Top Shows on London’s West End

Leave a reply

The West End is an area in Central London where tourist attractions, shops, and entertainment centres are found. Initially, the term West End was used to refer to the areas west of Charing Cross. For theatre fans the West End is the area where the highlight of their London visit can be found. West End shows are considered to be at the topmost level of commercial theatre, a distinction shared only by Broadway theatre of New York. There are approximately forty theatre venues in the main theatre district, as well as several others around or in the periphery of the West End. The popularity of West End theatre is proven by robust ticket sales and attendances year after year.

Here are five top long-running West End shows that we recommend:

The Mousetrap

St. Martin’s Theatre, West Street
2 hours and 20 minutes

The Mousetrap, a play by Agatha Christine, is considered the longest running show of any type in the world. It initially opened at the Ambassadors Theatre on November 1952, and transferred to St. Martin’s Theatre on March 1974 where it is currently playing. The Mousetrap is a murder mystery play with a very intricate plot and a twist ending. It is the play’s tradition that at the end of each performance, the audience is asked not to reveal the killer’s identity to ensure that future audiences’ enjoyment will not be spoiled.

Les Miserables

Queen’s Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue
3 hours (includes one interval)

Considered as the longest running musical production of all time, Les Mesirables opened at the Barbican Theatre in October 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre in December 1985, and starting April 2004 opened at the Queen’s Theatre, its current home. Les Mesirables is a Cameron Mackintosh production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece. Set in 19th century France, this powerful story of dreams, love, sacrifice, passion, and redemption has been performed in more than 34 countries and in 20 different languages, and has been made into a motion picture as well.

The Phantom of the Opera

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket Street
2 hours and 30 minutes (includes one interval)

Adapted from the novel by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera magically narrates the tragic and haunting love story between an opera singer and a deformed composer. The elaborate sets, costumes, special effects, and superb performances has transported millions of fans into the Phantom’s world since it opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre on October 1986. This award-winning musical by Andrew Llyod Webber is definitely in the shortlist of the longest running musicals of all time, and has also been staged in more than 20 countries as well.

The Woman in Black

Fortune Theatre, Russell Street
1 hour and 50 minutes

An adaptation for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt from a book of the same name by Susan Hill, The Woman in Black is the second longest-running non-musical production in the West End. It first opened in the West End at the Strand Theatre (now called the Novello Theatre) on February 1989, and later moved to its current home at the Fortune Theatre on June 1989. A play within a play, it tells the story of a solicitor’s obsession that he and his family have been placed under a curse by a woman in black. Its longevity has been attributed to the intense and thrilling way the story unfolds as well as the relatively minimal budget needed to produce it (there are only two actors performing during the whole play).

Mamma Mia!

Novello Theatre, Aldwych
2 hours and 45 minutes (includes one interval)

Mamma Mia! is a must-watch for all ABBA fans, although even those who have not heard a single ABBA song will find it delightful. This musical was written by playwright Catherine Johnson based on more than twenty ABBA songs. It tells several love stories: the love story of a girl about the get married, the story of her mother’s past loves, and the love that mother and daughter have for each other. More than 40 million people have watched the show since it opened, not including those that have watched its film adaptation. The musical opened on April 1999 at the Prince Edward Theatre, transferred to the Prince of Wales Theatre in June 2004, and moved to its current home at the Novello Theatre in September 2012.

Free Museums in London

Leave a reply

Travelers who make it a point to have a museum tour or two in their visit will not be disappointed when in London. There are more than 200 museums all over London, and the best part is that admission is free for most of the top museums. Here are five of the free museums in London that you and your family will surely enjoy visiting.

British Museum

British Museum

Open daily 10.00 to 17.30
Fridays until 20.30
British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B

Founded in 1753, the British Museum isn’t just one of the oldest in the world. The UK’s largest museum also has a huge collection of artifacts from all over the world that span two million years of human history. The museum’s permanent collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures, Egyptian Mummies, and Persian gold dating back to the 7^th to 4^th centuries BC. Aside from the permanent collections, the museum also holds special exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and events. There is definitely a lot to explore. So as not to get overwhelmed, you can start by joining some tours offered by the museum. The half-hour tours between 11 AM and 3.45 PM daily are free, while the longer 90-minute tours at 10.30 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM have fees.

