Haunted Locations in England – The Doorway to Another World

December 4, 2014

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Haunted Locations in England – The Doorway to Another World

England has a reputation of being one of those places that have various haunted houses and dwellings (check out the secret places of Paris!). I decided to visit some of the haunted locations in England myself to witness the evil that people claim to have seen there.

Some of the haunted locations in England were places where tragedy had struck and the ghosts of the dead did not intend to leave.

Others apparently, had murdered witches still lurking around in the dark to take revenge.

I am a big fan of Ghost Hunters which is why I decided to go on this adventure. So I took to the road early one Saturday morning and started my journey towards the horrors and haunted locations in England!

Here I list some of the places that truly fascinated me.

Borley Rectory

Probably the most famous in whole of England Borley Rectory was one of my top choices of the places I wanted to visit. Suspected to be haunted ever since it was built this old, gothic Victorian mansion was constructed in 1862.

Burnt to ground by a fire in 1939 the mansion was remodeled in 1944. Footsteps had been heard all over the place. This did not frighten me as almost all haunted houses do have cases of unexplained knocks, whispers and footsteps.

What did make my hair stand on end was the fact that a Reverend’s wife had found a woman’s skull wrapped in brown packaging and stashed inside her cupboard. I found the incident very creepy indeed. However, I did not experience any paranormal activity, though the mansion did have a sense of loss and a heavy feeling of sadness.

And I was very glad when I finally stepped out of the gloomy mansion and into the bright sunlight! This one definitely took the cake as being the top haunted locations in England.

Berry Pomeroy Castle

The ghosts of the Blue Lady and the White Lady haunt the Berry Pomeroy Castle, believed to be one of the most eerie castles in England.

This picturesque castle has the reputation of concealing sinister secrets behind its pretty façade. The White Lady haunts the dungeons and is harmless according to the locals. It is the Blue Lady we should be afraid of.

She haunts the tower and attracts passersby to it, who plunge to their death if they succumb to her. The place itself is very beautiful and I personally did not feel threatened by it.

Ancient Ram Inn

This Ancient Ram Hotel easily makes the top list of haunted locations in England.

The hotel has been owned by many people since 1145 and is believed to be one of the most haunted inns. This did not surprise me because history revealed that the house had been a location where different disturbing incidents had taken place.

Black magic and child sacrifices are a big part of the house’s past so the eerie feeling the inn gives off does not feel bizarre. You feel once you get inside that it is unsafe and you feel like you are being watched.

John Humphries, the current owner of the hotel believed that the lodge is haunted by various spooks including a witch, orbs, two demons and various other ghostly presences. No wonder the inn gave me the heebie jeebies!

Do you believe in haunted houses? Well, whether you do or don’t, these haunted locations in England are sure to give you a sense of excitement!

Enjoy

Lizard Peninsula Cornwall – Visit of Grandeur and Tranquility

November 21, 2014

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Lizard Peninsula Cornwall – Visit of Grandeur and Tranquility

The Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall England, a destination as exquisite as its name, stands proudly in the sea. Paradoxically, the peninsula presents a rugged face to the rudiments but the climate is probably one of the warmest in Britain.

Unpolluted by industries the air is crisp, clear and fresh, making breathing so much easier than it is out in the cities at Lizard Peninsula.

Small villages protected by the giant cliffs and towering rocks make you travel back in time and experience what you cannot in today’s busy world. Since it has flat terrain, exploring it on foot or on a bike is ideal.

porthlevencyclehire.com is a great place to rent bikes and you can do it online.

Hiking has always been one of my most beloved hobbies. Hiking through The Lizard Peninsula with my wife was my dream.

It is recognized in Britain as one of the most important pieces of land where more than fifteen of Britain’s rarest plants can be found.

Stunningly beautiful throughout the year it can be quite rightfully said that there is no place like it in the whole of Britain. The area is also famous for the wildlife that it proudly boasts of. The Lizard has remained an inspiration for artists and writers who were spellbound by the stunningly beautiful scenery that it had to offer.

