Posts Tagged ‘moving to London advice’
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
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Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues
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Tuesday May 10th, 2011
Image via Flickr
Living in London gives you the chance to do all of the top tourist attractions and then once you’ve settled into your new London rental and established yourself as a Londoner, you can break out and do some of the more unusual things that Londoner’s like to do for entertainment.
The Secret Supper Club is one of London’s quirkier ways of being entertained of an evening. Think of it as a sort of ‘underground’ restaurant style of dining. Secret supper clubs became popular in late 2009, perhaps in a response to the recession or maybe to the overwhelming demand of Londoners for something completely different.
There are a number of Secret Supper Clubs in London and the location is never the same. Many of them are found in private homes and some Secret Supper Clubs change their venue each week. You don’t book a table at a Secret Supper Club; you become a member of the club. Of course you can find a listing of Secret Supper Clubs on the internet, but by the time they hit the web, they’re not really secret any more. Rather ask around your swinging London set for an introduction to the underground scene of wining and dining in secret.
One week you could be wined and dined in the cellar of a London home, and the next enjoying a secret roof top location. It definitely takes the hassle out of reading reviews or choosing a style of cuisine for your evening out. With secret suppers, you’ll have no choice over the menu, or the quality to be perfectly fair, but it does make for an interesting evening out and the chance to make new friends while you’re living in London.
There are many attractions in London that are carefully guarded by the locals from turning into tourist traps, but now that you’re living in London, it might just be time for you to discover some of London’s best kept secrets.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london uk, fun facts about london england, living in London, London, london facts, 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 from america, relocating to London, relocating to london england, Supper club, things to know about london
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Living in London, London Food & Beverage, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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Monday May 9th, 2011
Living In London – London Neighborhoods – West London Part II- Image via Wikipedia
Moving to London is not just about moving to a massive city, you can find hidden residential areas with different characteristics depending on your price range and what you’re looking for. West London is the choice of many an American moving to London and most Americans and Canadians living in London tend to stay to the west of the city.
West London – Maida Vale
Maida Vale is a unique part of London in that it right next to Little Venice, an area crisscrossed with canals and waterways. There is nothing like taking a barge up and down the canals and stopping wherever you choose at any of the magnificent pubs and restaurants lining the banks. Again, this is another face and facet to a fascinating city and the atmosphere living in Maida Vale is markedly different from any other area in London. A small London apartment will set you back about £1000 and you’re looking at paying about £ 4000 per month for a three bedroom home.
Council Information: Mayfair falls under the Council Borough of Westminster with annual taxes ranging from £500 – £1400.
Transport: Maida Vale station is on the Bakerloo Line of the London Underground and falls into Transport Zone 2. The closest overland train station is Paddington Station. There are several buses running from Maida Vale into the city and back, and you’re no more than 20 minutes away from all of the top tourist attractions while you’re living in London.
Shopping: Lots of shops and a quaint village atmosphere on many of the streets in Maida Vale, you’ll also find Sainsbury’s and Tesco in the neighborhood and Waitrose a little out of the suburb. Many of the grocery stores deliver to your home in the city of London so be sure to book your delivery through the website, to ensure you’re not hassling with groceries on the tube.
Doctors: The Maida Vale Medical Centre is found on Elgin Avenue and there are a number of surgeries in the suburb. The closest hospital with an A&E is in St. John’s Wood.
Other Amenities: If you’re living in Maida Vale, your right in the middle of three great parks: Hyde Park, Queen’s Park and regent Park, as well as having the canals and waterways as a fabulous way to spend a day out of your new London rental.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, Bakerloo Line, England, fun facts about london england, living in London, London, london apartments, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, Maida Vale, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england, Waitrose, west london
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Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London Transportation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Rent in London: London Apartment Tips
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Friday May 6th, 2011
Living In London – London Neighborhoods – North London- Image via Wikipedia
We’re up to north again and this area is the choice of many Americans moving to London. North London is a massive area with dozens of postcodes and suburbs. Mostly residential, many people who work in the city have chosen to live in North London for schools, amenities and the feeling of being slightly out of the city, even if you’re right in the thick of things.
North London – Hampstead
Hampstead is one of the greenest suburbs in London. It is also a suburb that has a village atmosphere and quaint shops and streets surrounding the magnificent green area of Hampstead Heath. This atmosphere comes at a price though. A London flat in this neighborhood can cost you anywhere from £1000 -£ 4000 per week. Houses are even more expensive.
