10 Things to love about London

Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye-London, England holds some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Fish and chips, shopping and sight-seeing to name a few; London has so very many things to offer the traveler, tourist and locals alike. On a once in a lifetime adventure or extended stays-it’s difficult to run out of things to do and see here. Museums are free, parks are ever-present and the Thames is a welcoming sight. Home to Bedknobs & Broomsticks, 007 and the wizarding world of Harry Potter- this city is filled with heaps of magic, mystery and wonder. Book your tickets and know that you are in for a journey to remember.

Outside of a West Cornwall Pasty Shop

1.West Cornwall Pasty Shop

Vegetarian and carnivore friendly, these pasties are the best I’ve ever tasted. Warm, gooey, flaky and delicious; Mathew and I now have a rule that upon each entrance and exit to London there must be a pasty involved from the West Cornwall Pasty Shop. (My favourite: cheese and onion)

Central London

2.City Life

London definitely delivers in the category of city life. Each area provides different options in housing, lifestyle and attitude. Whether Westminster, the West End or riverside-the city provides a multitude of things to do for all. The tube (Underground) reaches all parts and the DLR, Docklands Light Railway, or those famous double-decker buses can reach the unattainable. Families, couples, singles and everyone in between are welcome in the city of London.

3.Accents

Accents abound in London. The true central city of the world has people from everywhere. A walk down any street will gift you the sound of the world’s voices around you. It’s a fabulous place to remember that you’re just one small part of a very large world.

4.Accessibility of world travel

Europe, Asia, Africa, America and just about anywhere is accessible from London. In a few short hours you can be listening to a new language and sampling new cuisines by rail or flight. African sunsets are just one flight away and a bowl of Bangkok’s Thai curry can be in front of you sooner than you can wish it there. Day trips, long weekends or longer; basing life in London allows you to truly be in the world’s proximity.

Hobgoblin from Wychwood Brewery

5.Beer

This one is courtesy of my husband who would choose Wychwood Brewery’s Hobgoblin over a pint of just about anything else. Vastly different to American beer, a British pint is known the world over. Craft beers and lagers alike, there’s something very special about spending the afternoon chatting with friends over a couple of pints in the pub.

6.Cockney rhyming slang

If you’ve ever seen Ocean’s Eleven and heard Don Cheadle’s declaration of ‘barney rubble’, you know what this means. Listening to an entire dialogue could be an exploration in itself. Trouble and strife (wife), cart & horse (sauce), and dog & bone (phone) are just a few that might appear in a conversation and leave listeners struggling with delight to decipher the meeting. Take it home with you and use it with your friends; it is bound to make the reminder of your London travels that much sweeter.

“Street where the riches of ages are sold” – Bedknobs & Broomsticks

7.Markets

Greenwich, Borough, Real Food Market & Portobello Road are just a few of the myriad of markets available in the London area. Whether a foodies’ paradise or shopping galore, streets are closed off and areas secured just for the purpose of a good market. Many are open year ‘round and are filled with visitors and locals alike. Spend and hour or a day-either way, you’ll be hooked.

One of the greats in London’s West End

8.West End

London’s theater district is an experience in itself. Purchase tickets online, at the half-price stands in Leicester Square or Picadilly Circus and spend an evening in the only theater district to rival New York’s Broadway. The theaters hold a piece of history and the shows don’t disappoint.

On London’s famed Brick Lane

9.International Cuisine

Taste buds dance on air when entering London. There’s food of every kind readily accessible. You can go around the world in one day managing to eat many of the world’s cuisines. Hit a food market and taste Spanish Paella or Southern American barbecue. Visit Brick Lane and be treated to some of the best Indian food outside of India and heaps of delicious South Asian fare. After a night out grab a kebab and get transported to the Mediterranean with just one bite. And if you’re in the mood for traditional fare-there is always yummy fish and chips in a pub with your name on it.

London 2012 Olympics

10.Sport

Whether cricket, rugby, football, tennis or other-it’s all here in the UK. With some of the world’s most iconic stadiums in the area, London is home to many of the world’s sports. The enormous spectacle of the most recent Olympics only solidified London’s place in sporting history and provided an even grander stage for athletes the world over. Walk down a street and you’re bound to see an Arsenal jersey or hear an argument in a pub over the recent result in ‘the cricket’. Whether you have a favourite player, team or the slightest interest-London provides for the sports enthusiast in all of us.

Enjoy the journey!