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Visiting London - 15 things to know to make the most of your trip · UK Travel Planning

• 0:01
  Speaker 1: Welcome to the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
• 0:03
  Speaker 1: Your host is the founder of the UK Travel Planning website, tracy Collins.
• 0:08
  Speaker 1: In this podcast, tracy shares destination guides, travel tips and itinerary ideas, as well as interviews with a variety of guests who share their knowledge and experience of UK travel to help you plan your perfect UK vacation.
• 0:24
  Speaker 1: Join us as we explore the UK from cosmopolitan cities to quaint villages, from historic castles to beautiful islands, and from the picturesque countryside to seaside towns.
• 0:38
  Speaker 2: Hello and welcome to episode 67 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
• 0:42
  Speaker 2: I'm your host, tracy Collins, and this week I thought I would chat about 15 things you need to know to make the most of your trip to London.
• 0:51
  Speaker 2: So, obviously, this is based on a lot of experience and, as well as living in the city, I've visited numerous times, including a recent time spent there in April and in June this year.
• 1:05
  Speaker 2: So, basically, I thought this would be a good opportunity to have a chat about the 15 things I really think will make a difference and help you get the best out of your visit to London.
• 1:19
  Speaker 2: So, first of all, the first tip that I'm going to say is use our resources.
• 1:25
  Speaker 2: So we have a ton of resources.
• 1:28
  Speaker 2: Obviously, you've got listened to the podcast now.
• 1:31
  Speaker 2: So we have the UK Travel Planning Podcast and we do have numerous episodes about London.
• 1:36
  Speaker 2: We have got more in the pipeline.
• 1:38
  Speaker 2: Recent episode 54, I shared my top 10 experiences in the city.
• 1:43
  Speaker 2: I had an absolutely wonderful few weeks exploring London and I took the opportunity to share with you what those 10 things that made a difference to me, those experiences that I absolutely thoroughly enjoyed when I was in London.
• 1:58
  Speaker 2: So I recommend that you have a listen to episode 54.
• 2:01
  Speaker 2: We've got plenty of other episodes as well episode 24 and 31, where we talk about how to get around London and public transport.
• 2:09
  Speaker 2: We have some trip reports from some of our group members and listeners Cheryl Ridpath-Conway and her family trip to London in episode 13, and another episode with Rob Bruns, episode 28,.
• 2:24
  Speaker 2: We do have one with him who talks about his entire trip round the UK, but we did one specifically about London.
• 2:29
  Speaker 2: We have episode 19 where we talk about day trips from London, and we also have episode 4 where I do share some tips for first-time visitors.
• 2:37
  Speaker 2: So do pop over and listen to those podcast episodes.
• 2:40
  Speaker 2: Obviously, you listen to the podcast, see your podcast, you enjoy podcasts, so do take a listen.
• 2:47
  Speaker 2: We also have the UK Travel Planning website and we have a sister site to that called London Travel Planning, so LondonTravelPlanningcom, which we obviously we have a lot of London content on there.
• 2:59
  Speaker 2: We have quite a bit on UK Travel Planning as well, but we had decided that there was opportunity to start LondonTravelPlanningcom, so pop over there, check out that.
• 3:08
  Speaker 2: We are building up more and more resources on that all the time.
• 3:11
  Speaker 2: We also have some essential guides that we sell.
• 3:17
  Speaker 2: We have written some eBooks.
• 3:18
  Speaker 2: We've got a London Travel Guide and a Tenri Planner eBook which is available and that I kind of wrote that it took me a few weeks to put that together I have to say a good few weeks and it includes a step-by-step guide to planning your trip to London, a guide to the different seasons and what you can expect, top 10 attractions, how to get around, information about food and drink, best day trips, tips and facts, and we've also included example itineraries with maps and an area and accommodation guide.
• 3:47
  Speaker 2: So I'm going to give a kind of special announcement for podcast listeners.
• 3:53
  Speaker 2: So you guys out there, if you would like to purchase our essential guide to London and itinerary planner eBooks, you can get an exclusive $10 off using the code UKTPpodcast at essentialsuktravelplanningcom.
• 4:13
  Speaker 2: I will put a link in the show notes.
