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Archive for the ‘Moving to London: Tips & Culture’ Category

Best Way for Exploring London’s Literary Legacy

Friday March 29th, 2013

Relocating to the exciting city of London is an adventurous experience that opens up a world of history, culture, and wonderful places to explore. Our consultants can assist you with finding flats in London as well provide orientation and help you locate some magnificent sites to visit.

If you’re a literary buff, we are providing a listing of some choice spots to visit near flats in London so you can fully appreciate London’s rich literary legacy. Special sites are marked by plaques that are usually blue in color (although some are brown). At such venues, you will find landmarks that house remnants of both cultural and political figures that have influenced the city throughout its history. You will find represented such prominent authors as William Makepeace Thackeray, T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, Ezra Pound, and many other. A complete listing of blue plaque sites is available at the website of English Heritage (http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/discover/blue-plaques/).

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Shakespeare, of course, is one of the most celebrated literary heroes in London. Any literary fan relocating to flats in London will want to take a tour or even attend a show at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

The theater was reconstructed in 1997 on the original site and with both materials and building methods used in its first construction. Daily guided tours are offered every 15 to 30 minutes in the off season and summer mornings with performances occurring during summer afternoons.

Westminster Abbey

Practically anyone who was someone in London has been laid to rest in Westminster Abbey. The church, cloisters and tombs of famous royalty such as Queen Elizabeth I or naturalist/scientist Charles Darwin are all worth a visit. However, literary fans will want to meander to Poets’ Corner where such literary geniuses as Keats, Dickens, Milton, Chaucer, and others are laid to rest or memorialized.

Charles Dickens

The home of Charles Dickens can be toured at 48 Doughty Street where he lived from 1837 until 1839. Dickens penned Oliver Twist here as well as finished his work on The Pickwick Papers. You can view a collection of Dickens’ personal items, manuscripts, original furniture and the study where he spent his time writing.

Bunhill Fields

Once a resting place for those deemed unworthy for the grounds of the Church of England, Bunhill Fields was later opened for others. Today, those visiting from flats in London will find such souls resting here as Daniel Defoe, John Bunyan, and William Blake. Located at the bottom of Bunhill Fields, you’ll find a home where Milton was living when he penned his famous poem Paradise Lost.

The British Library

Besides housing more than 150 million literary items, the British Library also holds original manuscripts from a variety of literary masters including Lewis Carroll, Jane Austen, James Joyce, the Brontës, and Angela Carter. You can even view rare manuscripts like the original Alice’s Adventures Under Ground by Lewis Carroll and others via electronically supplied copies.

In order to locate beautiful flats in London close to these and other wonderful literary sites, or to gain help with your relocation, contact one of our friendly and professional consultants.

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London Relocation Springtime Activities

Monday March 25th, 2013

sunflowersAh! Spring is in the air and those making a springtime London relocation have some wonderful activities to look forward to. The city is exciting enough. However, it comes to life in the spring after its long and dreary winter sleep and presents a variety of fun things to see and do.

If you are in the process of making a London relocation, be sure to get out and about to enjoy the following places, events and activities that this beautiful city has to offer.

Attend an Open Air Theater

You have two fine open air theater venues to choose from (or attend both!). Shakespeare’s Globe Theater opens in late April and provides some grand performances from the master playwright. This year’s lineup at the South Bank location includes The Tempest, MacBeth, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

If you get a chance, also consider attending the aptly named Open Air Theater located in the regal Regent’s Park. While enjoying the British spring, also watch such fine performances as Pride & Prejudice and To Kill A Mockingbird.

Stroll Amidst Blossoming Flora and Feisty Fauna

After making your springtime London relocation, get out of your flat and take a stroll through some of the amazing parks and gardens for which London is famous. Spring is the perfect time of year for such activities as the flora and fauna are bursting onto the scene to celebrate the warmer months.

Although there are more parks and gardens than you can shake a stick at in London, here are a few of the best selections to get you started. The absolute best place to visit in spring is Botanical Gardens at Kew with its blooms and blossoms galore. Green Park, Greenwich Park, St James Park, and Regent’s Park are also at the top of the list. If you want to catch cute glimpses of baby chicks as well as various fauna little ones, London Wetland Centre offers guided tours and sessions for watching otters play.

Get the Blood Flowing with a Sporting Event

Spring is also a fabulous time for London relocation folks to get involved in a sporting event to eliminate winter rust. One such event that is not only great for getting into shape but for also seeing the sites is bicycling. Boris Bike rents bikes for such city cruising with drop off stations scattered all around.

The more adventurous at heart will want to take on a tidal wave of runners in the London Marathon held the 21st of April this year. The marathon is also a great way to see the city, that is if you can catch your breath long enough to behold the views!

