Posts Tagged ‘moving to london from america’
Tuesday January 3rd, 2012
With the number one New Year’s resolution in the United States being to lose weight it is no surprise that many moving to London from America have resigned to do just that as we begin the January. Whether one has already moved to London or in the final stages of preparation there are many wonderful groups to help keep one on track with their goal.
For years and years the UK’s fine citizens were generally in better shape than their pudgy American cousins. Over the last decade, however, Brits have beefed up making obesity numbers increase. Those moving to London from American should not be shocked to see many ads flooding the air waves and print aimed at losing weight.
Just like in the States individuals moving to London from America will be bombarded by hundreds of get-skinny-quick pills, programs and diets. Also, just like in the States, the only way to successfully lose weight, get healthy, and keep it off is to make a lifestyle change. To facilitate that change there are several wonderful groups in the London area for anyone moving to London from America to join.
A good place to start the weight loss journey is on MeetUp.com. This website is home to many groups arranged by category for those in the London area. There is a good selection of weight loss themed groups that focus on a fit and healthy lifestyle rather than a wonder drug. Part of becoming healthy is getting active and there is no shortage of MeetUp groups for that.
Studies have shown that having a community’s support will help anyone lose weight and change their lifestyle. Especially for those moving to London from America finding a community can be a challenge. By joining a group that meets online and in person that weight can finally come off and friendships can be made to help ease the transition of moving to London from America.
Tags: London, moving to london from america, New Year Resolution, Weight loss
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Monday January 2nd, 2012
One of the things that shock most moving to London from America is how small the homes and their yards are. For any expat moving to London from America, especially from a smaller city or rural area, land is taken for granted. In London, as in much of Europe, land comes at a premium and most homes have very small yards (or gardens as the British call them). Instead of complaining about the lack of green space those moving to London from America should embrace what space they do have be it a patch of grass behind a house or a patio on a flat.
One of the easiest ways to utilize a small outdoor space is to create a container garden. These beautiful and practical gardens add color to a patio and can provide homegrown produce year round if cultivated properly. They also make a wonderful hobby for anyone of any age moving to London from America. There are many options to choose from when deciding upon the right container garden for one’s family. Depending on one’s familiarity with growing plants, the hardiness of the plants chosen and the size of the container garden one can grow enough herbs, vegetables or fresh flowers for an entire year.
All containers have one thing in common – a container. Unlike traditional gardens all the items are grown in a container above ground. Container size depends on the plant inside it. There are many wonderful books and internet sites with guides on what size container is needed for each plant. Those moving to London from America can also seek expert advice from local greenhouses and nurseries. Popular plants for container gardens are strawberries, flowers and herbs of all varieties, tomatoes, carrots, and lettuces. After a container of the right size is chosen it must be filled with topsoil and fertilizer. At that point the plants are planted the same as if they were in the ground.
Sometimes after moving to London from America individuals need a hobby to devote their free time. Container gardening is a popular choice and also a good way to meet others in one’s new city. During harvest time one may chose to can or freeze their excess or simply enjoy it with new friends. Regardless of what is grown in a container garden anyone moving to London from America will reap the bounty in more than one way.
Tags: Container garden, London, moving to london from america
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Friday December 30th, 2011
Depending on what part of the States one is from their sense of fashion will be challenged to some degree when moving to London from America. The British have a very smart style about them which isn’t arrogant or over the top. There is no better way to embrace one’s new city then by buying a new wardrobe and practicing fashion with some of the world’s best designers.
Fashion Week in London
Anyone in the least bit interested in fashion should try to participate in some way in Fashion Week after moving to London from America. This annual event is held in February and is a worldwide phenomenon featuring some of the world’s leading designers. The designs seen on the runway will surely inspire countless outfits and accessories for the upcoming year.