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

Open daily 10.00 to 17.50
Except 24-26 December
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

From butterflies to fossils, there are literally hundreds of interesting interactive exhibits in the National History Museum. Not to be missed is the Dinosaurs gallery where massive exhibits like the skeleton of the diplodocus dinosaur are displayed. Another awe-inspiring exhibit especially for kids is the life-size model of a blue whale. At the Cocoon building, you can see displays of real specimens, participate in interactive activities, and even witness scientists at work. The museum’s website has a helpful “check before you visit” link where floor plans and highlights of each gallery are indicated so you can plan your visit before setting foot in the museum.

Science Museum

Science Museum

Open daily 10.00 to 18.00 (last entry 17.15)
Except 24-26 December
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD

The Science Museum was founded in 1857 initially as part of the South Kensington Museum; it became a separate museum in 1909. The museum’s library, archive, and collections have hundreds of thousands of objects and specimens, ranging from microchips to human remains. It is also the current home of world-famous objects of human achievement such as the Apollo 10 command capsule. Visitors of all ages will have fun viewing the interactive galleries and trying out the mind-blowing 3D and 4D simulators. Even kids under five have a place in the museum’s play zone in The Garden.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Victoria & Albert Museum

Open daily 10.00 to 17.45, up to 22.00 on Fridays
Except 24-26 December
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL

The Victoria and Albert Museum is considered as the world’s greatest museum of art and design, housing collections that showcase human creativity spanning over 3000 years. Some of the permanent exhibitions that are not to be missed are the Medieval Renaissance, Jewellery, and British History galleries. Aside from permanent exhibitions and the National Art Library, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and seasonal events showcasing art, fashion, and design. Also located within the museum premises are several study rooms and an education centre.

British Postal Museum & Archive

British Postal Museum & Archive

Open Monday to Friday, and on selected Saturdays
Closed on all public holidays

The British Postal Museum & Archive was established with the vision to connect people by telling the evolution story of communication, more specifically how the British postal services “helped to shape the modern world”. The museum actually has three venues that are all popular destinations for school visits and curious tourists alike.

The Royal Mail Archive (Freeling House, Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DL has mountains of written records, stamps, photos, posters, and other postal research materials. The Museum Store (Debden Industrial Estate in Loughton, Essex) is where larger exhibits are stored such as vehicles, pillar boxes, telegram table, and rail cars. Free scheduled tours of the Museum Store are posted on the website.

Lastly, the Museum of the Post Office in the Community (Canal Street, within the Blists Hill Victorian Town) showcases photo montages, vehicles, pillar boxes, and letter boxes through the years. Check out the Timeline Display for a comprehensive view of the history of the British Postal Service. While entrance to the third venue of the museum is free, the Blists Hill Victorian Town charges an entrance fee. Visiting hours for each venue are posted on the website.

London Royal Parks & Gardens

Leave a reply

One of the many wonders of London is that residents and visitors alike can find several places that provide a calming sanctuary right within one of the world’s busiest metropolis. Here are five royal parks and gardens in London recommended for one or more visits.

Hyde Park

One of London’s eight Royal Parks, the over 350-acre Hyde Park sees millions of visitors every year. Open from 5 AM until Midnight, there are a lot of attractions and activities offered by the park. Hyde Park is most famous for its Speakers’ Corner where people can orate on any topic they want to. Historically, the park has been a location for mass protests and demonstrations.

Some of the park’s most noteworthy attractions are the Serpentine Bridge, the Diana Memorial Fountain, Archiles statue, and the Joy of Life fountain. The park is home to the Serpentine Lake, a meadow, flower gardens, and over 4,000 trees, which makes it a great setting for various activities such as cycling, boating, swimming, skating, tennis, and horse riding. Events such as concerts and marathons are also regularly held in the park.

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens was carved out of a section to the west of Hyde Park, and used to be the private gardens of Kensington Palace. This 275-acre park is where the Albert Memorial, Italian Gardens, Serpentine Gallery, and the Peter Pan Statue are located. It is also home to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. Trees, flowers, grasslands, and several types of wildlife makes this park a very much appreciated green space in the heart of London.

Regent’s Park

Regent's Park

Designed by John Nash in 1811, Regent’s Park more than 400 acres is home to several gardens, lakes, a boating area, children’s playgrounds, and various sports venues. It is considered as London’s largest outdoor sports area hosting a variety of sports matches such as cricket, tennis, football, hockey, rugby, ultimate Frisbee.

