Receiving the Royal Treatment in London
With its pomp and pageantry, wonderful idiosyncrasies and vibrant diversity, London, UK is a place like no other. Our Flightie Tabatha experienced the welcoming and fascinating London with Air Canada Vacations and shares her experience with us:
For my inaugural trip to London I was given the ultimate royal treatment thanks to Air Canada Vacations and Visit Britain. From the moment we stepped off the plane and onto the coach we were whisked through London and given the low down on some of the most famous and charming places this amazing city has to offer.
After checking in to our hotel at St. Ermin’s (an incredible property located steps away from Buckingham Palace) we hopped aboard the famous Hop-On-Hop-Off London Double Decker and toured around the city. For newcomers to a city with so much history, I would highly recommend this inexpensive tour. The bus offers several different routes with a pre-recorded and sometimes live commentary (in several languages) on some of the most famous landmarks in London, from the London Bridge to Marble Arch to Harrods. The bus stops at key locations allowing you to get off and explore or stay on board and go all the way round to the beginning again. Be sure to also check out our blog on the Top 10 Royal Attractions of London for more great siteseeing ideas.
After a round-trip tour of the city, it was off to be wowed by the cuisine at St. Ermin’s in-house restaurant, the Caxton Grill. If you are looking for some good honest British fish and chips – this is the place to go! With a laid back vibe and amazing food you really can’t go wrong!
The next few days were all about showcasing London and its rich history. A half day tour of Windsor Castle with lunch at Harrods was the ultimate treat (especially for a lady previously obsessed with the British Monarchy). After navigating the London Underground and learning our way through the tube stations, we were able to hit the shopping mecca, Oxford street.
From TopShop to Primark there is a plethora of selections and I would highly suggest making a day of it (or two!) if you really want to get the full experience. My all time favourite attraction was the glitzy, life-like wax displays at the famous Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, a must see as it is the birthplace of this incredible art. If you’ve ever been to one before I guarantee it’s still worthwhile checking out London’s version. There are several floors and displays as well as some pretty amazing rides. I highly recommend the VIP pass which lets you ahead of the line, especially in the summer months when line ups can be as long as three hours.
A night at the theatre showcased some of the amazing talent that this vibrant and artistic city has to offer. The classic movie “Ghost” received an overhaul with some fancy lighting and a soundtrack provided by ‘The Eurythmics’ David Stewart. This classic was given new breath in theatre form. TKTS offers half price tickets or you can always arrange it back home with your travel agent.
Dining in London was an experience in itself, the city offers plenty of celebrity chef inspired restaurants, as well as some hole-in the wall places which are equally as charming. You won’t be disappointed with the selection and you’ll definitely be well taken care of. Keep in mind to bring your walking shoes if you wish to burn off those extra calories and explore the city by foot.
Overall this was an incredible experience that allowed me the opportunity to enjoy a taste of what the amazing city of London has to offer. From one day itineraries to weeks at a time, you can bet you won’t be bored with touring London.
Want to learn more about travelling to London? Contact a Flight Centre Travel Expert at-1-877-967-5302 or visit your closest Flight Centre Store
About the Author
Emma Hackwood a freelance copywriter, amateur glider pilot and full-time adventure seeker, has travelled extensively in pursuit of her lifelong dream of simply seeing it all. Up to over 50 countries, she lists American Samoa and the seldom visited Marquesas Islands as her current favourite destinations, with a wandering eye on Guam and Tonga to complete her Pacific escapades.
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