Category Archives: United Kingdom

Activities, Cycling, London

See London with Fat Tire Bike Tours

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A recent Condé Nast survey shows that travelers favor trips that focus on the culture and history of their destination. To this end, Fat Tire Bike Tours offers guided bike tours of London, Paris, Barcelona and Berlin.

In London, Fat Tire Bike Tours has exclusive cycling rights to The Royal London Parks connecting London’s top sites. The London tours start a short walk from the Queensway tube station. The first stop on the Royal London Tour is Kensington Palace, the slightly dowdy former residence of Princess Diana. Other highlights include Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.

Fat Bike Tours London
Fat Bike Tours London

A highlight of this tour include a graphic (if no kids are present ) description of the history of Guy Fawkes in front of the Houses of Parliament. Key historical information at all stops is presented in a clear, entertaining manner by a young journalist who grew up in Central London. The Royal London Tour departs every day in season at 11:00 a.m.

Fat Tire Bike Tours can arrange corporate outings or cater to special events such as bachelor and office parties. Unless you’re traveling in a large group, reservations, while appreciated, are not necessary but will be honored up to a year. The tours are family friendly with kid bikes/helmets and baby seats provided.

Email: London@FatTireBikeTours.com

Telephone: 0788.2338.779 (calling from within the UK)

+44 (0)788.2338.779 (calling from outside the UK)

City Travel, Destinations, London, United Kingdom

Tour London

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Thinking of London for your vacation? With the Canadian dollar gaining strength now is the time to go. But check these money saving sites and tips first.

Airfare:

Check Air Canada for specials from Toronto. Remember you can take a morning flight if you don’t want to waste a day recovering from an overnight flight. If you want to freshen up upon arrival, book the lounge at Heathrow for a shower and breakfast to start your day.

Accommodations:

Start at Budgetstayuk.com for a comprehensive list of university rooms available during school breaks – bonus- includes budget options during school term too.Wotif.com great for last minute deals, though you have to scroll a bit to pick out the best prices. Laterooms.com works like Hotwire.com but with more options in central London.Splurge with last minute specials booked through the hotel at The Athenaeum (a Trip Advisor favorite) or The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

Transportation:

London transport is pricey but buying the Oyster card will help keep costs down on tube and bus travel. If you’re here for more than a few days consider bringing or renting a bicycle.

Entertainment:

Art and museum lovers are in luck here. Most London galleries are free all the time with additional fees for special exhibits in the larger venues only. Best bets include the Tate Modern, Saatchi Gallery, Serpentine Gallery, White Cube and  the Photographers Gallery. Check London Time Out Magazine for comprehensive listings and reliable reviews.

Food:

This one is tricky but pubs offer reasonable meals – just remember that dinner is served between 6 and 9 pm only. Don’t forget the department stores such as Harrods and Selfridges. The latter has a sushi bar set on a conveyor belt so you can pick what you want as it rolls by.On warm afternoons head to Camden Locks to pick up an array of international foods to enjoy on the outdoor sawed off motorcycle seats facing the canal.

Shopping:

Hit a Primark – they’re everywhere!