When we visited The Lizard Peninsula we could see seals and even basking sharks. This left me open mouthed. The imposing cliffs have a beauty of their own. The views from this stretch of Cornwall are breathtaking. You will get to witness everything imaginable once you visit The Lizard Peninsula. From the storm ragged harbors in the west to the small but sheltered villages in the east there are a number of locations you can visit.

The colorful boats pulled up on the beach and the cluster of houses with thatched roofs gave the surroundings a peaceful look. To get outside the routine hustle bustle of the city and into the serene exquisiteness of insignificant fishing villages such as Cadgwith and Mullion Covecome where people depended so highly on the sea for their daily livelihood left me wondering about the lost tranquility in our lives.

The most prized possession of The Lizard Peninsula by all means is the Kynance Cove.

The tough climb downwards is worth the clean yellow mounds of rolling sand the gigantic red and green serpentine rocks polished by the sea over centuries and the magnificent roaring blue sea. BBC describes the coast as “one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the South West.” And my wife and I could not agree less.

cadgwith harbour and bay fishing village and port cornwall england uk

Helston is one other such place that I would like everyone to visit. To experience the Furry Dance, a prehistoric pagan festival, visit The Lizard on May 8. The dance celebrates the passing of winter and the arrival of spring. The dancers wear the Helston’s symbolic flower Lily of the Valley to follow the tradition. This experience will always be one of the very best.

My trip to The Lizard was one of those breath taking experiences where time flies fast but leaves a long lasting impact on your mind for days to come.

The Lizard Peninsula remained a topic of discussion for many days in our house. Reliving the memories refreshed us. Planning a trip again would not be a bad idea come to think of it!

Enjoy!

Heathrow Airport – Unexpected Adventure to my Terminal

November 17, 2014

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Heathrow Airport – Unexpected Adventure to my Terminal

So this little unexpected adventure I had happened a few months back. I had to fly to Berlin from London on a business trip for the company I work for. Anyway, as a habit I generally leave early whenever I have to fly overseas.

I took a cab to the Heathrow Airport, which is quite accessible by road and public transport. The airport is around 15 miles from West London along the M4 motorway.

Anyway, I got off at terminal 2 and there I was told at the check in by an attendant that I ended up at the wrong terminal, as my British Airways flight will depart from terminal 5. Oh man, I just stood there wondering how I could have made such a silly mistake.

The attendant looked at me and even asked, “Sir, are you alright?
I didn’t quite answer but after my little shocking experience, I knew that I was in for a trip!

For those who haven’t yet been to the airport, the Heathrow Airport is massive. It is the busiest airport in UK and Europe. The first three terminals share the same entrance, the fourth terminal is at the southern part of the airport, and the fifth terminal on the Western Perimeter Road with its own separate access road.

After asking around, I found out that the two possible ways for me to get to the fifth terminal is through the Heathrow express or the London underground. So today seemed like a good day to check out the Heathrow express.

While on the train it finally hit me, last time I flew to Berlin from London was through a German airline called the Germanwings, which departed from terminal two. Anyway, upon reaching terminal 5, I went through the check in and went straight to eat. I found a sandwich place and got myself a delicious yet healthy sandwich.

I’ve always had this affinity for airport food and nothing beats the top quality food in the UK.

Finally, I was on the plane and my favorite part of flying from the Heathrow airport had arrived, I simply love looking down at the six runways, arranged in certain angles that it looks like a hexagram.

So for those who have not yet flown from Heathrow Airport, here is a quick guide:

There are 5 different terminals at the airport, the first three terminals are all walking distance but the fourth and fifth terminal both have different road routes for entrance.
You can access the airport from Heathrow express, a nonstop service direct to the airport from Paddington station.
There is a central bus station serving terminals 1 and 3. Both terminals 4 and 5 have their own bus station.
Several large duty free shops are available for traveler.
Decent eatery is available at the airport.
A number of play areas are available for kids.

