If you’ve added a London trip to your schedule, there are probably various questions buzzing through your head right now. Which parts of the UK capital should you visit and when? Where should you book accommodation? How can you save money on the trip?
The last of those questions could weigh particularly heavily on your mind, given London’s notoriously high prices. Fortunately, simply walking from one London hotspot to another – and so saving on public transport costs – is a lot more palatable than you might have realised.
Book a hotel in central London
While broadening your choice of London hotels to those right across the capital would – at least theoretically – give you some leeway when it comes to price, this strategy can surprisingly backfire. One reason why is that journeying daily into central London can be prohibitively costly.
You can save yourself both money and time by simply choosing a hotel already centrally located. There’s an attractive choice of City of London hotels, for example, conducive to long-term savings.
Be choosy with exactly when you visit
Walking is obviously beneficial for leaving more pounds in your pocket while trimming more pounds off your waistline. However, it can prove an exercise in frustration if you attempt it in London when it’s especially busy – like in July or August or during bank holidays or school breaks.
Full Suitcase advises that you endeavour to avoid these peak periods. Otherwise, the crowds could get so big that you often feel as though you’re shuffling more than walking.
Don’t underestimate how quickly you can walk
While reading this article, you’ve probably thought to yourself: “Walking’s all well and good for my wallet, but wouldn’t it take too long?” Actually, you could be very mistaken on that point – at least judging from one claim on the Dan Flying Solo travel blog.
According to that site, walking around central London isn’t too time-consuming, and walking between some tube stations can ultimately be quicker than taking the train between them.
Enjoy something of a walking “crash course” in London history
Casually wandering around London can feel like seeing the bark of a felled tree: there are so many visible layers, each from a distinct period of history and collectively telling a story going back many years. It’s easy, then, to see the appeal of a history-oriented walking tour of London.
One such tour advocated by Travel with Bender is the London in a Day tour led by Take Walks. The walk takes in heritage attractions including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.
Consider some of London’s other walking tours, too
Each one will have its own theme which could sway your decision of whether or not to join. If you’re interested in, say, how the UK Parliament works, Take Walks also runs a Behind the Scenes Parliament Tour. If you’re more of a foodie, you could find just the right walk for you; there’s even a Vegan Food Tour that leaves outside Old Street station in Islington.