Select Springtime Events

For some extra springtime excitement, try one of the following events. The Chelsea Flower Show is a gardener’s yearly highlight that commences on May 21 this year and runs through May 25. The show is held at the Royal Hospital and promises to deliver gardening ideas for traditional and contemporary gardeners. This is a good event for London relocation peeps to get some home garden sprucing ideas!

Another nice event is the Museums at Night festival held May 16-18 of this year. Night tours embark through top museums including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the London Transport Museum.

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London Community Spotlight: Chiswick Apartments

Monday March 18th, 2013

Chiswick apartments are exceptionally good choices for those moving to the grand city of London, especially if you have a family. Because of its serene nature, lack of city congestion, and wide open spaces, Chaswick is an ideal location for raising children.

What’s more, this quaint section of UK’s capital is situated beside the peacefully flowing Thames River where tranquil views can be had while walking along it on the way to beautiful Kew Gardens or other destinations. It is one of the best places in the city to get fresh meat, produce and other delightful delicacies. If you choose to live in Chiswick apartments, you are also very likely to run into various celebrities who enjoy the refreshing perks of this same area.

Apartments in this wonderful area run from around £300 to £700 per week for a one or two bedroom. However, deals are available and our consultants can assist you with finding them. Many locations have beautiful gardens, most are situated in wonderful neighborhoods, and others have excellent views of the beautiful Thames River.

There are numerous trendy shopping areas filled with thriving businesses, pubs, and restaurants. Chiswick High Street is quite long and is lined with a wide variety of interesting venues. Acton Lane and Turnham Green Terrace are other top spots to shop the day away as is Westfield Shopping Centre located on Ariel Way.

Of course, it you prefer getting away from Chiswick apartments, there are plenty of attention-grabbing attractions in the area. The Chiswick House is a grand structure that was commissioned by the Earl of Burlington and finished in 1729. The lavish interior and external gardens reflect the neo-Palladian architecture of which the Earl was so fond.

You will also enjoy the Musical Museum due to its unique nature. It contains the world’s grandest collection of self-playing organs, pianos, violins, orchestrelles and orchestrions, all in various configurations. The Kew Bridge Steam Museum is another good choice for rainy days where multiple old steam engines provide a look back in time. When the weather is nice, don’t miss visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew where you can wander through over 300 acres of land containing an array of gorgeous flora and fauna.

After you work up an appetite, there is no need to return to Chiswick apartments as there are plenty of fine and affordable restaurants around. Delicious Italian meals can be found at Carluccio’s, Zizzi, and Union Jacks. Eateries with a French flare are Le Vacherin and Café Rouge. Thai treats are served up at Thai Kitchen and Yupa’s Thai. Find Portuguese cuisine at Nando’s, Iranian at Faanoos Restaurant, Japanese at Kisaku, and good ol’ British food at Kitchen & Pantry.

There are also numerous pubs and clubs to enjoy nearby Chiswick apartments. Grab a few new mates and sip on drinks at such places as All Bar One, Connolly’s, Globe Bar, Bulls Head, and George IV.

If you are relocating to this beautiful city and need assistance locating Chiswick apartments in this gorgeous family-friendly area, contact London Relocation today.

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Central London’s Gorgeous Parks and Awesome Oases

Monday March 11th, 2013

Many people dream of relocating to the central portion of London in order to participate in the vibrant energy that pulses from this lively city. The great aspect of fulfilling that dream is that you don’t have to be totally surrounded by busy and chaotic city life as this grand city offers dozens of centrally located gorgeous parks and peaceful oases where residents can leave their flats for rent in London and enjoy some tranquil relaxation and re-energizing communion with nature.

This fabulous city is lovingly referred to as “the city of garden squares” and it rightfully lives up to its nickname. For full blown park getaways from flats for rent in London, spend time milling through the Royal Parks which consist of Hyde Park, The Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Brompton Cemetery, Green Park, St James Park, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, and Kensington Palace and Gardens which is a real treat.

Japanese beauty and tranquility can be found at the Kyoto Garden located in the Holland Park for those seeking an Eastern flare. An Italian oasis filled with lemon trees surrounding a wonderful Italian-style courtyard sits nestled inside the Victoria and Albert Museum. Little Venice, with its colorful boats, quaint cafes, and bohemian environment can be found near flats for rent in London just north of Paddington where the Regent’s Canal and Grand Union Canal meet.

Venture from flats for rent in London to the Duke of Northumberland’s Syon House and you can enjoy its 40+ acres of finely groomed gardens and meander through its multitudes of rare trees. You can also enjoy the estate’s lovely lake and Great Conservatory.

Various public courtyards and squares also exist throughout the centre of the city nearby flats for rent in London. If you find yourself about to drop from a London Oxford Street shopping spree, stop by Soho Square for a refreshing boost. Another nice location located near Covent Garden is Lincoln’s Inn Fields, and if you happen to be wandering around St Botolph’s Church, slip into Postman’s Park located on the grounds.

