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London Tourist Guide: This page contains as much useful Tourist information as we could find, we hope it helps you find your way around the UK and gives you some idea of what to expect from your visit here. There is information about traveling around the UK, using the currency, and even using the telephones. Getting Around Overview By far the easiest and most practical way to get around is on the Underground or "tube. " This subway system runs daily from early morning to night and provides a comprehensive service throughout the center with lines out to the suburbs. Tube fares can work out to be higher than bus fares but if you are traveling a lot around town then you should investigate buying a Travelcard pass which gives you discounted flexible travel on the tube plus bus and some overground rail travel. The overground rail system is a network that connects outlying districts and suburbs to the center. Prices are comparable to the Underground and you can easily transfer between the Underground and other connecting rail lines at many tube stations. Some passes are good for both the Underground and the rail system so check at the point of purchase. If you want to see the city buses crisscross all over town. Their routes are more complicated than the tube but by reading the route posted on the main bus stop and watching the route on the front of the bus you won't go far wrong. Bus travel prices are cheaper than the tube the farther you travel but be prepared to get stuck in traffic even though designated lanes for buses and taxis should speed up the journey. Services are frequent but if you become frustrated and flag down a taxi the fare can clock up to three times the price of a similar bus fare for the same distance. If you're traveling with several people however riding in a taxi is relatively inexpensive and is more comfortable and convenient. Central London and its surrounding districts are divided into 32 boroughs -- 33 counting the City of London. More useful for finding your way around however are the subdivisions of London into postal districts. The first one or two letters give the location: N means north NW means northwest etc. Don't expect the numbering to be logical however. You won't for example find W2 next to W3. The general rule is that the lower numbers such as W1 or SW1 are closest to the city center. |
| THE London Hotel Guide | Links | Heathrow Airport Hotels | Gatwick Airport Hotels | Other UK Hotels | Worldwide Hotels |
Airport Transfers to and from any London Hotel to London Heathrow are 40 pounds, London Gatwick, London Stanstead and London Luton airports are 60 pounds for a standard car see our main page
| By Train www.thetrainline.com (Sadly the fare structure is confusing and leaves a lot of people confused but look anyway) London has eight major train stations that serve the rest of the country . All have connections to the Underground (Tube). As a rough guide the stations' location matches the part of the country they serve. South-east stations such as charing Cross Blackfriars London Bridge & Victoria serve southeast England including Canterbury and Dover/Folkestone for Europe. Euston serves the Midlands north Wales northwest England and western Scotland. King's Cross Serves northeast England and Scotland. Liverpool Street serves East Anglia including Cambridge and Norwich. Paddington mainly serves south Wales and the West Country. St. Pancras serves Leicester Nottingham and Sheffield in south Yorkshire. The Eurostar service to France and Belgium departs from Waterloo International within Waterloo station. Smoking is forbidden on ALL trains. BritRail Travel (in the U.S. PHONE: 800-677-8585). Eurostar (PHONE: 0990-186186). National Rail Enquiries (PHONE: 0845-748-4950 or 0161-236-3522; outside the U.K. PHONE: 0845-748-4950 or 0161-236-3522). Rail Europe (PHONE: 0870-584-8848). |
By Coach www.gobycoach.com National Express PHONE: 0870-580-8080 is the largest British Bus/Coach Company The Rapide Service is a direct to destination service with No detours and has a steward service for refreshments and toilet facilities on board. Most Coaches are climate controlled Smoking is forbidden on all UK buses Coaches depart mainly from Victoria Coach Station a short walk from Victoria mainline rail station. The departures and main information point is situated on the corner of Buckingham Palace Road while the arrivals point is opposite at Elizabeth Bridge. It's best to get there at least 30 minutes before departure it's an extremely busy place at peak holiday and weekends. Green Line (PHONE: 0208-668-7261) serves the counties surrounding London as well as airports. Bus stops are between Victoria mainline station and Victoria Coach Station. Tickets can be bought from the Victoria Heathrow or Gatwick coach stations by phone with a credit card via the National Express Web Site or from travel agencies. Apex tickets save money on standard fares and traveling midweek is cheaper than on weekends and during holiday periods. Tourist Trail Passes sold by British Travel International (PHONE: 540-298-1395) make great savings if you plan to tour Britain and they can be bought in advance. Prices run from £49 for two days of unlimited travel to £187 for 14 days of unlimited travel. The Discount Coachcard for students costs £8 and qualifies you for 20 to 30% off many standard fares over a one-year period. |
| BY Tube ( London Underground) thetube.com This site gives you lots of useful information about the TUBE including fares, journey times, maps, and even a zone where the kids can have fun. One of the bext ways to use the tube is with a travelcard, these can be purchased after 09:30 am weekdays and give you unlimited travel on the Tube, Londons Buses and British rail in the London area, this is the most cost effective way of touring london. Londons Underground system is the Worlds oldest tube system, and its how most Londoners travel to and from work, every major tourist attraction in central London is only a very short walk from the nearest Tube station. London Underground aims to deliver the best possible service for all its customers. You want a quick, frequent and reliable train service, a safe clean and welcoming station environment with up-to-date information and helpful, courteous staff. This means a continuous, demanding programme of improvements to meet rising expectations. If you would like to know more, please contact the Customer Service Centre, which is open between 08:00 and 20:00, seven days a week on 0845 330 9880 Please do not bring more luggage than you can