From the famous white chalk cliffs rises the magnificent Dover Castle. Originally constructed in Norman style, it was frequently rebuilt in later centuries. At the centre of the extensive fortress lies the Great Keep (1180), an impressive building which somewhat resembles to the Tower of London. Notice too the simple row of houses called Athol Terrace, at the bottom of the cliff. Dover has suffered at the hands of invaders on several occasions. First, Caesar's legions landed here, and later, the Saxons and the Jutes. Dover was also heavily bombarded in World War II.
Saturday, 20 August 2016
Saturday, 13 August 2016
London
From Luton airport
Coach: easyBus, in conjunction with Greenline, runs a frequent 24-hour coach service to London Victoria via Brent Cross, Finchley Road, Baker Street and Marble Arch.
Train: travel to central London in 34 minutes with First Capital Connect. A frequent shuttle bus runs between the airport and the train station taking just 10 minutes. There are up to six First Capital Connect trains an hour between London and Luton Airport Parkway station. You can buy tickets on the day or in advance on the First Capital Connect website.
From Gatwick airport
Train: the Gatwick Express to London Victoria runs every 15 minutes from 4.35am-1.35am and takes 30 minutes. Alternatively, First Capital Connect operates regular train services to London and the South Coast. As does Southern, which operates four trains an hour London Victoria.
From Stansted airport
Coach: easyBus runs a direct express minibus service to Central London (Baker Street)
Airport bus: Terravision, easyJet's transport partner, operates an airport bus that leaves 30 minutes after your flight lands, from outside the terminal.
Train: the Stansted Express runs every 15-30 minutes until midnight. The journey takes about 45 minutes to London Liverpool Sreet in the City or 35 minutes to Tottenham Hale for connections to London's West End.
A high point in the Gothic Revival is undoubtedly the British Houses of Parliament. The impressive building, which is also called Westminster Palace, is 286m in length and has more than 3km of corridors. At the North End, there is famous Clock Tower, with the 14 ton bell known as Big Ben. At the other end stands the 102m high Victoria Tower. When Parliament is in session, the flag id hoisted on this tower during the day while at night a light shines on the Clock Tower. Big Ben strikes every quarter of an hour with its characteristic loud chime. The bells in the clock tower were named after the building contractor, Mr Benjamin Hall (Big Ben), a man of whom it was said you could get around him, but only after a long walk.
Bloomsbury is the former stamping ground of British writers such as EM Forster and Virginia Woolf. Contemplate the greats at the Dickens Museum or the British Museum, at the centre of which is the former British Library reading room, where Karl Marx would ponder over heavyweight books. Afterwards, relax at the Brunswick Centre with cafes, restaurants and high-streets shops.
Tucked just behind Oxford Street, St Christopher's Place is a specialist shopping area that is home to exclusive shops like Mulberry and Whistles, as well as lesser-known quirky boutiques. The restaurants here specialise in global cuisines ranging from Thai to Turkish. Most offer heated pavement seating, so you can sit outside even when it is chilly after dark.
Shop
A London institution, Fortnum & Mason has stood in Piccadilly for more than 300 years. A pioneer of exotic food and crafts from all corners of the British Empire, it is synonymous with luxury products. Make sure you have a look at the famous window display.
The Topshop flagship store in Oxford Street is a real treasure trove. Avoid the weekend scrum and you will be able to leisurely explore four levels of affordable cutting-edge fashion, accessories, shoes and more. Selling staple items found in every discerning British girl's wardrobe, look out for the independent labels on the basement floor, Kate Moss's much-hyped line of clothing and the best in boys' fashion on the top floor.
Drink
Annies Bar. Best for the image-conscious. This unique bar has a "cocktail awareness menu" that lists calories and units in the drinks, a cutting-edge beer cooling system, and maze-like toilets with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. As if the design wasn't impressive enough, the venue also hosts open-mic live music nights on Thursdays and DJs Fridays and Saturdays. 180 Kentish Town Road, www.annies-bar.com
Day trip
Horsham. This attractive Sussex market town is only an hour from London Victoria and 15 minutes from Gatwick airport. The town is a haven for shoppers with plenty of quaint and interesting shops dotted around the town centre. Come on a Saturday to experience the still-thriving market, selling arts and crafts, antiques and local produce in the Market Square and the Carfax. Brisk winter walks can be enjoyed alongside the River Arun.