You might also want to take a venture to Somerset House and bask in the beauty of their courtyard that contains soothing antique fountains and is surrounded by 18th century architecture. An upscale retreat where restaurants serve delicious cuisines and yachts lazily drift in the nearby waters is St Katharine Docks near the famous Tower Bridge.

As you can see, flats for rent in London in the central section of the city offer a wide variety of quiet, green getaways. If you are planning to relocate to this marvelous city and want help locating centrally available flats for rent in London, contact us. We can help you check this task off your list as well as assist with many other elements of your relocation to this amazing city.

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Hidden London Treasures off the Beaten Path

Friday March 8th, 2013

If you have recently relocated to the great city of London, you have probably already immersed yourself in the amazing landmarks that stand over the city like giants watching out for her safety. Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Eye, and others have surely inspired you and provided you with some wonderful and educational excursions.

Even if you have lived in London homes for some time, we believe we have several treasures which you are unaware of and that will make for some adventurous days of exploration ahead. Check out the following fun spots and see if you have been there or not.

Walkways beneath the Thames

You have probably bussed, strolled, taxied, or driven all along the Thames River. However, did you know that there are two foot tunnels running under the mighty Thames? Constructed in the early 1900s, The Greenwich and Woolwich Foot Tunnels were made to give another means of access across the river to dock workers who often missed the ferry.

Both tunnels are open 24 hours a day, but the Greenwich Tunnel is used far more due to its larger selection of sites. This tunnel passes between Island Gardens and Cutty Sark Gardens. The Woolwich Tunnel connects North Woolwich with the Woolwich Docks.

Finnish Church Sauna

There is more than worship that goes on at Rotherhithe’s Finnish Church. Besides admiring beautiful architecture, you can also get away from London homes and buy Scandinavian food from the onsite shop and take a refreshing dip in their traditional Scandinavian wooden sauna.

There are two types of bookings for the sauna. You can either book a private session or a communal session with other people. Just keep in mind that the church only permits separate sessions for men and women which kind of dampens romantic plans with a significant other. Any hoo…

Science with an Adult Twist

If you are a science buff, or just someone who would get a kick out of experiencing science in a completely different way, then the Dana Centre is the place to visit. Here you can enjoy a night away from London homes exploring contemporary science via coded messages, riveting debates, exotic cat walks, and stand-up comedians.

There is an onsite bar and café where you can get food and drinks while enjoying any of a variety of shows, most of which are free. However, these events are adult-only so leave the kids at your London homes!

The Mystic Mayfair Castle at the End of Mount Row

That’s right! Berkeley Castle is tucked away from the prying eyes of most passing citizens due to its secluded location. To find this hidden treasure, go north on Davies Street from Berkeley Square until you come upon a small alleyway named Mount Row. A small distance up that alley sits a medieval five bedroom stone building with a gothic doorway that used to be a hunting lodge for the elitists back in the early 1900s.

This mini-castle was owned by Sigmund Freud’s great-grandson PR Honcho until 2009 when he sold it for £4.3 million. Due to its out-of-the-way location, the Berkeley Castle remains a most desired getaway choice for the rich and famous with folks like Paula Yates, Michael Hutchence, and Cher all staying within its walls at one point. You can’t actually enter since it’s one of the many private and mysterious London homes in the city, but it’s still fun to stand outside, behold its beauty, snap some photos, and soak in the celebrity vibes.

Want help relocating to the great city of London and finding available London homes? Contact London Relocation today and make your move with ease.

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Live Like a Local in London Short Term Rentals

Thursday March 7th, 2013

When planning a visit to London, the allure of being pampered in a hotel room can be mesmerizing. However, those beautiful photos you find on the internet or in brochures generally end up causing a feeling of disappointment when you arrive and you often find the quarters to be smaller and less nice than expected. On top of that, there is the added expense and inconvenience of eating out every single meal.

If you plan on staying a week or longer then a much better alternative to hotel living is acquiring London short term rentals. Such accommodations provide visitors to this wonderful city a variety of advantages that do not exist with hotel rooms.

Eat Like Royalty

When you choose London short term rentals over hotels, you get to eat like royalty. There is a very good reason for this. Such rentals contain fully functional kitchenettes or full-sized kitchens so you can buy your own food and make your own meals. You not only eat cheaper, but much healthier as well.

A good example that will give you an idea of how much can be saved is a grilled cheese sandwich in the streets will run you £3-5. This one step alone will save you a nice amount of cash that can be spent on elaborate dishes at top restaurants making your experience even richer.

Feels More Like Home

There is generally much more space in London short term rentals than in mere hotel rooms. Such accommodations are often small or full-sized apartments which give you more elbow room for moving about or entertaining newly met guests as well as extra rooms for children.