safely carry. Unlike mainline railways, the Tube does not have porters. Our staff are trained to help you but carrying excess luggage is not one of their duties. If you are travelling with a backpack - take it off and stand over it on the floor of the carriage. This takes up less room. The Tube can get very busy, especially during the morning and evening rush hours. Avoid travelling at those times if possible. Londoners stand on the right on the escalators at all times. This allows those in a hurry to get past. Please stand to one side of walkways and platforms when looking at maps. You are on holiday but the locals are still working and again, always in a hurry. Better still, ask our staff for directions. Please allow passengers off the train before you board. This is not just the British being polite but is the safest and quickest way for a train to unload and load passengers. Please stand behind the yellow line on platforms. This is for your safety as trains pull in and out. The Tube can get very hot during the summer months. It does not yet have airconditioning. Please carry lots of water during hot weather. Most importantly, enjoy our city and our railway! The Tube is the oldest underground in the world and is an attraction all on its own. It will take you to all the places in London you will ever want to see. |
By Air International flights to London arrive at either Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport. Heathrow Airport (Airport code LHR) (PHONE: 0870-000-0123) is west of London. Most flights from the United States go to Heathrow which is the busiest and is divided into four terminals Terminal 1 handles mainly Internal U.K. flights Terminal 2 handles mainly E.U. flights and Terminals 3 and 4 handling transatlantic flights (British Airways uses Terminal 4). Gatwick Airport (Airport code LGW) (PHONE: 01293-535353) is south of London. London's second busiest airport from it's small beginning it has become an international airport that serves over 21 U.S. destinations. It is also london's most popular depature airport for "package holiday" makers. There are 2 terminals at the airport the South terminal serves the larger U.S. carriers as well as most E.U flights with the North Terminal serving mainly British Airways and Delta Flights to the U.S. as well as NON E.U. european countries most Domestic U.K. Flights also arrive at the North terminal. Stansted Airport (Airport code STN) (PHONE: 0870-000-0303) is a Londons Newest and most up-to-date airport and is east of London The airport has 2 terminals the main terminal handles all scheduled and charter flights mainly European and domestic flights. The airport is the main U.K. hub for the European budget airlines such as RyanAir. The Business terminal serves private charter and business flights. The cost of hotels varies little between Heathrow and Gatwick. Flight time to London is about 6 1/2 hours from New York 7 1/2 hours from Chicago 11 hours from San Francisco and 21 1/2 hours from Sydney. British Airways is the national flag carrier and runs mostly nonstop flights to over 18 U.S.cities to Heathrow and Gatwick airports along with flights to Manchester Birmingham and Glasgow. American Airlines (PHONE: 800-433-7300; 020-8572-5555 in London) to Heathrow Gatwick. British Airways (PHONE: 800-247-9297; 0845-72221111 in London) to Heathrow Gatwick. Continental (PHONE: 800-231-0856; 0800-776464 in London) to Gatwick. Delta (PHONE: 800-241-4141; 0800-414767 in London) to Gatwick. Northwest Airlines (PHONE: 800-447-4747; 0870-507-4074 in London) to Gatwick. United (PHONE: 800-241-6522; 0845-844-4777 in London) to Heathrow. TWA (PHONE: 800-892-4141; 0345-333333 in London) to Gatwick. Virgin Atlantic (PHONE: 800-862-8621; 01293-747747 in London) to Heathrow Gatwick. |
| Transfers Between the Airports and London Because of strict zoning laws in and around London none of London's airports are actually in what you would think of as downtown London Heathrow airport is the nearest to the city centre. London has some good bus and train connections between Gatwick airport Stansted airport and downtown London Heathrow is also served by the Underground (tube). However if you are transferring between any of the aiports there is NO direct train link between any of them all train journeys require you to go into central london change trains and go out again this can take up to 4 hours depending on which airports you are transferring between. During London's rush hours; 07:00-10:00 & 16:00-20:00 the trains can become very crowded indeed and carrying any bulky luggage can be very difficult with a multitude of steps and escaltors to negotiate finding seating can be very difficult during the rush hours. London has many Private car transfer services and at a little more than the cost of Public Transport can get you from your airport to your destination or Vice-versa whilst we dont mind showing you other transport methods we are not going to promote our rivals for you HOWEVER please be aware that since OCT 2001 all car transfer services in London MUST be licenced by the Public Carriage Office if you are going to use a car service like us then for your own safety and peace of mind ensure that they hold a Public carriage Office licence. Last year in London over 200 women were sexually assualted by illegal cab drivers. We are of course licensed and our fare structure is very simple indeed from Heathrow to London or vice versa the cost is £40 per vehicle this is a FULLY INCLUSIVE of everything price and from Gatwick or Stansted airports the cost is £60 again this is the fully inclusive price for a standard car to anywhere to or from London. A standard saloon (sedan) car will seat up to 4 passengers. See our main website for full details. If you're arriving at Heathrow you can pick up a map and fare schedule at a London Transport (LT) Information Centre (in Terminals 1 and 2). Train service is direct and there are multistop train routes; the downside to this mode of transport is having to move around on escalators and connecting subways with luggage. Airport link buses may ease the luggage factor and drop you closer to central hotels but they are subject to London traffic which can be horrendous. Taxis can be more convenient but beware that prices can go through the roof. Airport Travel Line (PHONE: 0870-574-7777) has transfer information and takes advance booking for transfers between airports and into London. By Bus From Heathrow: Airbus A2 (PHONE: 0870-574-7777) takes one hour and costs £7 one-way and £10 round-trip. It leaves for King's Cross and Euston with stops at Marble Arch and Russell