Posts Tagged ‘moving to London advice’
Friday November 4th, 2011
Author: Colleen
If you’re planning a relocation to London, one of the first items you must consider is where to live in London. Belinda and I both continually discuss London neighborhoods from time to time, and for a while there I’d been maintaining this series that toured London postcode by postcode. Well folks, it only took me almost a year to get around to it (literally), but today I am finally rounding out my eight-part neighborhood series with London’s Southeast postcodes. Ta-Da!!!
Here they are:
SE1 – Bankside, Bermondsey, Borough, Newington, North Lambeth, South Bank, Southwark, Waterloo
SE2 – Abbey Wood, Thamesmead South
SE3 – Blackheath, Blackheath Park, Kidbrooke, Westcombe Park
SE4 – Brockley, Crofton Park, Honor Oak Park
SE5 – Camberwell
SE6 – Bellingham, Catford, Hither Green
SE7 – Charlton, Harvey Gardens, New Charlton
SE8 – Deptford, St. John’s
SE9 – Eltham, Mottingham, New Eltham
SE10 – Greenwich
SE11 – Kennington, Lambeth
SE12 – Grove Park, Lee
SE14 – Hither Green, Ladywell, Lewisham
SE15 – Nunhead, Peckham
SE16 – Rotherhithe, South Bermondsey, Surrey Quays
SE17 – Elephant and Castle, Kennington, Walworth
SE18 – Plumstead, Shooter’s Hill, Woolwich
SE19 – Crystal Palace, Gipsy Hill, Norwood, Norwood New Town, Upper Norwood
SE20 – Anerley, Penge
SE21 – Dulwich, Upper Sydenham, West Dulwich
SE22 – East Dulwich
SE23 – Forest Hill
SE24 – Herne Hill
SE25 – South Norwood
SE26 – Bell Green, Lower Sydenham, Sydenham
SE27 – Tulse Hill, West Norwood
SE28 – Thamesmead
Located in SE1, Southwark has a high-density of both population and attractions. This is where you’ll find the London Eye, the London Aquarium, the London Dungeon and other tourist havens with a lively riverside atmosphere that includes street performers and markets. With the National Theatre, Old Vic Theatre (where Kevin Spacey is artistic director and actor), and The Southbank Centre among other venues dedicated to the arts, SE1 is a real cultural center. Shakespeare’s Globe is also here in the Bankside area, the vicinity where the original Globe stood and was thereby part of London’s original theatre district. Restaurants, pubs, and office buildings line the river here, yet for as much commerce as there is in and around the SE1 area, it’s also quite residential, with ample access to amenities as well as entertainment. The extensive outdoor market near London Bridge in Borough is among London’s best renowned, and this area is desirable for those looking for an edgier, artistic, and eclectic scene and/or needing a short commute to the City.
Greenwich in SE10 is perhaps best known around the world, however, as the place “where time begins.” Outside its Royal Observatory is the famous Greenwich Meridian Line, which represents the Prime Meridian of the world at Longitude 0º. Greenwich’s observatory and National Maritime Museum are a big draw for tourists and residents alike, and the area is home to the Royal Naval College and Greenwich University, but this lovely village has much more to offer those living there. Greenwich Market boasts an amazing collection of arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles, and an assortment of other unique gifts, while the quaint surrounding area is filled with pubs and boutiques. Hilly and leafy, it’s a tranquil place to picnic and relax, truly feeling like a little village removed from the city’s bustle.
Just east of SE1 is SE16, where the neighborhood of Rotherhithe sits on the River Thames among the Docklands. Rotherhithe was the departure site of the The Mayflower ship, kicking off its voyage to the New World. Nearby Canada Water offers a convenient transport link with both Underground and Overground services, and Surrey Quays houses a large shopping complex more akin to what North American expats are used to. This area is overall rather non-touristed and makes for a quiet residence. Just southeast of Greenwich lies SE3, where the annual London marathon starts in Blackheath on the fringes of Greenwich Park. And going further southeast from there, in SE9 you can find two golf courses, the Royal Blackheath Golf Course and the Eltham Warren Golf Course.