While I am confident that this is useful information, you will still find yourself a little overwhelmed on your first visit to Heathrow Airport. The size of the airport and the foot traffic here is simply a sight to behold. However, the experience is extremely enjoyable and I recommend you enjoy yourself while you are there.

Enjoy!

Outer Hebrides – Cycling in the Isles of Wonder

November 13, 2014

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Outer Hebrides – Cycling in the Isles of Wonder

An ideal way to discover these incredible islands of Outer Hebrides, is by cycling.

Me (in front) cycling up a hill on the Isle of Harris Outer Hebrides Scotland

Cycling on the calm roads of the Outer Hebrides is an astounding way to observe the many wonders that these mind-blowing islands have to offer. The activity offers a chance to witness the exceptional distinctiveness of the area including the flora and fauna, spectacular panorama and the historical reserves that these amazing islands have.

The cycling routes are easily accessible for people of all age groups. There is minimal traffic on the roads which makes it easier to cycle and enjoy the scenic beauty at the same time. Cycling holidays can be leisurely or challenging according to how you would like them to be. You can choose from the easy rides of South Uist or Berneray to the more challenging and grueling ones of the Harris Hills.

The road trip that included cycling in the Outer Hebrides is one of the experiences that I’m going to cherish forever. The weather can be fickle here in England but the Gods smiled upon us during our trip to Barra; the sun was shining brightly and warmed us to our bones.

Barra is at the southern end of the archipelago. It is eight miles long and four miles wide. I took the only road towards the little town of Castlebury which boasts the medieval fortress, Kisimul Castle.

Kisimul Castle in Castlebay Island of Barra Scotland

After a little break to visit the Castle I cycled towards the Island of Vatersay. The sea was so blue and inviting that I had to stop yet again to paddle in the sea. Good weather and the sea shore are two things that I greatly adore. And this combination of both was like a dream come true. Leaving the tranquility of the island behind me, I then took a forty minute ferry to Eriskay.

Luskentyre Beach in Outer Hebrides, Isle of Harris; Scotland, UK

This moment here took me back in time to when I was a kid growing up in New York. We used to go out to Amagansett on Long Island during the summer and my dad and I would bike along Montauk Highway and stop along the entrance ways to go swimming. Another gorgeous pace.

Upon reaching Eriskay I started cycling again. Eriskay is animated with the spirit of the Outer Hebrides – and as such has provided much stimulation to the arts. The Atlantic coast that the island has is just one long stretch of sandy beach. I stopped for lunch at the Am Politician pub before mounting my bike again and cycling past the sign which warned me of ‘Otters Crossing.’

I rode to the Askernish where I saw the remains of several Bronze Age roundhouses dating from around 1200 BC . I cycled past Loch Bi to reach Benbecula. This is where the Catholic south of the Outer Hebrides merges into the Protestant north. After taking a fifty minute ferry to reach Leverburgh I stopped at Betty Bus for a cup of coffee and an Ecclefechan cake.

The smooth ride over the Golden road was a pleasure. I moved towards Stornoway via the magnificent lone standing stones at Callanish. Nothing could be said about the confirmed origins of these stones, but they are believed to be from around 2900 BC. These are thirteen stones arranged to form a Celtic cross.

Lastly I cycled across the austere, marshy landscape of the centre of Lewis. This has been divided into two by the Pentland Road. I cycled until I came to the big city of Stornoway that has a population of 12,000. I took my sore and numb limbs and aching shoulder blades into the Digby Chick Restaurant where after a couple of glasses of ten year old Malt, the pain ebbed away.

Famous England Sites – From History to The Beatles

November 9, 2014

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Famous England Sites – From History to The Beatles

England could easily be one of the most diverse places to visit. Among many other geographical and political factors, England is famous for a great deal of things that we may relate to. Being one of the richest places in culture and heritage, they don’t call it the Kingdom for nothing.

