Moving can be traumatic for children who have to leave the comforts and securities of friends, school, town, and the home they’ve come to love. Most of these things, children never dream of leaving behind so it can be a shock to find out they have to move. This can be even more frightening for them if the move is to a new country and culture such as moving into new houses in London.

Due to the experience that London Relocation has with helping staff and their families relocate, we are offering some tried and true tips for helping children cope with the change.

Break the News at a Family Gathering

To avoid unnecessary stress in children, don’t simply blurt out that you’re moving while in the process of packing. Instead, gather the family together over pizza or a table game and casually bring up the subject. Discuss the new opportunities, be excited, ask and answer questions, share previous moving experiences, and provide plenty of support. By the entire family coming together to discuss the move, children will feel more comforted and supported, thus reducing anxieties.

Schedule Family Research Time

To further reduce moving stress in children, schedule a time when you can sit down with them and research London. Together, you can learn about interesting attractions, glean some history, discover cultural differences, seek out fun activities, and explore various neighborhoods and nearby schools. This will help both parents and children prepare for their new home as well as provide important bonding time.

Talk About the New Home

When you talk with your relocation specialist, you will be asked to provide specifics on what you expect in houses in London. A great way to help children with the transition is to talk with them about their new home. Ask them what they want, where they would like to live in London, and other features that give them a chance to play an active role in picking their new home.

Provide a Party

Children have an especially hard time leaving friends. To help with this transition, allow your children to have a party that all their friends and neighbors can attend. Keep the atmosphere light by stressing that this is only temporary and they will see each other soon. Take plenty of photos to make a scrapbook, gather contact information and allow your children to email and call special friends once they are relocated. You might even try to schedule vacations with the parents of special friends so children can see each other occasionally. You can choose a location halfway between London and the old home if the distances are great.

Let Children Help Design Their Rooms

Once moved into houses in London, allow your children to help design their new rooms. Take them with you to shop for new furniture, linens, posters, carpets, etc. Teen age children can be given a budget so they can buy items that especially appeal to them for their new rooms.

The friendly and skilled consultants at London Relocation will not only help parents complete all the details of a move, but they will also assist children by answering specific questions and providing good information that will help them acclimate more rapidly to both their new environment and houses in London.

The Thames River flows gently on Pimlico’s southern side and borders with Westminster on the east, Chelsea on the west, and Belgravia to the north. This hazy, lazy area blossoms with greenery, is quiet, and is therefore an attractive draw for business folks and executives looking for a retrieve from the hectic pace of other London areas.

Luxury Living at Affordable Prices

A large part of Pimlico’s appeal is that it’s like taking a step back in time when London was still a magical place that inspired such happy fantasies as Mary Poppins. Pimlico apartments also offer their tenants the same luxury as those living in Chelsea and Kensington, but without the high prices.

Although the prices of Pimlico apartments may deter most of those on a strict budget, there are still values to be found if you search well enough. The area has a large number of flats, some that are located in renovated Victorian homes. Our consultants can assist you with finding good deals on Pimlico apartments if this is where you want to relocate.

Activities in Pimlico

Keep in mind that Pimlico is a peaceful part of the city and, therefore, does not have the vibrant nightlife or bustling array of sites that are located in other areas. However, there are some fun things to do. Besides, if you want to leave Pimlico apartments to partake in more exciting activities, you can catch the Tube at Victoria Station or any number of buses running along Victoria.

If you’re looking for entertainment within Pimlico, try these options. The Apollo Victoria Theatre, Victoria Palace Theatre and the Royal Court Theatre all provide wonderful theatrical performances. Browse through Tate Gallery (one of the world’s leading art galleries) and SW1 Gallery to fill your desire for artistic beauty. Gaze upon the gorgeous architecture of such grand churches as St Gabriel’s Church, Westminster Cathedral, St Barnabas, and the Church of St Stephen with St John.