Council Information: Hampstead falls under the Council Borough of Camden with annual taxes ranging from £900 – £2700.
Transport: Hampstead Station falls under Transport Zone 2 and is located on the Northern Line of the London Underground. The Hampstead Heath Station serves the overland trains and there are several buses from Hampstead into London, including the N5 night bus right to Trafalgar Square.
Shopping: Hampstead offers a number of excellent grocery stores that offer home delivery like Tesco Express and Waitrose but the real treat of living in Hampstead are the smaller shops that line the streets of this residential neighborhood. Specialty grocery stores and health shops, as well as boutiques and excellent restaurants can be found in this area. Hampstead is one of the suburbs in London where being seen out and about is more about celeb spotting than anything else!
Doctors: there are a number of excellent local GP’s in the area as well as the Royal Free Hospital which has an A&E as well as being an excellent maternity hospital. If you’re looking for a pharmacy in the area then you can find Boots on Hampstead high Street which is one of the biggest chains of pharmacies in the country.
Other Amenities: There are a number of excellent schools in the area from kindergartens to post graduate colleges. The borough of Camden has a large number of independent schools and international schools.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, Hampstead, Hampstead Heath, living in London, London, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to london england from canada, north london, Northern Line, packing to move to London, relocating to London, Royal Free Hospital, tips on living in london, Trafalgar Square, Waitrose
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Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London Transportation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Shopping in London Places
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Friday May 6th, 2011
Living In London – Suburban Splendor- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re an American moving to London then you may not want to live right in the city centre. One of the best things about living in London is that you can find residential areas that are close to the city, and still manage to retain a market town feel to them. You don’t have to trek all the way into the city when you want to play either. The ‘burbs and neighborhoods of London are well known for their vibrant night life and plenty of activities and attractions during the day.
The northernmost neighborhood of London is Enfield which includes the suburb of Southgate which is fast becoming one of the premier choices for a Canadian or American moving to London. The area of Enfield has a young, upwardly mobile demographic and the property prices make it one of the most reasonable places to find a London rental. Enfield has excellent amenities, and in fact is so forward thinking that it lays claim to the honor of being the site where the world’s first ATM was installed! There are literally hundreds of shops and stores in the town centre as well as excellent restaurants, pubs and clubs.
If you’re looking for places that have more open spaces and green parks to enjoy when you’re moving to London then you can’t go wrong with choosing suburbs that are on the perimeter of the city. A town like Enfield feels like it is hours away from the rush and smog of the city center and yet you’re only 30 minutes tube ride away from Piccadilly Circus in the heart of London.
Pymmes Park is a great place to visit if you have young children or fancy a picnic in the park as spring launches into a glorious English summer. Over 50 acres of pristine parkland with a basketball court, tennis courts, five football fields, and a children’s playground. You can amble round the lake, marvel at the English walled garden and enjoy the superb facilities of the park for free every day of the year.
Living in London, or a little way out in a neighborhood of London combines the best of city living and the highlights of London with the small village atmosphere of the countryside.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, Enfield, England, fun facts about london england, living in London, London, London Borough of Enfield, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London advice, Piccadilly Circus, Pymmes Park, relocating to London, things to know about london, Travel and Tourism
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Thursday May 5th, 2011
Living In London – Britain’s National Dish!- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re moving to London you’re going to have to sample some of Britain’s favorite food. No matter if you are an American or Canadian moving to London, the food is much different across the pond. While curry is not a British invention, it is a British tradition and has become the favorite dish across the United Kingdom. Indian cuisine has taken Britain by storm and you’ll find many Indian restaurants and takeaway venues that serve fine Indian cuisine while you’re living in London.
The history of the popularity of Indian food in England, and especially London, can be traced back to the time of the British Empire in India. The military that were stationed in India developed a taste and a love for the spicy Indian cuisine and brought the recipes and flavors back to England when they were on leave or going home moving to London.
Mulligatawny soup which is considered to be a British institution had its roots in the spicy broths found in India, and Kedgeree which is a firm favorite for breakfast began as a spicy rice and lentil dish in India. The numerous restaurants that sprung up in London and other cities had much to do with the introduction of going out for a quick meal. Eating out has not always been popular in London apart from the upper classes who dined at restaurants and fine hotels. The middle classes took to Indian food and Indian restaurants whole heartedly and the curry in all its forms is now considered Britain’s national dish.