SE19 is probably best known for Crystal Palace’s National Sports Centre, an athletic training facility as well as host to major international track and field events. The vicinity is characterized by wide-open green space, and Crystal Palace Park is perfect for family days out; it used to be a Victorian pre-historic theme park and still contains dinosaur sculptures around the Boating Lake along with a children’s farm. And if southwest London’s Clapham is considered “Nappy Valley,” SE22′s East Dulwich is on its heels for claiming the title. You’d be hard-pressed not to see a woman walking down its sidewalks who is either pregnant or pushing a pram—seriously. Young families are flocking to this area in droves these days to take advantage of more affordable housing and a quieter residential life that still has close access to high street and boutique shops, artsy cafés, and restaurants.
If you find this of any use as you prepare for your London move, get psyched for the London Relocation company‘s soon-to-be-arriving new website, which will include a more comprehensive and downloadable guide to London neighborhoods, thanks to the expertise of its London Relocation agents.
Tags: advice on where to live in london, apartments in London, best places to live in london area, best places to live in london for families, best places to live in london for students, east london, london apartment, london expat blog, London lettings agency, london neighborhoods guide, london neighborhoods map, london neighborhoods where to live, london relocation agency, London Relocation Services, London relocation specialist, map of london neighborhoods, moving to London advice, moving to london where to live, north london neighborhoods, rent london, southeast london, where should I live in london, where to live in London
Posted in:
Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, Rent in London: London Apartment Tips
3 Comments »
Wednesday June 15th, 2011
Living in London – You’re English now!- Image via Flickr
There are so many English traditions that are worth experiencing when you’re moving to London. From quaint affectations and mannerisms, to a completely different way of eating; delving into English traditions is going to be one of the more fun aspects of settling into your new London rental and life in London.
Learn the proper deployment of the word bollocks. It basically means ‘balls’ but to my ears, it sounds a lot more tasteful. Useful for many occasions, just don’t confuse it with ‘dogs bollocks’ which is ‘bollocks’’ complete opposite!
‘Going down the pub for a pint’. I’m almost certain that there can’t be anything more English than this and if you’re an American moving to London, it really won’t take you that long to adjust to this tradition. Ever gone to a bar for a beer after work? Pretty much the same thing, except in England they sometimes do it during working hours too! A measure of a pint is equivalent to 470 ml, just to make it easier for you to wrap your head around the concept of a pint. With regards to my earlier blog about English traditions, many pubs will even have Bangers and Mash on the menu, so you’ve got that as an option.
In a similar vein, back home in the States, we have the NFL, here we have the English Premier League. That’s for football, i.e. soccer, but don’t call it soccer. Call it football. Every year, starting around the middle of August and going through to May of the next year, the nation’s top football teams compete for the honor of ending the season on top of the Premier League. We’re talking about Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal. It’s pretty much the most hotly contested sports competition in England, bar none. And if you’d like to get an idea of how big a deal the Premier League is, get a few tickets for the next match between Manchester United and Liverpool. Trust me, the level of rivalry between these two teams and the drama that each match promises won’t leave you bored.
Essentially, you could have yourself an extremely English day if you just did the three things I mentioned in this blog. Head down to the pub where you’ll get yourself a pint along with some bangers and mash, perhaps. Stay at the pub and watch the football there. Or go to the football with your mates, where you’ll shout “bollocks!” every time your team concedes a goal and describe your team’s performance as “complete bollocks” at the end (Alternatively, should your team win, you can describe them as the “dog’s bollocks”). And then you can go to pub again and drown your sorrows or celebrate your win with a pint.
You’re living in London. Act like it!