Many short term rentals also have access to gardens, yards, and nearby or adjacent parks which can be enjoyed. The bottom line is short term rentals provide you with more of a feeling of home while visiting this beautiful city.

Get the Real City Experience

London short term rentals are normally located in regular British neighborhoods which provide quite a different experience than the fancy hotels situated mostly around high tourist areas. Because many of them are converted floors or rooms of established homes, such short term accommodations allow you a unique opportunity to see London in a more realistic way and brush elbows with real British residents.

Don’t worry, however, you can still see all the top attractions and go to all the hot spots that are either located near London short term rentals or by utilizing the city’s well organized transportation systems.

How to Locate Short Term Rentals

If you’re interested in spending your time in UK’s capital like a local in areas that put you in touch with the city’s heartbeat, saving money on food and even rent, living in quarters that are more like home and less like a cracker box, and yet close to either all the big attractions or transportation links that can take you there, contact an agent at London Relocation Services.

We keep up to date on what accommodations are available in the city as well as the going rates. Therefore, our consultants can help you locate London short term rentals in the area of the city you prefer as well as in the price range that fits your budget. Contact us today and start planning your Royal City getaway!

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London Serviced Apartments Meet Short Term and Transitional Needs

Tuesday March 5th, 2013

Ah London! Hundreds of thousands of people are drawn to this shining jewel of the United Kingdom each year. Some come simply to visit such amazing sites as Big Ben, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, and more. Others come to make friends, hang out, and enjoy the nightlife before moving on. Still others either plan on relocating permanently to the city or fall in love with it and want to stay once they arrive and get a taste of its vibrant and creative lifestyle.

Regardless of the reason you want to visit the capital of the UK, you are going to need a place to stay. Hotel rooms can get quite expensive over a period of time and they are normally located in heavy tourist areas. Flats can be expensive and reasonably priced apartments can be hard to locate. Hotels are great for a few nights and apartments are divine if you can find one in a good area, in good condition, and that you can afford.

London serviced apartments can meet both of these needs by providing an excellent alternative to traditional hotel rooms and hard to find apartments for a number of important reasons. They can save you money, provide greater freedom and privacy, and are often located in real down-to-earth London areas away from touristy glitz and hype where you can get a real taste of the culture.

London serviced apartments come with fully functional kitchen facilities which can save you a bundle on eating out at expensive restaurants every day. Also, many of these apartments have laundry facilities, wake up calls, shopping services, and many other amenities that rival most hotels. The big difference is that you basically have a pad of your own to hang out in and invite friends to which can make a visit to this beautiful city even more magical.

Such apartments also generally have more space than a simple hotel room since they are, well, apartments. You can also find London serviced apartments based on your needs. For example, if you are visiting for business, some lavish units can be found that are ideal for entertaining important guests. Others have extra space or even bedrooms so that you can have friends over. Still others can be found that are more basic as well as less expensive so that you have more available cash to get out and explore the city.

Another advantage of renting London serviced apartments is that they can be found in some really great areas and neighborhoods that allow you to experience the real heartbeat of the city and meet some amazing people of similar or different backgrounds. London serviced apartments are located in the central section of the city near sites and hot nightclubs, around financial districts, and in chic areas such as Chelsea, Knightsbridge and many others.

If you want more than a boring, simple hotel room when you arrive for your short term visit to this great city then London serviced apartments may be the answer. They are also the perfect choice for those seeking more permanent accommodations but are having a difficult time finding them. London serviced apartments offer you a temporary dwelling that feels like home while you continue your search or further explore the city.

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Major 2013 Upcoming London Events

Friday March 1st, 2013

If you’re getting ready to head to London then there are a lot of exciting events planned for the 2013 year that you will want to visit. One of the best ways to find a place to stay, get settled in, learn the transportation routes, and become oriented with the city so you can enjoy these events is to hire a relocation consultant.

A relocation consultant will help you to find you an affordable flat in an area of your choice, assist you with moving your belongings into your new home, and provide valuable orientation to familiarize you with the customs, transportation systems, popular sites, etc. Your relocation consultant will also help you locate and provide advice on the following events as well as provide you with information on others.

Major 2013 London Events

March

10 – Six Nations International Rugby Match: England vs Italy – Held at Twickenham Stadium

31 – The BNY Mellon Boat Race – One of the oldest and most popular sporting events in the city pitting Cambridge and Oxford University boat teams against one another.

May

21-25 – RHS Chelsea Flower Show – Annual event which is deemed the world’s greatest flower show held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

25 – UEFA Champion League Final – Europe’s most prestigious football event.

June

20-23 – Taste of London – Annual festival celebrating the city’s rich and diverse cuisine. Experience everything there is to eat and drink in the city.

20-29 – Greenwich+Docklands International Festival – Held in Greenwich and East London, this exciting festival will astound you with various demonstrations of the arts, theater productions, and spectacular nighttime events.

