Posts Tagged ‘Kensington Gardens’
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
Author: Colleen
Continuing on with our series if you’re
relocating to London with a pet, here are a few additional tidbits my dog-owning friend had to share with me about pet ownership after a
London move. Yesterday, we talked about London’s overall pet-friendliness, so today let’s get more specific about rewarding your pet with a pleasant London experience for making that
international relocation with you:
Where are your favorite places for walking your dog?
I LOVE Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park for our dog—there are always other dogs and people out and about and loads of squirrels to chase. AND the Honest Sausage snack bar is, of course, a personal favourite of our furry friend.
Battersea Park is another great place for dogs—ours heads out with his buddies to BP a few days a week. AND on the weekends, Richmond Park is doggie heaven with acres and acres of trails, open space and swimming opportunities for our four legged friends. All off leash—but you do have to be mindful of the deer and the horses in the park, so it’s wise to know that your dog is good with recall. Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath, and Primrose Hill also all have large leash-free areas.
What if you aren’t home to walk the dog?
For those people who work at an office and don’t want their pet home alone all day, there are a number of dog walkers and doggy day care options in and around the city. A good place to start in finding a walker is through your vet—who may have an approved list of dog walkers in the area—or from other pet owners in your local park.
Speaking of vets, how can expats go about finding a good one for their pet?
A good vet is a MUST, and I highly recommend our vet, Dr. Peter Culpin at Pets Naturally in Notting Hill. Cannot say enough wonderful things about him—gentle, kind, sweet, and incredibly knowledgeable about pets large and small: www.petsnaturally.co.uk. He is one in a million.
I hear, though, there is also one near Marble Arch that is good as well, and another expat friend who recently got a dog just found the local vet in her neighborhood, which is a privately owned chain of three locations in north London: St. John’s Wood, Primrose Hill, and Finchley. They’re called Hamilton Veterinary Clinics: www.hamiltonvets.com. There is another bigger chain called Village Vet (www.villagevet.co.uk). University of Cambridge apparently also has a cutting edge animal hospital for serious pet illnesses.
Like healthcare for humans in the UK, your experience is largely dependent on whether or not you find a good doctor or not. So do the research, ask around, and take referrals seriously. I received referrals from two people who did not know each other for the same vet and took that very seriously. I would also suggest getting insurance, which is offered by many companies; I got mine through Tesco.
Well, this is all very valuable information to know if your London relocation involves a pet, and we’ll follow up tomorrow with more. Meanwhile, if you have questions about the logistics of actually moving a pet overseas, don’t hesitate to ask any of our London Relocation company staff—they’re highly knowledgeable on all aspects of an international relocation, for humans and animals alike!
Tags: Battersea Park, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Hampstead Heath, international relocation, Kensington Gardens, london relocation agents, london relocation companies, London Relocation Services, moving company, Moving to London, office relocation London, Pet relocation, Primrose Hill, relocation company, relocation in london, relocation jobs London, Relocation service, relocation to london, relocation uk, Richmond Park
Posted in Americans Moving to London, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues | 1 Comment »
Monday, July 25th, 2011
Relocation to London – The Key to Kensington - Image by toastbrot81 via Flickr
Having the services of professional London relocation agents is the best way to make sure you will have your own London apartment within a few days of moving to London. If you don’t have any idea of the different neighborhoods and areas of London it can be a challenge to decide on an apartment. You’ll be signing a lease agreement for at least six months to a year and you need to be confident in where you are living so that you can really settle in to London life and enjoy the city.
There are many reviews of different areas and suburbs in London, as well as websites and fact sites about the average prices and the amenities, but how do you get a real feel of the area when you’re 3000 miles away trying to prepare for your relocation to London?
London Neighborhood Watch: Kensington
Kensington is found in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and it is one of the Notting Hill neighbors which may give you an idea as to price and lifestyle of the area. The West End of London is considered the ‘posh’ side of town and Kensington is one of the poshest areas that you could choose to live in.
