London Calling: Tour Like a Local

 

Natural History Museum in Kensington, London

Nothing compares to touring London like a local. Away from taxis and bougie hotel breakfast, seeing the real London like a native is truly an experience to cherish for a lifetime. Gear up for some cheap thrills and goofy city adventures as we have picked a few tips and tricks to explore the British Capital.   

You can also read: Top London Picnic Areas with a Mouthwatering View in Sunshine

Free Museums

What's best than kicking off the local trip with some freebies? London's majestic museums are a treat to watch, explore and learn its history. Natural History Museum is a delight to watch specially the dinosaurs section of the free gallery include enormous installations of T-Rex, Triceratops, and many more fascinate everyone in the museum.You can get easy access to Natural History Museum through the budget hotels in Kensington High Street famous amongst the Londoners for affordable stays in London. Whether it is art, archaeology, or architecture there are a number of cultural attractions that are absolutely free to visit.

Tube Through London

Skip the expensive taxis, and Ubers and travel like local Londoners do. UK's public transportation especially its tube network is one the largest systematic transportation networks in the world. Get an Oyster card made as it helps you quit the long queues for single-fare tickets and is far cheaper. Use the tube maps to navigate through the network and the stations.

Explore the ‘Hidden London’

There's always more to a city than advertised; similar is the case with London. The big city is more than its royal buildings, the massive river, and Big Ben. In fact, so much of it is unexplored that there is a special tour called the "Hidden London" operated by London Transport Museum. This tour takes you through London's unknown areas that are equally interesting as the others. You will get to see the lost stations of the Euston stations, the subterranean shelter located at the Clapham South station, the city's first-ever skyscraper on 55 Broadway, and Churchill's secret station.

Eat a Traditional Lunch

The Brits love spending their Sundays eating a traditional roast at a local pub. You can easily stop by any local pub and have their traditional roast consisting of meat of your choice, steamed vegetables, a Yorkshire pudding, and stuffing. The roast is typically accompanied by horseradish sauce, mint sauce, English mustard, cranberry sauce, and bread sauce. It is said that the tradition came to prominence during King Henry VII's era and is still cherished and eaten every week without a hitch.

Sunset on the Primrose Hill

Fancy a cute evening with some hot chocolate, a BLT, and a gorgeous skyline to gaze at? Then do it like the locals and head to Primrose Hill. This hilltop is 62 meters above sea level and gives an uninterrupted view across the skyline, and is apparently one of the six "protected views" in the city. So, grab your picnic basket and hike up to the hill to enjoy a quiet evening under the sky. Primrose Hill is the place where you have to be before sunset for the ravishing view of sunset and what’s best? When your accommodation is very near like Park City Grand Plaza Kensington is very close to the Primrose Hill sunset point.

Taste London’s Craft Breweries

The brewery scene in London is thriving and popping! London's craft beers are a must-have for beer lovers and first-timers. The aesthetic and Instagram-friendly rooftops are a cool place to chill, hang out, and interact with the locals.

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10 Fun And Frolic Festivals In London Which Reflect The Country’s Celebrations At Its Best!

Feasting in London 

London is known for many things- Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, London Tower Bridge, and countless museums. London is known around the world for politics, history, music, fashion, and theatre. But aside from the aforementioned, London also has a lot of festivals to boast about. These festivals take place year-round and feature and celebrate British culture at its finest. The following are some of the most famous festivals in London:

1. Citadel Festival

Citadel Festival is an annual music festival held in London since 2015. This year’s edition is slated to take place on  July 14, 2022, in Gunnersby Park, London.

2. British Summer Time

British Summer Time, also known as BST, is an annual music festival held in Hyde Park, London. The festival spans over 10 days full of music and entertainment headlined by legendary musicians and performers. This year, the industry’s biggest names like Bruce Springsteen and E Park will be headlining this legendary festival. British Summer Time 2022 is set on July 14.

3. South West Four

South West Four is an award-nominated EDM Festival held in Clapham Commons, London annually. Like the previous years, this year’s edition is set to take place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend from August 26 to 28.

4. Four Tet All-Dayer

Set this year on the 13th of August, Four Tet All-Dayer is an electronic music festival featuring the biggest names in the genre right now. This year’s festival is in Finsbury Park. You can pick the accommodation in one of the budget hotels in Kensington High Street to enjoy this festival at the fullest.