23-26 – City of London Festival – Annual event featuring dancing, film, music, art, poetry, and more.

24 – 07 July – Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships – Enjoy two weeks at one of the four grandest Grand Slam tennis tournaments in the world.

August

3-4 – Prudential RideLondon – This world-class cycling festival provides you with a great way to see the city and join in an exciting event at the same time.

25-26 – Notting Hill Carnival – Dubbed the largest street festival in Europe, Notting Hill Carnival brings West London alive with a wide variety of fun activities and events.

September

11-15 – PruHealth World Triathlon Grand Final – See the world’s best triathlon competitors battle it out at this grand final event.

14-15 – The Mayor’s Thames Festival – Enjoy a host of free events at this celebration held along the famed Thames River.

14-22 – Design Festival – Enjoy an array of seminars, parties, private viewings, and exhibitions at this exquisite design festival.

October

27 – American Football: NFL International Series: Jacksonville Jaguars vs San Franscisco 49ers – If you’re an American that has relocated to this grand city, you’ll enjoy some good old American football held at Wembley Stadium.

Dates to be confirmed – 57th BFI Film Festival – Check with your relocation consultant for announced dates and venues.

November

23 – Rugby League World Cup – Get caught up in the excitement as the top rugby teams compete for the prized World Cup in Wembley Stadium.

This is a listing of major events. If you want more information on other events held throughout the year, you can request information from your relocation consultant.

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Practicing Taxi Safety When Returning to London Apartments

Friday February 22nd, 2013

After you relocate and settle into London apartments, one of the first things you’re going to want to do is head out for a night on the town. The nightlife in this city is electrifying and many of the clubs are filled with a huge variety of people from all over London, Europe and the world. It is quite easy to meet an assortment of new friends by hitting the vibrant nightclubs.

Although public transportation exists throughout the city, most people prefer to take a taxi back to London apartments after a night of drinking and partying. Taxis are definitely a good option, but there are also some definite things you need to know about them or you could end up being a crime statistic. Women should especially take precautions as around 100 sexual assaults occur each year by illegal taxi drivers.

Black Taxis

The old black taxis are a London tradition and are the official taxis of the city. Although some black taxis are no longer black and are diminishing in numbers (there are roughly 23,000 still operating), they are still quite safe.

The old black taxis are easily identified as they are older models with rounded roofs originally meant to accommodate bowler hats, but they are also fairly small in size should a large group want a ride. Newer streamlined versions exist that are a bit larger and some have open tops for touring London. Regardless if black taxis are old or new, rates are steep.

Yellow Taxis

Yellow taxis are quite numerous and, just like taxis in any city, they can be hailed by waving them down. Available taxis are recognizable by a lit taxi sign located on the roof above the windshield. If the taxi sign doesn’t exist then it is a minicab (see minicab precautions below) or illegal taxi which should be avoided.

Taxi rates are fairly high and evening and weekend rates are even higher. Also keep in mind that it can sometimes be difficult to hail a yellow taxi at nightclubs because they have the right to refuse rides to people returning to London apartments that they expect have had too much to drink.

Minicabs

Minicabs are another option when returning to London apartments. However, there is quite a bit of misunderstanding about them which should be cleared up and paid attention to. Minicabs are unmarked and are only allowed to operate via reservation. They cannot be hailed for a ride from the streets like black or yellow taxis.

You should call to arrange a minicab pickup. When the minicab arrives, the driver should know your name and where you are going to and you can even arrange that they provide a password which you give to the dispatcher. When riding in minicabs, it is recommended by the Public Carriage Office that you sit in the back seat and have a cell phone on you. Minicabs do not contain meters, but instead charge by the mile/km.

There are a large number of illegal “gypsy” minicabs that try to pass off as real taxis. They are unmarked, uninsured and unlicensed and drivers can be very dangerous. Gypsy minicabs will attempt to pick you up on the street like a normal taxi but, again, be aware that it is illegal for minicabs to pick up hails.

Good to Know

If you’re out partying and want a guaranteed safe taxi ride to London apartments, you can call Cabwise. If you don’t have their number on you, you can text the word CAB to this number 60835* and a reputable taxi firm number and two reliable minicab numbers will be sent to your cell phone.

Women out late at night can get a safe and secure ride back to London apartments by calling Lady Mini Cabs which is a woman-run minicab company that provides services exclusively for women. Their number is 020-7272-3300.

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London Community Spotlight: Clerkenwell Apartments

Monday February 18th, 2013

 

If you’re looking for a trendy area in which to live when you relocate to London, Clerkenwell is a choice location. The area used to be a center of industrial production, but its warehouses and factories have, by the most part, been transformed into magazine and design centers, exclusive restaurants and bars, and Clerkwell apartments.