• 4:15
  Speaker 2: Normally that retails, or we sell that for $39 US.
• 4:18
  Speaker 2: With, obviously, the $10 off, you will get that for $29 US.
• 4:22
  Speaker 2: So do pop over and purchase that, because it's got all of my collective wisdom and dog's wisdom in that eBook and we've had some excellent reviews of that.
• 4:33
  Speaker 2: So that's the first thing that I would say user resources that we provide.
• 4:38
  Speaker 2: Next thing you want to say is don't over plan.
• 4:41
  Speaker 2: It's so easy.
• 4:42
  Speaker 2: I don't want to say hard, maybe not easy, but it is really easy to over plan, because it's hard to not want to see everything.
• 4:51
  Speaker 2: Obviously, everybody wants to see it.
• 4:53
  Speaker 2: I always want to see everything, you know what.
• 4:55
  Speaker 2: And it's just so easy to actually over plan.
• 4:58
  Speaker 2: So you can get stressed planning it because you're like I want to do this, I want to do this, I want to do this, I want to do this, and your list just is huge.
• 5:06
  Speaker 2: So I recommend number two.
• 5:08
  Speaker 2: So look at your interests, write down what are the things that you really want to see, and then you're going to have to choose.
• 5:15
  Speaker 2: So the best way to do this is to look at things that you really, really, really want to do.
• 5:19
  Speaker 2: So those are your muscles.
• 5:20
  Speaker 2: I've got a long time.
• 5:21
  Speaker 2: I really really want to go to the Tower of London, I really, really want to go to Borough Market, I really want to go to Skygon, those things that you kind of have the top of your list gone.
• 5:29
  Speaker 2: I really want to do those things.
• 5:31
  Speaker 2: Then start grouping those places together.
• 5:33
  Speaker 2: So, if you get a map, figure out where they are, and that was something that Rob Bruns actually talked about in episode 28.
• 5:40
  Speaker 2: That's how he planned his trip.
• 5:41
  Speaker 2: He looked at where the different places were located.
• 5:44
  Speaker 2: So, ideally, what you want to do is you want to try and group those things together into one day when you're in London, one day itinerary so you can do that.
• 5:53
  Speaker 2: For example, westminster Abbey has a parliament, london Eye they're all close together.
• 5:58
  Speaker 2: So there you are, you can group those together.
• 6:00
  Speaker 2: Tower of London, tower Bridge, borough Market close together.
• 6:04
  Speaker 2: So again, you can have a morning Tower of London.
• 6:07
  Speaker 2: You can pop over to Borough Market and have some for launch and then pop back to the Tower Bridge if you want and do the Tower Bridge experience.
• 6:14
  Speaker 2: Obviously, if you don't want to do that, you can walk across the Tower Bridge to Borough Market so you get the fantastic views.
• 6:18
  Speaker 2: Yeah, so group those things together.
• 6:22
  Speaker 2: Look at the themes that you're interested in.
• 6:24
  Speaker 2: You're a Harry Potter fan?
• 6:25
  Speaker 2: Do you want to go to museums?
• 6:27
  Speaker 2: Are you interested in art galleries, that sort of thing, and sort of piece those together.
• 6:31
  Speaker 2: So obviously, again, we have a lot of articles on the website and obviously ebook will help with that.
• 6:36
  Speaker 2: We've grouped those things together.
• 6:37
  Speaker 2: Also, I know London can be quite expensive.
• 6:40
  Speaker 2: So if you're budget conscious and you're thinking, oh, it's going to cost me a lot of money to go to all the different places I want to go.
• 6:45
  Speaker 2: To just bear in mind that there are lots of free things to do in London too.
• 6:48
  Speaker 2: So, for example, the Sky Garden, art galleries, museums, go to the changing of the guard those are free things that you can do in London.
• 6:57
  Speaker 2: So once you've got your idea of the places you want to go and you've got those grouped together and you go right.
• 7:03
  Speaker 2: Ok, so that's day one, day two, day three, day four, whatever you're working on, then think about booking your tickets and tours, because things do get booked up.
• 7:12
  Speaker 2: So you know, we have an article on this on the London travel plan and again I'll put a link to it.
