Travel Guide: London Destination Information

Written by Vacation Idea.com Travel Editors.

London is one of the world's great cultural cities. It offers many museums, galleries, theatres and attractions. It is also home to internationally renowned concert halls such as the Royal Opera House, Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall.

Getting to London, England:
London, England is well connected with major international cities. There are many direct daily flights to London from North America, which land at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport.

Heathrow Airport is located on the edge of west London. The quickest way into central London from Heathrow is by rail (Heathrow Express). Trains leave Heathrow Airport from approximately 5 a.m. to 23:30 p.m. The train trip to the center of London takes from 15 to 20 minutes. Standard fares cost are �12 one way. You can reserve online and get a reduced fare at www.heathrowexpress.co.uk. Alternatively, you can take the London Underground (The Piccadilly line) which take about 50 minutes and costs �3.60. Black cabs are also readily available at the airport.

Gatwick Airport is situated 28 miles south of London. The quickest way into central London from Gatwick is by rail via Gatwick Express. Trains leave Gatwick Airport from 4:35 a.m. to 1:35 a.m. and run every 15 minutes at peak times. The train ride to Victoria station lasts about 30 minutes and costs �11 one way. You can book your tickets online at www.gatwickexpress.co.uk. Black cabs are also readily available at the airport.

Best Time to Go to London, England:
June is the best time to visit London. The weather is usually warm and there are many events, such as Wimbledon, Royal Ascot and Stella Artois Grass Court Championship.

Getting Around London:
There are many convenient ways to travel around London - the London Underground, black cabs, buses and rail. If you are planning to use the London Underground, there are many passes that you can buy - from one-day to weekly travel passes. Family passes and weekend passes also exist.

London Travel Tips:
You can reserve London event and theater tickets online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

If you are planning to tour many London attractions, you can purchase the London Pass which gives you unlimited access to more than �200 worth of attractions and free travel in London.

Great British Heritage Pass gives unlimited access to over 600 properties throughout the UK. It can be purchased from British Tourist Authority offices.

The London for Less card offers reductions at over 200 places in Central London, including money off theatre, concerts, opera and ballet tickets. It is available from bookshops and the Britain Visitor Centre in Regent Street.

Currency in London:
The currency in England is the British Pound.

London Weather:
London weather can be quite unpredictable and you should be ready for both sun and rain, especially in spring and fall. Average winter temperatures are around 42 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are in the 70s.

Learn more about London, where to stay and what to do.

Travel Guide