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Association football, England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, Manchester United, Manchester United F.C., Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, Premier League, relocating to London, things to know about london
Posted in:
Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London, England History, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
No Comments »
Tuesday June 14th, 2011
Living in London – Smile for the Camera!- Image via Wikipedia
One of my favorite things about living in London is catching the city I live in on the telly. And I don’t just mean EastEnders (though that’s fun too). I mean watching a movie and suddenly seeing a part of the city you visit quite regularly. Like watching ‘Mission Impossible’ and spotting Bankside located nearby to London’s Southwark Bridge. Or an unnervingly empty and desolate Piccadilly Circus in ‘28 Days Later’. It can be loads of fun playing ‘spot-the-location’ while sitting on your couch watching movies or amongst an audience at the cinema. Here are some of my favorite examples of London in the movies.
28 Days Later – Like I said, hugely unnerving. The part where Cillian Murphy runs around the city looking for someone, anyone, and not finding a soul gave me shivers given how I much I take it for granted the huge crowds I see in the city.
Notting Hill – Obvious choice this but, given the millions of people that have been inspired by this film to visit and move to London, it has to come into this list. It really does help to show off the city. For any true Londoner, the last bit with them tearing through city, fighting traffic is both funny and thrilling.
The Bourne Ultimatum – it’s doubtful that anyone has gone sprinting around Waterloo station quite as frantically as Matt Damon does in this film, but for anyone who’s experienced the mad crush of people in one of the busiest train stations in the world, this is fantastically exciting.
Shaun of the Dead – A favourite for film buffs in general and not just Londoners. North Londoners will probably spot Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Finsbury Park in the background.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – two words: Millennium Bridge.
I guess you could say that it’s not exactly a list of top class cinema (more crowd-pleasers, actually), but I think all these films help to show off the swinging city. There must be hundreds of films that could be added to this list, so maybe this blog needs a sequel. And who knows, spend enough time exploring London, and you might spot yourself on the telly if you’re lucky.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, living in London, London, london apartment, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, Muswell Hill, Piccadilly Circus, relocating to London, Southwark Bridge, Travel and Tourism
Posted in:
'London Literacy' - our poet's corner!, Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
No Comments »
Monday June 13th, 2011
Living in London – Ghostly Goings On- Image via Wikipedia
You’re settled into your new London rental; done the tourist sights and now you may be looking for something a little different. As an American living in London, it may interest you to know that the city is almost two thousand years old. Scattered all over the city are many old buildings, many of which date back to the fifteenth century.
No, this isn’t another history lesson. Something far more enticing: ghosts.
London, you see, is as famous for its numerous haunted buildings as it is for being the home of the Royal Family and there are a number of tours for you to take that show off various haunted areas of London.
The Tower of London is a popular visit for ghost-fans, seeing as it was used as a prison and saw its fair share of executions (including beheadings). Henry VI is supposed to be one of the ghosts holding residence there and legend has it that his ghost supposedly appears as the clock nears midnight, walking back and forth till the clock hits twelve.
Another famous tale of the haunted Tower of London tells of Mr. Arthur Crick, a custody guard for the tower. Apparently, he decided to take a rest from his rounds and had just slipped his shoe off and sat down when he heard a voice behind him whispering, “There’s only you and I here.” To which Mr. Crick replied, “Just let me get this bloody shoe on and there only be you.”
Another of the Tower’s famous undead residents is the ghost of Anne Boleyn, former Queen of England and married to Henry VIII. When Henry grew tired of his wife, he ordered her beheaded and her remains were buried within the Tower’s grounds. Anne’s ghost is said to be seen roaming the grounds quite frequently, scaring the living daylights of anyone who crosses her path.
Over at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End, the ghost of the theatre’s former manager, Mr. John Buckstone, who passed away over one hundred years ago, still haunts the theatre, with his voice often being heard in the backstage dressing rooms.