Southampton. A comfortable 75-minute journey by train from London is Southampton, home to some of the south coast's best concert halls, art galleries and shopping centres, not to mention excellent bars, restaurants and clubs. The City Art Gallery has a selection of fascinating exhibitions. The West Quay mall boasts more than 100 shops including French Connection, H&M and Marks & Spencer.
Coach: easyBus, in conjunction with Greenline, runs a frequent 24-hour coach service to London Victoria via Brent Cross, Finchley Road, Baker Street and Marble Arch.
Train: travel to central London in 34 minutes with First Capital Connect. A frequent shuttle bus runs between the airport and the train station taking just 10 minutes. There are up to six First Capital Connect trains an hour between London and Luton Airport Parkway station. You can buy tickets on the day or in advance on the First Capital Connect website.
From Gatwick airport
Train: the Gatwick Express to London Victoria runs every 15 minutes from 4.35am-1.35am and takes 30 minutes. Alternatively, First Capital Connect operates regular train services to London and the South Coast. As does Southern, which operates four trains an hour London Victoria.
From Stansted airport
Coach: easyBus runs a direct express minibus service to Central London (Baker Street)
Airport bus: Terravision, easyJet's transport partner, operates an airport bus that leaves 30 minutes after your flight lands, from outside the terminal.
Train: the Stansted Express runs every 15-30 minutes until midnight. The journey takes about 45 minutes to London Liverpool Sreet in the City or 35 minutes to Tottenham Hale for connections to London's West End.
Bloomsbury is the former stamping ground of British writers such as EM Forster and Virginia Woolf. Contemplate the greats at the Dickens Museum or the British Museum, at the centre of which is the former British Library reading room, where Karl Marx would ponder over heavyweight books. Afterwards, relax at the Brunswick Centre with cafes, restaurants and high-streets shops.
Tucked just behind Oxford Street, St Christopher's Place is a specialist shopping area that is home to exclusive shops like Mulberry and Whistles, as well as lesser-known quirky boutiques. The restaurants here specialise in global cuisines ranging from Thai to Turkish. Most offer heated pavement seating, so you can sit outside even when it is chilly after dark.
Shop
A London institution, Fortnum & Mason has stood in Piccadilly for more than 300 years. A pioneer of exotic food and crafts from all corners of the British Empire, it is synonymous with luxury products. Make sure you have a look at the famous window display.
The Topshop flagship store in Oxford Street is a real treasure trove. Avoid the weekend scrum and you will be able to leisurely explore four levels of affordable cutting-edge fashion, accessories, shoes and more. Selling staple items found in every discerning British girl's wardrobe, look out for the independent labels on the basement floor, Kate Moss's much-hyped line of clothing and the best in boys' fashion on the top floor.
Drink
Annies Bar. Best for the image-conscious. This unique bar has a "cocktail awareness menu" that lists calories and units in the drinks, a cutting-edge beer cooling system, and maze-like toilets with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. As if the design wasn't impressive enough, the venue also hosts open-mic live music nights on Thursdays and DJs Fridays and Saturdays. 180 Kentish Town Road, www.annies-bar.com
Day trip
Horsham. This attractive Sussex market town is only an hour from London Victoria and 15 minutes from Gatwick airport. The town is a haven for shoppers with plenty of quaint and interesting shops dotted around the town centre. Come on a Saturday to experience the still-thriving market, selling arts and crafts, antiques and local produce in the Market Square and the Carfax. Brisk winter walks can be enjoyed alongside the River Arun.
Southampton. A comfortable 75-minute journey by train from London is Southampton, home to some of the south coast's best concert halls, art galleries and shopping centres, not to mention excellent bars, restaurants and clubs. The City Art Gallery has a selection of fascinating exhibitions. The West Quay mall boasts more than 100 shops including French Connection, H&M and Marks & Spencer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)