It seemed like a cheery place to live before the zombie apocalypse didn’t it? Just your average road, complete with a local newsagent and ignorant neighbours… But, change happens, and certainly hoards of zombies are an unwelcome change for Simon Pegg and Nick Frost – shame they couldn’t give us a more thorough tour of the area isn’t it?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – King’s Cross Station and Leadenhall Market

Now,  how many of us have wanted to visit King’s Cross Station to see if platform 9 ¾ really does exist? Whether you run into the wall yourself or simply sit back and watch others do it is irrelevant, it’s a must-see for any Potter fan.

However, it’s not just King’s Cross Station that featured in the Harry Potter films. Leadenhall Market, a relative unknown in comparison to King’s Cross Station, features more than one might expect. The curved entrance to the Leaky Cauldron is set at 42 Bull’s Head Passage, which is actually an opticians. This wizarding pub is not only hidden to the eyes of muggles, but leads to the mysterious Diagon Alley and fascinating shops like Eeylops Owl Emporium and Quality Quidditch Supplies.

Platform 9 3/4 by Laura Bittner / License: Creative Commons

A Hard Day’s Night – Various London Locations

The 1964 Beatles film, starring all four members of the Beatles, was filmed across a vast number of different landscapes (around 30), including 15 in London. They include various train stations; Marlyebone station, Crowcombe Heathfield Station, Paddington Station and Taunton Station. Other noticeable locations that featured in the film are Charlotte Street, Les AmbassadeursClub in Mayfair, and the Hammersmith Odeon. So if you’re a Beatles fanatic, get yourself down to London and start touring!

The Italian Job (1969) – Various London Locations

Although the plot of the film revolves around events in Turin, London was actually used for a lot of the film.  Alembic House, 93 Albert Embankment, in Vauxhall is one location used, where Charlie Croker (Michael Caine to you and I) introduces the team members to each other. Other locations used include Harley Street in Marlyebone, Portobello Road on Notting Hill and Du Cane Road, where the Wormwood Scrubs Prison can be found. Neat huh?

Casino Royale – Big Ben, Canary Wharf, Houses of Parliament

It goes without saying that all three of these locations had previous fame before the 2006 Bond film starring Daniel Craig. However, what you might not have known, is that M’s house, (James Bond’s boss to those of you who aren’t familiar with the Bond films) is actually located in Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf is a fantastic place to go and visit, and there are some cracking hotels near Canary Wharf that are well worth the price!

So there you have it; a whole host of London destinations that you may, or may not, have seen on the big screen. Regardless of whether you’re a film fanatic or not, I recommend that you get yourself down to London for a historic and culturally pleasing bit of sightseeing!

Jack McCourt is a 17 year old, writer, with previous experience of published poetry in anthologies. A keen and eager traveller, he is looking forward to experiencing a vast selection of different cultures and lifestyles, both in England and abroad. He Recommends BHRC for last minute London accommodation and attractions.

The post 5 Locations In London Made Famous By The Big Screen appeared first on Best of European Union.

For the cheap price of an advanced train ticket, you could be visiting interesting places in the UK that you may not have known were even within reach.

To make sure you get the most out of your trip, make sure you’re packed with the bare necessities that will help you enjoy your day to the maximum.

Three O’Clock in London, England, UK by Garry Knight / License: Creative Commons

• Phone Battery - At the risk of sounding like your dad, you don’t want to get stuck somewhere with a flat battery. Since there isn’t always a place you can go to charge your phone, it’s worth purchasing an external battery pack for your phone.
• Backpack - In order to carry all your important belongings, you’ll want to keep them in a quality bag to ensure that you can always find your items
• Food – Unless you want to explore cafes and eat out, packing some snacks for the trip will be a money saver and also allow you to eat faster for when you have a long day planned.
• Weather – Check the weather beforehand so you’ll know whether to pile on the layers or pack a poncho just in case things get stereotypically cold. Hay fever sufferers will want to have a supply of antihistamines will them.
• Toiletries – Whilst you shouldn’t try and pack your whole bathroom, taking suntan lotions and wet wipes for makeup would be a great idea.