• 7:17
  Speaker 2: So you need to be kind of things like the Sky Garden that opens up three weeks before.
• 7:21
  Speaker 2: So make sure that you book that if you want a particular time.
• 7:24
  Speaker 2: Specifically, the later on in the day it becomes, it gets very booked up and you don't want to miss out on it.
• 7:29
  Speaker 2: We've been so many times to the Sky Garden and the queue for people who are trying to get in that day is always long and generally I mean most of the time.
• 7:37
  Speaker 2: Yeah, they're waiting in the queue for a long time, you actually don't get in, whereas it's a really easy thing to pop on the website and book your book, get a slot for the Sky Garden.
• 7:45
  Speaker 2: So again, I guess it's kind of being conscious of those things that you want to do.
• 7:50
  Speaker 2: Also, add up to see if one of the tourist passes for example London Pass is that going to be worthwhile using for you?
• 7:57
  Speaker 2: So you know, add it up and think, ok, if I buy the London Pass, it's going to cost me this much If I do it.
• 8:04
  Speaker 2: You know, if I know I'm definitely wanting to see those things, but if I do that it can pay each individual cost.
• 8:09
  Speaker 2: How much will that add up to?
• 8:11
  Speaker 2: And so, some ways, obviously you need to do that.
• 8:13
  Speaker 2: The maths on that.
• 8:14
  Speaker 2: I do have an article on that so you can see if it works out for you.
• 8:20
  Speaker 2: Do also look at tours beforehand.
• 8:22
  Speaker 2: You know the get book drop.
• 8:23
  Speaker 2: There's nothing worse than arriving somewhere and you really want to do something and you found out that it's booked up.
• 8:30
  Speaker 2: For example, harry Potter Studios Very, very busy, booked up a long time in advance.
• 8:35
  Speaker 2: Often you know where there isn't a Christmas, I'm already getting that booked.
• 8:39
  Speaker 2: So you know, a few months out you need to be looking at those things and saying, okay, which are the definite things we want to do, that I'll be really upset if I missed out on and get those booked.
• 8:49
  Speaker 2: Another thing to think about is obviously getting around London, which we'll talk about, but it's you know, don't underestimate the amount of walking that you will do.
• 8:58
  Speaker 2: You know it's a very walkable city.
• 9:00
  Speaker 2: There is excellent public transport, which I will talk about in a second.
• 9:02
  Speaker 2: But make sure that you really have comfortable shoes on it's.
• 9:06
  Speaker 2: You know there's nothing worse than after day one and you've got blisters all over your feet.
• 9:10
  Speaker 2: Tell me about it, because that was me in April, because I unfortunately had to have new shoes for when I arrived in London.
• 9:16
  Speaker 2: And yeah, so it was.
• 9:18
  Speaker 2: It was pretty painful.
• 9:19
  Speaker 2: So do make sure that you have comfortable shoes boots, trainers, whatever you call them to make sure that you know you can enjoy walking around the city.
• 9:29
  Speaker 2: I will just say as well, just a little kind of tip, so I'll pay attention.
• 9:33
  Speaker 2: When crossing the road, I actually nearly got knocked over by a bicycle myself.
• 9:36
  Speaker 2: It wasn't for Dommie from Scaling Studio.
• 9:38
  Speaker 2: We were having a photo shoot.
• 9:39
  Speaker 2: He actually saw the cyclist come in and pulled me back, I would have been knocked over, wiped out.
• 9:45
  Speaker 2: The guy was going so fast.
• 9:47
  Speaker 2: So not only.
• 9:48
  Speaker 2: Obviously, if you're not used to driving on the left and you're going to look the wrong way for a start off, you know you have to look both ways.
• 9:54
  Speaker 2: You just have to because there's bicycles it seems to be everywhere and they are fast.
• 10:00
  Speaker 2: So that's just a little tip.
• 10:02
  Speaker 2: So when you're thinking about visit, obviously consider when you're visiting, because it's busy and expensive during certain times of the year.
• 10:07
  Speaker 2: So obviously Christmas Christmas is very popular, new Year is very popular Summer season.
• 10:13
  Speaker 2: So July and August it can also be very hot.
• 10:16
  Speaker 2: I know they've had a lot of rain this last month, but when I was in June it was incredibly hot.