If you’re moving to London and want to get away from the tourist traps, then Kensington is not for you. It is geared up from tourists and that means that you may be paying rather more than you should for a burger and fries in a local restaurant. It’s one of the neighborhoods in London where you are guaranteed to run into a celeb or two even if you’re just out having a walk.
The nicest aspect of Kensington, and the reason it is a tourist attraction in its own right is that it is absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. Gracious buildings, wider than normal streets and the magnificent Kensington Gardens right on your doorstep. This is the area of choice for international celebs and politicians, but it’s a more genteel area than an up and coming one.
Kensington does not rate highly on the community vibe scale, when you’re living with ambassadors and nobility, they don’t tend to hang out down the local pub, but there is fantastic shopping to be had on the high street and loads of trendy cafés and eateries for you sip your latte and watch the world go by.
Even if you don’t live in Kensington when you are moving to London, it’s worth a visit to the park on a summer afternoon or just meander through the streets like a tourist.
Tags: England, Kensington Gardens, London, london relocation agents, Moving to London, Relocation service, relocation to london
Posted in Relocation to London | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
Make an international relocation to London and see the Disney Princesses - Hey, how did Alice get in there?! Image via Wikipedia
Author: Colleen
That’s right – Disney is coming to London, and though it’s not for a few months yet, that gives you plenty of time if you’re moving to London this summer to settle into your London apartment rental and step out into Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. No, they won’t be setting up the Dumbo ride next to the Round Pond, but this is still pretty cool—following in the wake of one tremendous royal event in London (that would be the Royal Wedding, if you couldn’t guess. Derr…) is another:
On October 2nd, Rapunzel will be inducted as the 10th Disney Princess at Kensington Palace!!!
In so doing, this little lady will be joining the ranks of Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Belle (Beauty & the Beast), Jasmine (Aladdin), Pocahontas, Mulan, and Tiana (The Princess & the Frog). The festivities will kick off with a procession through the park and include a welcoming ceremony, English tea, and other entertainment and activities.
If you’re making the relocation to London with a family in time for this, what a fun freaking activity in London for your children, huh? Heck, I’m psyched for it, to the extent that, because I’m going to be out of town for it (ironically, to go to Disneyworld with my family), I’m going to make my husband wear his pinkest shirt and head over to videotape the princess parade for me. 
I do hope Rapunzel will catch a flight back to Orlando in time to sign autographs for my nieces and nephews. Maybe Jasmine can lend her a magic carpet. Or Cinderella’s fairy godmother can make her a Concorde jet out of mushy peas.
Anyway, you might be wondering the same thing I was when I first heard the news. Why London? I could see Paris because of Disneyland there, but London otherwise has nothing Disney beyond the store. Well, it seems it’s for two reasons: 1) In light of the recent grandeur of the Royal Wedding, Disney figured if there’s any city in the world that can do royalty right, it’s London; and, 2) The Historic Royal Palaces organization, which is working in cahoots with Disney on this, views it as an opportunity to encourage the public to learn more about the real-life royalty that has occupied impressive palaces such as this and had such profound influence on society and culture. No doubt the current Enchanted Palace exhibition in Kensington Gardens has brought particular attention to Kensington Palace as a residence of several princesses—the exhibit centers on seven real princesses (Mary, Anne, Caroline, Charlotte, Victoria, Margaret, and Diana) who lived there, and another (Kate) will have an apartment with William there this summer.
So if you’re relocating a family to London this summer and looking for a fun event to unite the whimsy of Disney with the stateliness of London, Rapunzel’s royal ceremony could be a fun way to let your hair down, so to speak, and enjoy where historical and pop cultures intersect.
Tags: Disney Princess, Historic Royal Palaces, international relocation, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, london activities for kids, london relocation agents, london relocation companies, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, moving to london with a family, office relocation London, relocation agents, relocation companies, relocation company, relocation in london, relocation jobs, relocation jobs London, Relocation service, relocation service london, relocation services, relocation to london, relocation uk, Royal Wedding, The Walt Disney Company
Posted in Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Recreation | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
Moving to London – Think about Where you want to Stay.- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re moving to London and your London relocation agents are on the hunt to help you find a place, then it’s always handy if you have a basic idea of what you’re looking for. That’s assuming that you haven’t gone over to get a firsthand view of what’s available. There are a number of areas for you to move to move to suit your needs.
