London's Treasures: The Best Souvenirs and Gifts to Bring Home

When on holiday, people always want to take back something that reminds them of the happiest, carefree days of their lives. To fulfil this touristy desire, this blog will help you pick your very own souvenir from London, that is not only unique but will be a sweet reminder of your best time here!

Just like other tourist-popular spots in the world, London’s décor stalls and shops have a ton of miniatures of the Union Jack, Buckingham Palace, the iconic red phone booth, the London Eye, black cabs, and printed mugs and t-shirts. These items are readily available in the markets and can be picked up even at the last moment, before you board your flight back home. 

Looking for places to stay in Kensington? Consider booking a stay at The Park City Grand Plaza Kensington Hotel in London for a memorable experience in this charming part of the city.

Below is a list that the locals actually buy and recommend the tourists to buy too.

Gifts from Stanford

Located in the Covent Gardens, Stanfords is popular for being the world’s biggest map and travel bookshop. The shop has a vintage vibe to it and has attracted explorers, and history-fond people for over two centuries now. Moreover, it has a vast variety of gift items, maps, books, and other interesting stuff that intrigues curious minds.

A special mention for their cushion covers and travel bags that are printed with London maps – typical but cute!

You can also read: A Taste of London: Top Cafes That Deserve a Spot on Your List

Fortnum and Mason’s Tea & Biscuits

Your trip to London is incomplete if you miss out on their tea and biscuits. Perfect to visit for an afternoon tea, Fortnum and Mason’s classic English breakfast menu will keep you wanting more! Their edibles are light enough to store in your bag and take it back home. Their scones and freshly blended coffee flavors will take you back to your days in London and make you wanna come back!

The Harry Potter Shop

Every adult’s childhood favorite, Harry Potter – has a prominent influence on London’s lifestyle. Since this movie is an English production, the UK owns it proudly and makes good use of its huge fanbase. Situated at the King’s Cross 9/2/3, the place is in the middle of Harry’s world and has almost everything from the movies. From mugs to pens, papers, and sweatshirts, they have the brand name – Harry Potter printed on the apparel.

British Chocolates

Well, don’t we all always bring bunches and heaps of chocolate while returning from holidays? Here in London, we recommend buying your chocolates from Charbonnel et Walker. Opened back in 1857, the shop was the first of its kind to make high-end luxury chocolates. The best part, it even has a Royal Warrant as chocolatier to His Majesty the King!

Located in the Royal Arcade in Mayfair, the shop’s best-seller is the Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles. So don’t forget to get your hands on this silky-smooth chocolate that even the royalties eat from!

With that being said, we hope our recommendations are something new for you and will make you buy not-so-traditional London souvenirs. And while exploring London for these treasures, consider a stay at a Kensington Hotel in London for a comfortable and convenient experience. Discover more about great places to stay in Kensington during your London adventure.

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The Ultimate Hyde Park Guide

Hyde Park in London

One of London’s most renowned park, the Hyde Park, is almost on every traveler’s itinerary. As deserving as it is, many do not know about its history and how it formed. Let’s begin with a little background story

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About Hyde Park  

Initially, Hyde Park was a hunting ground owned by King Henry VIII. It was made open to the public in 1637 by King Charles I. After his reign, the park was completely renovated by Queen Caroline in the 1730s, some of its ground works still stand still today. The Queen also constructed The Serpentine, that marks the boundaries of the Kensington gardens and Hyde Park today.

The park is also a favorite spot for picnics as it has vast lush green lands and blooming flora that refreshes the mind, body, and spirit. In-fact Londoners often visit Hyde Park and stay in budget hotels in Kensington for affordable long stays in London. Hyde Park is full of adventure and a nice outing spot for your all-day.

Highlights of the Park

Hyde Park is a place for all. Whether a group of friends, a whole family or a solo soul, everyone can find their sweet spot here.It is also a great picnic place if bring a good company with refreshing snacks!With that being said, the park is packed full of events and activities all year around. Some of them are mentioned below:

Speaker’s Corner

This area catches the attention of almost every single person passing by. This is a traditional spot for speeches and debates since the 1800s. As this is a public park, this spot is open to anyone who may wish to express their thoughts out aloud. Many notable personalities such as George Orwell, Vladimir Lenin, and Karl Marx have shared this space.