Where to Shop
With the internet allowing anyone around the world to buy the hottest designer clothing with just a click finding unique yet classic English fashion can be a challenge for those moving to London from America. Of course one can always visit the giant department stores but by going just a little off the beaten path one can find wonderful British fashion staples as well as the latest trends displayed during Fashion Week. Some stores one must visit after moving to London from America are Jaeger, Next and Hobbs.
The British Style
Although there is no definitive guide to British style most moving to London from America recognize it when they see it. Many people describe it as more girly, yet quirky, then American. American style of course is not as easy to define either. What is popular in New York is not in LA or what the norm in Miami. Almost universally true though of British fashion is that they always keep the weather in mind when choosing outfits. Unlike parts of the US where the weather is always lovely London rain showers occur regularly and any good fashionista must be prepared.
Whether one is already a fashion guru or not moving to London from America gives everyone an opportunity to explore British fashion and dress outside their comfort zone. Part of enjoying one’s relocation is to try and adopt as many cultural practices as possible into their lifestyle and daily routine. Freshening up one’s wardrobe with the trends of London is a perfect way to begin the transformation when moving to London from America.
Tags: Fashion Week, London, moving to london from america
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Wednesday June 15th, 2011
Living in London – As English as… - Image via Flickr
One of the things most people struggle with when moving to London is adapting to day to day living. When you’re moving to London, you must try to push that concern to one side so that your enthusiasm for the big move isn’t dampened by your anxiety for how it could fail. I think what really helps to ease the transition is discovering something that you like about your new home. It really isn’t that hard (unless you’re determined not to find anything you’ll like).
My personal list of favorite things about living in London probably amount to all the clichés that I’ve discovered are truisms. I mean the kind of things you read about in books or see in movies and then come over here and you discover that it’s just the way you pictured it in your head. Like bangers and mash.
It really does sound like the simplest meal ever, doesn’t it? And it is. It really is. But it’s also very tasty. And when you combine ‘simple cooking’ with ‘very tasty’ you get what is officially the top recipe on The Lazy Person’s List of Cooking. Honestly, it really doesn’t get much better than this. Get some bangers (sausages if you’re new to this English thing), potatoes, baked beans (you could try gravy if you wanted but I did say this was for lazy people) and bread. Fry up the sausages, cook the potatoes and mash them, put the baked beans into a pot, get them hot and toast the bread. Now, arguably speaking, that’s more of a sentence than it is a recipe. But, like I said, it’s very tasty.
And if you’re the lazy sort of person and if it’s been a particularly trying day at the office, you could do far worse than stopping at your local Tesco’s on your way home from work, picking up the necessary ingredients and heading home for some (All together now) Bangers and Mash! It might not be up there on the list of the most wholesome meals you could eat while living in London, but it’s quick, easy and very English.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, Cooking, England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to London England, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england
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Wednesday June 15th, 2011
Living in London – Tea for Two!- Image via Wikipedia
Immersing yourself in fine English traditions can be a whole lot of fun when you’re living in London. When you’re moving to London one of the first English traditions that you have to experience is ‘Tea and Scones’. If you want to show off that you know a bit, call it a Devonshire Tea instead of just Tea and Scones (Or Cornish Tea). Cream Tea is another common name for this popular practice. Tea and Scones is the kind of thing that’s become so ingrained in the British culture that you could go to any tea room across Britain and be offered a proper English Tea with Scones. It’s also popular outside of Great Britain and you could go as far as South Africa and be able to be served a Cream Tea.
Here then are the best places in London to get a proper Cream Tea:
The Ritz – First of all, we’re talking about one of the oldest and most recognized hotels in the world. The Ritz isn’t so much a hotel as it is an institution. And much the same could be said of their Tea’s, with five sittings a day, from 11:30 to 7:30.
The English Tea Room, Brown’s Hotel – None more English Tea Room than this. This place comes with specially wood-paneled rooms and a pianist offering some music, all for that classic, “olde worlde” feel (they’ve done the same at the Ritz. Pianists really do add to that high tea feel!).