Best Restaurants in Pimlico

As with practically every area in the city, Pimlico offers some fine dining experiences. The most popular place to please your palate is About Thyme where European dishes are served and an eye-catching bar serves up cocktails, beer, and wines from around the world. Kazan is another restaurant with rave reviews. The atmosphere is stunningly romantic and a great place to take your love interest.

You will also enjoy visiting Goya for home-cooked delicacies and Uno which provides classical cuisine. Pimlico Tandoori offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods and Cyprus Mangai is the place to go for Cypriot and Turkish tastes.

Pimlico Nightlife

When it’s time to leave Pimlico apartments for a night on the town, you will find some satisfying spots nearby without having to travel. If you want to dance, Pacha is the place where Pimlico’s clubbers go dance to beats dropped by top European DJs.

If you’re just looking to have drinks with friends, a number of pubs and taverns are located in the area. Slip into such establishments as Albert Tavern, The Orange Public House & Hotel, Duke of Wellington, Morpeth Arms, and others.

Talk to our consultants for help with locating flats in the Pimlico area.

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.

In this portion of the London neighborhoods guide, we will focus on areas in West Central section of the city designated by WC postcodes.

Bloomsbury – This historic district is rife with past and present talent that has spawned written works, art, economical strategies, and more. Those moving to this area will enjoy such treats as the nearby British Museum and British Library as well as various other historical sites and gorgeous parks.

Charing Cross – This neighborhood is considered the exact center of the city and would suit those moving here who like to live close to the heartbeat of the city. Flats can be found on such well known streets as Cockspur, Strand, and Whitehall. Because it is a busy part of Central London, Charing Cross offers quick access to both the Tube and Charing Cross Railway Station.

Chinatown – As you might imagine, Chinatown consists of a mainly Chinese population with the majority of businesses being Chinese owned. However, this is an exciting area to nab a flat as you would be surrounded by an array of shops, cafes, groceries and even Chinese practitioners of medicine.

Covent Garden – One of the city’s most recognized entertainment and cultural areas, Covent Garden offers those living in its embrace a wealth of culturally refined activities. Just minutes away from beautiful homes and flats down elegant cobblestone streets are performances at the Royal Opera House as well as bustling markets, comfy cafes, and more.

Holborn – Situated in the borough of Camden, this legal district is home to a bustling array of lawyers darting back and forth to courtrooms and hearings. London neighborhoods in this area have housed such names as Zadie Smith and Charles Dickens.

Kings Cross – This glamorous section of the city’s center contains a cultural mix of residents, trendy shops and delicious restaurants. The area’s beautiful London neighborhoods are in high demand and are enjoyed by those who find housing here.

Strand – This is another one of the historic London neighborhoods that was built around an old Roman road that ran from old London to Chiswick. Various theaters such as the original Theatre in the Strand, Savoy, Adelphi, and Vaudeville offer residents continuous entertainment.

Come back for more posts from the London neighborhoods guide on select places to search for houses and flats to call home when you relocate to this magnificent city.

We will post several blogs that will provide information on such locations entitled London neighborhoods guide so that you can make better selections of areas you want to live in when you discuss your relocation with one of our consultants.

Here are a dozen London neighborhoods located along the grand, yet soothing, Thames River.

Battersea – Once farmland, Battersea has transformed into a wonderful location for those wishing to live by the Thames. Due to its increasing popularity and green parks, developers are beginning to add even more newly constructed housing sites to the area.

Bermondsey – Beaming with trendy flats, stylish boutiques, raving restaurants, and booming bars, Bermondsey is one of the appealing London neighborhoods due to the grand views of the Tower Bridge. The Shard, Europe’s highest building, as well as the Fashion and Textile Museum and interesting antique shops are also located here.

Chelsea – Not only is Chelsea home to townhouses filled with smart dressed business men and women, but it is also home to the Chelsea Football Club. An international mix live in Chelsea neighborhoods with some of the best shopping in the city is located along King’s Road.

Fulham – Filled with plenty of green areas, Fulham offers a selection of adorable houses and flats. First-class restaurants, extravagant cars, grand markets and the Fulham Football Club are all a part of Fulham’s surrounding London neighborhoods.