Notting Hill is a start. Largely because of the movie, obviously. But the area also has more to offer besides the locations featured in the movie (though Portobello Road would be a likely first stop for many Americans given how prominently it is featured as a location). Notting Hill also has many things to do during the day, it has a vibrant nightlife, and you can also visit Kensington Gardens to take in a fresh air experience if you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all.
If you’re looking for something that will allow you an easy access to London’s nightlife, look to the West End. It’s certainly a more upmarket location, but if you do live there, you would have your choice of restaurants, theatre shows and other aspects of the London nightlife.
As an American, St John’s Wood might hold special appeal for you seeing as it does have an American School (the only American School located in the city of London). St John’s Wood already has an established community of Americans living there, so moving there should be particularly attractive given that the presence of your countrymen should help you to acclimatize.
Moving over with your family means finding an area to accommodate your needs. Barnes, situated right across the River Thames from Hammersmith is a suburb that has a growing community of young professionals. There are primary schools, nurseries and London city itself is easily within reach given the convenience of public transport.
That’s only four areas, but we’ll be exploring some of the most popular neighborhoods that have been identified by expert relocation companies to consider if you’re moving to London. Regardless of you final choice, always remember that you and your London relocation agents should always consider your situation and your best interests when moving.
Tags: Americans moving to London, international relocation, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, london relocation agent, london relocation agents, london relocation companies, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, Notting Hill, office relocation London, Portobello Road, relocating to London, relocation agents, relocation companies, relocation company, relocation in london, relocation jobs, relocation jobs London, Relocation service, relocation service london, relocation services, relocation to london, relocation uk
Posted in Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Apartments: What to Expect in a London Flat, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Relocating In London, Relocation In London, Relocation London, Relocation to London, Rent in London: London Apartment Tips | No Comments »
Monday, June 27th, 2011
Author: Colleen
“Little known” to me, anyway, and probably most other expats moving to London; locals probably have to memorize all this for their secondary GCSE exams. If you’re researching your international relocation to London, you might not know much about Kensington Palace or particularly care, but I find it worthwhile to bring up considering the high quantity of Americans moving to London who ask our London Relocation agents to search for London apartments on the city’s west side. And on this west side, spanning from Kensington and Notting Hill on one end to Knightsbridge and Mayfair on the other (with popular neighborhoods like South Kensington and Chelsea nearby in between), Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park comprise a prominent green space in west London. So, located on the west side in Kensington Gardens is the royal residence of Kensington Palace.
Modern generations know it as the home of Princess Diana, who continued living in apartments there even after her divorce from Charles. This is where a sea of bouquets were laid before the palace gates upon Diana’s tragic death. And though Diana’s apartments are no longer available (serving instead as offices), Kensington Palace (or “KP” as Diana called it) is where Prince William will be bringing his own wife Kate to live as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. This begins to answer the question my friend and I had asked recently on touring the Enchanted Palace exhibit there: “Does anyone live here now?”
Before I get to that, let me mention who has lived there before. The palace began from an early 1600s mansion where King William III and Mary II took on residence in 1689 and expanded it with the help of Sir Christopher Wren (I love that the Historic Royal Palaces website calls this a “Wrenovation“). Queen Anne next lived there following her succession to the throne in 1702; she commissioned extensive work on the gardens and the construction of the present-day Orangery, where the public can visit for afternoon tea. Kings George I and II were also to live at KP during the 18th century, and George II is rumored to still haunt the King’s Gallery there…woooOOOOoooo… During his reign, his wife Queen Catherine had first opened the gardens to the public, but only one weekend day, and a formal dress code was enforced. Where historical monarchs go, KP is perhaps relatively better known as the childhood home of Queen Victoria, whose bedroom can still be seen with its original furnishings.