Museums Can Be Packed With Entertainment

There are plenty of museums around, but you won’t get a more comprehensive sizeable one than the London Science Museum. The UK is filled with weird and individual museums, from Cornwall’s Witch or Lawnmower museums, to the Baked Bean Museum of Excellence in Wales, there are plenty of odd and interesting places to visit if ordinary museums seem a little dull to you.

If you or your friends share the love of a similar television show or film that was set in the UK, it’s a fun idea to try and visit the place where it was shot. Doctor Who fans can not only visit the museum located in East London, giving you a first-hand look at the costumes and models of the many supernatural beings on the show, but also located in Wales is the Torchwood HQ that all ‘Whovians’ will want to see at least once. Fans of Harry Potter fans are lucky enough to be able to visit the Warner Bros studios and have a tour of the worldwide loved film in central London.

London attractions, England, UK by Garry Knight / License: Creative Commons

Don’t Forget To See The Big Landmarks

There are plenty of places in the UK that people all over the globe come to visit, yet some that we haven’t even seen ourselves. The list of landmarks people come from all over to visit include:

• Stonehenge
• Windsor Castle
• Big Ben
• Hadrian’s Wall
• Buckingham Palace
• Tower of London
• The London Eye
• St Pauls Cathedral

With even more tourists wanting to see places like Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, you’ll want to plan a thorough trip to London so you can see this most popular places for yourself.

Matt Chiles is a London tourist guide and passionate traveller, always looking to help those who are less experienced at day tripping.

The post Planning A Visit To The Biggest UK Attractions appeared first on Best of European Union.

Black London Cab by James Barrett

Plan Your Travels

Planning your time in London is crucial. London is such a small town, however it is considered to be overcrowded and traffic is not exactly swift moving. However if you choose to take your own vehicle into town, parking becomes another issue you have to consider. In London parking spaces are limited, even if you were able to find one, paying for parking spaces can be ludicrously high. Then comes in the dreaded congestion charge fee. If you drive into Central London during peak times you will be required to pay the congestion charge fee. This was brought in to reduce traffic and emissions coming into London.

Ordering a Cab

So why bother with all that stress when you can just get a cab. Getting a cab in central London is very straightforward. There are many trustworthy and reputable cabbies in London, some even offer to take you on a tour themselves! It is all part of the London experience, cabbies are some of the most bubbly people you can meet.

Ordering a cab is easy. As London is so fast paced cabs are always at the ready for you!. In the heart of London there is no way you will not find a cab lurking around somewhere. Black cabs are considered to be more expensive than other independent companies. Black cabs are more reputable than other cabs however, this good service and swift delivery comes at an extra price. Other independent businesses such as Orderacab, provide you a service that compares local cabbies in your area and comes up with the best price for you. This is a great device as it helps people find where they are going at the cheapest price.

Getting a cab is probably the best alternative to driving into central London. You are worry free once you enter and leave the cab. As a driver you are cautious as to where you should park your car. With a cab you are just dropped off to your destination with nothing to worry about.

The article is written by Michael O’Donnell who writes for the online London taxi booking service orderacab.co.uk.

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Mongolia in Devon

Devon might be best known for its seafood restaurants and beaches but a new style of getaway is now welcoming travellers from across the world. Head to the 30-acre Cuckoo Down Farm, near Ottery St Mary and you can experience life like Genghis Khan – with a few extra creature comforts.

Guests can expect spacious double beds, with Mongolian inspired rugs, cushions and carpets. You might be camping, but with a shower on hand and plenty of space in your personal yurt you’ll never be wanting for comfort.

Mongolia, Devon, UK

Bus station on the Shetland Islands

Consider yourself a connoisseur of all things quirky? Then why not head to this truly unique bus shelter located on the remote Shetland Islands. Originally used by just three local children, the shelter was badly damaged in a storm in the late 1990s. When Bobby Maculay, a local schoolboy complained of the chill when waiting for the school bus, the council updated it.

Then some strange things started happening. The bus station was slowly transformed to include a range of unexpected creature comforts, like a television, a wicker sofa and even a stuffed parrot. This is certainly a bus station with a twist.