The Queen Elizabeth Gate

Taken as the pride of the Hyde Park, the Queen Elizabeth Gate was installed to commemorate the Queen’s 90^th birthday. The gate was designed by Giuseppe Lund who laid out the design of the forged steel in manner that reflected Queen Mother’s admiration for flowers. These gates were officially opened in 1993 by Queen Elizabeth II. If you feel like visiting the royal palace after admiring this beautiful structure, head towards the Westminster end of the park and visit the Buckingham Palace.

The Rose Garden

The Rose Garden was opened to the public in 1994, and was designed by architects Moggridge and Colvin. This charming spot of Hyde Park not only has blooming roses but also a variety of other floral species. Visit this spot in the mid-summer to witness the true beauty of the roses. Bring along a picnic basket and enjoy your peaceful time amidst these beautiful creations.

How to Get to Hyde Park

Due to its location, Hyde Park is high accessible by all public transports. You can either travel by train, bus or tubes, getting here is extremely easy. You can get an easy access to Hyde Park from Park City Grand Plaza Kensington via London Tube

By train: London Paddington (10 minutes’ walk-away)

By bus: Almost all buses have a stop here and would cost you a flat rate of £15.5

By tube: One of the fastest ways to get here is the tube. If you’re near the Piccadilly, then hop on to the (blue) line that will drop you off at Knightsbridge or the Hyde Park Corner. Another tube that goes around here is the red line that moves from Central London to Marble Arch Station or Lancaster Gate.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve listed ways to get here, and also pointed out some of the park’s best spots; this place is perfect to visit with your friends and family for a quick getaway.  

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London on a Budget

Visit London on Budget

On a tight budget but want to see London in all its glory? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! You really don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun in UK’s metropolis with our top ten picks around the city.

You can also read: Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

1.    In the air with Fighter Jets

Flying a fighter jet may be a dream for many but for you, it can actually turn into reality. London's Science Museum provides an opportunity to fly a fighter jet without a license. Experience the thrill of riding a fighter jet from the impressive imitated cockpit and descending from 40,000 feet from the ground. The Typhoon Force simulator takes you on an action-packed flight, demonstrating the aircraft’s skills through UK’s scenic views. Visitors relish the Science Museum due to the immersive experience of technology and science all in one place and often stay in budget hotels near Kensington to save a lot of bucks in transportation and accommodation.

Total spend: £4

2.    Dive into the Renaissance with Shakespeare Globe

Relive the olden time by visiting the Shakespeare Globe located on the bank of the River Thames. The famous site is known for its larger-than-life theatre where the Father of Modern Literature wrote many of his masterpieces. The globe today stands as a monument to Shakespeare and continues his legacy through his plays. Witness the live plays and make memories for life!

Spend: £5

3.    Fly over the Thames

Aerial views make everything prettier? Doesn’t it?Look at London from a different yet breathtaking perspective with this airline cable car. It covers the city's classic tourist spots and is located just 15 minutes from Central London. The mesmerizing view of the golden sun setting and the city turning its lights on for the night is magical and truly a lifetime experience! 

Total spend: £3.50

4.    Experience the Ceremony of Keys

Be part of the 700-Year-Old Ancient ceremony. The Tower of London’s Ceremony of Keys is amongst the oldest surviving enactments. Although the royals may not reside in the towers, the act still holds importance and is carried out daily. And the best part is that this is absolutely free!

Total spend: £0

5.    Adventures of a Big Screen on a Small Budget

South London's PeckhamPlex is a must-visit site if you're up for a movie. This old cinema house has maintained its legacy by keeping intact its original interior and ticket prices. It screens the latest as well as classic old movies for viewers to watch and enjoy at a reasonable price. PeckhamPlex is just few stops away from Park City Grand Plaza Kensington via London tube.

Total spend: £4.99

6.    Glide with Aquatics

Discover the magical underwater world at Horniman Museum's Aquarium. The aquarium showcases aquatics fauna from around the globe. You will not only see the majestic creatures living and moving but will also be able to learn about their interesting lives and fascinating transformation over the years.