These days, as you can see from the handy image below (compliments of the Daily Mail Online), the KP complex continues to house members of royalty that get significantly less face-time than the ones bombarded by the media when they’re out and about making official visits on behalf of the Queen. As the caption states, residents include the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, the Duke of Kent, and Prince Charles’s private secretary, Sir Michael Peat. And, as perhaps the most random and least known fact of all among London expats, the stillborn baby of a friend of Diana’s still lies in an unmarked grave in the walled garden.
Source: Daily Mail Online
When your relocation company (oh, please let it be London Relocation!) has placed you in a palace of your own, you would be remiss not to pay Kensington Palace a visit. Unoccupied portions of it are available to the public, and you can enjoy a nice, shockingly quiet walk down the tree-lined street of Kensington Palace Gardens—it’s closed to public vehicles, but not pedestrians, and here you will find the wealthiest of London’s wealthy and get to view KP from another angle. Until then, good luck with your relocation in London!
Tags: british monarchy, corporate relocation, Historic Royal Palaces, international relocation, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, london relocation agents, london relocation companies, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, office relocation London, Princess Diana, relocation agents, relocation companies, relocation company, relocation in london, relocation jobs, relocation jobs London, Relocation service, relocation service london, relocation services, relocation to london, relocation uk, west london relocation
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London, England History, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocation to London | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
Living In London – Outdoor London- Image via Wikipedia
Just as soon as you have settled into your new London apartment, you need to consider getting out and spending the long summer days enjoying the good weather. If you are used to an outdoors lifestyle, you may think that moving to London will give you no opportunity to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
Yes. London is a massive city, but it is also one of the greenest cities in the world. A stroll round one of the many parks and open spaces will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting and you want to get your adrenalin pumping then why not try some of the adventure sports and activities that are available in or close to London.
Paintball
This is an extremely popular sport/activity for young Londoners and there are a number of excellent paintball facilities close to the center of London. Paintballing is a great way to meet people, and have a day of fun in the outdoors. You will get dirty; you have been warned!
Kayaking
Yes. Right here in London! You don’t even have to leave the city to enjoy this sport. With the River Thames winding its way throughout the city you can explore the city from a totally different angle. The kayak season is from April until October and this adventure starts from Regents Park and lasts for about two hours. It’s great if you’ve never wobbled your way into a kayak before and for people who live for the thrill of rafting and kayaking.
Country Walks and Rambles
London is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside and if you want to get out of the city for a day, then the Home Counties offer some truly remarkable country walks and rambles. You can even explore the quaint English countryside on horseback if you want to spend some time getting back to nature while you are living in London.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, England, English language, Home Counties, Hyde Park London, Kensington Gardens, learning about london england, living in London, London, london apartments, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, london relocation agent, Moving to London, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, Regent's Park, relocating to London, River Thames, things to know about london, tips on living in london
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London Relocation Guest Bloggers, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Living In London – Summer Sensations Part III- Image via Wikipedia
Beginning your ‘living in London’ adventure at the start of summer means that you’re in for a right royal treat. London puts on her best every summer for the thousands upon thousands of tourists that visit England’s green and pleasant time every year. Of course, just as soon as you have settled into your new London rental, you’re no longer considered a tourist! You’re one of us now, and summer is the best time to get out and explore your new city. This week we’re spending some time giving you the Londoner’s guide to where to go and what to do during the halcyon days of summer in London.
Weather or Not?
Just because it’s summer you should still be prepared for any type of weather while you’re out discovering what your new home has to offer. In recent years the month of September has been warmer than July and August, but for the most part you can expect extremely hot days, or cold and rainy days, or the occasional shower, or not. That is about the most predictable one can be about the weather in England!
If you haven’t seen our previous posts about living in London and the weather, this is your most important tip: Never complain about the weather to a native Londoner. As a foreigner, you’re just not allowed to! That said, be prepared for a lot of moaning about the weather from the English themselves.