• 10:21
  Speaker 2: It's also very busy.
• 10:23
  Speaker 2: In fact it was busy in April.
• 10:26
  Speaker 2: I was a bit surprised, but then I guess with the run up to the coronation.
• 10:29
  Speaker 2: But I think you know, consider that when you're booking.
• 10:33
  Speaker 2: If you can avoid the sort of July, august time of year, then I highly would recommend that you do.
• 10:38
  Speaker 2: It is getting very hot in Europe.
• 10:40
  Speaker 2: I know London has not been particularly hot in the last month, but it can get very, very hot in London and sticky and really uncomfortable and you know museums don't have aircon and things like that.
• 10:53
  Speaker 2: So you know underground doesn't have aircon, a lot of hotels don't have aircon, so that's something to consider.
• 10:58
  Speaker 2: So I guess that brings us to the weather.
• 11:01
  Speaker 2: You have to be flexible.
• 11:02
  Speaker 2: So you know, as I say, I've heard it's been raining a lot in the last month.
• 11:08
  Speaker 2: So you just have to have some flexibility.
• 11:10
  Speaker 2: So obviously, when you pack in, think about what you're going to pack.
• 11:12
  Speaker 2: I would check the weather, you know, a week before you arrive and then sort of look at your packing list then potentially and change and add things in, because you know if it's, if it could rain, it could rain to entire time.
• 11:25
  Speaker 2: It could be red hot the entire time that you're there.
• 11:26
  Speaker 2: So you kind of have to have that flexibility.
• 11:28
  Speaker 2: If it's raining, go to a museum.
• 11:31
  Speaker 2: You know they're perfect places to go.
• 11:33
  Speaker 2: If it's, if it's raining in London and you're like, oh, can we swap things around?
• 11:37
  Speaker 2: That's what I'm saying.
• 11:37
  Speaker 2: Give yourself some flexibility.
• 11:38
  Speaker 2: Then go to one of the museums, south Kensington.
• 11:41
  Speaker 2: You've got the V&A, you've got the Science Museum, you've got the Natural History Museum.
• 11:44
  Speaker 2: You've got plenty of museums and they're free.
• 11:46
  Speaker 2: The thing to think about is to consider where you are going to stay in London, and I cannot stress this enough it's really, really important to consider where you're staying.
• 11:57
  Speaker 2: Now I get a totally understand how expensive it is to stay in London.
• 12:01
  Speaker 2: It is, it's really pricey.
• 12:03
  Speaker 2: And so to save money, you think, okay, you know what, I'm going to stay outside London, I'm going to transfer, I'm going to just get the training and out.
• 12:10
  Speaker 2: Don't, seriously don't.
• 12:11
  Speaker 2: It's going to cost you for a start off, it's going to cost you in time, it's going to cost you money.
• 12:14
  Speaker 2: It's going to cost you in patience because, seriously, it's rush hour.
• 12:18
  Speaker 2: You don't want to be going in and out of London anyway.
• 12:19
  Speaker 2: And also, you know, at the end of the day, when you've been walking, you could do 25,000 steps.
• 12:25
  Speaker 2: Do you really want to get into a tube or and then get yourself out of London and then have to walk to accommodation?
• 12:30
  Speaker 2: Similar, even if you're staying in London, you know, in zone one or two, especially zone two, you've got to think about how am I going to get backwards and forwards to the place I want to go, because most of their attractions are not done, or zone one, so are you going to have to do a walk to a train station.
• 12:46
  Speaker 2: Are you going to have to catch a bus, which is fine If you're near a bus stop.
• 12:49
  Speaker 2: That's absolutely getting busses around London is a really great way to get around.
• 12:53
  Speaker 2: But just kind of think where I am, how I'm going to get there from the airport.
• 12:58
  Speaker 2: Another great thing to think about how I'm going to get to where our next one to go to.
• 13:02
  Speaker 2: If you're going to travel around the UK, so think about the train stations that you're near.
• 13:06
  Speaker 2: Think about being near a tube.
• 13:08
  Speaker 2: Think about that you've got to get you.
• 13:09
  Speaker 2: If you don't want to get a private transfer, that you're going to have to get your luggage onto the tube system.
