If you’re planning a group trip to London and want to make sure everyone has the best time possible, here are a few things to keep in mind.
When to visit - London is busy all year round, but summer is peak season, with its hotter weather and numerous festivals. Winter is slightly quieter than the rest of the year, but the weather can be colder and wetter. Spring and autumn are excellent times to visit, with smaller crowds and mild weather.
Getting around - London is home to a variety of different forms of public transport, including the tube, DLR, overground and bus services. The cheapest and easiest way to get around is with an Oyster Card, which can be topped up at machines around the city and can be used on all of the previously mentioned forms of transport. London also has its own bicycle-hire scheme, with 700 docking stations found around the city, allowing you to pick up and drop off bikes as you please, for a small fee. Alternatively, hop in a black cab and make the most of London taxi drivers’ incredible knowledge of the city.
Don’t stand on the left – Whatever you do, don’t stand still on the left-hand side of escalators in London’s underground stations. The right hand side is strictly for people in a rush, so expected to be told to move or tutted at if you get in someone’s way.
Check out some late museum and gallery openings – Many of London’s museums and art galleries offer late openings, which feature talks, workshops, performances and more, along with food and drink. An excellent way to spend an evening.
Enjoy a curry on Brick Lane – East London’s Brick Lane is famous for its Indian cuisine, and for good reason. If you’re a fan of curry, this is definitely worth a visit.
Five pieces of Cockney rhyming slang
London is famous for its Cockney rhyming slang, which confuses people around the world. Here are a few of the most well-known pieces of Cockney rhyming slang.
- Apples and pears – Stairs
- Boat race – Face
- Dog and bone – Phone
- Hank Marvin – Starving
- Lady Godiva - Fiver
Start planning your London Student Tour
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