Indian cooking and cuisine has become a part of British culture and tradition and you have to try this type of cooking when you’re living in London. It doesn’t matter what part of London you live in, you just need to walk out of your new London rental and head in any direction to find fantastic Indian restaurants and eateries. The east end of London in particular has a number of excellent Indian restaurants as there is a huge population of Bangladeshi’s living in the area, but you’ll find excellent restaurants all over London.
The best way to gauge the popularity and authenticity of an Indian restaurant is to see how many people of Indian origin are eating there. You can eat cuisine from a different country every night of the week while you’re living in London, but you can’t call yourself a true Londoner until you’ve sampled a good curry!
Tags: Americans moving to London, Business and Economy, fun facts about london england, learning 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, relocating to London, things to know about london
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Living in London, London Food & Beverage, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us
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Monday May 2nd, 2011
Living In London – Literary London-Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
Book clubs and literary societies are popular the world over, and if you’re living in London, joining a book club is the best way to meet new people and make friends. If you’re keen about reading, then you’re going to love living in London. There are many bookstores in London that cater to all tastes of literature and a number of more unusual and rare literary hobbies. Libraries are a very important part of life in London and while the use of a public library has faded in many parts of the world, you will find that each suburb and neighborhood has an excellent library with hundred of books. Most of the libraries in London are managed by the local council and they have great reading programs and other interesting groups attached to the library.
The book clubs in London range from informal gatherings to rather auspicious clubs with readings by famous authors and writers on a variety of subjects. The book clubs in London also cater to a wide range of ages and interests, from the ‘ladies who lunch’ book clubs, to book clubs for teenagers and on to more specialized book clubs who meet to discuss special interest non-fiction books.
There is a rich literary tradition in London and across England which you will easily fall into while living in London as a book club member. Reading is actively encouraged in primary school and the education system places a lot of importance on literacy and reading skill from a very young age. The best place to find book clubs in London is to check with your local library. They will have a list of the book clubs that might interest you that are within walking distance of your home. Book clubs meet at all times of the day and over weekends and evenings. Most book clubs meeting once every three weeks, but some book clubs organized by groups of friends meet once a week with books being a common interest but the social aspects of a book club are what bring people together every week.
If you’re living in London and want to get to know people in your neighborhood then a book club is one of the best ways to get out and find friends.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Book discussion club, bookclub, canadians moving to london, England, fun facts about london england, learning about london england, living in London, London, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to london from america, Public library, relocating to London, relocating to london england
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Living in London, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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Thursday April 28th, 2011
Living In London – London In-Depth By Area – West London Part III -Image via Wikipedia
Living in London is all about finding the London rental in an area that caters to your needs and what you like to do. London is a diverse and fascinating city, and with a bit of time you’ll be able to find the perfect London apartment in a neighborhood that you call home.
West London – Shepherd’s Bush
Shepherd’s Bush offers great places to rent and it is filled with visiting Aussies and South African’s. It’s not all about the student life in this area of London. There are some great schools and parks and the suburb has a laid back and relaxed feel to it. Must be the smell of barbecue’s every weekend thanks to the obsession with outdoor barbequing that Aussies and Saffers bring to the city of London. Rentals are somewhat cheaper in this area of London, ranging from £750 for a flat to about £2500 for a luxury home with that rare of rare finds in London: a back garden.
Council Information: Shepherd’s Bush falls under the Council Borough of Hammersmith and Fullham and annual taxes range from £800 – £ 2300.
Transport: With three tube stations found at Shepherd’s Bush Green you will always be able to find a ride into the centre of London. Oxford Circus will take you about 10 minutes and a journey to King’s Cross will take you about 30 minutes during peak times on the London Underground. Buses run throughout the day from Shepherd’s Bush into the city and the N207 is a night bus for late night city revelers.
Shopping: The usual mix of Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose but many people are flocking to the Westfield shopping centre which is the largest inner-city mall in Europe. You’ll find mall’s few and far between in London, so if you feel the need for one-stop shopping then this is the place to be.
Doctors: In keeping with huge number of Aussies in the area, one of the most popular medical surgeries is called The Bush Doctors, and you will also find excellent medical services at the Shepherd’s Bush Medical Centre.
Other Amenities: Shepherd’s Bush Market is a fantastic and eclectic open air market found between Uxbridge Road and Goldhawk Road. The theme is predominantly Irish and Afro-Caribbean and you’ll find loads of music and interesting food stalls to keep you busy while you enjoy the market atmosphere.