Regent’s Park is also where Regent’s College, London Zoo, Zoological Society of London, London Central Mosque, and Open Air Theatre are found. Tens of thousands of flowers belonging to hundreds of different types of varieties are found in Regent’s Park’s Queen Mary’s Gardens, Italian Gardens, English Gardens, gardens of St. John’s Lodge, and William Andrews Nestfield’s Avenue Gardens. Cap your visit with a stop at Primrose Hill to the north of the park where you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views of London.

Bushy Park

Located to the north of Hampton Court Palace, Bushy Park is the second largest London Royal Park. There are a number of gardens, woods, grasslands, and several fishing and boating ponds found here. Wildlife such as herds of Red Deer and Fallow Deer roam several parts of the park. Chestnut Avenue, Bushy Park’s most notable feature, is a nice setting for a leisurely walk. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the mile-long Chestnut Avenue is flanked on both sides by majestic horse chestnut trees and leads to the famous Diana Fountain. Bushy Park is home to several sports clubs such as the Teddington Hockey Club, Teddington Rugby Club, Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club, Hampton Hill Cricket Club, and Teddington Cricket Club. This 1100 acre park is said to be where field hockey was invented.

Richmond Park

At more than 2000 acres, Richmond Park is the largest of the Royal Parks of London. It is also considered as the biggest enclosed space in the city. Originally created as a deer park in the 17th century, it is now a European Special Area of Conservation, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and a National Nature Reserve.

The landscape is dotted with woodlands, rolling hills, and copses. Herds of Red Deer and Fallow Deer as well as rabbits roam through the park. Richmond Park is home to the Isabella Plantation, an organic garden set in dense woodland offering an accessible sanctuary from hectic city life. Pembroke Lodge is another attraction. This Georgian mansion serves refreshing meals complemented with spectacular views of the park. Park’s visitors can engage in various activities such as golf, fishing, horse riding, and cycling.

5 Scenic Beaches in Britain

Leave a reply

The UK coastline has several fascinating, clean, and scenic beaches that locals and tourists alike can explore and appreciate. If you are among those who want to be nowhere else when the sun is out and shining, here are five of the most scenic beaches in Britain.

Huisinis Beach, Isle of Harris

Huisinis Beach is a white sand beach at the end of a 15-mile road past an old whaling station on the northwest coast of Scotland. While lounging on this beach, you get to enjoy great views of the Atlantic and the Island of Scarp. Not a lot of travelers go to this area which means that no ice cream vans or deckchairs ruin the view. There are several homes nearby but are either abandoned or are holiday homes. Huisinis Beach is not for everyone, but if you are the type who likes long walks along a quiet beach, this side of Britain on earth is for you.

Sandbanks Beach, Dorset

Sandbanks Beach in Dorset is popular for its sloping stretch of golden sand and clean waters. It is popular with families on holiday with their small children as the beach gradually slopes into the cool water. Swimmers-only areas and designated picnic sites are clearly marked. The beach boasts of having held its European Blue Flag status for over two decades. This status makes it one of the safest and cleanest beaches in Britain. Over the years, the Sandbanks peninsula has attracted permanent residents wherein some have built lavish houses that have fantastic views and direct access to the beach. Visitors can have the same experience at several hotels and rental apartments.

Barafundle Beach, Pembrokeshire

Barafundle Beache is a sandy beach facing the east in Pembrokeshire. There is no direct road access to the beach, and it is around a half-hour hike from the nearest car park. This means that only the most determined beach lovers go, making it relatively quiet and without crowds even during peak season. Regulars on this beach can either enjoy some long walks, lounge on a selected spot to enjoy the view, or even try out the waves and surf. It is advised to bring your own picnic as there is nowhere to buy food and drinks.

Sennen Cove, Cornwall

Grassy hills and sand dunes dominate the great scenic beach known as Sennen Cove in Cornwall. It is mostly popular among surfers and has several spots for both novice and pro surfers. Even those who are completely new to surfing can start learning the sport right here as there are two surfing schools located in the area. There are several activities to keep occupied during the day even for non-surfers. Several shops, pubs, cafes, and gallery selling work by local artists are found on the Sennen Cove. Stay on until end of the day for the spectacular sunsets of this west-facing Blue Flag beach.

Rhossili Bay, Gower Coast

Rhossili Bay is located at the western end of the Gower peninsula. It is a three-mile long stretch of white sand beach that curves northwards from the Rhossili village proper. Referred to by the locals as the Llangennith Sands, the beach is backed with sand dunes and enclosed by limestone cliffs. Visitors can go exploring the small islands near the bay although these are accessible only during low tide. The remains of several shipwrecks can also be seen during low tide, such as those of the Helvetia, a Norwegian ship beached in 1887. A campsite, as well as several bread and breakfasts, and hotels are available nearby for those who want to spend more than just a on this beach.