Square every 30 minutes 6 AM-9:30 PM but there are around 14 stops along the route so it can be tedious. For the same price National Express (PHONE: 0870-580-8080) buses leave every 30 minutes to Victoria Coach Station direct from 5:40 AM-9:30 PM. Stansted (Stanstead) Airport also has an Airbus service more about this at the London toolkit stansted airbus page From Gatwick: You can make the 90-minute journey on Jetlink 777 (PHONE: 0870-574-7777) from Gatwick South Terminal Coach Station to Victoria Coach Station (hourly 4:15 AM-9:15 PM £7 one-way £10 round-trip) with stops at Marble Arch Hyde Park Corner Baker Street Finchley Road and Hendon Central. From Stansted: Hourly bus service on Jetlink 777 (12:30 AM-11:30 PM) to Victoria Coach Station costs £8 one-way £10 round-trip and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. By Taxi From Heathrow and Gatwick: Taxis can get caught in traffic; the trip from Heathrow for example can take more than an hour and costs £40-£80. From Gatwick the taxi fare is at least £80. Add a tip of 10 to 15% to the basic fare. By Train From Heathrow: The cheap direct route into London is via the Piccadilly line of the Underground (London's extensive subway system or "tube"). Trains run every four to eight minutes from all four terminals from early morning until just before midnight; the 50-minute trip costs £3. 50 one-way and connects with other central tube lines. Heathrow Express (PHONE: 0845-600-1515) provides more comfort and speeds into London Paddington in 15 minutes but is more expensive. Standard one-way tickets cost £12 (£22 round-trip) and £20 for first class (more space and TV screens). Service is daily from 5:10 AM to 11:40 PM with departures every 15 minutes. From Gatwick: Fast nonstop Gatwick Express (PHONE: 0870-530-1530) leaves for Victoria Station every 15 minutes 5:20 AM-12 AM then hourly 1:35 AM-5:20 AM. The 30-minute trip costs £10. 20 one-way £20. 40 round-trip. A frequent local train also runs all night. From Stansted: The Stansted Skytrain (PHONE: 0845/748-4950) to Liverpool Street Station runs every half hour and costs £12 one-way £22 round-trip. |
Contacts and Resources When to Go The heaviest tourist season in Britain runs mid-April-mid-October with another peak around Christmas -- though the tide never really ebbs. Spring is the time to see the countryside and the royal London parks and gardens at their freshest; early summer to catch the roses and full garden splendor; fall to enjoy near-ideal temperatures and conditions. The British take their vacations mainly in July and August and the resorts are crowded. London in summer however though full of visitors is also full of interesting things to see and do. But be warned: air-conditioning is rarely found in places other than department stores modern restaurants hotels and cinemas in London and in a hot summer you'll swelter. Winter can be rather dismal and is frequently wet and usually cold but theaters concerts and exhibitions go full speed. Weather Chart London's weather has always been contrary and in recent years it has proved red-hot and cool by turns. It is virtually impossible to forecast what the pattern might be but you can be fairly certain that it will not be what you expect. The main feature of the British weather is that it is generally mild -- with some savage exceptions especially in summer. It is also fairly damp -- though even that has been changing in recent years with the odd bout of drought. The following list includes the average daily maximum and minimum temperatures for London. The following are the normal daily temperature ranges for London:
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Holidays Standard holidays include: New Year's Day Good Friday Easter Monday May Day (first Monday in May) spring and summer bank holidays (last Monday in May and August respectively) Christmas and Boxing Day (day after Christmas). On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve some shops restaurants and businesses close early. Some museums and tourist attractions are also closed then. If you want to book a hotel room during this period make sure you do it well in advance and check to see whether the hotel restaurant will be open. |
Visitor Information When you arrive in London you can go in person to the London Tourist Information Centre at Victoria Station Forecourt for general information (Easter-Oct. daily 8-7; Nov.-Easter Mon.-Sat. 8-6 Sun. 8:30-4) or to the Britain Visitor Centre for travel hotel and entertainment information (July-Sept. weekdays 9-6:30 weekends 10-4; May-Sept. Mon.-Sat. 9-5). The London Tourist Board's Visitorcall phone guide to London gives information about events theater museums transport shopping and restaurants. There is a separate phone number for regular updates on what's happening this week. There is also a faxback service enabling you to have the major events calendar faxed to you. Just dial the number and press start/receive after the tone; after a short pause the pages will process through. Visitorcall charges start at 60p per minute at all times plus any hotel/pay-phone surcharge. Note that this service is accessible only in the U.K. Tourist Offices In London British Tourist Authority (Thames Tower Black's Rd. London W6 9EL PHONE: 020-8846-9000). In the U.S. British Tourist Authority (BTA; 551 5th Ave. 7th floor New York NY 10176 PHONE: 212-986-2200 or 800-462-2748; 625 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 1510 Chicago IL 60611 PHONE: 800-462-2748 [personal callers only]). In Canada British Tourist Authority (5915 Airport Rd. Suite 120 Mississauga Ontario L4V 1T1 PHONE: 905-405-1840 or 800-847-4885). |