Greenwich – This extraordinary neighborhood comes complete with a rich maritime history, gorgeous homes built in both Gorgian and Victorian styles, peaceful parks, tempting antique shops and markets, and more.

Hammersmith – This is one of friendlier London neighborhoods where residents and international guests alike toast at one of its many casual pubs. Hammersmith’s small town atmosphere makes it a lovely place to live and it is a major transportation hub so you can easily access other parts of the city.

Isle of Dogs – Located in the east side of the city, Isle of Dogs is a business haven hosting a mix of tall buildings, friendly pubs, and London neighborhoods filled with beautiful brick houses.

Lambeth – If you’re looking to live in a culturally rich area, Lambeth provides it amidst a laid back environment. Beautiful, inviting taverns, two bridges and stucco and brick homes are part of Lambeth’s charm.

Pimlico – This oasis in the heart of the city contains townhouses, cafes, taverns, churches, and gorgeous homes with well groomed gardens. This area is often overlooked due to its central location, but offers a fine place to live along the Thames River for those relocating to the city.

South Bank – The London Eye, National Theatre, and other attractions make South Bank an alluring place to live. It is also alive with art and artists who both gather and reside in the area.

Southwark – Another wonderful neighborhood that is culturally diverse is Southwark. Bridges, theaters (including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre), museums, markets, restaurants, and pubs all make for a lively and exciting atmosphere.

Westminster – A deep sense of history is what you will find in Westminster. Home to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the House of Parliament, Westminster provides those fortunate enough to live in its London neighborhoods beautiful panoramic views of some of the world’s grandest sights.

Not only will you be able to be a part of exciting fashion trends being revealed to the world, but you will also enjoy activities at London Fashion Weekend that you wouldn’t at the other venues. This is due to the fact that Londoners do things a bit differently and open up their shows so they can be enjoyed by attendees.

Explore Somerset House

This major cultural center located in the heart of the city is a wonder to explore anytime of the year. During the summer, the courtyard is alive with 55 beautiful fountains and in wintertime you can skate on their popular ice rink. Somerset House offers a variety of activities including family workshops, contemporary art programs, free displays, and design exhibitions. Guided tours are available.

Of course, Somerset House is also the location of London Fashion Weekend. Therefore, it would be a good idea to visit and become familiar with the grounds once you settle in from your London relocation before attending the crowded event.

Watch Top Models Glide down the Catwalk

Each spring and fall, big name models glide down the catwalk wearing beautiful designs by big name designers. During Fashion Weekend, you will be sitting in the very same seats that held the elite of the industry as they contemplated which designs to buy while watching throughout the previous week.

You can even grab a front row seat if you show up at least a half hour early. Just be sure to dig out your camera once you arrive from your London relocation so you get great photos to share with family and friends!

Purchase Designer Clothes

While attending London Fashion Weekend, you will have the select opportunity to browse through hundreds of designer brands. The exciting part is that they are all offered at a 50 percent discount to Fashion Weekend attendees.

This is an excellent chance to buy high end clothing at more affordable prices. Select from such brands as DKNY, Pringle, Levi, Nicole Richie, Topshop, Twenty8Twelve, J.W. Anderson, Cambridge Satchel Company, and more. Selections from up-and-coming designers are also on sale at deep price reductions.

Treat Yourself to a Beauty Treatment

When you get a chance to break away from the glamorous fashion shows, take time to sneak off to the west wing of the Somerset House and indulge in a pampering session. Famous hairstylist boutiques like Toni & Guy will provide you with a trendy hairdo, the ‘Brow’ bar will give you model eyebrows, and booths offering beauty products from Elizabeth Arden and others will have you drawing catwalk gazes.

Various other booths are available which offer sessions, demonstrations, and products. This would be a great activity to share with a new friend made after your London relocation!

Make a Smooth Transition

You can make your London relocation a smooth and problem free experience by contacting a professional consultant at London Relocation Specialists. We specialize in taking care of every step of your move from finding you a flat to call home to providing orientation sessions once you arrive.

