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A Weekend in London

London is the perfect place to spend a weekend – it’s vibrant, multicultural, exciting and offers all sorts of entertainment, from historic forts, and tower bridges, to some of the most famous shopping streets and cultural scenes in the world. If you’re planning a few days in the city then we’ve put together an itinerary that will cover everything off and help you get a real feel for the city in just 48 hours. Day 1 Morning You can’t leave London without ticking off a bit of historic culture, and one of our top tips is to start your day near the River Thames and get up as early as you can before the mad rush. Handily, many of London’s top attractions are around around the Thames, so once you’ve learnt about London’s history at the Tower of London, you can take an iconic selfie in front of Tower Bridge, cross over to Bankside to see the battleship HMS Belfast, pass the world-famous Tate Modern Art Gallery and see the unique Tudor-style Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Midday If you consider yourself a foodie, and appreciate fresh and local produce, one of the best places to get your fix is the famous Borough Market. Its roots date back to the 11th century when the area was famous for its market trading, selling grains, fish and livestock – so it’s a real part of London’s heritage. Now, below the arches of London Bridge railway has been converted into a large market space with hundreds of stalls selling everything from confectionery, to dairy products and drinks, including meats and exotic spices from the outskirts of London to around the world. If you fancy something sit down, there are a range of prestigious cafes and restaurants for those who really want to indulge. Evening One of the best places to go after hours is Soho. Right in the heart of central London, it’s one of the city’s most vibrant areas boasting some of the best bars, clubs and restaurants. Throughout the decades Soho has been an area on everyone’s radar – from the multiculturalism of Chinatown, to the heydays of Carnaby Street in the ‘60s, there is plenty to keep you entertained after the sun goes down. For something with the family, you’re only a stone’s throw away from Piccadilly Circus, too, which has to be ticked off your list to see the bright advertisements best seen at night. Day 2 Morning It’s no secret that London is renowned for its shopping so start day 2 with a spot of “window” shopping. With some of the biggest flagship stores in the world, from Top Shop to Burberry, you can’t pass up a walk down Oxford Street, Regent Street and New Bond Street to get a flair for British fashion. If you’re more of a department store shopper, you can’t miss the luxurious Harrods in Knightsbridge which has people flocking from around the world to step within its hallowed halls. If you’re after a bargain, time your trip during the sales and you’ll be guaranteed to save some serious money. Regardless of the time of year, though, it’s also better to start shopping as early as possible in the morning to beat the crowd. Alternatively late at night is another good time as many shops in London are open until 9pm during the week. Midday If you love a bit of Royal Britannia, take a picnic down to one of the royal parks if the weather is nice. From Green Park, Hyde Park and St James’ Park, you’re right around the corner from Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and the Horse Guards Parade which is every tourist’s favourite photo opportunity. Catch one of the daily Changing of the Guards behind the Palace gates, too – always a good London memento. Depending on the season, Hyde Park also hosts big events throughout the year; from Winter Wonderland, the Christmas Market, to big concerts in the summer months. Nevertheless, the park, with its manicured lawns, flower displays and beautiful Serpentine Lake, makes for a sanctuary and green oasis among the chaos of London’s streets. Evening The best way to round off your 48 fun-packed hours in London is with a visit to the cobbled streets of Covent Garden. See the street performers, have a pint at the Punch & Judy pub and grab a pre-theatre meal before buying tickets to a West End Show. London is a theatre-hub and you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer – even at the last minute. Showing some of the most loved shows in the world from The Lion King, to Les Miserables, a London Show is one of the best things to do and a great end to an unforgettable weekend in London!

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