5. Wireless Festival

Attended by thousands every year, Wireless Festival is one of the grandest music festivals in London. The Wireless Festival has been held in several locations around the city. But this year, it is held in Finsbury Park, London. The line-up spawns from different genres with names like James Blunt, Drake, Avicii, The Who, Kanye West, Jay Z, and David Guetta headlining it in the past few years.

6. Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival has almost become a tradition for Londoners as it has been held for over 50 years by the West Indian Community. Every year, those of British-Caribbean descent come together adorned in beautiful, colorful attires to hold a parade and food festival in Notting Hill, London. This year, the carnival is scheduled to take place from August 28 to 30. This is the most awaited festival as there is dance, celebration and feast. Park City Grand Plaza Kensington is just a tube away from Notting Hill Carnival. So, celebrate the festival with saving on commute and accommodation means no breaking the bank.

7. London Jazz Festival

London Jazz Festival is one of the biggest festivals showcasing jazz music around the world. It has been held for over twenty years and attracts jazz lovers from all over the world. This year, the festival is set to take place from  November 11 to 20.

8. The Great British Beer Festival

Organized by Campaign For Real Ale, the Great British Beer Festival is a great tourist attraction in the City of London. The festival showcases different kinds of beer which attracts millions of beer enthusiasts around the world. The 2022 Great British Beer Festival will take place in Olympia, London from  August 4 to 8.

9.Taste of London

Another festival perfect for foodies, Taste of London is dubbed as one of the biggest food festivals in the world. Attracting thousands of people every year, the festival first started in June 2018. This year’s edition is set to take place in Tobacco Dock.

10. Meatopia

Meatopia is London’s very own cook-off where chefs from all over the city will cook dishes using sustainable materials and ethically-sourced ingredients. The event is set to take place in Tobbaco Dock, Tobbaco Quay from September 2 to 4. 

 

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London: City Highlights Bike Tour

 

If you decide to bike around London, you’d be doing the city and yourself a huge favor. You’d be enjoying the sights while being kind to mother nature as well. Should you try to actually do it, here are some places you might wanna check out.

 

Hyde Park loop

 

With a total distance of 7km, any frequent biker of this area could easily say that it is one of the easiest routes to take. Because of the not-so-congested lanes within the royal park premises, you’d quickly see why. If you are a tourist you can take Santander bike from the Lexham Garden station and roam the London city. You should choose your accommodation in central London to access the attractions with ease. Park City Grand Plaza Kensington London is in the shortest distance from the popular attractions in central London. As you ride and pedal your way, you’d be spinning your wheels through the Italian gardens, the Kensington Palace, and the Royal Albert Hall as well as the Albert Memorial it faces. You can cycle around London and enjoy the beauty of the London attractions one by one.

 

You can also read: SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT BRENT CROSS

 

Deeper into the park, you could traverse through the West Carriage Drive where you’d be viewing the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine. As you make your final lap through the park, you could also commemorate some historical revolution down Park Lane.

 

King’s Cross to Notting Hill

 

Because it’s mainly a flat route of 10 kilometers, it’s one of the hidden gems of London for any biker or stroller for that matter. Comprised mainly of short stinted quiet roads, this biker’s route will let you traverse through the Portobello Market in the speediest manner that your bike can give.

 

Once you gain entry through the Regent’s Canal Towpath in Granary Square, you’d feel like the force of gravity will just pull you through until you reach the iconic Trellick Tower of West London. Once you reach past Camden Lock, you’d be gazing at an impressive display of wildlife at the Regent Park’s zoo. As you take a break, Little Venice’s waterside would be a very ideal spot. Book one of the hotels in Kensington for quick access to Santander Bike Station in Lexham Garden for a break free ride.

 

Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace

 

Taking a picturesque biking trek will be at its easiest in choosing the route from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. You’d be pedaling your way through north London’s leafy network – it’s like leaving London behind, though just in an imaginative way. Embracing nature in this route will connect two of north London’s most admired parks.

 

As you start at Finsbury Park, the flat pathways will take you along the Parkland Walk – a tree-lined track of a seemingly unused railway, but one that you can use for your biking adventures. Since it’s a tree-lined track, there are no major obstacles except when you dodge some families that stroll there too.

 

Would you like to have an experience like this? 

GetYourGuide.com will facilitate it for you. Click here to book now. 

