London and its great surroundings!

“Good friends in front of the Tower Bridge – my travel companion – Anne” 

London. I have the feeling that this is a city where most people have been to, but everyone has a different story to tell. Last week, I visited London with a new angle – to combine seeing the city and the surroundings! You don`t have to go very far and pay much to see a whole different side of the city and the country.  For me personally, Brighton, Canterbury and Worthing are pearls that can be perfectly combined with a visit to London. This time, I traveled with a good friend, and here is an impression of our common favorites in London and surroundings – the city that never gets boring!

Let`s start with the city:

My tip: experience London for free!

We are both in London on a low budget, so when I saw this page on the Visit London Webpage: Things to do in London for free, I was very happy. On the list I found great things like; the Tate Modern and the Tate Britain Museum, the Serpentine Gallery, the National Gallery (situated on Trafalgar Square. For everyone visiting Trafalgar Square between September 13-21: you will be able to see the outdoor exhibition “A Place Called Home” – as a part of the London Design Festival 2014) as well as several parks and gardens.

Active ways of discovering London: 

Wherever I go, I love doing what I call water-sightseeing. In London, I took a mini cruise on the Thames, and I enjoyed it very much. If you are looking for more action, theses are other possibilities: take a Speedboat Tour (around 30 pounds), a Helicopter Tour or a Cycling Tour (around 20 pounds, cheaper if you go on your own). Everywhere in London Bike Hire, bikes which you can rent on the spot. This is a really good idea which I did with my friend – it was great fun and there are bike stations practically everywhere. The first half hour was free of cost!

If you`re not on a low budget tour like us, why not try a “Black Taxi Tour” – famous attractions viewed from famous taxis! A different way of seeing London is also the “Afternoon tea” -experience, which you can enjoy in places like Shakespeares Globe and even in the Buckingham Palace (“oh dear”)!

Discover the surroundings! 

If you jump on a train and stop in one of the surrounding cities, you will see a whole different side of the country and apply something totally different to your London-experience. You can stop at several great places like Canterbury (with its famous cathedral) and Worthing (with wonderful beaches). For 17 pounds (both ways), we choose to take the train down to Brighton this time. Brighton is situated on the coast, and the city makes a great contrast to Londons hustle und bustle. Seagulls are screaming at you and you just feel peace in your soul whilst watching the waves (we were very lucky with the weather too). Here are some impressions to give you a feeling of it:

Accommodation tipp:

I spent the nights in a “Tune Hotel” at Kings Cross – it is all basic but nice, affordable and very central. For more accommodation tipps: Visit London “Where to stay“.

Dare to make your dreams come true – the journey starts with a single step!

– Charlotte –