Finding Accommodation During The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Aug 2 to 26, 2013)

Leave a reply

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

In a few months time, the cobbled streets of Edinburgh will once again host the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Also referred to as “The Fringe”, it is considered as the world’s largest art festival. For most of August, the city becomes a showcase for the performing arts. Comedy, dance, and musical shows are staged. Theatre, from classics to contemporary works, is also well-represented, as well as other events and exhibitions that are sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

The Fringe is an unjuried festival, which means that there is no selection committee and performers of any background may participate. As a result, a lot of experimental works that may not find a slot in more conventional arts festivals find their way to this festival. With such a diverse selection of shows, both adults and children alike will have memorable event-filled days during the festival.

History

The Fringe started in 1947 when eight theatre companies turned up uninvited and performed at the fringes of the Edinburgh International Festival. Over the years it evolved to be an alternative to the said festival. The influence of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is now felt worldwide with the concept of providing a venue for experimental performances being done in other parts of the world such as in South Africa, Canada, and the USA. In 2012, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe showcased 2,695 shows from 47 countries, of which more than 800 shows were free. These were held in 279 venues in a span of 25 days.

What to expect this year

This year, thousands of performers and spectators gather once again in Edinburgh for the 67th Edinburgh Festival Fringe. From 2 to 26 August 2013 several venues will be packed with activity all over the city. Basically, most of the city will be a venue for a Fringe show – bars, churches, streets, and of course the theatre stage. Just like in recent years, the shows will either require tickets, invite audiences to “pay what you can”, or admission will be completely free. More information to help you plan your trip to Edinburgh can be found at the official website of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, www.edfringe.com.

Rooms Available

A huge part of your preparations would be deciding where to stay when in Edinburgh for the festival. Accommodation prices at hotels or hostels may rise during this time, which makes booking a room at RoomFT all the more attractive. Here are some RoomFT users in Edinburgh that you can contact for accommodation during the festival.

SunnyUK’s home is near Edinburgh University King’s Building and is just a very short walk to several bus stops. You can rent a room in her home for £30 per night. For a much lower price of £17 a night, you can stay at the double sofa bed in the living room at Marcin31’s flat. Another option would be Jimorr’s flat which has two spare bedrooms. Each has a doubled bed and available for £15 per night for each room. However, a minimum of three nights stay is required, which is perfect if you plan to be in Edinburgh for the duration of the Festival.

If you are looking for more than one room, look up sammy1’s profile where three apartments/flats in various locations ranging from £10 to £45 a night are offered. Lynne also offers more than one room. Travelers have a choice of renting the entire apartment or any of the three rooms. Two rooms have two single beds and one sofa bed each, while one room has a double bed. Travelers can rent either one room for £65 a night, or the entire apartment for £150 per night, perfect for a family or group of friends.

Cheap Rooms Around London

Leave a reply

Whether one is in London for the first time and eager to do some exploring or have been to the city already and goes there regularly for business or errands, it is more likely that one’s hotel room ends up just being a place to park bags, sleep, and change clothes. Why spend so much on accommodation then when you don’t spend most of your day there?

There are alternatives to hotels such as hostels or bed and breakfasts. The latter can be just as expensive as hotel rooms, while with the former you typically have to spend the night on a bunk bed and share a common room with strangers. A third alternative, which can be cheaper than hotels while giving you the comforts of home, is to rent a room from a London local.

There are a lot of locals renting out spare rooms in their homes to travelers such as what RoomFT offers. Not only will visitors to London find accommodation; they get to meet new people who know the city so well. Ranging from single people to families, and with varied multicultural backgrounds, travelers have the benefits of staying in cheap rooms located in boroughs all over London and helpful local information to guide them in getting around.

Cheap Rooms in East London

Once part of the county of Essex, East London consists of the following boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Stratford, the site of the London 2012 Olympic Games is in Newham. It is easy to get in and around this part of London by bus, tube, and train.

A cheap room available in East London is located in Chingford in the Waltham Forest borough. RoomFT user dojowode offers a spare room with double bed in his house for just £21 a night. Travelers looking for a cheap room in the Newham borough, might want to check out this room from garma53. Starting at £30 a night (for single occupancy), the room is furnished with a double bed and a sofa bed for up to three people to comfortably stay in. Recommended also are rooms hosted by thetimstar starting at £22 per night.