• 13:14
  Speaker 2: Do you want to do that?
• 13:16
  Speaker 2: So really think about where you want to stay.
• 13:20
  Speaker 2: So I'm going to do a podcast episode about that and my favorite areas.
• 13:23
  Speaker 2: That South Bank around the Tower of London I really like.
• 13:26
  Speaker 2: Covent Garden is an excellent area.
• 13:27
  Speaker 2: There's definitely some brilliant areas to stay in London.
• 13:29
  Speaker 2: Yes, it is pricey.
• 13:30
  Speaker 2: I can't do anything about that.
• 13:32
  Speaker 2: If I could, I would, but I can't.
• 13:34
  Speaker 2: So, really, the London part of your trip.
• 13:37
  Speaker 2: Unless you just spend the time in London, it's probably going to be splurgy time.
• 13:41
  Speaker 2: When it comes to accommodation, do check for air conditioning and do check for lift elevator if you need one, because not all hotels will have either air conditioning or have lifts.
• 13:53
  Speaker 2: These are a lot of old buildings so they're possibly not allowed to have air conditioning and they haven't got room for a lift.
• 13:58
  Speaker 2: So if that's really important, you need to consider that when you do the booking I book all my hotels through bookincom, always have you know that's who I check and you can actually filter to make sure you have those things.
• 14:10
  Speaker 2: But the key, absolute, key, key, key, important thing you need to consider is where you are going to stay when you're in London, and just remember you've got to get from that accommodation to the main sites and then, after a long day of sightseeing, you've got to get yourself back to your accommodation.
• 14:28
  Speaker 2: And also, you know what, stay somewhere where there's lots of things going on and enjoy the actual, the whole atmosphere.
• 14:34
  Speaker 2: Think about restaurants, because obviously some areas is going to be more places deep than others.
• 14:38
  Speaker 2: So if you, the further out you go, it might be a little bit more difficult to kind of fit that in find a corner shop, find somewhere to eat and, you know, after a long day.
• 14:47
  Speaker 2: Do you really want that hassle?
• 14:48
  Speaker 2: So that's just an important thing to think about.
• 14:51
  Speaker 2: Again, when you're flying into whichever airport you're flying to you throw a getaway or one of the other London airports think about how you're getting to get into the city.
• 14:58
  Speaker 2: This is something that I plan meticulously because after a flight I am stressed, I'm tired I don't want to have to think about how I'm going to get to my accommodation.
• 15:10
  Speaker 2: So really, again, this is an important thing when you think about where your accommodation is, when you know which airport you're flying into, how are you going to get from the airport to accommodations?
• 15:20
  Speaker 2: So plan that.
• 15:21
  Speaker 2: For me, there's nothing better than walking out of the arrivals and having somebody with my name on it, because then I know I can relax and I'm going to get taken to my accommodation.
• 15:31
  Speaker 2: Yes, it may be a little bit more pricey, but you know what?
• 15:33
  Speaker 2: The older I've got, the less I want to be hassled.
• 15:36
  Speaker 2: To be honest, when I talk about actually public transport I did mention that earlier use public transport, do not drive in London.
• 15:43
  Speaker 2: Please do not drive in London.
• 15:45
  Speaker 2: It's just not worth it.
• 15:47
  Speaker 2: It's really stressful.
• 15:48
  Speaker 2: If you're not used to driving on the left-hand side.
• 15:50
  Speaker 2: It's add that to the mix as well.
• 15:53
  Speaker 2: But you know I don't drive in London.
• 15:55
  Speaker 2: I used to drive in London 25, 30 years ago.
• 15:58
  Speaker 2: I drove in London.
• 15:58
  Speaker 2: Would I drive in London now?
• 15:59
  Speaker 2: No, couldn't pay me enough.
• 16:01
  Speaker 2: Could not pay me enough to drive in London.
• 16:03
  Speaker 2: You're hiring a car.
• 16:04
  Speaker 2: Get yourself outside of London and pick it up from an airport or a nearest town or city.
• 16:08
  Speaker 2: Seriously, best way to do it.
• 16:10
  Speaker 2: Don't drive in London.
• 16:11
  Speaker 2: The rules, the fact that there's congestion charge it's so slow you don't need to.