 Should you hop into this, here’s what you must bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• A tumbler of water
• Light, comfy shoes
• Aerodynamic clothes

What you must know about the activity:

• Meeting place is Waterloo Train Station, Waterloo Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 8SW, UK.
• An English-speaking tour guide will be accompanying you.
• Only groups of 10 people are allowed each time.
• Only a 24-hour cancellation is allowed to get a full refund.
• Available durations are 3 to 5 hours for each group.
• People with physical impairments or those that are over 65 years old are not allowed.

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Enjoy a Drink of Pimm’s in these Lovely Summer Terraces

Summer in London is a prime time to go out and enjoy lots of food and drinks. Whether you’re in search of the best Malaysian food restaurant, looking for a unique Italian pizzeria, or you simply want to enjoy a lovely Pimm’s drink with your mates, summer is the best time to do it.

Speaking of Pimm’s, there are quite a number of outdoor terraces that offer this refreshing liqueur. Read on and take note of these lovely terraces where you can enjoy food and Pimm’s all summer long.

Drake & Morgan Pimm’s o Clock Terraces

Drake & Morgan’s selection of terraces makes for a lively outdoor space where people can enjoy great food and drinks. These so-called Pimm’s o Clock Terraces are the perfect hangout places for you and your mates this summer. Check out six of these places here:

The Listing

This lively bar and restaurant is situated at the heart of Bush Lane in Cannon

Street, London. The Listing has a spacious terrace fit for a pleasant outdoor

dining experience.

If you’re tired from scouring for good Malaysian food, diners, and other similar

spots, head on to The Listing in the afternoon and enjoy Pimm’s and other

delightful food and drinks.

The Listing is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am until late evenings. If you’re

from Kensington, you may reach the area in less than 40 minutes by tube.

You can also read: Top Places to Find the Best Street Food in London

The Refinery

If you’re looking for a themed terrace that screams summer in every nook and cranny, then head on to The Refinery.

The Refinery can be found in Bankside, near the Tate Modern. It has a terrace section decked out in summary striped chairs, complete with a large screen for viewing summer sports events.

Sip a cup of Pimm’s No. 1, Pimm’s No. 6, Pimm’s Spritz, or Pimm’s Eton Mess while enjoying the relaxed summer vibe of The Refinery’s terrace.

The Refinery is open every day, and it may take around 30-40 minutes to reach the place via tube from Kensington.

The Allegory

Located at the heart of Shoreditch, The Allegory is another excellent place to enjoy a cup or two of Pimm’s. This bar and restaurant feature an alfresco terrace filled with greenery, making you feel cozy and relaxed with your mates as you dine and drink in there.

All the typical Drake & Morgan restaurant foods can be found here, as well as serving of cocktails and Pimm’s fruit cups.

The Allegory is open daily from early morning to varying hours in the evenings. From Kensington, the Allegory can be reached via a tube in less than 40 minutes.

Devonshire Terrace

Kensington may have the best Malaysian restaurant in London, but Liverpool Street has the most relaxing ambiance for a bar and restaurant in the city.

The stylish interiors match the perfectly serene courtyard, where you can enjoy a cup or two of Pimm’s fruit cups paired with a delicious selection of bar food.

Hop on to a tube from Kensington and you’ll be at Devonshire Terrace in under 40 minutes or less.

The Happenstance

Enjoy a truly summery vibe with The Happenstance’s lovely botanical terrace. This terrace is decked in greenery and flowers in full bloom. It also has a nice view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The bar and restaurant has a distinct menu of food and drinks, and it never fails to include Pimm’s No. 1 and other variants of the fruit cup.

Visit The Happenstance from Kensington via a 30-34 minute tube ride.

The Pagination

Craving for a riverside view after chowing down at a Malaysian restaurant Kensington restaurants or other similar places in that area Come down to Canary Wharf and head straight to The Pagination.

The Pagination features a large alfresco terrace adjacent to the Canary Wharf riverside and the bridge near West India Quay. Sip a cup of Pimm’s drinks here and enjoy the relaxing ambiance this terrace has to offer.

You can reach The Pagination via the tube in an hour or less.

Summing It Up

Enjoy a wide variety of Pimm’s drinks in any of these six terraces owned by Drake & Morgan chain of bars and restaurants. Complete your summer gastronomic experience in these places and have some good fun under the London sun.

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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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