Tags: Americans moving to London, England, living in London, London, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Relocation, london relocation agent, London Underground, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, relocating to London, Shepherd's Bush Market tube station, Shepherds Bush, tips on living in london, Uxbridge Road, west london, Westfield London
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Monday April 25th, 2011
Living In London – London In-Depth By Area – North London Part II- Image via Wikipedia
Discovering London before you start living in London takes a little work but it’ll be worth the effort when you’re choosing your new London rental. If you’re moving to London you’ll want to know as much as you can about the different areas and their amenities before you splash your cash on something unsuitable for your needs.
North London – Camden
Camden is the home of the trendy, upwardly mobile, and young professionals and you can expect to pay anywhere from £1200 per week for single studio London flat to £6,000 per week for a four bedroom apartment in this area. Very close to central London though which makes for an easy commute into work this is one of the most vibrant suburbs in London.
Council Information: Camden falls under the Council Borough of Camden and annual taxes range from £1000 – £ 3000.
Transport: Camden Town Tube Station is located on the Northern Line of the London Underground and you can be in central London in under ten minutes. You can also travel to Richmond and Kew in less than an hour if you fancy a day trip out to Hampton Court Palace to enjoy the summer gardens. If you’re travelling by bus the C2 bus to Oxford Circus will get you right into the shopping district of London and if you’re out for the evening the night bus N253 will get you home in the early hours of the morning!
Shopping: Sainsburys, Tesco and M&S all offer large stores with all of the groceries that you need. Check out your local supermarket to see if they deliver in this area.
Doctors: The Ampthill GP Practice and the Camden Road Practice both provide excellent NHS surgeries for the resident of this suburb.
Other Amenities: Camden is a diverse and vibrant place and though it might look a little rough around the edges it is great place to live if you like to get out and explore London. The Camden Lock Market and the Stables Market are fabulous if you like original food, art, music and the more alternative side of London life. If you’re in Camden in the first week of May there is a live music festival that’ll have you out on the streets enjoying everything from African fusion to punk rock. Camden knows how to rock!
Tags: americans moving to london uk, Camden Road railway station, Camden Town Tube Station, England, Hampton Court Palace, living in London, London, london apartments, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Relocation Services, move to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, Northern Line, Oxford Circus, relocating to london england, Sainsbury's, things to know about london
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Living in London, London Food & Beverage, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London Transportation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Weekend Excursions
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Monday April 25th, 2011
Living In London – London In-Depth By Area – North London- Image via Wikipedia
When you’re moving to London you’ll want to get a good idea of the area that you’re going to be renting a London apartment in and what sort of amenities there are in the area. Prices are quite a lot more expensive than the rest of London, but if you are careful about choosing the right London rental you can be living in London in one of the more stylish postcodes for less than you think.
North London – Islington
Rental prices in Islington range from about £1000 per week for a small bachelor apartment to £3,000 per week for a three or four bedroom, semi-detached home. It is close to central London which makes it a popular suburb for people who have to commute each day into the city centre.
Transport: Angel Station in Islington is found on the Northern Line of the London Underground and the Highbury and Islington Station is located on the Victoria Line. A journey into the centre of London will take less than ten minutes from Islington. The most direct buses into the centre of London are the number 205 to Paddington and the 38 to Victoria. There are over 20 bus routes through Islington into London and beyond.
Council Information: Islington falls under the Council Borough of Islington and you can expect your annual council taxes to range from £900 to about £2800.
Shopping: All of the major retail outlets are found in Islington with Sainsbury, Tesco and Waitrose in the area and you can also find a number of excellent health food and whole food stores as well as smaller grocery stores offering a range of foods.
Doctors: If you’re looking for medical centers and dentistry services in Islington then the internet is going to be our best resource. Remember that nearly all GP visits on the NHS are free for all residents, so be sure and register at your local surgery as soon as you have moved into your new London rental.
Other Amenities: As in all of London there are restaurants and bars on many streets in Islington. If you’re looking for great dining try Fredericks or Fifteen, which is the home of top celeb chef Jamie Oliver.
Tags: Americans moving to London, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, Highbury & Islington station, Islington, living in London, London, london facts, London flats, London relocation specialist, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to london england from canada, Tesco, tips on living in london, Victoria Line, Waitrose
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Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, London Transportation, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Moving to London: Weekend Excursions
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Monday March 21st, 2011
Living In London – London For Less Than You’d Expect (Part 1)- Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
If you’re planning on moving to London, you probably already know that it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Unfortunately, not everyone has an unlimited budget at their disposal, especially when it comes to entertainment. If you want to do London on a shoe string, then you need to get creative about what you do for fun. We’ve put together a detailed guide on how you can enjoy everything that London has to offer without busting your budget.