• 16:18
  Speaker 2: Public transport is the way to get around.
• 16:20
  Speaker 2: So obviously, you've got the tube, you've got the bus, you've got Uber boats to get yourself down the Thames.
• 16:24
  Speaker 2: See you for options.
• 16:26
  Speaker 2: I'm not going to talk in this podcast about the Oyster Card versus Contact List, which is the way that you pay to get around by public transport.
• 16:33
  Speaker 2: I'm going to talk about that because I have talked about that in previous episodes and episode 24.
• 16:38
  Speaker 2: And also there's plenty of articles on the website about using public transport and whether Oyster Card versus Contact List.
• 16:46
  Speaker 2: It's a hugely emotive subject.
• 16:48
  Speaker 2: Honestly, in our Facebook group, people have strong feelings about one way or the other, and I'd just say to you read our article and make your own mind up for what works for you.
• 17:00
  Speaker 2: The next thing I would suggest is to download apps.
• 17:02
  Speaker 2: So we use CityMapper, tfl, go, london, buspal they are all excellent apps to help you get around the city.
• 17:10
  Speaker 2: I have got an article about best apps and I'm going to put one together for apps for London as well, which I will link to in the show notes.
• 17:17
  Speaker 2: But seriously download the apps before you get there and that they will help you get around the city without any problems.
• 17:22
  Speaker 2: And, to be honest, most people will say they were a bit nervous about travelling around London using public transport.
• 17:28
  Speaker 2: But once you've used the Tube a few times, it's really easy.
• 17:32
  Speaker 2: It's not hard, it really isn't.
• 17:34
  Speaker 2: You're not used to it.
• 17:35
  Speaker 2: It's obviously that kind of bit of nervousness about it, but once you've done it a few times seriously, it'll be absolutely fine.
• 17:43
  Speaker 2: So I did say earlier about booking things like tickets and tours before you go, but also think about if you're interested in afternoon tea or particular restaurants.
• 17:54
  Speaker 2: If you're going and if they're popular, just make sure that you do book in advance because they will get booked up Restaurants.
• 18:04
  Speaker 2: Obviously there's been so many in London I couldn't even imagine how many there are in London, actually, but you do need to.
• 18:09
  Speaker 2: If there's a particular one that you want to go to, do book ahead.
• 18:13
  Speaker 2: This even for me.
• 18:14
  Speaker 2: I mean, I love going to the pick and cheese at the $7 of Covent Garden.
• 18:17
  Speaker 2: That's one of my favourites you have to book, book it.
• 18:19
  Speaker 2: So then you know you're not going to get there and be oh no, sorry, we're fully booked.
• 18:23
  Speaker 2: So do some research.
• 18:25
  Speaker 2: I am putting together an article about where different places to eat in London which also goes into some of the different, some of the independent and chain restaurants and cafes that you can find, because I know it's something that we get asked about all the time.
• 18:38
  Speaker 2: You know best place for fish and cheese, best place for a sundae roast, that sort of thing.
• 18:43
  Speaker 2: So that's all going to be in that article.
• 18:45
  Speaker 2: I also have just published an article about London food which goes into different types of food that I recommend that you try when you're in London.
• 18:52
  Speaker 2: The other thing I'd say as well is there are lots of independent and chain restaurants and cafes, so you can, you know, pop it in and try some of those and I'll be at Bullistan, those but some like Cafe Nier or Pret-Tem-Manger.
• 19:07
  Speaker 2: Those are very popular for things like coffee and cakes and sandwiches that sort of thing, obviously as well.
• 19:14
  Speaker 2: You can go to place like Tesco Express and Marks and Spences, simply Food where you can get fantastic food Marks and Spences I absolutely love Marks and Spences.
• 19:23
  Speaker 2: You get fantastic sandwiches.
• 19:26
  Speaker 2: You can get I've talked about them in previous episode meal deals where you can get a sandwich, a piece of food pack, a crisp drink, whatever it is put together, and they're on it for a certain price.
• 19:35
  Speaker 2: So you select those items, take those to the till and you get those for £4, £5, £6, £7 or however much it is, but they're put together.
• 19:43
  Speaker 2: So that's a really good way to do lunch.