The Mandeville Hotel – This place is as traditional as they come. How traditional? When they serve the tea, it’s brought in blue china cups for the men and pink floral cups for the women. That’s how traditional.
The Savoy – Much like the Ritz, the Savoy is another London hotel that’s pretty much an institution. Again like the Ritz, you’ll have someone tinkling the ivories just to give the setting some ambiance.
And lastly, because I have a major sweet-tooth, go to The Metropolitan. All the other places I’ve mentioned have a fine selection of cakes and sweet treats but when I saw a photograph of the offering at The Metropolitan, that was enough for me to call ahead and make a booking.
Moving to London and acclimatizing to your new home doesn’t have to be that hard, although you will pile on the pounds if you make afternoon tea a daily ritual!
Tags: Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, Scone (bread), Tea, Tea house
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Tuesday June 14th, 2011
Living in London – Home is Where the Heart is…- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re an American moving to London, one of the things that you’ll struggle to overcome is the feeling of homesickness that will sweep over you occasionally. It’s not enough to just will yourself to adapt or to focus on your work so that the aching feeling of being away from home will go away. Sometimes you’re just going to miss home and all that comes with it, like pancakes, BBQ, the 4th of July or having your family and friends over for the Super Bowl.
It doesn’t matter either that you can make your own pancakes or buy them, that you could try getting a grill and some marinade and giving the BBQ a shot (weather withstanding), that London also has a 4th of July on its calendar (albeit, not with quite the same fanfare) or that the Super Bowl can be broadcast over in England as well (internet streaming helps in a big way in this case).
An adage that I really have taken to heart is that it’s not just where you go, what you do, but what matters above all is who you’re with. You’re not alone while you’re living in London. Turns out that there are over forty four thousand Americans staying in London. Not only that, but they get together pretty regularly and also have websites dedicated to that effect. It won’t be quite the same as walking in your mom’s front door for Thanksgiving Dinner, but spending an evening with people from back home can really help to ease the transition that comes with moving from one country to the next.
You can meet with groups as diverse as students studying in London, families that have pulled up roots to move here, an American TV Nights group (no, seriously) and all other sorts. So even if you are struggling with the big move, it helps to understand that there are others that have been there before and may even be experiencing what you’re experiencing at the same time. You can tear your hair out about the problems of moving to a new country, or you can laugh about it with someone who shares your pain.
Give it a shot. It’s like America, but 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 Relocation, Moving to London, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, Travel and Tourism
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Friday June 10th, 2011
Living in London – Talk like a Proper Londoner- Image via Flickr
Many Americans moving to London are a bit baffled by the change in terms and names for things you’ve grown accustomed to in your homeland. Perfect examples are pavement to sidewalk, chips to fries and petrol to gas. It’s the kind of thing that could more than likely save you some confusion in day to day life here in London city. Asking for jelly on your sandwich may very result in you getting a large blob of wobbliness quivering between two slices of bread. Ask for jam instead.
Also, don’t worry that you’re being slightly un-PC should you ask for a dummy; that’s what they call a pacifier in these parts. Likewise, asking for a banger won’t result in a large man walking up to your table pounding his fist into his palm threateningly. Bangers are to England as sausages are to America. It’s one half of that famous national dish, bangers and mash (that’s Mashed Potatoes)
Heading to the Emirates Stadium or Stamford Bridge to take in a match? Then whatever you do, don’t call it soccer. It might make you grate your teeth if you’re a devoted NFL fan, but in England, twenty two guys gathered on a field to kick a ball around is officially known as Football. Calling it soccer could risk some rude comments from the ‘footie’ fans.
To become a true Londoner, try using the more particularly English terms, the slang if you will. If anything, learn these terms largely because of the pleasure you’ll take when you see the surprise on your English friends’ faces when they hear you throwing around the local slang.
Here then, for your edification:
It’s not a telephone, it’s called the blower.