Contact us today so you are settled in before the next London Fashion Weekend. Then be the envy of all your family and friends by showing off photos of you attending one of the top fashion events in the world!

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.

Along with its long list of other attractive attributes, London stands as one of the best cities in the world for comedy. Those relocating to this marvelous city will get their fill of guffaws that will ultimately lead to watering eyes, side splitting pain and agonizing bends, all pleasantly provided by some of the top local and international comedians.

The best part is that there are comedy clubs and venues located throughout the city, many of which are close to beautiful London flats for rent so you can enjoy amazing nights out chuckling it up with new made mates. Most of these venues provide reasonable entry fees which also makes hitting the comedy scene a great choice, especially after your recent relocation when money can be a bit tight. Some even offer pre-show meals via their on-site restaurants as well as bars that generally serve until midnight.

Following is a selection of some of the best comedy spots that you can visit from London flats for rent.

The Chuckle Club – Great comedy, inviting atmosphere and cheap drinks have made this funny venue a favorite in London for over 20 years.

99 Club Comedy – Laughter rings from this venue seven days a week. There are four clubs located in the West End which makes finding one near London flats for rent in that area a breeze.

The Comedy Store – Another great West End club, The Comedy Store is open six nights every week and is one of the hottest comedy venues in the city.

Jongleurs – There are several Jongleurs locations across London which offer shows on various nights. Jongleurs downtown provides shows on Thursday nights, Jongleurs in Hammersmith hosts comedians on Fridays and Saturdays, and Saturday night comedy can be found at their Covent Garden’s Sway and Croydon’s Tiger Tiger locations.

Comedy Camp – This award winning comedy venue is the sole city site accommodating a mixture of straight, lesbian, and gay guests. Shows are held on Tuesday nights and celebrities often show up to this club.

Amused Moose – Some of the city’s best acts keep the moose amused at this fun comedy venue. Three locations in Covent Garden, Camden and Soho provide plenty of chances for you to get in on the fun.

Comedy Café – You’ll find this exceptional comedy spot near London flats for rent in Shoreditch. Tables, food and drinks are provided so that guests can dine while watching the riveting acts.

Highlight – This happening comedy venue has three locations in the city with Highlight Watford being the largest comedy club in the world. Highlight Camden offers shows on Friday and Saturday nights, while Highlight Clapham Junction provides acts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Up the Creek – You may arrive at this comedy hotspot without the proverbial paddle, but you will make up for it by indulging in the venue’s cheap admission and tasty Thai dishes. Get out of London flats for rent to catch riveting acts, have dinner, and enjoy the savings on Fridays and Saturdays.

Laughing Horse – There are eight pub locations scattered throughout the city so finding a Laughing Horse near London flats for rent isn’t difficult. Simply follow the laughter!

Ah London! This beautiful gem of the UK attracts hundreds of thousands of people to its glistening lights and fanciful style of living every single year. If you have every considered relocating to this magical city but just haven’t made up your mind then here are some great reasons to pack up your belongings and begin the process of moving to London from U.S.

Reason #1 – Great Sites – Both London and the UK are absolutely full of wonderful sites that are both historical and natural, most of which are accessible within a day’s journey. Many castles, cathedrals, homes, and more are unspoiled and still provide that eerie feeling that you have stepped back in time. Dozens of trips can be made by those moving to London from U.S. which will keep you busy exploring for years to come.

Reason #2 – Different Culture – Although the UK is an English speaking country, the culture is quite different than that of the U.S. By moving to London from U.S., you will learn to appreciate and enjoy an entirely different culture as well as pick up new customs and utter new slang. Plus, London is filled with sub-cultural classes of folks who have also relocated to the city from around the world so you will have the chance to interact with them as well.

