Activity ideas: Places to go - London
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thanks to TV, many people know the landmarks of the English capital before visiting the city.
But if you're interested in a bit of culture beyond what you've seen on the small screen, check out the ethnic markets of Brixton or Brick Lane. For a more mainstream shopping experience, head to Oxford Street where you will find giant retail stores such as Nike Town and the Apple Store.
This month is also a great time to visit Chinatown, where Chinese New Year celebrations kick off on 8 February.
To get a whistle-stop tour of the many landmarks, take a boat trip along the Thames and see the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. For a bird's eye view,the London Eye is the place to visit. If getting up close and personal with a shark is your thing, then head to the London Aquarium. Other attractions worth considering include The Tate Modern gallery, the Natural History Museum and maybe even go-karting at the Daytona Centre in King's Cross.
HOW TO GET THERE
By train: Trains from across the UK arrive at the major terminus stations: Euston, King's Cross, Paddington, Victoria and Waterloo
By car: London is 2.5 hours from Birmingham via the M1 and 7.5 hours from Edinburgh on the M6 then M1. It takes about three hours from Cardiff.
WHERE TO STAY
YHA London St Paul's is just 100m from St Paul's Cathedral. Prices start from £14.50 per person. 0870 770 5764
YHA London Oxford Street is minutes away from Soho and Leicester Square. Prices start from £19.00 per person. 0870 770 5984.
www.yha.org.uk.