| Telephones The former London area codes of 0171 and 0181 have been merged into one code -- 020 -- with the previous 7 or 8 denomination being added before the first digit of the old phone number making an eight digit number. For example 0171-222-3333 is now 020-7222-3333. The existing 0800 numbers have not changed; national information numbers of 0345 are now 0845. Details are on the Internet at www.numberchange.org There is help available within England at 0800-731-0202; from the U.S. at 020-7634-8700. Directory & Operator Information For information anywhere in Britain dial 192. For the operator dial 100. For assistance with international calls dial 155. International Calls The country code for the United States and Canada is 1; for Australia 61; and for New Zealand 64 The country code for Great Britain is 44. When dialing Great Britain from abroad drop the initial 0 from the local area codes. When calling from overseas to access a London telephone number drop the 0 from the prefix and dial only 20 (or any other British area code) and then the eight-digit phone number. To give one example: Let's say you're calling Buckingham Palace -- 020-7839-1377 (or in the old system 0171/839-1377) -- from the United States to inquire about tours and hours. First dial 011 (the international access code) then 44 (Great Britain's country code) then 20 (London's center city code) then the remainder of the telephone number 7839-1377. Long-Distance Calls For long-distance calls within Britain dial the area code (which begins with 01) followed by the number. The area-code prefix is only used when you are dialing from outside the city. In provincial areas the dialing codes for nearby towns are often posted in the booth. Access codes for long distance carriers are as follows: AT&T Direct (in the United Kingdom there are AT&T access numbers to dial the United States using three different phone types -- Cable & Wireless: PHONE: 0500-890011; British Telecom: PHONE: 0800-890011; and AT&T: PHONE: 0800-0130011; PHONE: 800-435-0812 for other areas). MCI WorldPhone (in the United Kingdom dial PHONE: 0800-890222 for the United States via MCI; 800-444-4141 for other areas). Sprint International Access (in the United Kingdom there are Sprint access numbers to dial the U.S. using two different phone types -- Cable & Wireless: PHONE: 0500-890877; and British Telecom: PHONE: 0800-890877; 800-877-4646 for other areas). Public Phones You don't have to dial London's central area code (020) if you are calling inside London itself -- just the eight-digit telephone number. There are three types of phones: those that accept (a) only coins (b) only British Telecom (BT) phone cards or (c) BT phone cards and credit cards. The coin-operated phones are of the push-button variety; the workings of coin-operated telephones vary but there are usually instructions on each unit. Most take 10p 20p 50p and £1 coins. Insert the coins before dialing (minimum charge is 10p). If you hear a repeated single tone after dialing the line is busy; a continual tone means the number is unobtainable (or that you have dialed the wrong -- or no -- prefix). The indicator panel shows you how much money is left; add more whenever you like. If there is no answer replace the receiver and your money will be returned. All calls are charged according to the time of day. Standard rate is weekdays 8 AM-6 PM; cheap rate is weekdays 6 PM-8 AM and all day on weekends when it's even cheaper. A local call before 6 PM costs 15p for three minutes; this doubles to 30p for the same from a pay phone. A daytime call to the United States will cost 24p a minute on a regular phone (weekends are cheaper) 80p on a pay phone. Public card phones operate with special cards that you can buy from post offices or newsstands. They are ideal for longer calls; are composed of units of 10p; and come in values of £3 £5 £10 and more. To use a card phone lift the receiver insert your card and dial the number. An indicator panel shows the number of units used. At the end of your call the card will be returned. Where credit cards are taken slide the card through as indicated. |
Passports & Visas Entering the United Kingdom U.S. and Canadian citizens need only a valid passport to enter Great Britain for stays of up to 90 days. Passport Offices The best time to apply for a passport or to renew your old one is in fall or winter. Before any trip check your passport's expiration date and if necessary renew it as soon as possible. Australian Citizens Australian Passport Office (PHONE: 131-232;) www.dfat.gov.au/passports. Canadian Citizens Passport Office (PHONE: 819-994-3500 or 800-567-6868;) www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/passport. New Zealand Citizens New Zealand Passport Office (PHONE: 04-494-0700 for information on how to apply; 04-474-8000; 0800-225-050 in New Zealand for information on applications already submitted; www.passports.govt.nz). U.K. Citizens London Passport Office (PHONE: 0990-210-410; ) www.ukpa.gov.uk/ukpass.htm for fees and documentation requirements and to request an emergency passport. U.S. Citizens National Passport Information Center (PHONE: 900-225-5674; calls are 35 cents per minute for automated service $1.05 per minute for operator service; ) www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html. U.S. Citizens National Passport Information Center (PHONE: 900-225-5674; calls are 35 cents per minute for automated service $1.05 per minute for operator service). |
| Money A movie in the West End costs £6-£9.50 (at some cinemas less on Monday and at matinees); a theater seat from £8.50 to about £35 more for hit shows; admission to a museum or gallery around £5 (though some are free and others request a "voluntary contribution"); coffee £1-£2; a pint of light (lager) beer in a pub £2 and more; whiskey gin vodka and so forth by the glass in a pub £2.50 and up (the measure is smaller than in the United States); house wine by the glass in a pub or wine bar around £2 in a restaurant £3.50 or more; a Coke around £1; a ham sandwich from a sandwich bar in the West End £2; a 1-mile taxi ride £4; an average Underground or bus ride £1.60 a longer one £2.50. For standby theater tickets many at half-price go the SOLT (Society of London Theaters) booth in Leicester Square for that day's shows; it is open Monday- Saturday 2:30-6:30 from noon on matinee days. There is a service charge of £2 or £1.25 on tickets under £12.50. Reduced fees -- generally referred to as "concessions" throughout Great Britain -- are usually available for children students and senior citizens. ATMs Credit cards or debit cards (also known as check cards) will get you cash advances at ATMs worldwide if your card is properly programmed with your personal identification number. For use in London your PIN must have no more than four digits. Currency The units of currency in Great Britain are the pound sterling (£) and pence (p): £50 £20 £10 and £5 bills (called notes); £2 £1 (100p) 50p 20p 10p 5p 2p and 1p coins. Taxes An airport departure tax of £20 (£10 for within United Kingdom and other EU countries) per person is payable and may be subject to more government tax increases although it is included in the price of your ticket. The British sales tax (VAT Value Added Tax) is 17.5% The tax is almost always included in quoted prices in shops hotels and restaurants. Most travelers can get a VAT refund by either the Retail Export or the more cumbersome Direct Export method. Many large stores provide these services but only if you request them; they will handle the paperwork. For the Retail Export method you must ask the store for Form VAT 407 (you must have identification -- passports are best) to be given to customs at your last port of departure. (Lines at major airports can be long so allow plenty of time.) The refund will be forwarded to you in about eight weeks minus a small service charge either in the form of a credit to your charge card or as a British check which American banks usually charge you to convert. With the Direct Export method the goods go directly to your home; you must have a Form VAT 407 certified by customs police or a notary public when you get home and then sent back to the store which will refund your money. For inquiries call the local Customs & Excise office listed in the London telephone directory. |