The best thing about living in London during in the summer is that you will be able to get out and discover the parks and green spaces within the city. London has some of the best parks in the world and is one of the greenest cities in the world. If you’re new to London and want to get out for the day then the most famous parks in London are Hyde Park and the adjacent Kensington Gardens. It’s one of the best starting points of a city tour and you’ll feel right at home among the tourists and Londoner’s alike.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, English language, fun facts about london england, Hyde Park, Hyde Park London, Kensington Gardens, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, things to know about london, Travel and Tourism
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London Relocation Guest Bloggers, London Transportation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Thursday, May 12th, 2011
Living In London – The London ‘Underground’ – The Hidden Treasure of London Part IV-Image via Flickr
Tranquility and Calm
Despite its reputation as a massive city, living in London is going to give you an opportunity to live in one of the greenest cities in the world. There are dozens of parks and open spaces. Of course you’ll want to visit the grand parks of central London: Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and Regents Park. There are however a number of smaller parks and gardens that are known only to Londoners. A respite from a weary working day or a great place to spend an afternoon in spring time. Some of the real treasures of London are not on the tourist maps.
Culpepper Community Garden
Right in the heart of a busy shopping and business area, Culpepper community Garden is a delightful oasis of tranquility and calm amid the bustle of modern London. The garden is located in Islington and is considered a city park as well as an environmental centre. The garden is focused on the community and is entirely organic. There is a large section of vegetable plots that are maintained by community gardeners and volunteers. These small gardens, including two raised gardens for the disabled are for the local community to enjoy the magic of growing and cultivating a garden. Community groups, school children and people who do not have gardens in the neighborhood, all come to lovingly tend the gardens all year round.
Different habitats and ecological environments have been cultivated to ensure the diversity of the area, and there is an abundance of birds, butterflies and frogs that make up the wildlife in the garden. Culpepper Community Garden hosts a number of functions throughout the year and annual membership of the garden is a paltry £10. You can be as involved as you want to be. From cultivating your own plot, to using the garden as a welcome sport away from the madding crowds in Hyde Park. This garden is truly for the community.
You’ll find that after you’ve been living in London for a while, you are struck by the sense of community that Londoners have for their neighborhoods and their city. You’re one of us now, so join in!
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, communitygarden, fun facts about london england, Garden, Hyde Park, Hyde Park London, Islington, Kensington Gardens, learning about london england, living in London, London, London flats, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London England, Regent's Park, relocating to London, rent london apartments, things to know about london, tips on living in london
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London Relocation Guest Bloggers, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Monday, May 2nd, 2011
Author: Colleen
*sigh* I must admit I’m a bit sad now that the April A-Z Blogging Challenge is over – that was fun! Not that I don’t blog every day anyway, but having the alphabet as a daily prompt was cool. My inspiration for the next week’s posts will instead be a week of hosting an out-of-town guest. One of my closest friends from university is here, and aside from the many memories and qualities that make this gal special to me, this particular visit carries a lot of nostalgia because I was traveling with this same friend the very, very first time I ever set foot on UK soil. She was with me the first time I saw Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the River Thames, etc. thirteen years ago, so in 2011 she’s excited to experience the more everyday side of life now that I’m living in London.
We just returned from a sunny afternoon in Windsor, where we didn’t, in fact, tour the castle, but nonetheless had a lovely time wandering the shops and sitting to lunch with a few of my mates on the Thames at RiverHouse pub.
Yesterday, we likewise had a royally great time walking through Kensington Gardens and falling under the spell of its “Enchanted Palace” exhibit, still on through spring of next year while Kensington Palace is being refurbished. Kensington Palace is most recently renowned as the home of Princess Diana, where she raised William and Harry, but it was home to several other princesses as well. I won’t mention their names, as part of the Enchanted Palace’s activity is to discover each one for yourself as you step back in time and tiptoe through their stories, room by enchanted room. Since my first visit to this exhibition a year ago, the fashions and artwork on display have changed, and it’s my understanding that they were to shift once more as of today. So I could describe exactly what I saw, but it would be different for you if you were to see it as of this week.
And I wouldn’t describe it in detail to you anyway! Not to be a jerk, but to leave some mystery to be desired… What is most integral to Enchanted Palace is that it’s an experience. It’s not about taking a stale palace tour and loading your cranium with facts that you won’t retain past the gift shop as you exit; it’s about understanding the essence of what characterized the lives of each of the seven featured princesses. Through a blend of high fashion, artwork, poetry, and audiovisual effects, Enchanted Palace presents history in an avant-garde style that leaves a lasting impression. Certainly, it’s the most unique way one could tour a historic palace.