Cheap Rooms in North London

North London refers to the outer northern district of London and is composed of the following boroughs: Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Haringey, and Harrow. Notable landmarks such as the New Wembley Stadium and the RAF Museum are in North London, which can easily be reached by tube, train, bus, or car.

Two cheap rooms available in this part of London are offered by RoomFT users CharliesAngel and MsShort4miss. The latter’s room is furnished with a single bed and can be rented for £26 per night, while the former offers her guest room to travelers for £30 per night. Also, check out these hosts – chloeD1985 with rooms from £30 a night, robertjame with rooms from £25 a night, and elizabethrojas, which offers a studio flat at £25 per night.

Cheap Rooms in South London

South London divided into inner and outer boroughs. The inner boroughs are Wandsworth, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham and Greenwich. Meanwhile, Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Kingston Upon Thames, Merton, and Sutton are considered to be the outer boroughs of South London. Most of the outer boroughs are residential suburbs although there are also several commercial centres and accessible modes of transport in South London.

There are a lot of cheap rooms for travelers available in South London. Check out the room offered by RoomFT user 291196, which is available at £18 a night. South London resident Carine also has a room available for travelers to rent at a price of £20 a night. The first room is at a two-storey house in Surrey, while the second room is at a cosy flat in South Norwood. Also check out act253 which offers a room for £25 per night.

General tips when renting a room

Travelers who want to try this type of accommodation will find it easy to arrange for a room. The user profile already shows room availability as well as other relevant information such as description of the area where the house or apartment is located.

It is important to read the profile thoroughly especially on which facilities are included for the price and use of the room to manage your expectations. Most rooms for rent already include beddings, towels, and use of the kitchen, washing machine, Wi-Fi access, and parking space. The profile will also indicate if the house has central heating, and if the shared bathroom has hot water.

The number of previous guests as well as the reviews left by travelers who previously rented from a certain host will give you a fairly good indicator if you will prefer that room over your other options.

London Wholesale and Notable Street Markets

Leave a reply

Wholesale and street markets are London landmarks that draw in both tourists and locals alike. These markets either specialize on a particular product or sell a variety of goods. A lot of these markets date back to the Middle Ages, and along with those that have been established more recently, are truly worth a visit when in London. Here are some of the most popular and interesting wholesale and street markets that we recommend.

Borough Market

Beneath the railway arches just south of London Bridge is the Borough Market, an open-air wholesale market selling vegetables, fish, meat, and other foodstuffs. Originally established on the London Bridge, the Borough Market moved in several locations until it permanently settled on its current location in the late 1800s. Although it can trace its origins back to the 11th century, the market retains a very trendy air, especially amongst the foodies. It is apparently also popular amongst filmmakers as every now and then a movie is being shot here. The whole market is open on Thursdays to Saturdays, and is busiest on Saturdays. Some parts of the market are open on Mondays to Wednesdays but only from 10 am to 3 pm.

New Covent Garden Market

The New Covent Garden Market is said to be the largest wholesale market for fruits, flowers, and vegetables in the UK. Located in South West London, it is home to around 200 suppliers of fruits, flowers, and vegetables providing these goods to most of the city’s hotels, restaurants, schools, and other establishments. In fact, more than 70% of London’s florists get their stocks from here. The New Covent Market is open on Monday to Saturdays, from 4 am to before noon.

Smithfield Market

Located in West Smithfield, Clerkenwell, the Smithfield Market is perhaps the oldest existing meat market in London. Since the 10th century, livestock such as swine, oxen, and horses were traded in this location, albeit in more open fields. The buildings that house the market today were designed and built in the late 19th century. Aside from meat and poultry, Smithfield Market stalls also sell cheeses, pies, and other deli goods. From Monday to Friday, the market opens very early; it is normal to be in the market at 4am to find it bustling and full, with business going until 12 noon.

Bermondsey Market

In the mid 1800’s, Bermondsey Square in Southwark became the place to trade stolen goods. Thanks to a royal license, stolen goods can be sold and bought here without them having to be returned. The license has since been revoked and Bermondsey Square has evolved into the weekly Bermondsey Square Antiques Market. Those who love sifting through dusty old jewelry, silverware, paintings, china, postcards, and other old household items in search of valuable old treasures will love spending a few hours here. Stalls sell antiques and collectibles usually dating back to Edwardian, Georgian, or Victorian times. The market is open every Friday from 4 am to 1 pm.