Due to it housing the glitzy design and magazine hub, Clerkenwell is full of trendy 20 something tenants who rent Clerkenwell apartments or buy Victorian houses. There is little tourism in this area which makes it a quiet section in which to settle, and its central location in the borough of Islington means you are close to all the famous sites and hopping activities. Travel to other parts of the city is a breeze from Tube stations located in Barbican, Holborn, Farringdon, and Chancery Lane, or rail stations at either Barbican or Farringdon.

The Clerkenwell area is rich in history and was originally called “Little Italy” from the mid 1850s up until the 1960s because of the large population of Italians working mainly in the fabric industry. However, the area has undergone a remarkable transformation and now consists of young professionals meandering from their Clerkenwell apartments to mill through the streets, browse through art galleries, pack hip nightclubs, tip drinks at pubs, and dine with friends at restaurants.

There are plenty of fun activities and interesting sites located throughout Clerkenwell. Sadler’s Wells is a great place to enjoy dance and artistic performances. The history of the theater dates back to 1683 when businessman Dick Sadler bought an area running alongside a footpath and built a music house. While building the structure, a medieval well was uncovered and still exists in the basement of the now contemporary theater.

Clerkenwell Green is surrounded by an old, historical village that still contains the St James church and various 18th century homes. The area is home to middle-class workers that contribute to the creative industries, such as design and architecture, and live in surrounding Clerkenwell apartments and homes.

Several fine markets can be found in Clerkenwell. Exmouth Market has its roots stemming back to the 1800s when it was a bustling shopping center for butchers, grocers, and jewelers. Today, the market contains a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes. Smithfield is the UK’s largest wholesale market and consists mainly of butcher shops as well as restaurants and bars where fine meals of meat and accompanying drinks can be consumed. Whitecross Street Market is smaller, but is an excellent place to spend Thursdays and Fridays when delicious foods galore from practically every culture can be tasted.

Nightlife is hopping in Clerkenwell as well. Two of London’s largest clubs are located here, Fabric and Turnmills. The chances are good that when you attend these hotspots, you will brush elbows with some of the biggest names from across the city and around the world.

Trendy and available Clerkenwell apartments are waiting for new tenants to fill them. In this central location of the UK capital, quiet strolls, exciting nightlife, exclusive shopping, and dandy dining can all be enjoyed. Contact London Relocation Specialists today to help you make your move into Clerkenwell apartments.

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Tips for Locating Houses in London

Thursday February 14th, 2013

London is an large city with houses available throughout its 32 boroughs. Not only is there a large area to cover, but prices vary greatly depending in what areas you are looking to live. Also, some sections of the city have limited availabilities of houses in London.

These variables can make finding candidates for ideal properites quite difficult. The challenge is compounded if you are still living outside the country. Therefore, we are offering a few tips that will make your search for houses in London easier and more rewarding.

Tip #1 – Determine What You Want

Before you begin house hunting, sit down and make a list of exactly what you want when searching for houses in London. For example, you may want a lot of space (homes in the city tend to be smaller than U.S. homes), live in a quiet neighborhood (some sections are busy and noisy), location close to a Tube station, etc.

By determining what you want from the start, you can save valuable time in your search. During the hunting process, you can quickly mark prospects off your list and continue on to more feasible selections.

Tip #2 – Ensure That Descriptions and Viewings Coincide

Try to glean as much information on houses in London before setting a viewing date. This way, you can eliminate unsatisfactory options without wasting valuable time traveling to them.

When you do attend viewings, ensure that what you learned about the house from an advert, listing, or over the phone coincides with what you found out. Owners and agents alike are notorious for stretching the truth or covering up inconsistencies in properties. If you find things that have been misrepresented, leave immediately and continue your search for more reliable options. If issues in listings have been stretched then there are undoubtedly other items that will disappoint.

Tip #3 – Organize Viewing Days

A great deal of time and traveling expense can be wasted in unorganized days of home viewings. This is especially true in a large and sprawling city like London. If you randomly set up appointments to view a few homes, you may find that you spend a lot of time traveling between them helter skelter.

Therefore, ensure that your viewing days are well organized. When making viewing appointments, use a map and schedule viewing times of houses in London that are close together in a circuit-style formation. This way you can easily end up viewing 5, 6, or more properties and spend far less in travel expenses.

Tip #4 – Be Patient

Finding the ideal house can take considerable time. Of course, the occasional person might happen upon their dream home on the first day. However, the majority of house hunters have to spend weeks and even months browsing through listings and attending viewings before the right opportunity presents itself.

Also, good deals go quickly so if houses in London that you are hoping for are snapped up by someone else keep your nose to the grindstone and continue hunting. If you follow these tips and stay the course, your dream home will appear and your new life in London will take on a magical air

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How to Make the Most of Your Moving to London Experience

Friday February 8th, 2013

London is a wonderful city that is teaming with activity and full of people from Europe and other destinations from around the world. This is the perfect destination to rack up grand social, life and work experiences that will last a lifetime.