So if you’ve just moved to London and you’ve got the nerve to try it, take up one of London’s Haunted Tours.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Anne Boleyn, canadians moving to london, fun facts about london england, Henry VI of England, Henry VIII of England, Her Majesty's Theatre, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Monarchy of the United Kingdom, Moving to London, moving to London advice, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, things to know about london, Tower of London
Posted in:
Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London, England History, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
No Comments »
Monday June 13th, 2011
Living in London – The Big Move or The Big Easy?- Image via Wikipedia
Moving to London can be, as with moving to any new city, a daunting task. There’s the excitement that comes with moving to somewhere new, looking ahead to meeting new people, broadening the ol’ horizons. But then there’s also the worry of finding a suitable place to stay, the worry that you’ll struggle to adapt to your new home, having to figure things out so that you can do something as basic as go to the shops to get milk and sugar once you have moved into your new London apartment.
As with anything that comes with this much worry, the very best thing you can do is formulate a plan of attack, preparing in advance for whatever may lay down the road. No doubt, you’ll miss a few things and something might still pop up to spite your careful planning, but it’ll be far better than if you hadn’t planned at all.
I’m not about lay out a plan of attack that will suit your situation, because everyone has their own particular worries and concerns. But I am going to list a general inventory of things that should concern anyone intending on moving to London (or any city for that matter).
Where you’ll be staying – London is divided into dozens of areas. Decide what kind of area you want to stay in and investigate what home would suit your situation best.
Transport – you’ll need to get around, whether by train, tram, bus or your own steam. If you’ve found a home that suits your needs, consider how you’ll be getting to and from wherever you’ll need to go.
Do you have kids? – It’s the kind of thing that can add umpteen complications to an already complicated situation. Kids have needs, school not the least of them. If you’ve found an area that you want to move to, do you know if they have schools that can offer your kids what they need.
That’s just three points, but I think it’s already clear at this stage the kind of planning that needs to be put into moving to London. It all starts with doing as much research as you can…
Tags: Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london uk, England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, London relocation specialist, Moving and Relocating, Moving to London, moving to London advice, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, Travel and Tourism
Posted in:
Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues
No Comments »
Friday June 3rd, 2011
Living In London – Music Melting Pot- Image via Wikipedia
When you’re moving to a foreign country then the fastest way to get yourself a little culture is to dive into the local music scene. When you’re moving to London however, it’s a little different. Living in London is like living in a world in one city. There can’t be a music style or cultural mix more diverse than London has to offer. It has a style all of its own and yet you cannot categorize it as a style.
If you’re looking for a live music experience then you’re in for a treat. London has the widest range of clubs, bars and pubs offering live music in many different styles. Perhaps that is the defining aspect of culture in London and indeed in England. Everyone loves going to the pub for a good ‘knees-up’ and a party! Wherever you are living in London it is time to get out of your new London flat and experience London with your ears.
All of the international acts come to London, so if you’re looking for big arena tours from massive musical celebrities then you’ve come to the right city. The 02 Arena and Wembley offer a home to the stadium performers and you’ll have to rush to get tickets for your favorite act or they will be sold out in minutes.
There are a number of smaller theatres and venues for a more intimate musical experience. But if you want to experience live music with a lot of soul then you have to hit the clubs and bars that specialize in delivering high quality music performances every night of the week.
Many bands and musicians start their careers in London and thousands of aspiring musicians hit the circuit in London every year to try and make it big. Who knows, this could be your chance to say you saw them BEFORE they hit the big time.
Living in London is about wringing every last drop of adventure while you are here. You don’t have to stick to tourist attractions to get the most out of London. Explore your neighborhood, delve into your community and above all…Have some fun while you are living in London.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Pass, London Relocation, london relocation agent, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, relocating to London, things to know about london
Posted in:
Living in London, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
No Comments »
Wednesday May 25th, 2011
Living In London – Three (More) Reasons Why Living In London is Great! - Image via Wikipedia
London is at the center of everything that it important in England and Europe today. For work or play, London remains one of the premier cities in the world.