I’ll leave it at that. If you’re relocating to London this year or just planning a visit, check out Kensington Palace’s Enchanted Palace website and the location itself for a bit of atmosphere and magic, as well as profound insight into the life of a Princess.
Tags: americans moving to london england, americans relocating to london uk, Diana Princess of Wales, enchanted palace kensington palace, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, london apartments for rent, london relocation agent, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, relocating to london england, rent london apartments, uk relocation, Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle
Posted in London Recreation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Living In London – London In-Depth By Area – West London Part II- Image via Wikipedia
When you’re deciding on where to live in London, you’ll need to a comparison on the prices, the transport systems and the amenities in the area. Living in London for the first time can be a challenging experience and you’ll want to get settled into your new London rental as fast as possible so you can start enjoying all that the city has to offer
West London – Bayswater
Bayswater is an extremely centrally located suburb of London. Bordered by Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the area is a perfect choice if you don’t want to spend ages travelling to work. Having two of the most magnificent parks in London on the doorstep has meant that prices in Bayswater are rather more pricey than other central areas, but you can find some excellent London flats to rent if you’re prepared to look around. You can expect to pay from £1350 for a one bedroom apartment to about £9000 for a four bedroom home.
Council Information: Bayswater falls under the Council Borough of Westminster and annual taxes are reasonable for the city of London, ranging from £500 – £1500.
Transport: The first stop on the London Underground from Bayswater is Paddington which is one of the largest train stations in the country. The Bayswater Tube Station is found on the Circle and District Line and a journey to the city, even in peak time will not take you longer than about ten minutes. The number 94 bus runs to Piccadilly Circus 24/7 or you can catch the 390 to Notting Hill for a day out.
Shopping: All the big shopping brands are represented in Bayswater. Marks and Spencer’s and Waitrose have large stores in this suburb for all of your shopping needs. Contact the stores directly through their websites to find out about the cost of home delivery.
Doctors: The Bayswater Medical Centre is an excellent local surgery and if you’re looking for dentists then the Paddington Dental Centre provides NHS dentistry for all your dental needs.
Other Amenities: Bayswater amenities are mostly found in the Queensway area and you’ll love the Whiteleys Shopping Centre with its range and mix of food stores and fashion stores when you’re looking for some retail therapy after a hard day’s picnic in Kensington Gardens!
Tags: Bayswater Tube Station, England, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Relocation, London Underground, Moving to London, Notting Hill, relocating to London, Travel and Tourism
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation Guest Bloggers, London Transportation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
Living In London – Have Kids, Will Travel--Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
Moving to London with children? Will they be able to make it in the big city? That could be the first question that crosses the minds of concerned parents when they know that they are going to be living in London with a young family. Yes. London is a busy cosmopolitan city, but somehow, in a way that is uniquely English, London also has a distinctly suburban and village feel at times. A lot of that has to do with the way that London has been divided into suburbs and boroughs. There are areas in the middle of London where you can be forgiven for thinking you are living in a small village in the heart of the English countryside.
Once you have settled into your new London rental, and have found schools for your children, you’ll want to give them the opportunity to see London and experience everything that London has to offer. It’s not just about monuments and museums. There are a number of activities that you can do as a family that will allow you to see London and spend a great day out as a family. London Zoo is a great place to start, if you’re looking for a full day of entertainment in the animal kingdom. The London Aquarium is also another exciting attraction that has been designed and developed to cater to children of all ages. Madame Tussauds, the Science Museum; these are all fascinating and thrilling attractions that will keep the entire family amused for hours.
But what happens when you are living in London and you’ve done all of the major tourist activities? What if you’re just looking for a spot to have a family picnic, relax in the summer sun, and spend some time enjoying the outdoors? Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is a huge adventure zone for children of all ages. Free, easy to find and an experience that your kids will want to repeat every week. Kensington gardens in particular are the site of the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, complete with pirate ship and a natural beach. For the older children there are well built bicycle paths and skateboard areas. Swimming, boating, sports facilities; all free and on your doorstep.
