Everybody loves a good summer holiday. The idea of summer holidays might conjure up images of sun, sand, and sea in the middle of tropical oceans—but increasingly, holidaymakers are turning to an unexpected set of islands: the British Isles.
For most tourists the obvious destination is the capital: according to Groupon, 19.8 million visitors were drawn to London in 2017 alone. It might be rainy on occasion, but London is packed full of unique activities for an unforgettable holiday. There is a reason why Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye have captured the imaginations of people across the globe—and it's because they're incredible landmarks in an amazing city.
We've put together a few top tips on how to enjoy a day out in London to the max.
Tip 1: Book early—or step off the beaten track
A lot of popular tourist destinations in London fill up quickly. Pre-booking is essential for attractions like the London Eye or Madame Tussauds. These attractions are often full of people, making them hard to enjoy. Why not try some more niche holiday activities?
If you're into history, Sir Francis Drake's ship, The Golden Hinde, runs self-guided tours and living history days, and the Old Operating Theatre Museum offers a fascinating tour through medical history. For a taste of the tropical, the Barbican Conservatory gives you the jungle in the middle of the city. For kids, the V&A Museum of Childhood is a romp through historic toys, complete with dressing-up and DIY puppet-shows.
And this is only a tiny taste of what's out there if you look!
Tip 2: Take a dive into the UK's cultural heritage
London is full of museums, many of which have free admission—and some are much less popular and busy than you might think. Some, like the Natural History Museum, do get extremely busy, but there's so much else out there! The Science Museum, for example, offers plenty of interactive activities for kids. For adults, the National Gallery is full of stunning art, and the V&A is full of more ephemeral culture, including interior design and clothing—the theatrical costume gallery on the top floor is not be missed!
For a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience, it's also worth stopping by Shakespeare’s Globe, which has hundreds of £5 groundling tickets for every show, if you can stand up for a few hours!
Tip 3: Maximise your time by staying over
Traffic in and out of London is a drag, and transport can be stressful. Having to get out before nightfall cuts your day short, and eats into your enjoyment. Accommodation in the capital can be expensive, but there are actually plenty of great places to stay that won't break your budget—you just need to spend some time researching the best deals.
Have you been to London? What do you think about this city?
This is a guest post.
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