However, moving to London can be a bit intimidating and confusing. Its massive size, intricate transportation systems, and 32 boroughs (plus downtown) can cause a great deal of anxiety in new arrivers. Therefore, we offer some advice on how to get off on the right foot and make the most of your moving to London experience.

Rent a Flat or Apartment Near Work

If you are moving to London then that entails a lengthy stay and, in order to stay for an extended period, you will probably need to find work. You should begin and even complete the process of acquiring a work permit before you arrive since only Tier 2 Visas are available and must be applied for by the employer and not the employee. There are some exceptions which you can research to see if you qualify.

If you have a work permit then it is advisable to locate a flat or apartment near your place of employment as this will make getting started much easier. London is a large city so if you live far from your job, you could literally spend hours commuting. You can contact a relocation specialist to assist you with this endeavor.

Purchase an Oyster Card

The Oyster Card provides discounts on all public transportation throughout the city. Purchasing a card should be one of the first things you do upon moving to London because it will not only save you money, but it will also save you time since it allows you to bypass ticket counters.

Join Groups

The fastest way to make friends after moving to London is to join a group or groups. There are many groups available that specialize in sports, social events, and other interests. By hooking up with a group of likeminded people, you instantly have mates to hang around with, many of whom can help introduce you to more people and fun venues.

Get Out and About

You aren’t going to become familiar with this massive, thriving city by sitting at home. If you can persuade mates to show you around, that’s great. However, if you are alone, don’t be afraid to strike out and explore the city. There are a multitude of curious, fun and interesting pubs, shops, sites, cafes and more, many of which are located on out of the way streets.

If you get lost, there are plenty of people and places that will assist you with finding your way home. There are also maps provided at all Tube and bus stops. Having a smart phone is a plus as it will allow you to access a slew of online help sites.

Go Out on Weeknights

If you have the opportunity after moving to London, hit the nightlife on weeknights instead of weekends. Not only are crowds smaller and less intimidating, but there are a host of establishments that offer special incentives on weeknights. You can find deals on food, drinks, entry and more.

By utilizing these tips and a sense of adventure, you can experience a great deal of what the city has to offer upon moving to London.

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Moving to London

Tuesday February 5th, 2013

Hope your weekend has been fun but also productive as you plan your move. As I mentioned before, a lot comes down to how long you need to stay in temporary housing before moving into your new apartment—and how long you can afford to.

Well, obviously the next important consideration is where to stay, and while it’s essentially impossible to provide you an exhaustive list of all the London hotels available to you in this huge city, I thought I could at least give you a list of some good values (you know, in case you’re reluctant to go the Ritz Carlton or Dorchester route):

Easy Hotel (Earls Court, Paddington, South Kensington, Victoria, Heathrow) – www.easyhotel.com
Enterprise Hotel (Earls Court) – www.enterprisehotel.co.uk
Hotel Bluebells (Notting Hill) – www.hotelbluebells.com
Imperial Hotels (Bloomsbury) – www.imperialhotels.co.uk
Mayflower Hotel & Apartments (Earls Court) – www.mayflowerhotel.co.uk
Pavilion Hotel (Hyde Park) – www.pavilionhoteluk.com
Sanctuary House Hotel (Westminster) – www.fullershotels.com
Tune Hotel (Westminster)- www.tunehotels.com
Umi Hotel (Bayswater) – umihotellondon.co.uk

While Easy Hotel is available in a few different London locations (and Imperial London Hotels offer six different hotels in Bloomsbury that range in price), lest we forgot some of the bigger, well-known chains:

Best Western – www.bestwestern.co.uk
Holiday Inn Express – www.hiexpress.com
Premier Inn – www.premierinn.com
Travelodge – www2.travelodge.co.uk

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London Relocation – Exclusively Yours

Tuesday January 29th, 2013

Donna Coulling is a writer, Presenter, and PA to Helena Bonham Carter & Rachel Weisz.  Donna is an expert in her field and her newsletter and blog goes out to over 2,000 vip PA’s globally, with a focus on London and New York.  She has appeared on the Q+A panel for the Office* show at Earls Court – the professional trade show for PA’s, run seminars for Presenters at Spotlight, was a guest speaker and presenter for the awards at Hays PA of the Year at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel and has bee a judge and guest speaker and presenter at the Mayfair PA of the Year at the Mayfair Hotel.

Donna herself has featured in publications including: Easy Living Magazine, Executive PA Magazine, Executary News, PA Life Magazine and the Mayfair Times.

She has presented and spoken at Planet Hollywood for Executive PA Magazine, The VA Conference 2012 in Coventry, ExecSec Summit at Heythrop Hall, Oxfordshire, Olswang LLP and BDO LLP in London.

