Pollock’s Toy Museum

If you are visiting London with your children, Pollock’s Toy Museum is certain to be a top attraction for you and your family. Practically any toy that has been on the market for children worldwide has a place at this site. The collections are a fascinating look at the ways kids played in the past. Come to experience a world of porcelain dolls, teddy bears, tinkertoys, board games and more. Elaborate dollhouses and toy theaters also are on display for the littlest ones in your party to explore.

Pollock’s Toy Museum, London, UK by R Sones

Freud Museum

This site was the home of Sigmund Freud after he and his family fled Austria and the Nazis in the late 1930s. Here is where you can see perhaps the world’s most famous analyst couch with its pillows and tapestries. You also can see the desk where Freud spent much time writing his papers. The family’s extensive collection of antiquities also is on display, and the ground’s gardens are worth checking out, too. The house and its furnishings are frozen in Freud’s time.

Whitechapel Bell Foundry

Lots of British and global manufacturing history can be found here, as the site exists as Britain’s oldest continuing manufacturer. Here, you can find church bells, handbells, clock tower bells (think Big Ben) and other varieties made to order. The company’s rich history extends across the pond, as the U.S. Liberty Bell was cast at the site more than 250 years ago.

Churchill War Rooms

Part of the collection that makes up Britain’s Imperial War Museum, this is the wartime bunker where British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his government officials took shelter during the London Blitz. You can see where wartime decisions were made and purchase a Churchill coffee mug in the same visit. The Map Room holds maps where you can see tiny pinholes that charted Allied progress. Next to that room is Churchill’s Room, still in existence from its time as his office/bedroom space.

The Black Museum

Better known as the crime museum, this infamous site offers a collection from London’s macabre side. In 1869, a new law allowed law enforcement to start keeping artifacts from criminals for educational purposes. Today, the museum holds weapons disguised as ordinary items, vials of poison, forensic photos and other criminal evidentiary items. The museum, while not open to the public, is open for law-enforcement training and crime lectures for legal authorities. If you are a law-enforcement official, you may be able to gain entry for a tour.

You find more London travel guides online and also accommodation in London from www.holiday-velvet.com.

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The top five countries for inbound visitors in 2011 were France, Germany, USA, Irish Republic and Spain – four out of five of those countries are in the eurozone and therefore many of these millions of visitors will come to Britain carrying euros. First of all it is important to stress that the only official currency of the UK is sterling, available in £50, £20, £10 and £5 notes and coins worth £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p. £1 is made up of 100 pence.

Photo by Davide Oliva

Britain and the Euro

To date, Britain has decided not to join the single European currency, despite being a member of the European Community. Following the severe economic problems faced by a number of European countries during the global economic recession this position does not look likely to change in the immediate future.

However, tourists coming into Britain carrying euros are still able to spend the currency at some venues. Shopping outlets in and around the country’s major airports such as Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow will often accept euros due to high demand from consumers. Harrods is one of the major destinations for tourists visiting London and as such accepts many forms of payment including euros and American dollars as well as sterling. Other foreign currencies may also be accepted on request. Likewise, Selfridges is a top destination for fashion-conscious consumers and this has led the company to accept euros, US dollars and Japanese Yen at all of its tills across its stores in Manchester Exchange Square, Manchester Trafford Centre, Birmingham and London.

Of course the vast majority of stores in Britain will not accept euros, which means visitors will need to change money. All of the UK’s major high street banks offer a bureau de change service as do major travel agents and the Post Office, while in tourist destinations such as central London visitors  have plenty of choice. The important thing is to find out which firm offers the best rate of exchange. Some companies will charge a commission on the money that you change – others won’t but will have less attractive exchange rates as a result. Some companies will offer a matching service, meaning they will cover an exchange rate offered by a rival firm if asked.

Across the Border

And what about Scotland? Well like Wales, England and Northern Ireland, the currency in Scotland is pound sterling. Scotland and Northern Ireland do however have their own banknotes and these are officially only legal tender in that country. In reality however, the larger retailers will tend to accept Scottish and Northern Irish banknotes. They can also be changed in any bank in the UK at no cost.

Steven Paulit is a freelance writer who loves to travel. From Britain to the rest of the world they love to find great cheap summer holidays and weekend breaks away.