- Working in London: If you get the chance to work in London, you’ll be exposed to a different work culture and a slightly different way of doing business. If you’re an American moving to London you’ll be able to gain international experience and be able to do business with people from all over the world. Working in London is like being part of the world’s biggest business network. With so many foreigners living and working in London you’re going to develop friends and business relationships that will last forever.
- Transport: You don’t need to own or drive a car when because the public transport system in London is one of the best in the world. Even when it goes wrong, it is still great! If you want to get out of the city and explore the rest of the country then you can rent a car for the day or for a holiday. Remember that while you may be in London, you are an hour away from the rest of Europe. Fancy a jaunt to Paris for the weekend? Chill out in Amsterdam for a while? Anything is possible when you are living in London.
- Celebration Central: Londoners love to party and the city of London has hundreds of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Even if you just go for a look, it’s always nice to see London turn out to play and celebrate their heritage and history, as well as a great party.
If you’re moving to London, you’ll be moving to the one of the most spectacular cities in the world. Get ready for the adventure today!
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Amsterdam, Barclays Cycle Hire, canadians moving to london, England, fun facts about london england, living in London, London, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, Paris, relocating to London, things to know about london, Travel and Tourism, United States
Posted in:
Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, 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 »
Saturday May 21st, 2011
Living In London – Weekend Away - Image via Flickr
The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street
A lonely spinster sitting in her parlor, embroidering handkerchiefs? One of the greatest institutions that the world has ever known? Who was ‘The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street’ and why you will need her when you are moving to London?
So much to learn when you’re living in London and part of your adventure will be to get out of your cozy London apartment and explore the city of London while learning as much as you can about the fascinating history of London and England.
The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street was born during the war, one of the many wars, between England and France. In 1694, King William III, went down to his counting house and discovered that he was running a little low on gold bars. With the war effort gobbling up so much money, and knowing that his cash card would be refused at the ATM, he approached two gentlemen, who agreed to lend the King some cash.
As you all know, even if you’re not a King, if you take out a loan, you will have to pay it back along with interest. The loan agreement with William was to be paid back by taxing the public on the alcohol they consumed as well as a shipping tax on businesses. The original interest rate was to be 8% which would be paid back, in effect, by the British people.
(I would not suggest using this example when you’re negotiating a mortgage on your new London flat!)
Out of this financial transaction, The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street was born. The transaction was the foundation for the Bank of England, and the moniker ‘The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street was given to the bank after a 1797 political cartoon by James Gilray which showed the Bank of England as a woman sitting on a chest of money. The Bank of England was the first private bank in the world and is still located on Threadneedle Street today.
While the imposing facade is definitely worth a look when you are living in London, it is well known that there is more of the Bank of England underground than at street level. Since 1973, the bank has employed a highly trained private security force, but until then it was guarded by the Brigade of Guards. Ever heard the expression, “It’s as safe as the Bank of England”? It refers to the absolute security of the bank throughout the years it has been in existence.
If you’re interested in money and the history of banking then you should visit the Bank of England Museum which is open on weekdays and offers a unique insight into the history of the bank as well as the history of money and especially the history of bank notes. The bank of England has always been the bank of the government of England and it is the lifeblood and the heart of the English banking system which has played such an important role in world banking.
My question still stands through…who was ‘the old lady of Threadneedle Street’?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that there was at least one ‘old lady’ who visited the bank on a daily basis to ask for her brother. She did this for over 25 years starting in the year 1811. Sarah Whitehead lost her mind after her brother Philip, a former employee of the bank, had been executed after being found guilty of fraud. After her death, she was interred in the churchyard which became the Bank Garden, and some say that her ghost can still be seen visiting the bank every day…
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Bank of England, Banking Services, Brigade of Guards, Business, canadians moving to london uk, England, Financial Services, living in London, London, london apartment, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to london england from canada, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england, rent london
Posted in:
London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Moving to London: Weekend Excursions, Shopping in London Places
No Comments »
Friday May 20th, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
You’re happily settled and living in London, and you’ve managed to save yourself quite a bit of time by having your groceries delivered, paying your bills online and doing the crossword on your commute. There are other tips and tricks to saving time while you’re living in London, so that you’re free to get out of your new London rental and explore the city.