The landmarks, the bridges, the towers, the museums, the lakes and palaces, castles and cliffs are all part of this great whole. Not only is England rich in culture and history, the English people are take pride in being a civilized and productive nation. I have travelled through Europe thoroughly and I see the major differences that help make England well… England.

Famous England Sites: History

David Beckham, Fish and Chips, London and Tea, all may have contributed to the image of the country, but the thing that lasts long has a firm foundation. The English have one of the richest backgrounds in terms of history.

Witnessing The Dark Ages, The Renaissance and many other later art movements, the country evolved as a major tourist destination for historians and art enthusiasts around the world. From DaVinci to Michelangelo, England is the home for many great sculptures and art pieces.,

Famous England Sites: Education

Offering some of the finest education systems in the world, universities like Oxford and Cambridge have set the bar up high for many competitors. The universities are some of the oldest in the world and were born out of the Dark Ages when a growing need for proper education was understood.

Famous England Sites: The Land of the Beatles

Britain has had the honor of producing some of the biggest musicians history has seen; David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Queen are all among the lords of Classic Rock. What I enjoy most about the music culture of England is the quality that differentiates the English from the rest.

And be sure to check out the rooftop location in London where The Beatles last played together as a group.

Rock is the staple form of music in England

Famous England Sites: Greenery

The frequent rains and storms keeps the countryside lush green and fertile. Beautiful hills and thick forests, the mountain trails and the open plains will never lose their charm.

Cheeses

The Romans introduced different types of cheeses to England. Since then, the land has a variety of around 400 different kinds of cheese; Cheddar, Stilton, Cheshire and Red Leicester are among my favorites. The English love Heavy Cream and Cheese, it is one of the most widely-consumed food of the country, and also, the tastiest.

Strawberries

Who doesn’t love Strawberries? And that too English Strawberries! The English have a taste for rich and good food and they are not afraid to show it. I remember walking down the fruit markets back in London inhaling the mixed scents of peaches and strawberries, mangoes and guavas, watermelons and kiwi.

One of my favorite dessert till today is chocolate-covered Strawberries, and also, my fondest memory of England.,

Famous England Sites: William Shakespeare

There is not the slightest doubt that a place with delicious food, stable weather, good education, rich culture and a history will always produce geniuses. Among so many other great names, William Shakespeare was a prominent Actor, Playwright and Poet in history that evolved as an enigma and changed the face of literature and performing arts.

I have never been much into literature myself, but seeing Shakespeare Fans line up at The Church of The Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon, paying their respects at deceased artist’s tomb, reminds me of the greatness of Britain and its culture.

I have always found it amazing that there really is so much to do in this country. Amazing landscapes to see, amazing architectures, and incredible sites in London alone are worth it!

Enjoy!

England Beer Enthusiast – Your Guide Part 1

November 5, 2014

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England Beer Enthusiast – Your Guide Part 1

My last travel was one of the most inspiring experience to date, visiting England and completely immersing in their culture was truly an emotional ride which I felt was worth documenting for the rest of the world. Though I have written on the pub scene in England, I feel like the need to dedicate a few pages simply to the English beers.

It’s hard to distinguish between the pub and beer experience, but I felt a dedicated guide on English beers had to be done. So if you plan on visiting England anytime soon, my blogs would certainly help you in figuring how to go about experiencing the splendor of English beers.

England Beer Enthusiast: Bitter

The bitter pale ale is much more than just a style of beer, it holds much more significance than one might understand at one glance. The name bitter represents a whole family of beers popularized in the 19^th century England. All of these beers are golden to copper in color, with a toasty or caramel maltish flavor along with the presence of strong and earthy English hops.

Three different distinctions exist in the world of bitter: ordinary bitter, special bitter and strong bitter. The strength is the primary difference between all three types – standard being the weakest of the batch with 3% alcohol in volume. Special bitter is relatively stronger with 4%, while the strong bitter is usually pushing towards 6% ABV.