Underwear? “Alan Whickers”, Cockney rhyming slang for knickers. Often shortened to Alans. As in, “Keep your Alan’s on!”, the English equivalent of “Don’t lose your shorts.”
Another bit of Cockney rhyming slang is Ayrton. As in Ayrton Senna. He was a world famous Formula 1 racing driver. It rhymes with tenna for Ten pounds.
Bollocks, which essentially applies to anything which can be called rubbish, drivel or nonsense. Used effectively and in the proper situation this should go some way to showing off the burgeoning Anglophile that you are. Not to be confused with ‘dogs bollocks’ though which applies to anything cool and inarguably awesome!
There you have it. There’s lots more than that, but living in London and spending enough time with the locals, you’ll be throwing around London talk with the best of them in no time.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, move to London, Moving to London, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england, things to know about london
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Thursday June 9th, 2011
Living in London – A Millennium And Counting…- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re an American moving to London, one of the more fascinating aspects of your new home city will be the interesting history of the birth of London. It’s always an interesting thing to find out about the back-story of something, particularly when it’s as colorful as this one is.
Legend has it that London was built on the ground where Brutus of Troy defeated the giants Gog and Magog, the two guardians of the land. Even if it is just a myth, it is one that adds a fascinating bit of color to the city. And while it might just be legend, the two giants have been granted a range of hills just southeast of Cambridge named after them.
London was actually a town called Londinium, established by the Romans around AD 43. Between 190 and 225 AD, the Romans built a defensive wall around the landward side of the city and thus the foundations of London were formed. If it takes your fancy and you’d like to see what remains of the wall, pay a visit to Aldersgate, go from there to Moorgate; on to Wormwood Street and finish at Bishopsgate. This walk will take you along the path of the original structure and you’ll see the remains of the old London Wall. It really does give your imagination a workout when you consider that something that was built almost two thousand years ago can still exist among towering skyscrapers and rushing traffic.
And if you’d like to delve further into the history of your new home town, pay a visit to the Museum of London, which sits conveniently on the route I’ve just described. It has collections taking in the history of London from the Prehistoric era, the Roman era, the Saxons, the times of the Tudors and the Stuarts. The museum also has actual discoveries of items dating back to the times of cavemen, including axes and other tools used as well as the bones of a Mammoth.
You’re living in London; in the very center of all the action now. You may as well learn a little about the city you’re calling home.
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Tuesday June 7th, 2011
Living in London – Click Your Mouse To Ring Your Doorbell- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re living in London there are a million reasons to get your groceries delivered, and you can use these handy excuses for the folks back home when they ask you why you don’t go grocery shopping any more:
- “It was past midnight and we’d run out of wine.”
- “We work really hard in London and don’t have time for shopping.”
- “The shops are closed on Sunday evenings, and we really fancied a roast.”
- “Ever tried heaving your shopping home on the tube?”
You don’t even need an excuse to tap into the magnificent home delivery network that most of the grocery stores operate in London. Remember that the closer to central London you live, the smaller the grocery stores get. Living in London means that you’ll have to forego your usual Mall shopping experience, but when you have the internet at home then the world is your Mall!
Sainsbury’s is a massive grocery chain in the United Kingdom and they offer delivery right to your door. As soon as you sign up on the site, enter your postcode and book your delivery time. The price of home delivery from Sainsbury’s will usually depend on the time that you request and how much you buy from them. You can get everything from Sainsbury’s online and they guarantee freshness and a prompt delivery. Even for those late night munchies!
It’s not just grocery shopping you can do online. Instead of popping across the street to get a take away (take out) in the middle of winter, you can order online and have a piping hot pizza or curry delivered straight to your door. You should consider using one of the bigger delivery firms that offer takeaways from different restaurants. Hungry House and Just-Eat.co.uk offer menus that correspond to your postcode. That just goes to show you how important it really is, and you can order from up to three different restaurants in the same order.
The great aspect of doing it through the larger sites is that you can indeed order alcohol after hours, and nothing goes down better than a beer with your extra hot chicken tikka masala!