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York Minster, UK by Paul Wordingham

The city of York, founded by the Romans in 71 AD is steeped in historical, artistic and political connections just waiting for you to discover them. First stop should be York Minster which is a stunning cathedral of architectural importance that features incredible stained glass and dominates the cities skyline. York is a walled city and visitors can walk along many of the intact walls and discover the various towers and gates on the route around the old town. Famed for its tourist industry, York is an ideal destination for last minute UK holidays and is easily accessible by road and rail.

With gardens and riverside parkland to explore on sunny days, and themed ghost walks to venture on – if you dare – as the nights draw in, York offers diverse experiences all year round. Don’t miss out on a walk down the ‘Shambles’ which is a quirky medieval street filled with over-hanging timber framed buildings or the chance to see iconic steam trains at the National Railway Museum.

York has something for everyone: couples on a romantic break can take a boat ride down the river, lounge in the award winning restaurants and bars or give their credit cards a work out in the numerous shops and boutiques. Families can head to the Jorvik visitor centre to immerse themselves in the sites and smells of Viking culture; or how about a trip to tantalise the taste buds at York’s Chocolate Story? There is often an outdoor ice rink in winter and many seasonal events throughout the year; York is waiting to welcome you – add it on to your itinerary now!

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River Thames, London, UK by Elliott Brown

London is, of course, famous for Buckingham Palace, located next to St James’s Park.  You can see the palace from the park, and the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony can be witnessed from outside the front gates every morning.  However, admission to some areas of the palace is also available for a price, and this is something you may want to consider.

The Tower of London is one of the city’s unmissable sights.  It is the home of the Crown Jewels, which are on display here, and was also one of London’s most famous prisons for many years.  Keep a look out for the ravens in the tower – tradition says that the kingdom and the tower will fall if the ravens ever leave.

Built for the Millennium celebrations, the London Eye has become one of the city’s most popular attractions.  It can be found on the banks of the River Thames, and the thirty minute ride offers unrivalled views.

There are also a large number of museums located in London, the majority of which offer free admission.  The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, located next door to one another, are always popular, and both will usually have, in addition to the permanent displays, a range of temporary exhibits.

Of course, no trip to London would be complete without a visit to the West End to see one of the famous theatre shows.  There is always a wide selection, and ticketscan either be prebooked or purchased on the day, though availability may be limited.

Author Bio: This post was written by Chris from Simply Hike an online camping equipment store and retailer of Hunter Wellies

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Big Ben and London Double-Decker Bus by Kevin Poh

Travelling

First things first: buy an ‘Oyster Card’. With this you can get around the city by bus, tube and boat! You can order your card online from the London Transport website or simply pick one up from a London station. To spot a few more landmarks, jump on the popular number 15 red bus; this authentic London double decker is much cheaper than the conventional sightseeing buses and still packs in many popular attractions. There are many bike docking station located all around London city centre, this allows you to easily rent a bike with minimum effort and fuss and get a good workout while travelling too!

Entertainment

The West end is London’s famous entertainments centre; blockbuster films premier in Leicester Square which often plays host to worldwide-known movie starts and celebrities. Instead of paying top-dollar to see a new release, head around the corner to the Prince Charles Cinema for cheaper showings.

If you fancy seeing a show, The Coliseum is a fantastic venue and as one of London’s largest theatres that offers cheap tickets for certain performances you’re more than likely to be able to get a seat last-minute.

The Coliseum, London, UK by Steve James

Once an old flower market, there’s never a dull moment in Covent Garden. If you are going to check out the street artists, avoid emptying your pockets by skipping outdoor eateries; instead, buy a quick snack and find a comfortable spot on the curb. Next, head to neighbouring Trafalgar Square; here you can find the National Gallery that offers free entry and cheap Saturday cinema tickets. The national portrait gallery is just next door too!

Dining

If you’re after a quick bite before a show in the west end, head down to China town for some affordable treats; for a hearty, authentic meal, find a restaurant with lots of Chinese customers. Head along Neal Street and Neal’s Yard for tasty vegetarian dishes at the modern World Food Café; there is no shortage of stylish boutiques and vintage shops to distract you on the way.

At Borough Market there’s a fresh selection of top quality produce to sample; boasting delicious coffee, smelly cheeses, crispy pastries and roasted meats, Borough Market yields plenty of mouth-watering treats to keep you busy for more than a few hours!  Fill your belly with free samples or purchase some delicious snacks to enjoy later!

So there we are some affordable entertainment and snacks to enjoy whilst out and about in London city centre. Remember, don’t be disheartened by the expensive restaurants you will likely see when researching on the internet, there are plenty of affordable places to spend your time.