England Beer Enthusiast: India Pale Ale

The IPA has become a nesting ground for beer historians. Not a single beer on the planet has such a strong historical background, while some even claim it was invented for the British troops serving in the British colony of India.

The India Pale Ale has significantly evolved over the years, with many American craft beers developing numerous variants of the hoppy drink. Though there is a stark difference between English and American brewed IPA. Most English India Pale Ale are bordering between medium amber to golden in color, but bear little semblance to its American version which are dominated with hop and citrus.

England Beer Enthusiast: Brown- Mild Ale

Most American drinkers are quite familiar with the Americanized India Pale Ale. However, the mild ale is still restricted to England. During the 18^th century milds was a strong drink but this was changed during the 19^th century wartime needs, thus setting a precedent for the modern brown ales. Milds currently reside between 3 to 4.5% ABV range.

The term mild refers to the freshness of the drink rather than its strength. These malty drinks have little hop if any and a fruity yeast flavor bordering towards buttery and toasty nut and caramel, with a bit of fruitiness. Those hoping to try it for the first time should expect a decent amount of flavor packed in a small bottle.

England Beer Enthusiast: Strong Scotch Ale

We all know and love Scotland for their Scotch Whiskeys, but the Scottish beer deserves just as much love and recognition. Wee Heavy is the most commonly available Scottish styled beers in the US. These strong ales pack some strong malt, while the flavor has some fruity sweetness, along with a caramelized and thickly dense body. Though some less strong versions of this beer also exists, these have a similar taste but are much lighter in body and alcohol.

England is certainly known for being one the countries of the world and it certainly holds on to that title! Be sure to check back for part II of this awesome take on England Beer Enthusiast!

England Adventures – For Thrill Seekers

November 2, 2014

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England Adventures – For Thrill Seekers

While I guess the typical definition of vacation is to rest and take it easy but then there are some who indulge in extreme activities for recreation. When I went to England, I got to see some of the most amazing landscapes and coastline and these places couldn’t even be accessed through pedestrian means.

There are so many types of England adventures to take it’s impossible to list them all here. But here are a few directed towards those particular breed of men and women who seek those adrenaline-inducing, breathtaking moments when you feel like you are at the top of the world.

Skydiving – Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

For the biggest and most intense of England adventures to have, this would be it!

A few friends and I went skydiving from Yarmouth, the western part of the Isle of Wight. Jumping from the plane is an experience I can never forget. With my heart pumping a thousand beats an hour and the air slapping my face, I could not even open my eyes for the first few seconds of the fall.

When I finally opened my eyes, a sense of calm took over and I was finally able to enjoy the view and the experience. I must say one thing, when you look down at an island from a few thousand feet up in the sky, you truly wish to explore and admire the amazing and wondrous gifts that mother earth has to offer. Plus, that isle looks mighty small 10,000 ft up!

While coming down, the Western Yar was emanating a warm sensation as the sun reflected on the surface of the water. The village of Freshwater and the expansive coastline, I simply absorbed it all.

Check these guys out if you’re in for an incredible experience!

Kayaking in the River Dart – Tuckenhay, Devon

River Dart is located on the Dartmoor, and offers one of the best kayaking and canoeing experiences in the region. The location is perfect for those seeking a watery thrill on the ancient river. I tumbled down on the river from the Dartmoor Moors through the woodland river and eventually to the sea.

I was quite pleased when I found out that the upper Dart was for the advanced kayakers, but don’t worry if you are new, Tuckenhay has the perfect river for all levels of kayakers.

Rock Climbing – Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

I wondered what could be more amazing than rock climbing at the picturesque Wye Valley, though I didn’t hope to find an answer, I fell in love with the place. Wye Valley Cliffs offer an extreme sports playground and is the largest participation sports in the country.