Total spend: £2.50 – £4.50

7.    Cozy Up with Indian Food

After an eventful day moving around London, enjoy a hearty meal at the India Club, one of London's first and original curry institutions. Launched in the 1950s the restaurant has maintained its vintage vibe. You can start with warm triangular samosas filled with vegetables and then move on to their most-loved Bhuna Lamb with freshly made naan bread. 

Total spend: £5 - £10

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Experience the Stonehenge and Bath Tour

If you want to get away from the urban noise of London for a few days, why not visit two breathtaking UK attractions for just the price of one trip? Should you decide to hop into this out-of-town excursion, you’ll be brought into the historically mysterious Stonehenge and the beauty of Bath.

What makes your trip a truly special adventure is that you’ll be in for a treat of ancient anthropological history while getting awestruck with stunning sceneries and beautiful architecture. Here are what awaits you:

Stonehenge

This mysterious site of unparalleled archaeological significance on the Salisbury Plains is often viewed as a structure of other-worldly origin. As you get closer to the breathtaking structure of the towering stones that comprise it, you could do nothing but marvel at the supernatural effect it could have on its creators as well as on the modern onlookers such as yourself.

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The knowledge that they hold and represent has now reached an astounding 5,000 years yet, the amazement that those stones invoke into our minds is still very mind-boggling. Take your time to explore while taking photos of the site, or you could also listen to the speculations and theories that revolve around Stonehenge. You could do this and more as you take part on the trip!

Bath

Bath is filled end to end with well-crafted buildings that could be easily hailed as architectural artistry by any passersby. This makes the place worthy of being a designated World Heritage Site. As you travel through the medieval-looking pathways lined with stunning buildings made from Bath stone, you could also wander along the riverbanks of Avon.

Another exciting thing to do would be crossing the Pulteney Bridge and paying a visit to the 15th Century Abbey. This aesthetics-rich city has a lot in store for you – it will be totally impossible to get bored as you trek around its perimeter. You can book a comfortable stay in one of the hotels in Kensington, Central London for easy commute to the nearest attractions via London tube.

 Walking Tour of Bath

As you go around your way strolling through the streets of the beautiful city, taking a walk is done with an expert guide. The personnel in charge of it has in-depth knowledge and trivia pertaining to the area that you can ask anything you want to know about.

Roman Baths

Dating back to 40AD, the ancient Roman Baths at the very heart of the city are an attraction that’s hard to ignore as you trek through Bath. With waters that have been flowing for nearly 2000 years, the spectacle still freely flows for anyone who wishes to behold this amazing sight.

“Exploring the Roman Baths is not only a worthwhile experience in terms of recreational aspects but of the spiritual as well.”

Strolling through the area would also present you with an awesome spectacle of ancient structures that have been around since the foundation of the Christian belief. Truly, exploring the Roman baths is not only a worthwhile experience in terms of recreational aspects but of the spiritual as well.

For your tickets and arrival

By selecting the options presented, you could choose the corresponding prices and dates to suit your preferences. Booking ahead could be done online or via phone. The estimated time of arrival is ideally 7:00 pm back in London

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THINGS TO DO IN THE NIGHT TUBE IN LONDON

NIGHT TUBE IN LONDON

Maximize your weekend experience by trying the Night Tube Lines and encounter London's invigorating nightlife. Every Friday and Saturday, London’s over ground, together with five tube lines operate 24 hours a day: Victoria, Jubilee, Northern, Central, and Piccadilly. These tube lines have become famous for the diversity of experiences they recommend. The nightlife will provide you with an unforgettable experience, allowing you to venture outside your comfort zone and try new things.

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You'll be able to see live music from various artists, attend film screenings, taste street foods from other countries, and sample local cuisine and fantastic cocktail combinations. If you are worried about your safety, you don't have to worry because the night tube offers a safe and low-crime environment. There are a lot of police and enforcement officials roaming around, so there is no excuse to avoid enjoying London's nightlife.

                                 

THINGS TO DO:

Here’s a list of activities you can do and experience within the lines served by the night tube and London’s underground.

 

You can save a great deal on accommodation by booking a hotel room at one of the hotel South Kensington London.