Saving Time & Money While You’re Living In London
- TV Time: If you’re an American moving to London then you’ll probably be a little shocked at the small number of channels when compared with television in the states! If you want to save time you can record your favorite shows without having to sit through an entire show. Sky Plus is a new addition to the Sky television network and you can choose your favorite shows and record them all ready for a Saturday afternoon of dedicated television viewing.
- Eat Out or Take Away: Keep your local restaurants on speed dial! You can order online or by phone if you fancy a take out for an evening. If you do feel like going out and painting the town red though, you must always book in advance. Most London restaurants are full each night and you can wait for ages to get a table or a seat at the bar if you have not made a reservation. If you’re treating out of town guests to a celeb chef restaurant then you should book months in advance to ensure that you get a table. The turnaround time for a reservation is about two months!
Living in London will give you the opportunity to get out and explore the city. Start with your local neighborhood and then venture further afield as you get acquainted with your surroundings and your new life. The joy of living in London is the absolutely wide variety of choice that is on offer. You’ll never get tired of this fascinating, sometime frustrating, and overwhelmingly beautiful city.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Business and Economy, canadians moving to london, England, living in London, London, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, london relocation agent, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, Public transport, relocating to London, things to know about london, tips on living in london, Tourism, Travel and Tourism
Posted in:
Living in London, London Food & Beverage, London Neighborhoods
1 Comment »
Tuesday May 17th, 2011
Living In London – Number 10 vs. The White House- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re living in London, then you’re also living at the heart of British politics and the seat of the government. While many people consider the Houses of Parliament and Buildings at Westminster to be the headquarters of the government in England, there is another address that is just as important and is well worth a sightseeing visit if you are moving to London.
Number 10 Downing Street is the home of the Prime Minister, much like The White House is the home of the President of America. The scale and size though is remarkably different. While you cannot take a tour of the interior of this most fabled and famed seat of power in the history of the world. You can take a fascinating online peak of what happens behind the unremarkable black door that leads straight onto Downing Street.
Not only is it the home to the Prime Minister of the day, it is also the very heart and inner sanctum of the government of the day. While they are in office, the Prime minister and his family live in a private London apartment on the second floor of the residence which led Margaret Thatcher to comment that it was a little like “Living above the shop”. The cabinet meets every Tuesday to discuss affairs of state in the Cabinet Room. Number 10 is able to handle functions of up to 65 people in the State Dining Room, and an invitation to dine at Number 10 is highly sought after.
Due to the heightened security of recent years, it is not possible to walk up to the door, but in a typical display of restraint and tact there are usually only two bobbies, or policemen on duty outside of the door to Number 10. There are more though, you just won’t ever be able to see them.
One would have expected that the leader of one of the world’s greatest nations would have something bigger, grander and more fitting, but one of the first things you’ll learn when you’re living in London is that tradition is one of the binding facets of English life.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, fun facts about london england, living in London, London flats, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to London advice, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england, relocation agents, things to know about london
Posted in:
Living in London, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues
No Comments »
Monday May 16th, 2011
Image via Flickr
With only four weeks left until you are moving to London, you’ll have a whole list of things that you need to get done. This is the most important time for sorting out things in your country of origin as well as aspects of paperwork that will make your arrival in London so much easier.