The place had over 800 different rock climbs of different difficulty and heights. It’s the perfect place for an adventure seeker as well as a family. By the time I was leaving the place, I knew what the famous summit mountaineer Sven Hassall meant when he said, “There are two types of people in the world, rock climbers and who aren’t yet rock climbers”.

Of all my England Adventures, I perhaps did most of my contemplating about life here. That is something fascinating about this place that can help bring out inner thoughts.

Caving at Cheddar Gorge – Bristol

This is me saying that all of you who considered a caving experience to be just looking at stalagtites and stalagmites are everything but right. I found the Cheddar Gorge to be filled with numerous opportunities for adrenaline pumping experiences. I climbed almost 270 steps to get to the upper side of the Cheddar Gorge and once you get to the lookout tower, it’s completely worth all those burnt calories.

I was thrilled to be caving in England’s biggest gorge, which I was dreaming about for a very long time. The caving expedition deep within the Mendip Hills, and the crawling and squeezing along with the climbs, was a fun, dirty and challenging adventure.

There are many more places I ventured out to for unbelievable England adventures, hoping for a thrilling experience, and I am sure I will definitely tell about those as well. But for now this is it folks, I sincerely hope I inspired a few to visits these places, good adventures to all. And if you’re looking for some amazing landscapes to visit, check these out.

Enjoy!

Stratford-Upon-Avon – The Ultimate Guide

October 29, 2014

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Stratford-Upon-Avon – The Ultimate Guide

Stratford-Upon-Avon is a quaint little town in the heart of the midlands. It has timber-framed houses and stores all throughout its historic center and is full of little tearooms and fantastic restaurants. It is of course renowned for being the birthplace of the world’s most famous playwright: William Shakespeare.

For me, this was a real treat. A real opportunity to get away from the bustling and hustling of the big cities and get out into the countryside of a beautiful country. I always find people warm and willing to share about there towns history in places like this.

William Shakespeare

There are a total of 5 properties to visit in Stratford-Upon-Avon which are in some way connected to the life of William Shakespeare, all of which are preserved as museums today. If you are going to be in Stratford for a few days, then you can get a pass which allows you discounted entry to all 5 properties. There is also a city sightseeing tour bus which will take you between all of the houses and give you an audio commentary of the things you see on the way.

Here are the 5:

Shakespeare’s Birthplace (as mentioned below)
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens
New Place & Nash’s House
Mary Arden’s Farm (the ultimate step back in time)
Hall’s Croft

I’ll be writing about my entire experience to these simply incredible locations in another article very soon, giving a first hand experience of what it was like walking in the steps of Shakespeare and attempting to, any way, see life through his own eyes.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

There is Shakespeare’s birthplace. When visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon, make sure to go here first. The site now serves as a museum about the Shakespeare family. Here you can learn all about his father’s tanning business. Plus, see how families would have lived during Tudor times. This is definitely a must-see: you get a great idea of what life would have been like for Shakespeare as a boy growing up in a much louder and far dirtier Stratford.

Mary Arden’s House

Mary Arden was Shakespeare’s mother and her house in the nearby village of Wilmcote is preserved as a living Tudor farm. Here they preserve the Tudor methods of farming and often have demonstrations of how to make fences or hay bales before the invention of heavy machinery. It is also a rare breed’s farm and the site of daily falconry displays.

The Royal Shakespeare Company and Tower

Even if you only have one night in Stratford-Upon-Avon you absolutely must try to see a play at the RSC. The Royal Shakespeare Company is one of the most highly-regarded theater companies in the world. If you are a theater-lover then you will not be disappointed by the standard of the performances! The main theater was built to mimic the performance space of the Globe, Shakespeare’s theater in London. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment but some tickets are usually released on the day of the performance so it may be possible to purchase tickets when you arrive.

The RSC also has a tower which gives you a fantastic vantage point from which to look out over the whole town. On a clear and sunny day you will be able to see well into the glorious English countryside and look on as the town goes about its daily business.

There is also a rather nice restaurant on the top floor which offers really great food as either pre or post-theater dining.