Tags: Americans moving to London, Business and Economy, England, Grocery store, 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 america, relocating to London, Sainsbury's, Sainsbury's Online, Shopping
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Thursday June 2nd, 2011
Living In London – ‘All My Bag’s Are Packed…’ - Image via Flickr
Part of the moving to London process will be your packing and storage before you leave your home town. Packing for an international move is a lot more complicated than a local move. You need to be fairly organized to make sure that when you’re unpacking in your new London rental that you’re able to settle in as fast as possible.
- The Goodie Box: This is a box that contains essential items that you’ll need immediately. A first aid kit, some snacks from home, toiletries and other items that you may need immediately. I always like to include fresh, clean linen in my international goodie box. The first thing that I do when settling into a new home is to make the bed! That way, even if you’re not finished unpacking at the end of a long day, you can slip into bed without having to hunt through your boxes to find clean sheets!
- Pack Wise: Don’t overload your boxes for transport. It might be fine when the moving company is in charge of them, but when you have to heft them up three flights of stairs to your new London apartment, you’ll appreciate the value of packing light. If you do have to pack really heavy items then pack them in smaller boxes to try and distribute the weight.
- Use your linen and towels to wrap breakables: You’re packing two things at once that way. Use large containers such as pots to put smaller items in, it saves space and money when you’re paying by the box. Remember to check if your electrical appliances will work when you are living in London. Getting conversions done is expensive and a waste of time. If it won’t work, leave it behind!
- Label ALL of your boxes according to what room they need to go into. If you have time to list all of the contents, do it on a separate spread sheet and categorize your boxes by number as well.
Don’t try to do everything in one day when you’re trying to get settled in. Take frequent breaks and spend some time in your new neighborhood. You’ll be stuck into the daily grind of work and travel soon enough when you’re living in London.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, 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 England, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, Packing and Shipping Supplies, relocating to London, things to know about london, Tourism
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Thursday May 26th, 2011
Living In London – Which Side Are You On?- Image via Wikipedia
With 118 postcodes or neighborhood’s to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do. The biggest question facing you when you are moving to London however is going to be which one of those postcodes are you going to live in. When you’re choosing your rental, your first decision is going to be whether you’re ‘North’ or ‘South’.
The Great North vs. South Debate
Throughout history there has always been friction between the North and the South. In every country and in many cities there is an imaginary line dividing North and South. As an American moving to London you’ll know all about the Civil War between the North and South that divided America and still does to a certain extent.
While there are no actual battles between the North and South in London, you’ll find that it is a hotly debated issue everywhere. People are convinced that their area is the best and although there is never a resolution, you might want to get in on the debate while you are deciding where you are going to be living.
You’ll have to listen to both sides of the argument before you make a decision. Be sure that you also get some objective advice on the pros and cons of living in the North or the south of this massive city.
Essentially, the city of London is divided by the River Thames, which winds its way through the city. North London includes the east and west of London, because they are definitely north of the river. There are some north London areas that have south London postcodes, just to confuse you in traditional British fashion.
Most Americans moving to London tend to settle in North London and by north London we actually mean West London but there is much to be said for living south of the mighty Thames. The best advice you can get is to explore all the areas of London that will give you fast access to your job and will fulfill your requirements as to amenities.
The only problem is that both the North and the South have it all!
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Wednesday May 25th, 2011
Living In London – Three Reasons Why You’ll Love Living In London - Image via Wikipedia
Just in case you’re still deciding whether or not to move to London. I thought I’d give you five excellent reasons why London is one of the best places in the world to live. Moving to London will be one of the biggest adventures that you may ever have and whether you stay six months or six years you’re going to love it!
- Cultural Melting Pot: London is a city of travelers and many Londoners are not from London or even England. Living here will expose you to people from different countries, different cultures and a diverse range of interests. Meeting people from all over the world has to be one of the top reasons for spending time in this fantastic city. London is one of the most social cities in the world, so get out just as soon as you have moved in and meet the world!