 

London Relocation – Exclusively Yours

Posted on January 16, 2013 by DonnaCoulling

London’s finest home finding service brings a personal touch to finding you a home.

Finding the perfect home is often one of the most trying times in one’s life.       Statistically, on a level of stress it is ranked up there with major life changing events. Finding the perfect home in a city you may never have visited before, let alone lived in can be daunting.

Happily, London Relocation is THE award winning home finding service that makes it stress-free, the only multiple listings service in London with an experienced team of expatriates with over 40 years combined experience of finding clients the perfect home. American born businessman AJ Gallo set up London Relocation in 2006. With a background in sales and real estate and a history of living and travelling around Europe, London Relocation was established.

Originally created to help State side ex-pats relocate within London, six years on London Relocation now places professionals, families and students from across the globe into the perfect property for their needs. With an emphasis on saving time, money and hassle and ensuring the client feels entirely comfortable and secure in their new environment, the type of property, area and commute, lifestyle, budget, moving date and viewing date are all key to making the process run as smoothly as possible. The London Relocation team has a 100% track record of finding their clients the perfect flat, seeing them sign the lease and move in within their desired timeframe.

With the tour of the properties being facilitated by a chauffer driven people carrier, avoiding parking delays, ensuring a speedy journey between viewings and thus allowing each client to view the amount of properties promised. The process of viewing a tailor made list of properties is made enjoyable and stress free yet quick and efficient by the highly skilled team who prepare a seamless tour of 18 to 25 properties that meet their clients requirements.

The personally allocated member of the London Relocation team is there to show the client ALL the options available that match their timeframe, budget and requirements in an honest, straightforward manner so that they feel confident, informed and educated about the London property market. Taking the focus away from the agents and landlords and making it all about the tenant the team then negotiate rent and lease terms on the client’s behalf ensuring the clients requests are followed through to the dot.

The high level of service ensures the client can move within one to three days time or as far out as four to six weeks – whatever the clients need. London Relocation is on hand to handle all aspects of the move from opening a UK bank account to providing utility service provider referrals and never outsource the property searches to third party agents as is common with a lot of relocation companies.

The London Relocation team will stay in constant contact to field any questions or concerns as the client settles in. If only all things in life could be so easy…

To read further: www.donnacoulling.com/2013/01/16/london-relocation-exclusively-yours/


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Relocating to London Community Spotlight: West Hampstead

Friday January 11th, 2013

If you are considering a move to London, you might want to check out West Hampstead apartments that will place you in a beautiful and tranquil area near the city center. Only a short few years ago, West Hampstead was a small village known as West End surrounded by plush, green farmland and snuggled in the borough of Camden.

However, since the arrival of the railway system, it has transformed into a lively town that caters to a series of housing estates that continue to produce London homes and West Hampstead apartments for those wanting convenient access to the Center while living in the oasis that West Hampstead provides.

As a matter of fact, due to its link to the London Underground as well as the West Hampstead Silverlink Metro and Thameslink railway, and its comfortable village-like demeanor with bars, restaurants, and other shops, the area has become a nice stopover for those living farther out in the north-western areas.

The area is situated on a hill and has long been a draw for actors, writers, and high-middle class residents. Some famous folks who have called this area home are George Orwell, Lord Byron, Stephen Fry, and Sigmund Freud. It’s no wonder that you will find such related attractions as Keat’s House and Freud Museum located near West Hampstead apartments. Kenwood House is also located in the town and houses Rembrandt, Henry Moore and Vermeer works of art.

You definitely won’t go hungry here or suffer for a lack of variety as several wonderful restaurants are located in West Hampstead. Western chow and drinks can be enjoyed at 366 while delicious Indian cuisine is served by Asian Restaurant and Aroma Spice. If you prefer dishes with an Eastern flare, stop by Angles for some Thai or Atariya for Japanese.

Great shopping is another wonderful benefit of living in West Hampton apartments. Some of the best streets to hit are Belsize Road with 34 shops, Finchley Road with 141 shops, Hampstead High Street with 43 shops, Kilburn High Road with 183 shops, and West End Lane with 90 shops.

Although you won’t find crazy nightlife in New Hampstead, there are a couple of spots where you can have a drink and a fling. The most popular nighttime hangout is at Lower Ground Bar located on West End Lane, while not far away sits Lately which a nice dancing location for those used to old-school style. To just hang out with friends over drinks, you might settle in at Ye Old Black Lion, The Gallery, or the Czech Bar which are all also located on West End Lane.

If you’re looking to live in a down to earth atmosphere surrounded by upper-middle class style, consider West Hampstead apartments. Relocation consultants can help you with your housing search by locating London apartments for rent in West Hampstead located in either gorgeous, red brick homes or new swank apartment complexes. Simply choose your spot, move in, and kick back in the beauty and comfort that West Hampstead offers


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