Warwick Castle

Warwick is another beautiful little English city about a 15 minute drive from Stratford-Upon-Avon.

It is home to one of the best examples of an English castle left in the UK today. And if you ever wanted to see a castle this is the place to go! There are often deals offering half-price or 2 for 1 entry but you will need to leave a whole day aside to really make the most of everything it has to offer.

There is an interactive tour through the dungeons, which is really terrifying, an impressive falconry display, a trebuchet which is loaded with a flaming cannonball and fired at sunset, a jousting demonstration, live sword fights and numerous other exhibitions and displays. The castle is literally dripping with history and makes for a fantastic day trip for everyone.

Stratford-Upon-Avon is definitely the perfect addition to any trip to the UK. It is well worth the visit as it offers a unique insight into more rural British life as well as having a fascinating history and a rich culture which still survives today. Plenty of cafe’s to head too, great food as always, and a real step back in time! And if you’re looking for more day trips in England, be sure to head over to my article here.

Enjoy!

Traveling Around London like a Local

October 26, 2014

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Traveling Around London like a Local

Like any capital city, London is teeming with life and is busy at all times of the day. This can make traveling around the city a somewhat daunting task. This article aims to give you a few tips and pointers to help make your journeys as smooth as possible.

Buses

Perhaps the most iconic method of traveling around London are on those double story red buses! They are a symbol of London all over the world and it is a great novelty to be able to travel inside one. If you are new to London, traveling by bus is a great way to see other sights whilst on your way to your destination. You get a real feel for what London life is like as you watch the city unfold from the view from your window. This is a luxury which the tube does not offer. But if you choose to take the buses, you are of course susceptible to the infamous London traffic. It could take you a while to get from A to B.

The Tube

Traveling around London like a local definitely includes the tube.

Note that it is not called the subway, nor the metro, but the tube. This is very important, true locals will take it personally if you call it by the wrong name.

If you really want to conquer the tube like a local then you need to keep moving at all times. Don’t block the passageways by stopping to look at the signs and the maps. Of course, if it is your first time in London then this will be nearly impossible, but preparation is the key. Know whether you are traveling northbound, southbound, eastbound or westbound and what the final destination of the train you want to take is. This will hopefully prevent you from having to stop and ask a less-than-friendly businessman for advice.

Download an app

There are a number of really useful apps which can help you to plan your route while traveling around London, and will give you all of the information you need to know about any given journey. For the tube, there are apps which let you type in your starting station and your destination, and they will calculate the fastest way of making the journey, at which stations you need to change and how long the overall journey will take you. Transport for London make the most comprehensive journey planners.

Oyster Cards

If you are going to be in London for a while then an Oyster card will probably work out being the most cost effective (and fun) way to get around. You can buy one of these cards from a machine in all major stations, and you top it up with cash at any oyster point around London.

The cards are limited, so there is a maximum that you can spend per day but you will still get unlimited travel across all of the tube lines and zones. You can use them on the buses as well, and you just tap the card against the oyster logo at the station gates or by the driver on the bus and the card is charged wirelessly. The novelty of hearing the beep and the gates opening automatically doesn’t wear off even for the locals!

Black Cabs

The black cab is another classic icon and makes for a great way for traveling around London.

If you are only planning a couple of journeys a day and there are 4 or 5 of you traveling together, then cabs can actually work out cheaper per person than taking the bus or a tube. Talking to the driver can also be a great way to get up close and personal with the cockney accent, although cabbies aren’t always from London, of course.

All cab drivers in London have to pass a rigorous exam called ‘The Knowledge’ which can take up to 3 years to prepare for. It is by no means easy to pass, and in order to get qualified all drivers must have an impeccable knowledge of the city. You won’t be ripped off in a London cab; all of the drivers know the fastest routes between any two given points in London and will take you directly to your destination.