 

Victoria Line

Attend a Walthamstow neon event. Have a taste of more than 80 different varieties of gins, and don’t miss an Instagrammable attraction that shows wall-to-wall signage and lights at Walthamstow Central. Notable vegan cuisine, a rock-climbing wall, and dancing till daybreak are all available in Vauxhall. Traditional foods and a skatepark in Stockwellare also accessible. At Brixton, you won't want to miss out on catching a show, feasting on street food, and dancing to electronic and house music.

 

Jubilee Line

At Wembley Park, there is an evening performance, athletic events, and you may even try your hand at singing along to your favorite songs. Neasden's Hindu Temple is a sight to behold. West Hampstead is a great place to learn about Jewish culture. Climb to the top of the 02 and see the sunset from above, or visit North Greenwichfor world-class music, comedy, and sports. If you enjoy sports, Stratfordis the place for you. At Copper Box Arena, you may play table tennis and watch basketball or netball.

 

Nothern Line

With London walks in Hampstead, you can explore the lovely village. Catch a performance in Chalk Farm's evocative roundhouse. Enjoy yourself in Camden Town by seeing free comedy, dancing to hip-hop and R&B, discovering the next music idols, and sampling South African specialties. Bring your friends to Clapham Common for karaoke and private concerts, as well as drinks and food. South Asian restaurants, street cuisine, refreshments, wines, and club nights are popular on Tooting Broadway, so take advantage of the opportunity to experience them all.

 

Central Line

Do you want to try something new?  At West Acton, try their interconnected trampoline.  At Shepherds' Bush's ancient dance hall, immerse yourself in Edwardian grandeur.  You'll have a great time playing crazy golf and late-night shopping in the White City.  Liverpool Street, Bethnal Green, Leyton, Leytonstone, and Southford are also worth seeing.  You'll undoubtedly have a fantastic time in these spots.

 

Picadilly Line

At Acton Town, you may enjoy circus shows, comedy, and cabaret. At Hammersmith, you'll also be able to see modern theatre, virtual reality experiences, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of great legends. Go to Woon Green if you want to see a play; they have a seat at Alexandra Palace's theatre.

One of the most famous place in London is Trafalgar Square which can be reached after taking the Picadilly line from Gloucester Road walking distance from the budget accommodation: The Park City Grand Plaza Kensington Hotel  in Central London.

 

London Overground

London will never run out of remarkable experiences to offer. Live your life to the fullest and try the nightlife at London Overground. Visit Highbury & Islington, Dalston Junction, Haggerston, Hoxton, Shadwell, Wapping, Rotherhithe, and Surrey Quays. You will be able to discover new foods, attractions, and experiences.          

 

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9 Scary Destinations in London That Will Spice Up Your Trip

London has been the site of so many horrors throughout history. Queens have been beheaded, a serial killer has murdered hundreds, and plagues have come and gone in this city. Many believe that the victims of these events still haunt the city to this day. Naturally, a lot of tourists want to experience these hauntings for themselves.

Whether these ghosts are real or not, visiting spooky attractions in London will surely make your trip more memorable and unique.

If you are brave enough, go ahead and drop by these places in London that will give you the goosebumps! We also indicated the time it would take you to get to these attractions from Park City Grand Plaza Kensington to help you plan your route.

 1. Brompton Cemetery on Fulham Road, Kensington. The gothic mausoleums and creepy statues in this old cemetery can be perfect props in horror movies. (8 minutes away.)

2. The London Dungeon on Westminster Bridge Rd, Lambeth, London. This attraction puts on a show that will take you back to the gory days of London. With scary rides, realistic live action performances, and stunning special effects, you will definitely feel chills while watching. (27 minutes away.)

3. The Spaniard’s Inn on Spaniards Rd, Hampstead, London. It is said that the ghost of Dick Turpin haunts this pub. It is so spooky that Bram Stroker featured it in his popular novel, Dracula!  (32 minutes away.)

4. Aldwych underground station on Strand, London. This tube station was used as a bomb shelter during the world wars. It has been closed and abandoned for years, but still gives people an eerie feeling when passing by up to this day. (35 minutes away.) 

5. Hampton Court Palace at East Molesey. This castle may be big and beautiful, but many say that you can hear a woman screaming as you walk down its corridors. Stories say that this is former Queen Catherine Howard being dragged to her death. (38 minutes away.)