Living in London with a young family can be one of the most enriching and exciting times in the history of your family. It will expose your children to an international style of living as well as opening their eyes to a world of possibility.
Tags: England, Hyde Park, Hyde Park London, Kensington Gardens, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Relocation, London Zoo, Madame Tussaud's, Moving to London, relocating to London, Travel and Tourism
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Friday, March 25th, 2011
Living In London – London Parks - A Royal Garden--Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
If you’re living in London then you’ll want to get out of your new London rental as often as possible, especially as spring puts on her best display for you. London is home to numerous parks and gardens that are open all year round and you need to explore all of the green areas in London. One of the finest parks is Kensington Gardens and is worth really spending some time exploring all that the park has to offer.
Kensington Gardens
Situated on 111 hectares of central London, Kensington gardens has been laid out formally, with wide leafy avenues and formal flower gardens. It is the backdrop for Kensington Palace and is just next door to the magnificent Hyde Park. Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria, is situated right in the park and was the home of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Diana Memorial Playground is a free playground and has a Peter Pan theme complete with a pirate ship and a beach. This tribute to the princess was opened in 2000, and is loved by children across London.
The Italian Gardens located at the very top of the Long Water which leads into the Serpentine, is an ornamental water garden. It was inspired by the Prince Albert and created in 1860 by Queen Vitoria. Ornate fountains, ponds and statues, it is a perfect place for a picnic. The Round Pond has been in use since the early 1700’s and is a haven for people who sail model boats throughout the summer months. Much loved by children and famous the world over; the Peter Pan Statue has something magical about it. It was donated to the park by the author of Peter Pan; JM Barrie in 1912.
Kensington Gardens is a gentle park, it is filled with trees and it is one of the best spots to laze away a summer afternoon in the heat of London. Living in London is about exploring and finding these hidden oases amid the bustle of city life.
Tags: Diana Princess of Wales, Hyde Park London, JM Barrie, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, living in London, London, London Living, london move, London Relocation, Queen Victoria, Round Pond
Posted in Living in London, London, England History, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Moving to London: Weekend Excursions | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 15th, 2011
Living In London – The Best Places For Expats To Live In London- Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
If you are considering moving to London, then your first search is going to be to find a place to live. You will want your cosy little London rental to be in an area that is central and close to the major transport hub as having a car in London is neither practical nor necessary. Expats tend to congregate into certain areas depending on where they originate and while it may be comforting to be able to walk down the street and hear a familiar accent, you might decide to cast off into areas that are not traditionally associated with the large expat community in London.
Many American and Canadian expats who are considering moving to London will want to have a certain degree of familiarity, at least at first and if you have children who will be attending and American school then one of the best areas to live in has to be St. John’s Wood. It is also one of the more pricey neighbourhoods of London; certainly, it attracts a fair share of celebrities and the ultra wealthy. St. Johns Wood, though, is one of the friendliest and safe suburbs of London and having the American School in London means that it is a huge draw card for Americans with young families. There are beautiful homes in St. Johns Wood as well as a number of parks and green areas, quaint shops and outdoor eateries lining the tree lined avenues.
Notting Hill on the other hand is the trendy spot for Americans and other expats to live in. It was made famous by the film of the same name that starred Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts and many expats are drawn to the lifestyle as opposed to specifically enjoying the area. It is also an expensive area to live in, but it is so charming, bohemian and quirky that you will fall in love with it immediately. The homes in this neighbourhood are small; do not expect wide lawns and gardens here. If you want to escape the bustle of Notting Hill then the closest park is the exquisite and beautiful Kensington Gardens that are nearby. Notting Hill is home to the famous Portobello Road flea market and it is a lively sopping experience for anyone who is new to London. The neighbourhood is young, trendy and definitely up and coming. It is a fabulous place to get out and meet new people from all over the world who have flocked to this city for the time of their lives.
