also an outside terrace next to Sky Pod but it was closed during the winter when I visited. It's basically going to end up as a smoker's terrace as food and drink is not allowed. It is called the Francis Golding Terrace after the architect who died in a cycle accident in 2013.
The two restaurants above have heating and air-conditioning so are not as affected by outside temperatures. To dine at either of the restaurants you must book in advance.
Darwin Brasserie is on level 36 and offers classic European cuisine. There is a semi-exposed kitchen and a large bar to provide 'food theater'.
Fen church Seafood Bar & Grill is on level 37. This is the most expensive and, bizarrely as it's at the highest level, has the worst view as it has frosted glass windows. This is all about privacy and an exclusive place to be rather than the sights.

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