Tipping Many restaurants and large hotels (particularly those belonging to chains) will automatically add a 10%-15% service charge to your bill so always check if tipping is necessary before you hand out any extra money. Do not tip movie or theater ushers elevator operators or bar staff in pubs. Washroom attendants may display a saucer in which it's reasonable to leave 20p or so. Here's a guide for other tipping situations. Restaurants: 10%-20% of the check for full meals if service is not already included (if paying by credit card check that tip has not already been included before you fill in the total on your credit slip) a small token if you're just having coffee or tea. Taxis: 10%-15% or perhaps a little more for a short ride. Porters: 50p-£1 per bag. Doormen: £1 for hailing taxis or for carrying bags to check-in desk. Bellhops: £1 for carrying bags £1 for room service. Hairdressers: 10%-15% of the bill plus £1-£2 for the hair-washer. |
| Mail Stamps may be bought from post offices (open weekdays 9-5:30 Saturday 9-noon) from stamp machines outside post offices and from newsagents' stores and newsstands. Mailboxes are known as post or letter boxes and are painted bright red; large tubular ones are set on the edge of sidewalks while smaller boxes are set into post-office walls. Allow seven days for a letter to reach the United States. Check the Yellow Pages for a complete list of branches. Post Offices 17 Euston Rd. NW1. 125-131 Westminster Bridge Rd. SW1. 110 Victoria St. SW1. 15 Broadwick St. W1. 54 Great Portland St. W1. 43 Seymour St. Marble Arch W1. The Science Museum Exhibition Rd. SW7. 24 William IV St. Trafalgar Sq. WC2. Overnight services are available from: DHL (PHONE: 0845/710-0300). Federal Express (PHONE: 0800-123800). Parcelforce (PHONE: 0800-224466). Airmail letters up to 10 grams to North America Australia and New Zealand cost 45p; postcards 40p. Letters within Britain are 27p for first-class 19p for second-class (these rates are subject to change). If you're uncertain where you'll be staying you can have mail sent to you at the London Main Post Office (24-28 William IV St. WC2N 4DL) c/o Poste Restante. The post office will hold international mail for one month. You can also collect letters at American Express (6 Haymarket SW1Y 4BS PHONE: 020-7930-4411). |
Health Great Britain has been plagued in recent years by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) commonly known as "mad cow" disease. Humans contract the disease by eating meat from infected cattle. Although the chance of catching the disease is extremely small you may wish to avoid eating beef or choose beef or beef products such as solid pieces of muscle meat (as opposed to burgers or sausages) that might have a reduced opportunity for contamination with tissues that might harbor the BSE agent. For the latest information contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (PHONE: 877/394-8747 ) www.cdc.gov. In spring 2001 Great Britain was hit by another crisis foot-and-mouth disease which affects animals. Although it had a catastrophic effect on the British economy -- animals even those suspected of being infected were slaughtered immediately to control mass infection -- the disease is very rare in humans and is harmless to them. Some tourist sights and attractions in the countryside were closed to limit the spread of the disease by humans; however sights and attractions in London were not affected. |
| Guided Tours Bus Tours Guided sightseeing tours from the top of a double-decker bus which are open-topped in summer are a good introduction to the city as they cover all the main central sights. There is a choice of companies each providing daily tours departing (between 8:30 and 9 AM) from central points. You may board or alight at any of the numerous stops to view the sights and re-board on the next bus. Tickets are bought from the driver and are good all day. Prices vary according to the type of tour although £12 is the benchmark. Airporttransfers Tours (PHONE: 0777 624 7355) Big Bus Company (PHONE: 020-8944-7810). Black Taxi Tour of London (PHONE: 020-7289-4371). Evan Evans (PHONE: 020-8332-2222). Frames Rickards (PHONE: 020-7837-3111). London Bicycle Tour (PHONE: 020-7928-6838). London Pride (PHONE: 020-7520-2050). Original London Sightseeing Tour (PHONE: 020-8877-1722). By Canal The tranquil side of London is to be found on narrow boats that cruise London's two canals the Grand Union and Regent's Canal; most vessels operate on the latter which runs between Little Venice in the west (nearest tube: Warwick Avenue on the Bakerloo Line) and Camden Lock (about 200 yards north of Camden Town tube station). Fares are about £5 for 1 1/2-hour cruises. Canal Cruises (PHONE: 020-7485-4433). Jason's Trip (PHONE: 020-7286-3428). London Waterbus Company (PHONE: 020-7482-2660). On Foot One of the best ways to get to know London is on foot and there are many guided and themed walking tours from which to choose. If you wish to tailor your own tour you might consider hiring a Blue Badge accredited guide. Blue Badge (PHONE: 020-7495-5504). Citisights (PHONE: 020-8806-4325). Historical Walks (PHONE: 020-8668-4019). Jack the Ripper Mystery Walks (PHONE: 020-8558-9446). Original London Walks (PHONE: 020-7624-3978). By River All year round but more frequently from April to October boats cruise the Thames offering a different view of the London skyline. Most leave from Westminster Pier Charing Cross Pier and Tower Pier. Downstream routes go to the Tower of London Greenwich and the Thames Barrier via Canary Wharf. Upstream destinations include Kew Richmond and Hampton Court (mainly in summer). Most of the launches seat between 100 and 250 passengers have a public-address system and provide a running commentary on passing points of interest. Depending upon the destination river trips may last from one to four hours. A Sail and Rail ticket combines the modern wonders of Canary Wharf by Docklands Light Railway with a trip on the river. Tickets are available year-round from Westminster Pier or DLR stations; ticket holders also get discounted tickets to the London Aquarium in Westminster and the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Details on all river cruise operators are available from London River Services. Catamaran Cruisers (PHONE: 020-7839-3572). London River Services (PHONE: 020-7941-2400). Sail and Rail (PHONE: 020-7363-9700). Thames Cruises (PHONE: 020-7930-3373). Westminster Passenger Boat Services (PHONE: 020-7930-4097). |
