London: Transport
Everything from airfares to public transit, train stations to taxis
London's main airport, about 19 miles west of the city, is where most Transatlantic (and many other) flights land
Gatwick is London's secondary airport, host to many Transatlantic, European, and British flights as well as easyJet, Norwegian, and some other low-cost carriers
Airfares, airports, train stations, and buses into London, plus all the London cruise ports
Little Luton Airport, 33 miles from London, is a hub for several low-cost airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz
From the Tube (Underground, or subway) and the bus (double decker or otherwise) to taxis, shared "Boris" bikes, and other transportation options in London
Do not buy point-to-point tickets. What you want is an Oyster Card (possibly with a Travelcard transit pass).
Stansted Airport, an hour north of London, is popular with easyJet, Ryanair, and many other low cost carriers
If you have to transfer from one London airport to another, here are your best options
Do NOT, under any circumstances, rent a car to get around London. If you are renting one to leave the city, however, read on for tips.
Is the Britrail pass—good for unlimited travel on the national rail network—worth it in the U.K.?
Sleeping on an overnight train is a relatively safe endeavor, but take a few sensible precautions to avoid pickpockets and thieves and sleep more soundly
Except for the driving on the left thing, British road rules are similar enough to North American ones that you'll get by fine; here are the important differences
How to arrange for a short-term lease on a brand-new car—cheaper than a rental for longer periods, and far better insured
Camping is a great way to see Britain, but you needn't be tied down to tent pegs; RV rentals are as easy in Europe as they are here at home
There are hundreds of road signs blocking your view on British roads and—more importantly—telling you how to get where you're going
Aggregators search all the booking engines, airline sites, travel agencies, and airfare discounters in the blink of an eye
Fly across Europe for as little as $25—welcome to the wonderful age of no-frills airlines, the little jet engines that could
London is the cheap airfares turnstile of Europe, so fly cheaply into here and then elsewhere in Europe or North Africa on a no-frills airline for far less
Tips on having the most comfortable air travel experience possible, from getting to and from the airport to picking the right seat on the plane
Two dozen simple ways to increase your chances of catching some shut-eye on those long overnight flights
If your bag measures more than 45" total (L+W+D), it is probably too big for the overhead bin
You do not need a IDP for the U.K., but if you are traveling on to the Continent, consider getting one
Stay in the slow lane (the leftmost one) on a U.K. highway unless you are actively passing another car
How to get the most out of renting a car in the U.K. with the lowest cost and least hassle
Like the trains themselves, European train stations tend to be clean and user-friendly—with tourist info, hotel booking service, left luggage lockers or offices, and decent snack bars (in case you forget to pick up train picnic supplies in town)
Book your own cruise excursions for up to 40% less than the cruise ships charge
If it's one of the seven deadly sins—gluttony (booze; food), greed (gambling), sloth (spas), extravagance (shore excursions)—it's how a cruise lines makes all its profit
London: Categories
See
Do
Sleep
Eat
Leave London Victoria by luxury Mercedes coach, and relax in your comfortable seat as you journey to the incredible Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. After roughly one hour on the road, head inside the studios and explore independently, seeing the authentic sets, costumes and props that brought the Harry Potter movies to life.
Stroll along the famous cobblestoned pavements of Diagon Alley and keep an eye out for familiar-looking shops like Gringotts Wizarding Bank that was featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Learn about the special effects and animatronics that created wizardry in sets like the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office. Then, visit the Ministry of Magic, where you can venture into Professor Umbridge’s office to learn about the mythical government that rules the Harry Potter community.
Make sure to bring your camera as tantalizing photo opportunities abound behind every corner. Snap photos of the glass ceiling and yellow brick walls of Platform 9 ¾, which has been transferred from Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. Then, marvel at the Hogwarts Express steam engine and see into the carriage that was featured in some of the saga’s most memorable scenes.
At the pre-arranged time, meet your host back on board your coach and return to central London in comfort.
TM & © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR
Travel with ease from central London to the town of Windsor, home to Her Majesty the Queen. Sit back for a relaxing, air-conditioned coach ride to the historical town, which you’re then free to explore as you like. Upgrade your ticket to include entry to Windsor Castle — including a self-guided audio tour.
Head to Victoria Coach Station in central London, where you'll board a climate-controlled coach destined for Windsor. Once onboard, sit back and enjoy the views as you ride to the historical market town.
On arrival in Windsor, you'll have roughly four hours to explore. Take in the local sights at your leisure, or upgrade your ticket beforehand to include an entrance ticket to Windsor Castle, the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen.
Embark on a self-guided audio tour of the castle and its property, taking in the State Apartments, the 14th-century St. Georges Chapel, and several other architectural highlights.
When it’s time to go, return to your pre-designated location and board your bus for the return trip to London.
LEGOLAND Windsor is an inspirational land where the fun never stops. Suitable for children of all ages, this theme park features incredible LEGO® models and over 55 attractions and live shows to entertain the whole family. With this 1-day admission to LEGOLAND Windsor your round-trip transportation from London is also included, leaving you the flexibility to choose your preferred return time with regular services running all day! Prepare for a soaking on some wet ‘n’ wild water rides: follow a pirate trail, fly through the treetops to escape fearsome dragons, or join a Viking fleet and battle sea monsters and rough waters.
Have fun on LEGOLAND’s many interactive rides, including the Kingdom of the Pharaohs, where you’ll fight your way through the ancient land in search of hidden treasure. Or, take a trip to a galaxy far, far away at the UK’s only indoor LEGO Star Wars Miniland Experience. Here, witness seven of the most famous scenes from the six live-action Star Wars movies made out of 1.5 million LEGO bricks! Then, visit LEGO City by the harbor; but watch where you go, as the pirates have invaded!
Stroll around Miniland, which contains the highest number of LEGO bricks in the park. Nearly 40 million pieces have been used to recreate scenes from daily life in the USA and Europe, all bustling with sounds, traffic, trains and boats. Join the crew at Pirates Landing, explore the Knights Kingdom, or enjoy 4D entertainment at the Imagination Centre.
Board your luxury coach in Victoria, central London, and travel west out of the capital to Windsor – a well-heeled little town that’s best known as the home of Windsor Castle – the official residence of the Queen. Blanketing an area of 13 acres (5 hectares), the castle grounds cover an impressive list of sights to see, like St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Doll House and the plush State Apartments.
Head inside with your entrance ticket and explore at your own pace, learning about the castle’s history that steeped into its stones. Pick up an audio guide, and listen to entertaining commentary as you amble around; learn about Sir Edwin Lutyets, the British architect who created Queen Mary’s Dolls House for the young monarch in the early 1920s, and hear about the different monarchs who furnished the impressive State Apartments according to their tastes.
Admire priceless work of art by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt, and explore St George’s Chapel to discover the final resting place of various monarchs including King Henry VIII – one of the more flamboyant characters that have lived in the castle.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily, so you can try to catch it while exploring the town. Usually accompanied by a military band, soldiers march up the high street to Windsor Castle in colorful red tunics and bearskin hats, representing the pomp and ceremony (some say eccentricity of the British Royal Family.
Meet your guide at the pre-arranged time and travel back to London in the comfort of your luxury coach. Your day trip finishes in the neighborhood of Kensington, central London, in the early evening.