• 19:45
  Speaker 2: And Marks and Spences as well Also has some fantastic ones for evening meals as well, if you're staying in an apartment or similar accommodation and you're going to make your own food.
• 19:56
  Speaker 2: Marks also a great place for food.
• 19:58
  Speaker 2: Borough Market, camden fantastic food there.
• 20:00
  Speaker 2: Believe me, I hear quite often people weren't expecting the food in London to be great.
• 20:06
  Speaker 2: I don't know why, because it's absolutely fantastic.
• 20:08
  Speaker 2: Food is brilliant.
• 20:09
  Speaker 2: You will get food from all around the world excellent food and people often say I was so surprised.
• 20:14
  Speaker 2: I don't know.
• 20:15
  Speaker 2: As I say, I don't know why Food is amazing.
• 20:18
  Speaker 2: So do book an afternoon tea If you want one.
• 20:20
  Speaker 2: I have got a guide to the afternoonties Fantastic afternoonties, whether you want a classic afternoon tea or a themed afternoon tea.
• 20:26
  Speaker 2: I'm waiting now for the Christmas afternoonties to come out, to see which ones I'm going to do at Christmas.
• 20:31
  Speaker 2: So you've got plenty of choice.
• 20:33
  Speaker 2: Just do book ahead.
• 20:35
  Speaker 2: The other thing I'm going to say, I guess number 14, I don't know how I've been labelling them, but anyway, this is number 14.
• 20:40
  Speaker 2: Do get out of the city.
• 20:41
  Speaker 2: If you're in London for long enough, do book a day out, at least a day trip out.
• 20:46
  Speaker 2: If you're there for a week, take a day trip out so you can go out by train.
• 20:51
  Speaker 2: There's Bath, canterbury, oxford, cambridge.
• 20:53
  Speaker 2: You can even get to York, liverpool and, yes, paris are actually possible in a day.
• 20:57
  Speaker 2: You could do all those places in a day, so you can do it by train or you can do a tour.
• 21:02
  Speaker 2: So obviously we partner.
• 21:04
  Speaker 2: We have got some preferred partners who specialize in London and surrounds.
• 21:09
  Speaker 2: So John England for the South East of England, victoria from Cotswold Teacup Tours Obviously Cotswolds, as it says and Oz from MyTaylor Tours, who does London area.
• 21:21
  Speaker 2: So if you want to go out to Bath Stonehenge.
• 21:24
  Speaker 2: They can take you out.
• 21:25
  Speaker 2: On private data, oz will pick you up in London, but Victoria and John, if you just need to get out to them, they will give you directions to get to them so they can take you out on a private tour.
• 21:36
  Speaker 2: Again, book ahead.
• 21:37
  Speaker 2: I will put links in to their different companies in the show notes as well.
• 21:44
  Speaker 2: So that's basically.
• 21:45
  Speaker 2: That's a quick rundown, in 20 odd minutes, of my 15 things you need to know to make the most of your trip to London.
• 21:52
  Speaker 2: As I say, we've got a special offer at the moment on our ebook, so pop over to our website and I'll put a link into that and use the code UKTPpodcast for that $10 reduction in the cost of the ebook.
• 22:09
  Speaker 2: Anyway, I just want to say thank you for listening.
• 22:11
  Speaker 2: We appreciate it.
• 22:12
  Speaker 2: We absolutely love all the fantastic reviews we receive from everybody and we're just happy that we are helping you make the most of your trip to the UK, whether it's to London or wherever you're going to visit in the UK.
• 22:23
  Speaker 2: So do listen to it.
• 22:24
  Speaker 2: We've got loads of other podcasts to listen to.
• 22:25
  Speaker 2: Do pop over to our websites and take a look at UKtravelplanningcom and Londontravelplanningcom.
• 22:32
  Speaker 2: Pop over and join our Facebook group.
• 22:34
  Speaker 2: Again, uk, uk travel planning in Facebook.
• 22:37
  Speaker 2: So you have to.
• 22:38
  Speaker 2: It's a private group, so you just have to apply to join, otherwise, really, that's all I have to say for this week.
• 22:43
  Speaker 2: So all I want to say until next week is happy, uk travel planning.