Unst Bus Stop, Shelter Islands, UK by Anne Burgess

Narrowest street in Exeter

Want a quirky fact to impress your friends with? What about having explored Britain’s smallest street, located in Exeter? Parliament Street (formerly Small Lane) dates back to the 14^th century and measures just over 60cm at its tiniest point.

Keep an eye out for a miniature doorway, which is the former home to the independent newspaper, The Exeter Flying Post.

Parliament Street, Exeter, UK by J Morley

House in the Clouds in Thorpeness

Some of the best accommodation experiences are the ones that you can’t wait to tell your family and friends about. House in the Clouds in Thorpeness, England is just that sort of accommodation, offering guests all the usual creature comforts with a dash of altitude.

Located several stories high and situated on beautiful private acreage, this fascinating home away from home includes a dishwasher, fridge, freezer and television. The building was designed for a children’s book author and today still exudes a mystical and creative feeling.

House in the Clouds, Thorpeness, UK by Martin Pettitt

Sleeperzzz in Scotland

Ever wanted to journey through the Scottish highland on a beautiful first class train? Well now you can do just that, with a slightly quirky edge.

Sleeperzzz in Pittentrail offers accommodation in three carriages from an old railway car. There are bikes on hand to explore the beautiful local townships and stunning natural scenery.

With all three carriages named after Scottish whiskies, they are the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a local tipple after a hard day of sightseeing. Best of all Sleeperzz is also surprisingly easy on your wallet.

Ecopod in Scotland

Ecopod offers quirky and fun accommodation, whilst allowing guests to also do their bit for the environment. With views over the stunning west coast of Scotland, the Ecopod features innovative technology to lower every guest’s carbon footprint. You also can enjoy a fun goodie bag on arrival, including hand-dived scallops, locally brewed beers, hand-made chocolates and Scottish malt whisky.

Written by: Sheryl Lovenkrandz – a freelance blogger who loves to write about travel and accommodation.

The post Strange and Wonderful Places in the UK appeared first on Best of European Union.

It’s not just young children that benefit from day trips, older children and even young adults will learn something by travelling into London for day trips too. There is so much to do that you’ll never get bored. There are museums, theatres, famous boats and the River Thames, monuments and bridges, not forgetting Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Also, many of these places are free to visit, so no extra money is being spent unnecessarily.

Big Ben & London Eye, England, UK by Adalberto.H.Vega

Children learn about the history of the city of London each day, so why not give them the chance to visit and view the place they are learning about with school trips to London? This will give them a chance to learn more by doing something exciting, such as activities and walks, rather than sitting in a boring classroom all day.

Although children are the hardest to please when it comes to learning, by giving them something fun to do and helping them learn will surely keep them happy. Giving the children something that will help them learn about the history of where they live and that involves lots of activities, for example. Want all of this? Then send them on school tours of London with their school!

Many children don’t often get the chance to travel into London with parents due to work or other commitments. These tours and days out will give children the chance to see what London is all about for themselves and will give them the opportunity to see first-hand what it entails, rather than watching videos and looking at photos.

Getting children to remember what’s being taught is always a struggle, so by giving them the chance to travel to London, have fun and learn, they should (hopefully) remember and appreciate what they are being taught more.

School Trips To Londonare easily arranged through the child’s school, and are reasonably priced for any parent, giving children the opportunity to view London and learn about its history in a more enjoyable way. This also gives them the chance to learn about different methods of transport used in and around the city – a hot topic for young kids, learning about trains, tubes, cars, bikes, boats and buses.

Children like to venture through places they are unsure of, so by giving them the chance to venture to London, you are giving them the opportunity to go on a huge adventure, whilst learning along the way. This gives the child an improved knowledge of their surroundings and history but enjoyment of being somewhere new and exciting.

Have you ever stopped to think about how your child may benefit from school tours of London? Well, giving children the opportunity to travel to London, will allow them to learn, have fun and grow up, knowing that London is not such a scary place to be, and that you don’t have to stay local to have fun or to learn.

Enjoy stress free school tours to European and other worldwide destinations with Voyager School Travel. Call them on +44 (0) 1273 827 327 to know more!