Count Down Checklist for Your Moving To London
One month to go:
- Cancel contract: This is the time you need to cancel all of your contracts in your country of origin. You need to make a list of all of the contracts that you have running and cancel them in writing. Make sure that you confirm the cancellation so you don’t rack up bills while you’re away. Examples of contracts that need cancelling are gym memberships, cell phone contracts and rental agreements. If you’re paying back loans to the bank, you’ll have to inform the bank that you are leaving the country and put in place a system of being able to make payments to cover your loan agreements.
- Medical Matters: make sure that you get a full medical history from your current doctor before your moving to London. If you have a condition that requires ongoing treatment and prescriptions that it is vital that you have a full history to give to your new NHS doctor. Registering with a doctor as soon as you are settled into your new London flat is very important.
- Even if you don’t have a permanent address in London before you leave, it is important to have a physical address in your country of origin where you can redirect your mail. Choose a friend or family member who is prepared to be your mail clearing house while you’re abroad. You can always change your details if you want to forward your mail to London, but it is still useful in terms of official mail, to have an address in your country of origin.
Getting ready for your move before the time is the biggest guarantee of a smooth experience when you’re moving to London.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, Country of origin, England, Expatriate, fun facts about london england, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, National Health Service, relocating to London, Relocation (personal), tips on living in london, Travel and Tourism
Posted in:
Living in London, London Neighborhoods, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues
No Comments »
Thursday May 12th, 2011
Living In London – The London ‘Underground’ – The Hidden Treasure of London Part VI-Image via Wikipedia
Shopping
If you’re moving to London, you’ll have to experience the majesty of Harrods, the pomp and tradition of Oxford street and Bond Street, and the fun of Hamley’s. But for a truly unique London shopping experience, you need to step out of your London flat and explore some of the more unusual shops and shopping experiences that this city has to offer.
Charity Shopping
This is one of the favorite pastimes of any well seasoned Londoner. Charity shops are found all over the city and they offer great bargains for a great cause. If you’re looking for designer cast-offs then head to the charity shops in places like Kensington and St. John’s Wood. Donating clothing to charity has become somewhat of an institution in England and you can find excellent clothing as well as other collectibles at various charity shops across the city. If you’re particularly good at charity shopping you can find some fascinating vintage clothing and designer items that will enhance your London wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Rare Books
There are a number of shops that handle rare and interesting books, and while you might not be in the market for a signed first edition of an antique book, you can often find some rare bargains and interesting reads. Maggs Bros Rare Books has been in existence since 1853 and handles the rarest of books and fine literature. Just browsing through the book dealers of London in other areas you can find a selection of books that range from the sublime to the ‘cor blimey!
Bespoke Tailoring
If you’re living in London then you have to treat yourself to a tailored suit from one of the master tailors on Jermyn Street. If you don’t want to drop you cash on an entire suit, then take a look at the tailored shirts at Turnbull and Asser. It’s the height of men’s fashion and all the shirts and ties are manufactured using quality cloth and the utmost attention to detail.
Living in London is about appreciating the finer things as well as the smaller things in life. In this bustling modern city, you can still find tradition and excellence on every street.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london uk, England, living in London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London advice, relocating to London, things to know about london, tips on living in london
Posted in:
Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Shopping in London Places
No Comments »
Wednesday May 11th, 2011
Living In London – The London ‘Underground’ – The Hidden Treasure of London- Image via Wikipedia
Once you’re living in London, you’ll want to get out of your new London apartment and start exploring the city as a native, not a newbie. When you’ve done all of the big tourist attractions you have to start exploring the hidden facets of fascination that this city has to offer. London has a history that reaches back over 2000 years and the history is plainly written on the cityscape if you know where to look.
This series of articles looks at the hidden side of London; the ‘underground’ not only being a reference to the transport system. If you’re looking for interesting things to do, see and experience then the secret side of London is available to you because you’re now a Londoner. That makes you part of the club and knowing where to go as a Londoner is one of the best parts of living in London.
