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As retailers, high street decorations and TV adverts start to let us know that Christmas is rapidly approaching, now is a good time to combine the festive period with a short break. Riding high after the success of the Olympic Games, London is the place to visit right now.
Whether you’re flying from somewhere in the north like Newcastle airport or crossing the sea from Jersey airport, there’s a flight waiting to connect you to UK’s capital. Flying is the quickest way into London from across the country, which leaves you more time for the finer things.
Dinner at exceptional restaurants, shopping on Oxford Street, rickshaw tours of the city and street performers and entertainment – when there’s so much to do, every minute saved is a minute gained.
No festive trip to London could be complete without a walk down Oxford Street beneath its twinkling Christmas lights. Sandwiched by crowds, you’ll gaze up and be met by the sight of a shining Father Christmas. Just down the road is Hamley’s, the world’s biggest toy store. Adult or child, nobody can deny the sheer joy of being surrounded by so many toys; Hamley’s will make you glad of the generous baggage allowance that airlines like Flybe offer.
Once you’ve purchased this years’ biggest toy (and it’s up to you if that happens to be for yourself), then it might be a good time for ice-skating. With rinks in the grounds of institutions like Somerset House and the Natural History Museum, you can release your inner child for the second time that day as you glide around the ice.
West End shows like Cabaret, Jersey Boys and Singing in the Rain offer a great evening of entertainment, with cheap tickets available on the day of the performance. There are also free galleries like Tate Modern and the Victoria and Albert Museum along with one of the most vibrant culinary scenes in the world.
Ever craved a restaurant that gives you a simple choice between burger and lobster? London has a restaurant just for you. Ever wished there was a food stall you could visit that would pair your hotdog with a glass of Champagne? London’s the place to be. The city also has many more intimate, family-friendly and raucous restaurants to go with it.
The one thing that you can be sure of on any trip to London is that there will never be enough hours in the day. Planning an itinerary for your stay is important to maximise your time. With so much to see and do you’ll need every one of your precious holiday minutes.