Camden Lock Market

At the former TE Dingwalls timber yard in Camden Lock Place, a market for arts and crafts enthusiasts was opened in the 1970s. Although relatively new compared to the other London markets that have been around for centuries, the Camden Lock Market has its share of regulars and new visitors looking for bargains and interesting goods. Under its steel and glass canopy, there are clusters of stalls selling a wide variety of goods such as clothing, jewelry, handbags, artwork, and music. Cafes and street foods stalls selling various cuisines provide much needed nourishment after a day of serious shopping. The Camden Lock Market is open every day, except on Christmas Day, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Islington Farmers’ Market

The Islington Farmers’ Market is considered as the first farmers market in London. Located between Penton Street and Baron Street on the historic Chapel Market, it was set up in 1999 by food writer Nina Planck. Each week, more than 30 stalls sell a selection of fresh flowers, vegetables, meats, and poultry. Most of the vegetables sold here are organic. Free range and organic meat and poultry are also easy to find here. The market is open only on Sundays, from 10 am to 2 pm.

Old Spitalfields Market

At Brushfield Street lies the Old Spitalfields Market, established back in 1638 when it was still known as Spittle Fields as a place to sell “flesh, fowl, and roots”. Today, it is popular for being composed mostly of independent shops selling handmade items (in contrast to some markets that seem to have been invaded by chain stores and restaurants). Aside from one-of-a-kind household and gift items, there are several food stalls as well that sell organic food. The market is open seven days a week, and is at its busiest on Sundays. Market hours on Monday to Friday are 11 am to 3 pm. On Sundays the stores in Old Spitalfields Market start selling at 9.30 am and end their day at 5.30 pm.

London Food Finds for the Budget Conscious

Leave a reply

With all the sights and interesting places to visit in London, ensuring that one is getting the proper nourishment is important. You simply can’t expect to go around exploring on an empty stomach. On the other hand, your wallet can take a beating as eating out in London is generally pricey. This doesn’t mean though that tasteless grub from dodgy hole in the walls or generic fast food chains will be your source of sustenance. A few minutes of online sleuthing can reveal places perfect for the hungry traveler following a not so flexible daily budget. Here are some cheap food finds to start the ball rolling:

Vitao

www.vitao.co.uk
74 Wardour Street
W1F 0TE, London

Vitao is one of those places where the belief that fresh, healthy, and cheap food can be found even if your destination is as cosmopolitan as London is affirmed. In the busy Soho district, filling vegan dishes are served in this restaurant; patrons choose from three set meals that are all less than £8. Vitao also caters to those who are on a raw food diet.

Since the restaurant strives to use produce that is available for the season, the menu changes regularly. At the time of our visit, we spied some mousaka, vegetable paella, curries, and salads. Shakes, juices, teas, smoothies, and coffee were also served. Gluten, egg, diary, and sugar-free desserts are served in the restaurant as well.

Wagamama

www.wagamama.com
All over London – Bloomsbury, Brent Cross, Camden, Canary Wharf, Covent Garden, Earl’s Court, Islington, Piccadilly, Soho, Wigmore.

Inspired by traditional ramen bars in Japan, Wagamama opened its first restaurant in Bloomsbury in 1992. At present, it has branches all over London so that wherever you happen to be sightseeing, you can have a nourishing bowl of ramen or other noodle dishes that Wagamama is famous for. Also in the menu are salads, juices, and desserts. In some branches, sushi is also served. Most items in the menu are priced between £5 and £10, perfect for budget travelers.

With its affordable and delicious dishes, it is not a surprise that there is usually a line at the entrance of most branches. Don’t let this discourage you from entering as the line moves quickly and the food is worth the wait.

ICCo

www.icco.co.uk
46 Goodge Street
London W1T 4LU

If you are looking for a complete meal for £5 in Central London, stumbling into ICCo will feel like the end of your quest. Freshly made thin crust pizzas start at £4.50. We’re not talking about a measly slice here but one whole pizza – perfect for two to three hungry travelers with only a fiver to spare for a meal.

The choices for toppings are varied. Have the usual such as pepperoni, mozzarella, tomatoes, and olives, or experiment with goat cheese, sweet corn, and fried egg. The atmosphere is very casual but it can get loud when it gets busy. You can easily find a seat if you plan to eat in during breakfast and dinner. The same cannot be said during the lunch hours when it is best to get your pizza to go. ICCo also serves salads, croissants, coffee, smoothies, and other drinks.