Each neighborhood in London is a secret treasure trove interesting sites, restaurants, theatres and other quirky attractions. While London is a thoroughly modern city, its history has played an important part in shaping and guiding the city through the ages. From the mighty River Thames that is much a part of London history as any other building or museum, to the parks and architecture that give London its iconic postcard status.
You don’t have to stick to the tourist tracks; much of London’s treasure is in the hidden statues and historical landmarks that are not marked on the maps. The same goes for shops, restaurants and the best eateries in London. It’s not a secret club, but you do have to be living in London to experience the best parts of the city. If you’re an American moving to London, you need to explore your new city like a Londoner to take advantage of what she has to offer. Don’t stick to expat enclaves, get out there and discover the heart of the hidden treasure of London.
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 to let in london, fun facts about london england, living in London, London flats, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London advice, relocating to London, things to know about london
Posted in:
Living in London, London Neighborhoods, 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, Shopping in London Places
1 Comment »
Tuesday May 10th, 2011
With the worldwide move to healthier eating and organic food, if you’re an American moving to London, you may be asking if there is a good range of whole food stores and shops that only sell organic food.
While there are several fully vegetarian restaurants in central London, you’re more likely to find organic food restaurants being more popular. Many of the supermarkets and grocery stores in London offer a range of organic and health foods but if you’re looking for places that stock a full range of only organic food then you’ll have to find smaller shops that cater to this market.
Most of the organic food specialists are found in central and west London so you might have to search around that sells goodies from home and other foods that are grown organically. Many of the bigger stores operate a web site with shopping and delivery across London so you don’t even have to venture out of your new London rental to get the healthiest, freshest foods and groceries available.
If you’re looking for a day out, then you can head to some of the markets that offer fresh organically grown food from farms across England. The Islington farmers Market is found in north London and offers a full selection of farm fresh organic veggies and whole foods and is open on Sundays from 10am until 2pm. If you’re looking for a daily market then Spitalfields organic food Market is open every day with many shops offering whole food and health food goodies. The market itself is only open on Sundays.
If you’re looking for a range of markets while you’re living in London then check out the official London Farmers Market website for special offers and events.
Tags: american expats in london, american moving to london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, farmers market, Food, fun facts about london england, Grocery store, Health, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, Organic, Organic food, relocating to London, relocating to london england, things to know about london
Posted in:
Living in London, London Food & Beverage, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Shopping in London Places
No Comments »
Tuesday May 10th, 2011
Living In London – Harley Street Healthcare - Image via Wikipedia
If you’re feeling a little under the weather when you’re living in London, then Harley Street is the place to head to; if you’ve got the cash. Harley Street is found just west of London in the borough of Westminster. It is one of the many streets in London where the industry all revolves around a specific subject. The largest concentration of private doctors, medical specialists and surgeons is found in and around Harley Street. Today there are over 3000 healthcare professionals working in and around Harley Street and at the hospitals in the area.
This health care treatment comes at a cost and unless you have a good medical insurance scheme, then many of the consultation fees will seem exorbitant. It is however the home of some of the best specialists in London and England, and you can get an appointment through your local NHS doctor if you need specialist care.
While doctors may have been drawn to the area by the numbers of well to do homes and families living in the area it has become a centre of medical excellence and surgery in the heart of the busy city of London.
Private health care is extremely expensive in the United Kingdom and many people use the NHS provided by the government which is efficient and gives excellent health care. Bupa UK is one of the leading private health insurance companies and many people have a top-up scheme rather than full private health care.
Remember that private health care does not automatically mean that it is better when you’re living in London. For non-emergency care you’ll wait longer for an NHS appointment, but many of the top specialists in London are working in NHS hospitals. For emergency care, you won’t get any better facilities than the NHS hospitals, even if you do go private; there are often limits on the post operative treatment at private hospitals.
Tags: Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london uk, living in London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to London advice, Moving to London from US, packing to move to London, relocating to London, relocation agents, things to know about london
Posted in:
Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues
No Comments »