Daniel Travis – Brown is an avid traveller and visits London on a regular basis to enjoy all the West end has to offer! He writes travel guides regularly on behalf of Skypark Stansted Airport Parking and shares his articles with his Twitter followers! Find him on Twitter @DanTravisBrown

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Bluewater shopping centre by Hardo

Hemel Hempstead

Hemel Hempstead is home to the Snow Centre, which brings the outside indoors. To take part in some adrenaline-fueled sports, you can travel from London Euston to Hemel Hempstead train station in just 30 minutes. The centre offers a number of value family packages so this is a great activity for the kids, especially if skiing in the south of France is out of your budget.

Bluewater

Bluewater is a great day out, especially if you want to shop till you drop without the mania of Oxford Street. With 100s of retailers including House of Fraser and John Lewis, you will undoubtedly find whatever your heart desires. Don’t fancy shopping? Throughout Bluewater there are plenty of elegant restaurants, cafes and bars to unwind and relax in. So whether you fancy a three course meal or a burger and a beer Bluewater will have it. If shopping or dining out doesn’t appeal then maybe try to plan your trip around one of Bluewater’s many celebrity appearances or take a trip to the cinema. Or why not make the day of it, and do all four, making the most out of your trip? Best of all, Bluewater is only a 45 minute drive from central London.

Whitstable

Another 45 minutes down the road, you can put your feet in the salty water of the English channel in the cobbled town of Whitstable. Famous for the annual summer oyster festival and its maritime heritage, Whitstable offers a very picturesque harbour and rows of sun-bleached beach huts. The fish and chip shops in the town are a hidden treasure, with many shops having queues of customers winding out the doors. Gaze out across the shingle shore line, eat your paper-wrapped dinner and then enjoy the breeze through your hair.

Henley-on-Thames

A trip to Henley-on-Thames offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in some traditional British cream tea in the heart of Oxfordshire. The winding Thames meanders through the old market town proudly, with old pubs dotted on every corner. Henley is also home to a stunning stone bridge that encapsulates the Thames at its best. With Henley less than an hour away from busy central London, the town offers the perfect day trip for cream teas, scones and long walks. Truly idyllic.

Windsor Castle by gailf548

Windsor Castle

Only 45 minutes from London, you can find one of Britain’s largest tourist attractions, Windsor Castle. Being easily accessible by rail and road, the castle is busy all year round. The Queen’s favourite residence boasts romantic architecture and elegant state rooms and with more than 900 years of history on the site, this gem of English cultural heritage makes for the perfect day trip.

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The City of London is the centre of the UK’s financial industry, ranking on a par with New York City as one of the world’s most important financial centres. It is often referred to as the City and is just over one square mile in area. In medieval Britain the City was the full extent of London. Today, it is now only a small part of the metropolis but remains a notable part of central London with an average of 320,000 people primarily working in the financial and legal professions. It also has a resident population of approximately 8,000.

The City has excellent transport links with eight tube stations. It also has a huge range of hotels, serviced apartments and other accommodation options.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Ben Sutherland

2. Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is London’s second largest financial district, 2.5 miles to the east of the City in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. Canary Wharf forms a spectacular part of London’s skyline, with three of the UK’s tallest buildings. One Canada Square, occupied by HSBC, is the tallest of the three and provides 14,000,000 square feet of office and retail space.

Over 90,000 people work in Canary Wharf with some of the biggest names in the banking industry using the much desired location as its headquarters, including Barclays and Citigroup. Many Canary Wharf serviced apartments are within easy reach of the financial district, making them a popular choice for employees who are relocating or visiting London.

Although many hotels are present in the area, the range of serviced apartments Canary Wharf offers provides business travellers with a comfortable and luxurious stay. Slightly further east than the City, Canary Wharf will be busy during the much anticipated London 2012 Olympics. The extensive transport links in the area make it easy to travel from Canary Wharf to Stratford, or elsewhere in London.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by bram_souffreau

3. Covent Garden

Covent Garden may not spring to mind as a business hub, but many business travellers choose to stay here – and network here – because of its great transport links and central location. Home to a number of law and financial firms, the area also attracts businesses who want to take advantage of the extensive shopping facilities, famous theatres and mouth-watering delis. Any business traveller staying here is also sure to find plenty to entertain themselves in the evenings and weekends.

Covent Garden always has a lively atmosphere. Local pubs include The Nag’s Head and The Roundhouse which host great live music. If you are looking for somewhere to eat, the Fire & Stone Bar is excellent and offers a range of very exotic pizzas!

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Baron

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