Etiquette & Behavior The British stiff upper lip is more relaxed but on social occasions the rule is to observe and then go with the flow. If you're visiting a family home a gift of flowers is welcome. If it's for a meal then take a bottle of wine perhaps and maybe some candy for the children -- but not necessarily all three. Kissing on greeting is still too forward and Continental for most Brits. A warm handshake is just fine. For goodbyes if the atmosphere warrants a quick one-cheek kiss is appropriate. The British can never say please thank you or sorry too often; to thank your host a phone call or thank-you card does nicely. In business punctuality is of prime importance so if you anticipate a late arrival call ahead. For dinners it is not assumed that spouses will attend unless pre-arranged and if you proffered the invitation it is usually assumed that you will pick up the tab. If you are the visitor however it's good form for the host to do the taking. Alternatively play it safe and offer to split the check. |
| Emergencies If you need to report a theft or an attack (London is a relatively safe city) go to the nearest police station (listed in the Yellow Pages or the local directory). For severe emergencies dial 112 for police fire or ambulance (be prepared to give the telephone number you're calling from). Prescriptions are valid only if made out by doctors registered in the United Kingdom. If you need a doctor or dentist contact one of these organizations: Dental Emergency Care Service (PHONE: 020-7955-2186). Doctor's Call (PHONE: 020-8900-1000). Eastman Dental Hospital (256 Gray's Inn Rd. WC1 PHONE: 020-7915-1000). Medical Express (117A Harley St. W1 PHONE: 020-7499-1991). Bliss the Chemist (5 Marble Arch W1 PHONE: 020-7723-6116) keeps late-night hours. The general procedure for a car breakdown is the following: position the red hazard triangle (which should be in the trunk of the car) a few paces away from the rear of the car. Leave the hazard warning lights on. If you are on a highway (motorway) emergency roadside telephone booths are positioned at intervals within walking distance. Contact the car rental company or an auto club. The main automobile help groups in the United Kingdom are the Automobile Association (A.A.) and the Royal Automobile Club (R.A.C.) If you are a member of the American Automobile Association (A.A.A.) check your membership details before you depart for Britain as under a reciprocal agreement roadside assistance in the United Kingdom should cost you nothing. You can join and receive roadside assistance from the A.A. on the spot but the charge is higher -- around £75 -- than a simple membership fee. Hospital Emergency Rooms These are called casualty depts in the UK. National Health Service hospitals give free 24-hour treatment in Accident and Emergency sections where delays can be an hour or more. Charing Cross Hospital (Fulham Palace Rd. W6 PHONE: 020-8846-1234). Royal Free Hospital (Pond St. Hampstead NW3 PHONE: 020-7794-0500). St. Thomas' Hospital (Lambeth Palace Rd. SE1 PHONE: 020-7928-9292). University College Hospital (Grafton Way WC1 PHONE: 020-7387-9300). |
Embassies and Consulates Australia Australia House (Strand WC2 PHONE: 020-7379-4334). Canada MacDonald House (1 Grosvenor Sq. W1 PHONE: 020-7258-6600). New Zealand New Zealand House (80 Haymarket SW1 PHONE: 020-7930-8422). United States U.S. Embassy (24 Grosvenor Sq. W1 PHONE: 020-7499-9000); for passports go to the U.S. Passport Unit (55 Upper Brook St. W1 PHONE: 020-7499-9000). |
| Electricity The electrical current in London is 220-240 volts (coming into line with the rest of Europe at 230 volts) 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take three-pin plugs and shaver sockets take two round oversize prongs. If your appliances are dual-voltage you'll need only an adapter. Don't use 110-volt outlets marked For Shavers Only for high-wattage appliances such as blow-dryers. Most laptops operate equally well on 110 and 220 volts and so require only an adapter. For converters adapters and advice contact the British Airways Travel Shop. |
Customs & Duties Arriving in the United Kingdom There are two levels of duty-free allowance for entering Britain: one for goods bought outside the European Union (E.U.) and the other for goods bought within the E.U. (Austria Belgium Denmark Finland France Germany Greece the Irish Republic Italy Luxembourg the Netherlands Portugal Spain and Sweden). Of goods bought outside the E.U. you may import duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 2 liters of table wine and in addition (a) 1 liter of alcohol over 22% by volume (most spirits) (b) 2 liters of alcohol under 22% by volume (fortified or sparkling wine or liqueurs) or (c) 2 more liters of table wine; 60 milliliters of perfume; 1/4 liter (250 ml) of toilet water; and other goods up to a value of £145 but not more than 50 liters of beer or 25 cigarette lighters. Of goods bought within the E.U. you should not exceed (unless you can prove they are for personal use): 800 cigarettes 400 cigarillos 200 cigars and 1 kilogram of tobacco plus 10 liters of spirits 20 liters of fortified wine 90 liters of wine and 110 liters of beer. No animals or pets of any kind can be brought in without a lengthy quarantine. The penalties are severe and are strictly enforced. Similarly fresh meats plants and vegetables controlled drugs and firearms and ammunition may not be brought into the United Kingdom. For more information contact the HM Customs and Excise (Customer Helpline PHONE: 0345/442236). |