“Food glorious food!”
We all want the opportunity to eat out at a celebrity chef restaurant in the heart of London. If you do, however, chances are that you’ll end up using “The F-word” more than Chef Gordon Ramsay once you get the bill. You can find excellent restaurants in London though that won’t break your bank. The best way to find great dining deals is to look for restaurants near your London apartment in your area and read reviews. A big factor in the cost of a meal out in London is the price of the drinks. A great way to save money is find restaurants that allow you to bring your own alcohol. New restaurants also offer better values than those with established reputations. Look for authentic ethnic cuisine in your area. You can find some absolute gems hidden away just waiting for you to discover them
Top Tip: If you’re in the mood for ethnic cuisine, and don’t know the restaurant, see how many ‘locals’ are going there. People love home cooked food and if it’s authentic, then it’ll be packed with folks from home. The same does not apply to MacDonald’s!
Oiling your elbow without emptying your wallet
Going out on a pub crawl need not be expensive. Yes, there are the exclusive cocktail bars and clubs in London that charge the equivalent of your London flat’s monthly rent for a pint, but most local pubs have lower prices. It’s a great way to get out of your London rental and meet new people. The trick is to look for pubs that have a happy hour. You’ll get great specials on different drinks. Check out the LateNightLondon website for reasonably priced pubs and bars in your area.
Tags: Alain Ducasse, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Celebrity chef, Cooking, fun facts about london england, Gordon Ramsay, London, london apartment, london facts, london moving, London Relocation, Michelin Guide, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, Restaurant, tips on living in london
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Living in London, London Food & Beverage, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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Friday March 18th, 2011
Living in London – Sights of London- Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
As a Londoner for you to get your money’s worth when enjoying the sights in London you have to visit the tourist attractions. Living in London does not mean that you should not act like a tourist! You have a magnificent city laid out before you are you’re actually living there. Now get out of your London apartment, grab your camera and make like a tourist for the day.
No sightseeing is complete without seeing the Queen’s Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace. During the ceremony, the new guard takes over from the old guard, all to the accompaniment of a military band, escorting the guard to and from their barracks. The band’s repertoire ranges from marches to rock and pop. The ceremony takes place at 11:30 and lasts about 45 minutes in the forecourt of the Palace. Tourists who have this ceremony included in their itinerary arrive very early to grab their spots against the railings to get the best views. The ceremony takes place on odd days in winter, but daily from April to July. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony is rarely cancelled, except for very wet weather though timings may vary due to State Visits to the Palace.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is another well-known landmark where life images of famous celebrities, prominent political personalities and celebrated musicians the world over can be viewed. The London Dungeon will find you in the torture chambers, and gothic horrors given the history of this monument. London Zoo is another popular spot for families during the summer months. There are also botanical gardens to enjoy if you prefer a more relaxed setting.
If shopping is your mojo then Chinatown is the place to be. The shops are colourfully decorated and serve as a one-stop shop where you can find absolutely everything and even things you didn’t think you would ever want! Chinese New year is a festival that lights up London with fireworks and colourful street parties. London’s Tourist attractions are a must see if you are moving to London. You cannot be a proper Londoner until you have done them all!
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, Buckingham Palace, Chinese New Year, England, Guard Mounting, London, london apartment, london facts, London Living, London relocation specialist, London Zoo, Madame Tussaud's, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, packing to move to London, Queen's Guard, relocating to London, things to know about london, tips on living in london
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Thursday March 17th, 2011
Living in London – More River Rambles- Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
While some people avoid ports and harbours as a place to stay, when you are living in London some of the most exclusive London apartments are found in the docklands. The Docklands are situated in the east of London and include a mixture of small towns and boroughs such as Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Greenwich and Newham. The existing port has been considered to be one of the largest in the world. With the ever-changing landscape of London, the Docklands are also being transformed into a residential and commercial area. The name Docklands was first used when the government plans were being finalised in 1971 and subsequently Londoners have taken up the name in their daily use.
The Dockland area is spread along the river Thames and includes a number of dockyard complexes namely, Surrey Commercial Docks, Regent’s Canal Dock, St Katherine Docks, East India Docks, Mill Wall Docks, Royal Docks and London Docks. These docks are used for shipping goods and services. The history of the Dockyards began during the Roman period with ships arriving at the quays. In that time a lot of trouble was experienced with local residents and thieves as well as congestion with the excessive number of ships landing at the pier.