Reason #3 – Beer Lovers Paradise – If you love sipping on great beers and ales then you will surely love this grand city. Local pubs lie at the heart of this culture and you can’t throw a rock without hitting one. Also, pubs are quite different from U.S. bars. English pubs are social meeting locations where mates can get together, watch football (soccer), throw darts and play snooker, and chat about social and political issues, all while chugging on a delicious ale. Pubs are an excellent place to make new mates!

Reason #4 – Exciting and Efficient Transportation System – Wherever you need or want to go throughout the city, an exciting and efficient transportation system will take you there. The London Underground (Tube), overland railways, single or double-decker buses and fancy taxis are all viable sources of getting around.

Reason #5 – Great Benefits – The UK offers those moving to London from U.S. a slower and more peaceful way of life as well as a much lower crime rate. The overall living pace is slower, people tend to get off work at 5pm and not work weekends. Also, those living and working in Britain get around six weeks of wonderful vacation that can be used to get out and see the sites and enjoy family and friends. Universal health care is also a big plus for living here.

Reason #6 – Cheap Travel to Europe – Once you’ve had your fill of British sightseeing, you can cheaply and easily travel to other countries within the European Union. Take a ferry to France and then enjoy the scenery as you travel to Germany, Italy, Poland, or other destinations by rail or plane.

If you’re ready to start your moving to London from U.S. adventure, contact one of our consultants for assistance with the entire relocation process. You won’t regret it!

London is a shimmering cultural gem set within the cities of the world. There are a host of fabulous reasons why relocating to this wonderful city provides those moving into London flats with a host of adventurous and exciting opportunities to be culturally enhanced.

Here are 10 of facts about this shining city, many of which can be used to get away from London flats and expand your cultural awareness.

Fact #1 – London proudly boasts of having more languages spoken within its boundaries than in any other city around the globe.

Fact #2 – There are more than 170 museums in the city, 11 of which are national museums. These fine establishments house centuries of culture including such items as the Rosetta Stone, located in the British Museum, which dates back to 196 BC.

Fact #3 – The city also holds three of the world’s 10 most popular museums and art galleries. You will find a huge array of art galleries numbering close to 860.

Fact #4 – Four world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO are here which are Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Maritime Greenwich, Tower of London, and Westminster Palace (including St. Margaret’s Church and Westminster Abbey).

Fact #5 – More than 380 public libraries and 800 bookshops are located near London flats, including the prestigious British Library.

Fact #6 – If you like music then you will enjoy visiting some of the 17,000+ performances that take place each year held at over 300 venues. Be sure to catch a variety of concerts at the world’s favorite arena, The O2.

Fact #7 – Festivals are other fun activities which abound around London flats. There are nearly 250 of these fun events scattered throughout the city each year. A couple of the biggest and best are the Notting Hill Carnival and the Mayor’s Thames Festival.

Fact #8 – Chuckling until your sides hurt is another experience that you will find in this great city that hosts more new and established comedy acts than anywhere else in the world.

Fact #9 – The capital of the UK has become a powerhouse at producing British films, taking third place in the world. It now regularly spits out such hits as Harry Potter, James Bond’s Skyfall (the 23^rd Bond film), Clockwork Orange, and Notting Hill.

Fact #10 – Of course, you will also find that great music continues to flow from this marvelous city. Best-selling artists such as the late Amy Winehouse, Coldplay, Adele, and others mesmerize the masses with their magical musical abilities. Also, the world’s oldest active music hall, Wilton’s Music Hall built in 1743, offers visitors a taste of musical history as well as great sounds.

Get Help with Your Relocation

As you can see, there are reasons galore to relocate to this exciting city and these ten facts are just the tip of the iceberg. You will also find a third of the archives of the United Kingdom housed here at the National Archives and others, the world’s leading design event held each year at the London Design Festival, and 200+ Shakespeare showings at The Globe theatre and other West End venues.

If moving to this vibrant city is on your bucket list, let our consultants assist you with your relocation. We will help you find London flats as well as provide a treasure trove of other valuable services that will make your move here practically care free. Contact us today and begin gorging on the great sights, sounds, and experiences surrounding beautiful London flats.