| Business Hours Generally businesses are closed on Sundays and national (bank) holidays. New Year's Day is a national holiday but many major stores are open for the annual sales reductions. Many restaurants are closed over the Christmas period. Banks & Offices Banks are open weekdays 9:30-4:30; offices 9:30-5:30. Gas Stations Most gas stations in central London are open seven days 24 hours. As you get farther out of town and off major roads hours vary considerably depending on the gas company but are usually 8 AM-8 PM. Museums & Sights The major national museums and galleries are open daily with shorter hours on weekends than weekdays. But there is a trend towards longer hours such as one late-night opening a week. Pharmacies Pharmacies are called chemists and are open for the most part Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM-5:30 PM. The leading chain drugstore Boots is open until 6 PM (the Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus branches are also open Sunday and until 8 PM Thursday). Shops Shops and offices in central London tend to keep longer hours than those in the surrounding districts. Usual business hours are Monday-Saturday 9 AM-5:30 PM. In the main shopping streets of Oxford Street Kensington High Street and Knightsbridge hours are 9:30 AM-6 PM with late-night opening in Oxford Street on Thursday until 7:30-8 PM and in the latter areas on Wednesday. Many small general stores and newsagents stay open on Sunday; some chain and fashion stores in the tourist areas of Oxford Street and Piccadilly (and out-of-town shopping malls) also remain open. |
By Train London's extensive Underground system has color-coded routes clear signage and extensive connections. Trains run out into the suburbs and all stations are marked with the London Underground circular symbol. (In Britain the word "subway" means "pedestrian underpass. ") Trains are all one class; smoking is not allowed on board or in the stations. Some lines have branches (Central District Northern Metropolitan and Piccadilly) so be sure to note which branch is needed for your particular destination. Electronic platform signs tell you the final stop and route of the next train and how many minutes you'll have to wait for the train to arrive. There are two recent developments: Jubilee Line has a state-of-the-art extension opened on the eve of the millennium connecting Canary Wharf to the Millennium Dome. The zippy Docklands Light Railway runs through the modern Docklands with a new extension to the Cutty Sark and maritime Greenwich. London is divided into six concentric zones (ask at Underground ticket booths for a map and booklet which give details of the ticket options) so make sure to buy a ticket for the correct zone or you may be liable for an on-the-spot fine. You can buy a single or return ticket the equivalent of a one-way and a round-trip for travel anytime on the day of issue. Singles vary in price from £1. to £3. If you are planning several trips in one day then consider a Travelcard which is good for unrestricted travel on both tube and bus and some overground railways; these are valid weekdays after 9:30 AM weekends and on all public holidays but cannot be used on airbuses Night Buses or for certain special services. Other options are: One Day Travelcard (£3.-£4.); Weekend Travelcards for the two days of the weekend and on any two consecutive days during public holidays (£5.-£6.); Family Travelcards which are one-day tickets for one or two adults with one to four children (£3-£3. with one child additional children cost 60p each); or the Carnet a book of 10 single tickets valid for central Zone 1 (£10) to use anytime over a year. The Visitor's Travelcard may be bought in the United States and Canada for three four and seven days' travel; it is the same as the LT (London Transport) Card and has a booklet of discount vouchers to London attractions. In the United States the Visitor's Travelcard costs $25 $32 and $49 respectively; in Canada C$29 C$36 and C$55 respectively. Apply to travel agents or in the United States to BritRail Travel International (1500 Broadway New York NY 10036 PHONE: 212/382-3737). Trains begin running just after 5 AM Monday-Saturday; the last services leave central London between midnight and 12:30 AM. On Sunday trains start two hours later and finish about an hour earlier. Frequency of trains depends on the route and the time of day but normally you should not have to wait more than 10 minutes in central areas. There are LT Travel Information Centres at the following tube stations: Euston Hammersmith King's Cross Liverpool Street Oxford Circus Piccadilly Circus St. James's Park and Victoria open 7:15 AM-10 PM; and at Heathrow (in Terminals 1 2 and 4) open 6 AM-3 PM. For travelers with disabilities get the free leaflet "Access to the Underground" (PHONE: 020-7918-3312). For more information contact London Transport (PHONE: 020-7222-1234 www.londontransport.co.uk). |
By Taxi Those big black taxicabs are as much a part of the London streetscape as the red double-decker buses yet many have been replaced by the new boxy sharp-edged model. hotels and main tourist areas have cab stands (just take the first in line) but you can also flag one down from the roadside. If the yellow For Hire sign on the top is lit the taxi is available. Cab drivers often cruise at night with their signs unlit so they can choose their passengers and avoid those they think might cause trouble. If you see an unlit passengerless cab hail it: you might be lucky. Fares start at £1. 40 and increase by units of 20p per 281 yards or 55. 5 seconds until the fare exceeds £8. 60. After that it's 20p for each 188 yards or 37 seconds. A 60p surcharge is added on weekday nights 8-midnight and until 8 PM on Saturday. Over Christmas and on New Year's Eve it rises to £2 -- and there's 40p extra for each additional passenger. Tips are extra usually 10%-15% per ride. |
By Car Driving in London is not advisable. The streets are a winding mass of chaos aggravated by one-way streets. Parking is also restrictive and expensive and traffic is tediously slow at most times of the day; during rush hours -- from 8 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM -- it often grinds to a standstill particularly on Friday when everyone wants to leave town. The center shopping areas are to be avoided including the roads feeding Oxford Street Kensington and Knightsbridge. Other main roads into the city center are also busy such as King's Cross and Euston in the north. Watch out for cyclists and motorcycle couriers who weave between cars and pedestrians and seem to come out of nowhere. Gasoline (petrol) is sold in liters and is increasingly expensive. Unleaded petrol is predominant denoted by green pump lines. Premium and Super Premium are the two varieties and most cars run on regular premium. Supermarket pumps usually offer the best value although they are often on the edge of the central city. You won't find many service stations in the center of town; these are generally on main