Yalla Yalla

www.yalla-yalla.co.uk
1 Green’s Court, London, W1F 0HA
also at 12 Winsley Street, W1W 8HQ

Who would have thought good food can be found amidst the glare of neon lights coming from Soho sex shops and strip clubs? Yalla Yalla is a small street café/restaurant serving Lebanese street food, perfect as a pit stop in between sightseeing jaunts. With its cosy atmosphere, the restaurant proves to be a restful cocoon giving you a quick rest from the sounds and lights outside. Its second location offers a larger space but the same quality of food and service.

Yalla Yalla is one of the few places in London where the budget traveler can try new cuisine and eat well. Pastries and wraps can be had for £2 to £4, while main dishes cost slightly higher at £6 to £10. The baba gannouj is a must try as well as the kibbe nayeh. Coffee, juices, and flavoured shisha are also on the menu.

Groceries/Tesco/Sainsbury’s/M&S/Boots

On days when you have time only for a very quick meal, you can just head off to an M&S, Boots, Sainsbury, or Tesco outlet where ready to eat meals that often consist of sandwiches, salads, drinks, and crisps can be bought for less than £5. At some branches, the food is even sold at half the price when it is already on its sell-by date. Grocery stores are also ideal places to get ready to eat vegetables and fruits. Aside from being cheap sources of food, these places are also conveniently located in both tourist and residential areas. Thus, whether you are staying in a hotel, hostel, or a rented room, it is possible to find any of these shops just around the corner.

The Fascination With English Royalty

Leave a reply

Despite more pressing matters such as economic recession or wars happening in a lot of parts of the world, when Prince William wed Kate Middleton, it seemed that the royal wedding carried a lot more importance for a lot of people, British or not. The tens of millions that watched the wedding on their television and computer screens worldwide, not to mention the thousands of spectators lining up in London to catch a glance of the newlyweds, seems to underscore the overwhelming fascination that people have for the British royal house. A few years after that wedding, the world still clings to that fascination as evidenced by the constant coverage of Kate’s pregnancy.

At first glance, this fascination can be explained by people’s obsession with celebrities. Tabloids, gossip magazines, talk shows, and other media chronicle incessantly the minutiae of the lives of celebrities ranging from reality show “stars” to A-list Oscar winners. The demand for such information is seemingly insatiable as details of celebrities’ lives from their daily coffee runs to the latest salacious scandals that they are involved in are reported every day. And for some people, their fascination with celebrities propels them to seek their own 15 minutes as well. Thus, in this day and age, virtually anybody can be a celebrity either through having loads of money, notoriety, talent, or a combination of the three.

The royals then can be considered as the ultimate celebrities. This is the celebrity elite so to speak since you have to be born into it. In countries like America where money can get you virtually anywhere, all the money in the world can’t make you blue-blooded. With the British Royal family perceived as a most exclusive circle that the average person cannot realistically enter, people become fascinated by and subsequently consume any news about how the royals live. This somehow makes it sort of a wish fulfillment to be a part of something that they cannot possibly be a part of.

For the longest time, the closest that a non-royal could become part of royalty would be through marriage. Even then people will still consider you as the commoner who married into royalty. Or your royal lover would have to abdicate as in the case of Prince Edward when he married Wallis Simpson. This by itself would make a case for why people are fascinated with royalty: a romantic tale of a real life prince choosing the woman he loves over everything else.

Times have changed and now as Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge, she instead has almost reached the levels of adoration that royalists had for her husband’s late mother. Their Royal Wedding had even become a sort of vehicle for British pride. In most countries, people unite either for their national teams in sports or during their national day of independence such as America’s Fourth of July. In the UK, sports can be a divisive factor instead as the English, Scottish, and Irish have their own teams. However, during the wedding English, Scottish, and Irish fans of the Royal Family somehow made it the country’s unifying figure.

The royal family is also a living symbol of the history of the British Empire, a living reminder of the power and influence the British once had worldwide. For centuries, its kings and queens have been crucial players and manipulators of world events. Although British royalty does not have the absolute power it once had, it is still far from being on the same level as celebrities who are just famous for being famous. At present, the British monarch holds the title of Head of State, but having no actual political power, the Queen enjoys the status of being able to be above partisan politics, and thus showing another way of how royalty can be a unifying figure during tough political times.