Meeting new people in London is easy. London is a city of travellers and has a large population of expats from all over the world who will be as interested in learning about as you are in learning about them. That is the key really: Get out there and start having fun in your new city. London is one of the best places on the planet to live in.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, flats and apartments to rent, Flats in london, flats to let in london, fun facts about london england, Kensington Gardens, London, london apartment, london apartments, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London advice, Notting Hill, Portobello Road, rent london, things to know about london, United States
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Rent in London: London Apartment Tips | 3 Comments »
Friday, January 14th, 2011
Living in London – A ‘Green’ City Part I- Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
Living in London is like living in one of the world’s most beautiful gardens. At nearly every turn, there is a stretch of land that has been prepared for you to enjoy. Like any large city, space is at a premium and many homes do not have gardens or a place to sit outside and enjoy the clement weather when it arrives. Getting out of your new London apartment and enjoying the beauty of the green areas in London will be a treat as well as great exercise. Moving to London does not mean that you will be living in a tiny apartment in the heart of an unfriendly city. Moving to London will give you the opportunity of broadening your horizons and experiencing one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This article is the first in a series on the ‘green’ living experiences in London.
Hyde Park
One of the most famous parks in the world. It has been immortalised on film numerous times and is one of the largest parks in London. Attracting millions of people each year, this is a park that has a number of tourist attractions in the area as well as being a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine – yes, the sun does shine here! As you approach the main entrance to this park, you will be struck by the sensation of being in the countryside immediately. London is one of the most treed cities in the world and Hyde Park has hundreds of shady spots where you can enjoy a picnic or just spend a few minutes of your lunch hour in the middle of the day to relax and recharge your business batteries. If you are an equestrian, then you’ll be thrilled to know that many of the parks have bridle paths and horse riding is extremely popular in this city.
Hyde Park is divided into two halves by the Serpentine River that winds lazily through the park. From April until October you can hire a rowboat and explore the river that flows through Kensington Gardens all the way to the Diana Fountain, which is a tribute to the late Princess Diana. There are plenty of eateries and restaurants along the Serpentine so you can work up an appetite and then enjoy a long lazy lunch in the sun, which may or may not turn into early evening cocktails.
One of the most eclectic sites in the park (and one of the most famous) is ‘Speakers Corner’, which is a small area that is dedicated to the freedom of speech. Traditionally people would get up on a box and air their views to the world, which is where the expression ‘getting on your ‘soapbox’ comes from. You can say literally anything and air your views on a variety of subjects. If it is legal, you can rant about it.
Hyde Park is also well known for its concerts and entertainment and it is one of the premier locations for the big name performers who love to perform in London, despite all of this it remains one of the most unspoiled and charming English country gardens. A haven for Londoners and a tourist destination of note.
Tags: Americans moving to London, Diana Princess of Wales, England, Hyde Park, Hyde Park London, Kensington Gardens, London, london moving, Moving to London, moving to london england from canada, Serpentine River, Speakers' Corner
Posted in Living in London, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | 1 Comment »
Monday, December 20th, 2010
Author: Colleen
Continuing on with our London Relocation version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to make your London move festive, the next line in the original is: “On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven swans a-swimming.”
Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:
“On the seventh day of Christmas, London gave to me…
several swans in ROUND POND…”
Just like on the Fourth day, I thought I’d stay quite literal on this one. The Round Pond just outside Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens is a water-fowl’s haven and lets you get nice and close to white, feathery prettiness. Experience has informed me that if you sit at the water’s edge, a swan just may swim right up to in hopes for food. I’d recommend the Thames river-walk in Richmond as well if not for the fact that a mad, hissing swan there royally freaked me out .
And now, to continue caroling:
“…farmer’s market goose eggs,
fiiiiive O-lym-pic riiiiings!
Soaring raptor birds,
sweet French crepes,
a pub named Dove,
and a Partridge’s Kraft Mac-n-Cheese.”
Tags: american expats in london, colleen, expat london blog, flats to let in london, Kensington Gardens, london apartment, london apartments, london relocation blog, London Relocation Services, moving advice blog, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocation advice blog, rent london, student flats to rent in london, twelve days of christmas
Posted in London Recreation, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | 5 Comments »