Traveling around London is so much fun and you can easily to do it like a local. The easiest way is the tube. But, even during rush hour times, be prepared to wait for a few trains and squeeze into any available spaces. All of the other methods of transport function perfectly well but the tube is definitely the form of transport which is the most direct, most efficient and easiest to get to grips with.

One book that was highly recommended to me by a friend of mine living in London is Fodor’s London 2015 (Full-color Travel Guide).
This book came in super handy every time I travel around London. I’d totally recommend it.

However, if you’re looking for some great outdoor enjoyment, nothing beats the buses! Sitting up on top is an automatic throw back into a far off time!

Enjoy your stay!

Amazing Sites of England – Top 5

October 24, 2014

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Amazing Sites of England – Top 5

The earliest evidence of human existence is found in the region now called England and because of that there is an abundance of sights and attractions from different ages of human existence. Many people visit the country to witness the rich history and culture the country has to offer to different visitors.

When I say this, I need you all to understand that this could be completely biased, but England truly is in a league of its own when it comes to tourist attractions. From majestic castles to awe-inspiring historical sites, the country has it all.

1- Palace of Westminster

The first amazing sites of England would have to be the Palace of Westminster.

London was my first destination as my flight landed there. The Big Ben or should I call it the Elizabeth tower at the Palace of Westminster is the first place anyone should head to once they arrive in London.
The magnificent Palace of Westminster under a grey sky, standing tall and proud for over 150 years, is one of London’s top tourist destinations. I was pretty surprised that the palace has a different name, the tower is called Elizabeth Tower since 2012 and the 13 ton bell housed within the tower is called the Big Ben, I know right? Pretty cool!

2- Stonehenge

Following up on Westminster Palace, the second amazing sites of England easily goes to Stonehenge.

The Stonehenge is one of the most significant and amazing prehistoric sites in the world, produced by a culture we know nothing of. Evidence suggests it could have been erected somewhere in the 2,500 BC.

I could see the monument from miles away on my way to it. Once I got there and started to marvel at it, I began wondering about human civilization and how far we have come. I, for one, am glad that such amazing relics of our prehistoric heritage are left intact to this day. The area is really amazing to marvel at and see. Up until not too long ago, you could actually go up and touch the stones. But because of some damage recently, police have it roped off.

Just a bus ride away from London, I highly recommend going. Oh, and bring a sandwich!

3- Windsor Castle

Closely following on the heals of Stonehenge, the next amazing sites of England is Windsor Castle.

The Castle is located around an hour away from London, Windsor Castle is considered to be one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world.

The grandeur of the castle just goes to show the splendor of the English royalty, if you are heading down there, remember you can visit much of the castle from within, including the stupendous state apartments and St Georges Chapel.

4- York Minster

York Minister is a true site to behold, given that it was finishing being built in 637. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe, York Minster incorporates all major parts of the gothic architecture.

The great east window inside the cathedral was simply breathtaking. It captivated me and I felt a sense of positive energy inside me while I was there. The feeling is kind of hard to explain but I am sure you will know what I mean when you see it.

5- The Cotswold

The Cotswold refers to a range of hills, in south central England. It is about 2 hours drive from London. The place known for the stately towns and gardens, stone built villages, and historical towns.

I must say the place looks incredibly cute and cozy. It is a treasure of hidden beauty with vast expanses with a million different shades of green. My being a bicycle nut rented a cycle and went off with the most wonderful group of people. Inside the Cotswold, there are many different places to visit, but some are not accessible to large couch tours. However, on that bicycle there was no limit. I even went to The Slaughters, Snowshill, Tetbury, Broadway, Batsford, Sherston, so on the list is never ending.

But before going I did do as much reading as possible to learn about these amazing places and I found just about all the information here: Lonely Planet England (Travel Guide)

These are really just some of the amazing sites of England, I could have seriously gone on forever but this is it for this blog. I’ll be writing about each of my stops to these incredible places in other posts but if you ever have the chance, I highly recommend checking out these locations.

Enjoy!

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