Tracing its origins way back before the start of the 10th century, the Royal family is perhaps one of the greatest examples of continuity. Compared to other national institutions, the British Crown provides the assurance of a resilient and timeless link between the past, present, and the future.

UK Thrill Rides: Not For The Faint Hearted!

Leave a reply

Had your fill of history, culture, and art in your Uk adventure? If you are ready to spend a day or two getting your heart pumping madly and screaming at the top of your lungs – all in good fun, of course – then you’re in the right place. There are quite a number of theme parks in the United Kingdom where a variety of thrill rides are situated. Here are some of the most wicked rides we have found. Word of warning: these are not your little brother’s roller coaster ride!

The Thrill Ride: Nemesis Sub-Terra
Where: Alton Towers Resort (altontowers.com)

Centered on the castle of the Earls of Shrewsbury where some parts of the towers dating back to the 8th century still stands, Alton Towers Resort is a popular theme park destination with its kids attractions, a variety of roller coaster rides, and special events. But you know what you want, so head off straight to the Alton’s Forbidden Valley and get ready to ride the Nemesis Sub-Terra.

Inspired by the older roller coaster ride Nemesis, it further explores the backstory of the two million year old monster called the Nemesis lurking beneath the ground at Alton Towers. This is more than just an underground thrill ride going through a network of caves and into the monster’s lair. This is where you have to face your fear of enclosed spaces, heights, and the total darkness all at the same time! Those who have already tried the Nemesis Sub-Terra call it one of the scariest ever, with some riders sprinting out back into the daylight as soon as the ride was over.

The Thrill Ride: X:\No Way Out
Where: Thorpe Park (www.thorpepark.com)

Among the top ten most visited theme parks in the whole of Europe, Thorpe Park has great family and children’s rides. Leave the less adventurous amongst your group at those rides and head off to where the extreme rides are. There are several thrill rides in Thorpe Park such as the Swarm, Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, Tidal Wave, Rush, Samurai, Detonator, and Vortex. Save those for another day and instead line up for complete disorientation at X:\No Way Out.

With the goal of making you feel like being trapped inside a computer virus, this wicked ride goes backwards and in complete darkness. Crazy sounds and flashing lights happen at unexpected moments, shaking you out of your senses even more. If you want to push your senses to the limit, this is the place.

The Thrill Ride: Rage
Where: Adventure Island (adventureisland.co.uk)

Previously called Peter Pan’s Playground, Adventure Island in Essex has more than 30 rides to choose from aside from boasting of having the longest pleasure pier in the world. If you prefer to start your day right away with a jolt of adrenaline, try out the park’s signature ride ominously called Rage.

Reaching a maximum speed of 70 km/h and with a highest point of 22 meters, riders are challenged to hold on to their wits as Rage speeds through three inversions – an immelmann, a vertical loop, and a zero gravity roll – as well as a 97 degree drop. Some may say that the ride is not that long but no one complains that it could be more extreme.

The thrill ride: Tango Ice Blast
Where: Blackpool Pleasure Beach (blackpoolpleasurebeach.com)

Along the Flyde coast in Blackpool at Lancashire, England can be found the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. To give you an idea on how popular the rides, attractions, and entertaining shows that Blackpool Pleasure Beach is, it is constantly among the top twenty most visited theme parks all over the world.

If an extreme free fall ride is to your liking, you won’t be disappointed with this theme park’s Tango Ice Blast. Suspense is built right at the start with a blast of air that sends the gondola way into the top. In a few moments you notice the stunning views from the top, only to get the fright of your life as what goes up comes rushing down. Towering at 64 meters, speeding at 80mph, and with 4.5 g-force, the Ice Blast will make you literally catch your breath!

The Thrill Ride: The Shockwave
Where: Drayton Manor Theme Park (draytonmanor.co.uk)

Drayton Manor Theme Park is a huge resort, zoo, and theme park that can hold up to 15,000 guests daily. It is also known as the home of Thomas Land, inspired by the children’s TV series Thomas and Friends. With the sheer number of crowds, hard core thrill seekers go there early and head off straight to The Shockwave.

Found in the Action Park area of Drayton Manor Theme Park, The Shockwave is famous for being Europe’s only stand up coaster. The ride lasts for only about 2 minutes, but everyone who tried it will tell you that this could easily be the most exciting 2 minutes of your life! Towering over the ground at 37 meters and with drops of 24 meters, you will certainly be dreading yet anticipating with glee each of the four inversions of The Shockwave. A word of advice: press your head hard against the restraints if you want to prevent your ears from getting a bashed around!