The Famous Parks of London

 

Hyde Park, London

London is known for its large, relaxing parks, and these must be a part of your itinerary! Each one of these parks is unique in its own way and should be experienced one at a time. Here is a list of London’s most eminent parks, which you should visit at least once.

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Hyde Park

Making it to the first position in this list is London’s historic Hyde Park. The Park covers 142 hectares of land and has over 4,000 varieties of admirable flora. It has a lake with paddle boats and even some horses to ride on. Located in the heart of London, this park cannot be missed. 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.

Entry fee: Free

Hampstead Heath

Located only four miles away from Trafalgar Square, Hampstead Heath is a beautiful countryside park of 800 acres. Since it is easy to reach and not far from commercial areas; you will spot many employees relaxing after a tiring day at work. This Park has meadows, ponds, woodland, and trees that are thousands of years old – nature in pure sense.

Entry fee: Free

Alexandra Park and Palace 

This 80-hectare, Green heritage winning green landscape in London is every child’s delight. Not only is the Alexandra Park and Palace a great relaxing place but it also has a ton of entertainment options for children. From a children’s café, to a skate park and a play area for toddlers, the park comes to live during spring and summer holidays. You can also play elite sports such as golf while enjoying the panoramic views of London’s clear skyline.

Entry fee: Free

St. James Park

Being one of the royal parks, the St. James Park in London is a famous tourist attraction and holds multiple royal events that are a treat to watch. Throughout the year, royal celebrations and events like Trooping the Color, Changing the Guard, and Beating the Retreat take place attracting many locals and tourists. The park also holds great significance due the monuments, memorials and statues installed in it such as the Queen Victoria Memorial, King George VI Memorial, Captain Cook Statue, The Tiffany Fountain and many more. The park is also rich in flora and has beautiful flower beds laid out in semi-circle design as a  memorial to Queen Victoria.

Entry fee: Free

Regents Park

Covering over 166 hectares (410 acres) the Regents Park is a rose heaven! This Park holds more than 30,000 roses of 500 varieties. This is also a popular spot for people practicing sports as the sports facilities cover 100 acres of this park. Regents Park is very close to Park City Grand Plaza Kensington via London tube to relish the recreation time in London.

Entry fee: Free

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is one of London’s largest parks with 1000 hectares and is the humble abode of nearly 650 freely roaming deer. Designated as National Nature Reserve (NNR), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) the park has large fresh water reserves where you can spot migratory birds during specific months in the year.

Entry fee: Free

 

 

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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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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.

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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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Malaysian Food Diversity

Malaysian cuisine is a fusion between the culinary tastes of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine. Luckily, the authenticity and diversity of Malaysian food in London is well-kept – staying true to the overall experience of Malaysia’s culture through their cuisine.

Malaysian food is starting to blossom in London’s food scene. Its unique and interesting flavor profile has caught the attention of most Londoners. Parks and squares are transformed into night markets and street food trucks that offer Malaysian food.

There are a number of renowned Malaysian restaurants and food establishments located near hotel in Kensington. You can enjoy tasty food within the vicinity of your hotel room at any time of the day.

While there are different Malaysian food options served in London’s food establishments, here are some of the best Malaysian foods you can get from hotels near Kensington.

Banana Leaf Rice

The whole food spread is a feast of its own. Banana leaf rice is a spread of white rice, vegetables, meat or fish curry, papadum, and pickles served on a whole banana leaf. It can be paired with any vegetable or meat dishes. The traditional way to eat banana leaf rice is to use your bare hands.

Satay

Satay is basically marinated meats, of any kind, skewered on sticks and cooked over a grill – very much like a barbecue. Turmeric is a spice used in the marinate that gives satay its distinct yellow color.

Despite its simple concept, satay is a flavorful dish popular amongst Londoners. Satay is best served with peanut sauce. The sweet peanut sauce complements the savory and unique flavor of the satay.

Nasi Lemak

The whole experience of feasting on Malaysian food is not complete without trying Nasi Lemak. It is a hearty dish that would be great for people who were just introduced to Malaysian cuisine.

Nasi lemak literally translates to “rice in cream”. White rice is steamed in coconut cream and wrapped in a banana leaf. Lemongrass, pandan leaf, or ginger is sometimes added to add more fragrance and flavor. This cooking process gives a distinct and enticing aroma to the rice.

A basic nasi lemak spread consists of coconut rice, hard-boiled eggs, dried anchovies, cucumber slices, and roasted peanuts. You can add other meats and vegetables for a filling meal.

Bakuteh

Literally translated as “meat bone tea”, bakuteh is simmered broth made from fatty pork ribs with different herbs and spices. The broth is simmered for days to bring out the flavor of each ingredient. Bakuteh is perfect during cold weather. Its flavorful broth with the pork ribs makes it a sinful dish.

Whether you’re a fan of spicy curries or looking for something hearty and comforting, the restaurants near South Kensington offer a fantastic selection of Malaysian dishes. From street-style satay to rich bakuteh, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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Top Money-Saving Tips for Visiting London

London, with its numerous destinations, parks, museum, and the energetic environment, makes it one of the top travel destinations in the world. However, travelling entails certain costs. Get the most of your London trip with these money-saving tips to enjoy and experience London without breaking the bank.

Choose your Transportation Wisely

Wandering around London will require you to make use of different forms of transportation. Fares, when summed up, may consume more than half of your travel budget. You can save money on your transportation expenses by navigating through London like locals do.

Visitor Oyster Card is one of the contactless payment cards which gives the lowest fares when traveling in London. You would need this card to get from one location to another as you navigate your way through the city.

This card allows you to travel within the city using most of London’s transportation services – including the Tram, Tube, Overground, DLR, National Rail Service, and river bus. Fares are almost 50% cheaper than regular fares and a paper Day Travelcard.

Visitor Oyster Card holders are also eligible to different discounts and special offers on food and drinks all over London. You can also get discounts on London’s museums and special tours.

Walking or using a bicycle are great ways to go around the city for short distances. Central London offers a lot of bicycle-rental shops. With only around £2 for every 24 hours, you can use the bicycle to roam around London. By doing this, you can travel at your own pace. You will be able to appreciate and enjoy the sights even more.

Taxis offer convenience but are way more expensive, especially London’s black cabs. You can use a more budget-friendly taxi apps to book a cab.

Take Advantage of the Free Attractions

Not everything in London is expensive. Actually, there are several attractions you can enjoy for free.

Soak up in London’s rich art and history by visiting museums and galleries which offer free admission to their exhibits. Visit the National Gallery and British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, and the Southbank Centre art complex.

You can also enjoy London’s open spaces and parks. Stroll in Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath.

For tourists, free walking tours around London, such as Free Tour! Of London and Sandeman’s, are available. These tours will give you an overview of the city without spending a lot of cash. Some tours may allow you to leave tips for the guides to show your appreciation. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance since these tours sold out fast.

London’s Cheap Eats

Experience London through good food and overflowing drinks. After spending the whole day sightseeing, you will definitely look forward to London’s delicious and cheap eats.

There are fastfood chains, restaurants, buffets, and cafes you can go to. You have to visit Borough Market to get a taste of the diverse culinary culture of London. Discover the best cheap street eats from London’s food trucks.

The West End is a perfect destination for cheap booze. Take advantage of their promotions and happy hours.

Plan your Accommodations

You can find budget accommodations from a great hotel in Kensignton. Book your room in advance to prevent high room rates.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid booking your stay during peak days, especially during the holidays. If you do, rooms will be a lot cheaper.

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