If you are currently planning a city break to London, you will already be aware that this wonderful metropolis is home to many of the world’s most iconic landmarks. From the historic grandeur of Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament to the exciting modernity of the London Eye and The Shard, there are reminders everywhere that the UK’s capital should be on the must-visit list of tourists from all over the world.
In general, city break holidays last for only a few days, and thanks to the comprehensive selection of landmarks that awaits every visitor, it’s often the case that there isn’t enough time to see everything. Therefore, a little pre-planning is a sensible option, although it’s not going to be easy to remove some of the attractions from the schedule. One thing you need to bear in mind, however, is the need to set aside a little time for rest and recuperation.
Getting around the city is easy thanks to the intricate network of public transport options, but a day of sightseeing in London is nonetheless still going to be exhausting. If you want to remain fresh enough to see the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus in the evening, or perhaps to take in a West End show, you need to make sure you don’t over-commit yourself during the morning and afternoon.
The good news for every visitor is that there are a number of large parks in Central London, every one of which provides a much-needed oasis of tranquillity. When the energy levels begin to sap, it’s so easy to simply buy a sandwich and a cold drink and head to the nearest open space. A bench or a patch of grass has never looked more welcoming, especially if you want to sit and watch the world go by for an hour or so.
Going with the flow
If you’re visiting one of Central London’s many tourist attractions, the chances are you won’t be far away from the gently flowing waters of the River Thames. A seat by the river, watching the boats passing by, can be exceptionally relaxing, so be sure to include a rest stop at least once during your stay. The Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the O2 are all adjacent to the Thames.
There is an alternative to the bus and tube network in London, although it should only be for experienced motorists. Thanks to websites like 121 Car Hire, any driver can rent a vehicle for an affordable price. Driving in the centre of the city isn’t necessarily a good idea, but if you plan to head out of the metropolis for a little while it can be great to have a set of wheels at your disposal.
London is magical, exciting, buzzing and features a pleasing mixture of traditional and contemporary, but it can also be exhausting. Even the fittest and healthiest tourists soon find their energy starting to disappear in the UK’s capital, but if you’re sensible fatigue shouldn’t be an issue. The best advice is to take an opportunity to relax when it comes along. The green spaces are there for a reason, so don’t let them go to waste.