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Tower of London, England, UK by xiquinhosilva

1. The Tower of London

One of London’s oldest and most popular attractions, the Tower of London was built in 1078, and remains one of the most well preserved medieval castles in the country. Its central location within the skyscrapers of the City of London financial district make it even more unique, as does its multiple galleries, and housing of the Crown Jewels.

2. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Located on the outskirts of the City of London financial district (about 10 minutes by Tube from the West End), St. Paul’s Cathedral has survived fire and the WWII Blitz to remain one of the capital’s most loved landmarks. Giving yourself the time to explore its artifacts, and the Whispering Gallery on the upper levels, is recommended.

Photo of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, England, UK by Garry Knight

3. Westminster Abbey

While a visit to Westminster, which contains the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, is always recommended, it’s worth taking the time to visit Westminster Abbey. The Gothic church is a regular destination for Royal weddings, contains a number of important burial sites, and includes fascinating museums exhibits.

Photo of Westminster Abbey, London by thetravelguru

4. Buckingham Palace

The Queen’s main residence is a constant favourite of visitors to London, and can be explored via guided tours of certain areas of the Palace. The Palace also includes art galleries, a gift shop, and the daily sight of the Changing of the Palace Guards.

Photo of Buckingham Palace, London by OwenXu

5. British Museum

Home to one of the world’s best collections of art and rare items, this Bloomsbury-based museum demands repeated exploration. First developed in the 18th century, the Museum, only a short walk from the West End, is particularly recommended for its Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts.

Photo of British Museum, London by DAVID HOLT

6. Victoria & Albert Museum

Part of a street of famous museums in Kensington, which also includes the National History Museum and the Science Museum, the V&A was opened in 1852 as a home for decorative art, and today represents one of the best places to see photography and contemporary design exhibits.

Photo of Victoria & Albert Museum, London by gailf548

7. London Eye

This enormous Ferris wheel represents the best way to get a panoramic view of London. Based by the Thames, and near to London Waterloo train station, the Eye offers 30 minute rides in its passenger capsules, with varying prices.

Photo of London Eye, England by Jim Bahn

8. The National Gallery

This art gallery by Trafalgar Square is home to over 2,300 paintings, and is free to enter. The gallery’s pillared facade takes you into a vast holding of art from painters such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Van Gogh.

Photo of The National Gallery on Trafalgar square, London by Maurice

9. Tate Modern

London’s best modern art gallery sits on the banks of the Thames, and faces towards St Paul’s on the other side of the river. The gallery contains changing and permanent exhibitions, and is free to enter.

Photo of Tate Modern, London by aaron.bihari

10. Natural History Museum

Another of Kensington’s world class museums, the Natural History Museum is dedicated to the natural sciences, and animal and insect collections. Particularly recommended is the enormous Blue Whale, and the museum’s dinosaur exhibits.

Photo of Natural History Museum, London by Heather Cowper

Author bio: Liam Ohm is a keen writer with a particular interest in things-to-do in London. He highly recommends Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tickets for another great day out during your time in London.

The post London’s Top 10 Attractions that you should not miss appeared first on Best of European Union.

Buckingham Palace, London, UK by Roger Wollstadt

Looking for a place to stay, then look no further than the Dorchester collection of hotels which occupies the most prestigious acre and a half of real estate in the world. Its eclectic mix of contemporary style and 1930’s glamour along with its beautiful location overlooking the beautiful expanse of Hyde Park enables an ultimately luxurious label. Its award winning spaciously designed suites, restaurants and bars provide the perfect environment for those who wish to indulge and the recently transformed spa makes it a desirable destination for any visitor.

Strategically located in London’s exclusive Mayfair, The Dorchester is also within easy access of the city’s most famously elite shopping areas. New and Old Bold Street possess some of the most elegant shops in London with designer names such as Gucci and Armarni. A short walk away, the West End theatre and the Royal Opera House provide some classical entertainment for those fascinated by the creative arts. Interested in more rural aspects to experience, then the largest royal park boasts fine landscapes and a range of leisure activities to enjoy from tennis and horse riding, to boating on the Serpentine.