- Culture Club: Not only is London a cultural melting pot, it is also one of the most important cities in the world if you are looking for a little culture in your life. Most of the museums and art galleries are free in London and the city of London is the art capital of Europe. From community theatre to the blazing lights of Shaftsbury Avenue in the West End, there is always theatre, music, and art that will thrill you, challenge you and give you a good dollop of culture.
- Sensational Shopping: If you have some cash to splash then London is a dream city. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can have some fun shopping. Oxford Street, Bond Street and Knightsbridge are the premier shopping destinations. This is where the well-to-do and the well-heeled come out to play. If you’re looking for something unusual and different, then head to the smaller markets and neighborhoods for your shopping experience.
You won’t be living in London for long before you realize that you’re a part of one of the most vibrant cities in the entire world; now get out there and live in it!
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Wednesday May 25th, 2011
Living In London – Summer Sensations - Image via Flickr
If you’re moving to London during the summer, you’ll be in for a treat. There is so much to do and see during the summer in London, and the weather means you’ll be able to get out and really explore the city before settling in for the long winter.
London during the summer can be a bit of a hot box, so if you can, try to avoid the tube on hot days. Rather take a bus or overground rail journey to get to where you need to be. Always carry a bottle of water with you when you travel, and if you feel unwell you can ask for assistance at any time. You may find that your apartment is actually hot and possibly a bit stifling during the summer months. That double glazing on the windows will be great come winter, but if you may want to consider investing in a fan for those hot, sweaty summer nights.
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outside. Many pubs and restaurants open up Beer Gardens during the summer. Long lazy afternoons by the river while sipping your cocktail become the way to spend your Saturdays. Look out for al-fresco dining and riverside cafes and bars if you want to spend time enjoying your meal outdoors.
London is a tourist haven during the summer months, and while you can’t really consider yourself a tourist if you’re living in London, you can fit as many tourist attractions into your schedule as possible. Take advantage of the London Pass and other discount schemes available for the major tourist sites. Explore your new home like a tourist, safe in the knowledge that you can go back home at the end of the day, Revel in everything that London has to offer during the summer. Winter is long, cold and harsh and you’ll dream of summer days while you shiver through the winter months.
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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.
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Monday May 23rd, 2011
Living In London – Summer Sensations Part I- Image via Flickr
If you’re an American moving to London then you’ve chosen the best time of year to make your pond hop. There is nothing quite like an English summer, and while you will find that London is packed with tourists from all over the world, it is also the time of year when you will be enthralled and entranced by the pomp and ceremony of all that is British. When you’re living in London during the summer, the city comes to life and as a new Londoner; you’ll be able to do all the tourist activities when you arrive in the city and before you settle into your new London rental.
May Days
One of the highlights of the spring and summer events that take place each year, the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, also known as the Great Spring Show is one of the biggest gardening and design expo shows in England. Held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Kensington, the show is held from the 24th to the 28th of May 2011. It is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day of the show.
The Chelsea Flower Show is the most famous show in the country and has been named the most popular and famous gardening event in the world. The Chelsea Flower Show is considered by some as the start of the London social season, so if you’ve just started living in London, and want to get onto the social swirl then the Chelsea Flower Show is the place to start.
The capacity of the show is governed by the limited space, and for this year you’ll probably only be able to purchase cancellation tickets to the week long event. The show does not just highlight flower and plants. It is a riot of the latest garden design and landscaping talent from the world over.
If you are interested in gardening and garden design as well as nature in all its forms then you should have a look at some of the gardening shows held in and around London. The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is renowned for the Festival of Roses and this year in particular there is a new exhibit called The RHS Edible Garden, which will tell you everything you want to know about growing your veggies and fruit. The Hampton Court Show is the largest in the world, and is on from 5 – 10 July 2011.
It’s a perfect day out in the middle of summer while you’re getting settled in to living in London.
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