Fast forward to 1696 when the Howland Great Dock was erected to increase the limited space and provide security against the thieves. The area was then further developed by various rulers and it was known as the London Dockyard. There are three types of docks which include Wet Docks, Dry Docks and Dockyards. Unloading and Loading of ships took place at the Wet Docks, Dry Docks were used for repairing ships and Dockyards were where the ships were built.
These docks have also been referred to by great authors and in movies as well. Charles Dickens refers to the riverside and docklands in his novels. Joseph Conrad also describes the docks, its buildings and people in his book. Phillip Pullman has also referenced the docklands in his novel The Ruby in the Smoke. The docklands have also found their way into the movies and were featured in the movie 28 Weeks Later by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo.
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Wednesday March 16th, 2011
Living in London – See The City On The Water- Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
You are living in London and by now, you have realised that there are as many things to do as days in the year. Getting to know London is a lifelong experience and is a fascinating journey into history, art and cultural magnificence. London has a variety of parks, historical monuments and cruises available.
If spending time on the water is your ‘cuppa tea’ then these London cruises are right up your alley. Bateaux London offers lunch and dinner cruises with a combination of live entertainment, excellent customer services and luxury dining. Restaurant cruises range from Classic Three-Course Lunch Cruise to a Five-Course Elite Dinner Cruise to a Sunday Lunch Jazz Cruise. Dinner Cruises include live entertainment and after dinner dancing. One of the best ways for you to experience and view London’s famous landmarks is to sign up for Bateaux London cruise for incomparable views of the capital.
The Ultimate London Speedboat Ride is another option for experiencing a day out on the River Thames. It is an exhilarating opportunity see to the city at high speed. You are given a choice of 3 tours, which include the Ultimate Spy Experience with a James Bond movie soundtrack playing on board, the Canary Wharf Experience and the Greenwich, O2 and Thames Barrier Experience. The Greenwich, O2 and Thames Barrier Experience offers an adrenaline filled London speedboat blast, which is like a roller coaster on water! One minute you will be cruising gently under Tower Bridge the next you are full throttle at a rate of 50 knots!
The Canary Wharf Experience offers more of London in just less than an hour than any other conventional sightseeing trip – this thrilling speedboat tour represents fantastic value for money. Be captivated by the history of London as you take in views of the a some the many landmarks including The Globe Theatre, Houses of Parliament and HMS Belfast, The Globe Theatre. The 3rd option is the Ultimate Spy Experience which not only includes London sights, you will also be entertained with fascinating anecdotes and true stories about the life and times of author Ian Fleming, the history of the British Secret Service and their counterparts and James Bond. These tours push the world’s most famous river into a high-speed league of its own.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, Bateaux London, canadians moving to london, Canary Wharf, England, fun facts about london england, Globe Theatre, HMS Belfast, London, london facts, london moving, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, River Thames, Thames Barrier, things to know about london, Tower Bridge
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Wednesday March 16th, 2011
Living in London – West End Wonders- Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
West London is a part of Greater London and lies on the west side of the central area. It is considered an economically upscale area and is the location for numerous government organizations and offices which makes it a desirable spot for a London flat. West London is also home to the busiest airport in the world. Heathrow airport is the window to Europe for visitors, tourists, business people and expats. West London caters for the various districts that are available around the M4 motor highway.
River Thames is very near to the West London and the area is full of parks and green areas which give it a distinctly village feel. The city of London is well into the planning stages for more development of the transport infrastructure of this area, various new railways lines are being laid, and it is expected that a few more boroughs and villages are likely to join the region of West London. Shepherds Bush, popular for fashion is also located in West London. There are major carnivals and festivals celebrated yearly by the Caribbean residents of this area and they are considered the largest festivals in the world that are celebrated on the streets of West London. Around two million tourists and local people take part in this celebration. The famous antique market that is located in Portobello Street is in West London.
In this area, the transportation system normally includes cars and then public transport into the centre of the city, which caters for all you transportation needs. There are mainly three type’s of transportation links available in West London and they are central line and the district lines. The third line being the Piccadilly line, which is the underground metro system. All these lines are served by three main hubs in West London namely Ealing, Richmond and the Hammersmith. Other than these transportation links there are two more systems that help in transporting people: The over land railway system and the West London trams.
Living in West London is a lot like living in the suburbs. Good schools, great parks and wide-open spaces, and you are minutes away from the city.
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