London’s most popular attractions such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Trafalgar square are also close by although the excellent underground service allows easy access to most places within the city. By night, Mayfair and the surrounding area holds host to a prestigious array of fashionable bars where celebrities and even young royals are commonly known to hang out.  Funky Buddha, the Met Bar, Punch Bowl, and Mahiki are just a few of the trendiest hot spots, with VIP sections and top DJ’s. With beautifully designed interiors and sleek designs much like those in the Dorchester hotel, you can be assured to feel the upmost in extravagance and have the perfect excuse for a glass of bubbly or two!

This article was written by Alexandra, an experienced blogger and enthusiastic traveller on behalf of MF Airport Parking who offer an excellent Heathrow Airport Parking service at affordable prices.

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Anyway, here goes…

Bamburgh Castle by James West

Bamburgh Castle, Northumbria

Britain is home to a number of famous castles, but few can claim to be quite as impressive as Bamburgh Castle in the north-east of England. This giant building is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country and takes pride of place of the Northumbrian coastline. Bamburgh Castle was once home to the kings of Northumbria and is still a place of fascination to historians and archaeologists who can often be seen digging for artefacts and anything else that provides information on the long history of the castle. This historical landmark should be visited by everyone.

Fishing Cove, Cornwall

Fishing Cove is a secluded a beach as you will ever find – this despite being several hundred metres from a car park! The small beach is a place loved as much by seals as it is by skinny-dippers and naturists and is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny summer afternoon. Fishing Cove, would not doubt be one of the most popular places in Cornwall, were it not for access. The pathway down to the beach is steep and can be slippery but well worth tackling to experience the golden sand.

Dunster Castle, Somerset by Chilli Head

Dunster Castle, Somerset

Dunster Castle is much like something out of a fairytale with turrets and towers aplenty overlooking beautiful Exmoor. The castle itself is made all the more picturesque by the medieval town that surrounds it and the National Collection of strawberry trees that must be seen (but not eaten). Regular events are held at the castle and you can choose to take a tour around the grounds and inside the vast building itself, tracing more than 1,000 years of history in the process.

The Temple, London

London is home to the majority of Britain’s most famous attractions, but many hidden gems also populate the city streets; one such attraction being the Temple, a building which is hidden in plain sight between Fleet Street and the Embankment. Both an ancient church and a base for members of London’s legal profession, the building was named after the Knights Templar. The Temple is eerie as it is wonderful.

Author’s Bio
This article is brought to you by Direct Ferries, a site that provides a quick and easy way to look, compare and book 1000′s of scheduled ferry crossings to and from virtually any ferry port in Europe and North Africa.

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St Ermin’s lobby

While it is strikingly apparent that the history of the hotel has really been embraced, its also notable that the hotel has been recently restored and has an unusually pleasant ‘contemporary sheen’ after a £30 million refurbishment that was undertaken through 2010 which has really added to the grandeur and luxury of the establishment.

Just outside the hotel’s grand cast iron gates is the quintessential London – St James’s park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are literally a stone’s throw away from the hotel which made this hotel the ideal spot for a first timer tourist in England’s capital.

As a famous saying goes ‘when a man is bored of London, he is bored of life,’ and I can now vouch for this. After spending a mere two days at this hotel (and frankly, saw what I thought was a lot of London) I gained a further appreciation and lust for exploring more of London. I think its only once you’ve had a small taste of the fascinating capital that you can really appreciate the magnitude of the place and the amount of exploring that is open to any tourist or traveller.

Caxton Grill Beef

For those that perhaps plan to stay a little longer in London than I did you’ll be pleased to hear (but likley unsurprised) that the hotel is in the perfect spot for exploring a little further too as there is an underground station just a five minute walk away. Or alternatively, there’s the low cost rental bicycles (otherwise known as ‘Boris bikes’ after the cities eccentric mayor) nearby if you fancy taking a more scene route!

Oh, and before I forget – if you’re a fan of steak don’t forget to check out the St Ermin’s on-site restaurant the Caxton Grill if you’re a steak fan, their Josper Grill (one of only 3 in the country) is sure to give you a steak experience you are unlikely to forget!

Written by Alex of The Luxury Holiday Blog.

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