roads outside the center of town. Service is self-serve except in small villages and these gas stations are likely to be closed on Sundays and late evening. Most accept major credit cards. It is best to believe that you can park nowhere in London except at a meter in a garage or where you are sure there are no lines or signs; otherwise you run the risk of a towing cost of about £100 or a wheel clamp which costs about the same since you pay to have the clamp removed plus the cost of the one or two tickets you'll have earned first. Restrictions are indicated by the No Waiting parking signpost on the sidewalk (these restrictions vary from street to street) and restricted areas include single yellow lines or double yellow lines. Parking at a bus stop or in a red-lined bus lane is also restricted. It is illegal to park on the sidewalk across entrances or on white zigzag lines approaching a pedestrian crossing. Meters have an insatiable hunger in the inner city -- a 20p coin buys just six minutes -- and some will only permit a two-hour stay with no return to top up. Meters take 10p 20p 50p and £1 coins. In the evening after restrictions end meter bays are free. Daytime take advantage of the many N.C.P. parking lots in the center of town which are often better value (about £2.£3 per hour up to 8 hours).A London street map should have the parking lots marked. The London Parking Guide (£4.Two Heads Publishing) provides indispensable advice. |
| Car Rentals Rental rates in London vary widely and are expensive beginning at £50 ($80) a day and £200 ($320) a week for a small economy car (such as a sub-compact General Motors Vauxhall Corsa or Renault Clio) usually with manual transmission. Air-conditioning and unlimited mileage generally come with the larger-size automatic cars. At Home (U.S.A.) Alamo (PHONE: 800-327-9633; 020-8759-6200 in the United Kingdom). Avis (PHONE: 800-331-1212; 800-879-2847 in Canada; 02/9353-9000 in Australia; 09/525-1982 in New Zealand). Budget (PHONE: 800-527-0700; 0144/227-6266 in the United Kingdom). Dollar (PHONE: 800-800-4000; 020-8897-0811 in the United Kingdom; 02/9223-1444 in Australia). Hertz (PHONE: 800-654-3131; 800-263-0600 in Canada; 020-8897-2072 in the United Kingdom; 02/9669-2444 in Australia). National (PHONE: 800-227-7368; 0345/222525 in the United Kingdom). In London Dimple Car Hire (Poplar Pl. London W2 4AS PHONE: 020-7243-4400). Enterprise (466-480 Edgware Rd. London W2 1EL PHONE: 020-7723-4800). Europcar (30 Woburn Pl. London WC1H 0JR PHONE: 020-7255-2339). Requirements In London your own driver's license is acceptable (as long as you are over 23 years old with no endorsements or driving convictions). An International Driver's Permit is a good idea; it's available from the American or Canadian Automobile Association and in the United Kingdom from the Automobile Association or Royal Automobile Club. International permits are universally recognized and having one may save you a problem with local authorities. Rules of the Road If you must risk life and limb and drive in London note that the speed limit is 30 mph in the royal parks as well as in all streets -- unless you see the large 40 mph signs (and small repeater signs attached to lampposts) found only in the suburbs. Other basic rules: pedestrians have right-of-way on "zebra" crossings (black and white stripes that stretch across the street between two Belisha beacons -- orange-flashing globe lights on posts) and it is illegal to pass another vehicle at a zebra crossing. At other crossings pedestrians must yield to traffic but they do have right-of-way over traffic turning left at controlled crossings -- if they have the nerve. Traffic lights sometimes have arrows directing left or right turns; try to catch a glimpse of the road markings in time and don't get into the turn lane if you mean to go straight ahead. A right turn is not permitted on a red light. On designated bus lanes a sign at the beginning and end gives the time restrictions for use -- usually during peak hours -- if you are caught you could be fined. The use of horns is prohibited between 11:30 PM and 7 AM. Seat belts are to be worn by law in the front and the back seats. Drunk-driving laws are strictly enforced and it is far safer to avoid alcohol altogether. The legal limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol which roughly translated means two units of alcohol -- two glasses of wine one pint of beer or one glass of whiskey. |
By Bus The red London Transport (LT) buses which travel all over town have been joined by the bright colors of other private bus companies that cover the suburbs. Bus stops are clearly indicated; the main stops have a red LT symbol on a plain white background. When the word "Request" is written across the sign you must flag the bus down. Each numbered route is listed on the main stop and buses have a large number on the front with their end destination. Not all buses run the full route at all times; check with the driver or conductor. If you want to decipher the numbers pick up a free bus guide at an LT Travel Information Centre (at Euston Hammersmith King's Cross Oxford Circus Piccadilly Circus St. James's Park Victoria tube stations and at Heathrow). Buses are a good way of seeing the town particularly if you plan to hop on and off to cover many sights but don't take a bus if you are in a hurry. To get off pull the cord running above the windows on old buses or press the button by the exit. Expect to get a little squashed during rush hours from 8 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Night Buses denoted by the prefix "N" to their route numbers run from 11 PM to 5 AM on a more restricted route than day buses. Fares are slightly higher and Travelcard passes are not accepted. Avoid sitting alone on the top deck of a Night Bus; it gives a mugger an ideal opportunity. All journeys within the central zone are £1 and all others outside are 70p. Travel from the outer to the central zone costs £1. If you plan to make a number of journeys in one day consider buying a discount pass good for both tube and bus travel. Traveling without a valid ticket makes you liable for a fine (£10). Buses are supposed to swing by every five or six minutes but in reality you may wait 15 minutes or more. Payment is made to the driver as you enter (exact change is best so as to avoid incurring the driver's wrath). On some of the old buses a conductor issues you a ticket from a grinder-like contraption strapped to his or her front. For more bus information contact LT Travel Information (PHONE: 020-7222-1234). There is a no-smoking policy on all buses. |