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 6. The Old Operating Museum on St Thomas St, London. This is one of the last surgical theatres in the world. Treat yourself to morbid displays, demonstrations, and seminars. It may be gory, but it can be interesting, as well. (40 minutes away.)

7. Tower of London in St Katharine's & Wapping, London. This palace used to be a prison for the most notorious criminals and was the site of many beheadings and tortures. Guided tours around the castle can teach you – and scare you – a lot. (48 minutes away.

8. The Ten Bells on Commercial St, London. Stories say that this pub is where many of Jack the Ripper’s victims were last seen. Several staff members in this bar say that they hear footsteps in empty rooms and corridors. (50 minutes away.)

9. The Woman in Black at London’s West End. This thrilling play about a cursed family has been in production for more than 25 years. It is one of the longest-running productions in West End, so grab a seat and get ready to scream! 

Get ready for a good scare. These spooky attractions in London will not disappoint! After the whole day journey, you can enjoy the authentic food in Selesa Restaurant Kensington which offers the best Malaysian Cuisine.

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Get to know Kensington and see why it’s often referred to as a place of royalty and luxury.

Getting to Know Kensington
Kensington is a district in West London with expensive streets and garden squares. Various European embassies as well as royal buildings are found in this area.

There are lots of places to shop and eat at. Should you decide to visit other neighboring areas, you can go for public transport: bus, tube stations, and cabs.

Its main attractions include Kensington High Street, Serpentine Gallery, the Albert Memorial, Royal College of Music, and Kensington Palace. This area is recommended if you want to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of central London and you can also book an accommodation at Park Grand Hotel Kensington London which has close proximity to these attractions and you will experience a comfortable stay here.                 

Food Trips and Sightseeing
Kensington has a lot to offer when it comes to food tripping and sightseeing. It’s filled with parks, museums, restaurants,and other interesting places that you can visit like many popular attractions of the Central London.

The National Museum would be ideal for families while Miss Selfridge is perfect for shoppers. Notting Hill is a kilometer away, and of course, there’s the Kensington Palace and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground for those interested in the Royal Family.


         Getting hungry? You’ve got a lot of options in Kensington:-

• Raison D’etre – Raison D’etre is a café that offers French food. It may look simple outside but it’s actually quite charming inside. Customers keep coming back for their coffee and sandwiches.

• CERU – Ceru is one of the top restaurants not only in Kensington but also in London. This restaurant offers Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It’s also within close security to other tourist attractions in the area. If you would be searching for some authentic taste like Malaysian cuisine, then you can search for the best Malaysian restaurant in London where you will get the delicious Malaysian dishes.

• Town House – A visit to England won’t be complete without your afternoon tea – that’s what a visit to Town House is for. They have the “Tale as Old as Time Tea”, i.e. Beauty and the Beast-themed. (You’d have Mrs. Potts on your table!) Food is excellent; you’d definitely enjoy your stay.

• Dishoom Kensington – Here’s where you go if you’re craving for (or would like to try) Indian cuisine. Customers provide rave reviews about their food and love the ambience inside the establishment. Dishoom Kensington is also a vegetarian-friendly place.

Recommended: Park City Grand Plaza Kensington Hotel

Staying in Kensington? One recommended accommodation is the Park City Grand Plaza Kensington Hotel. It’s an elegant boutique hotel with 62 fully air-conditioned guest rooms to give you your much-needed rest and relaxation.
This property is close to Gloucester Road and Earl’s Court tube station, which makes landmarks and tourist spots easily accessible.


Airport to Park City Grand Plaza Transport Options

Here are some of the ways where you can get to Park City Grand Plaza from Heathrow Airport:

• Walk from the Heathrow Airport to the Piccadilly tube station. You’ll get to Earl’s Court. Afterwards, take a 7-minute walk to Park City Grand Plaza Kensington Hotel.

• You can take the bus at the airport and travel for about 30 minutes to Earl’s Court. Upon arrival at Earl’s Court, walk for 10 minutes to reach the hotel.

• You can take an Uber or a taxi at the airport. Travel takes about 21 minutes from the airport to the hotel.

• You can also book an airport transfer wherein you can go straight to your accommodation.

Just choose which among those travel options are the most convenient for you so you can make the most of your Kensington trip.

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