Stroll Your Way in London with These Sense Fainting Parks

June 18th, 2013 abhinav

Stroll Your Way in London with These Sense Fainting Parks

London, the commercial epicentre of the UK, is a world-renowned city with an abundance of tourist attractions waiting for you to unleash their beauty. There are castles, palaces, breath-taking constructions to lift you off your feet. However, there is more to London than these famous monuments and historic castles. If you are one of those who want to bend their way to tranquillity and soothing calmness, then here are some of the London parks where you can achieve this.

Richmond Park

Situated at a convenient distance of 30 minutes from the main city, this park truly personifies the fictional setting of Robin Hood saga. The park is dotted with thousand years’ old oak trees, compact copses, heavily dense forests and an extensive range of unbelievable flora and fauna. This is the largest royal park in the city with an expanse of over 2500 acres. The Isabella plantation is one of the most famous sections of this regal park. Intensively wooded and stuffed with hillocks of azaleas, magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias, this section will surely cast a magical spell over your distressed senses. Snuggled cosily at the edge of the city, this park also offers panoramic views of some parts of the city.

Wimbledon Common

If you totally absorbed with this idea of distancing yourself from the razzmatazz of the city life, then this is the place for you. Winding ways and bridleways pepper this rustic appealing location. The Common section of the area has some sprinkled pubs. The Wimbledon village too is populated with quaint, small pubs. So, travellers, fun while on a run is possible here.

Bushy Park

The second largest royal park is located just north of the illustrious Hampton Court. The vast expansive surface gives you the impression that this park is nothing but a huge rural field; however, this is quite a deception. A scrutinized look can easily disclose the tracings of the medieval field boundaries. The most remarkable feature, however, remains the ‘Chest Avenue.’ It is a mile long way with the splendour of chestnut trees adorning the whole thoroughfare. Couple your visit with the Hampton Court and you will find the visit to this park a cherished experience.

PLACES YOU JUST CAN’T MISS

June 14th, 2013 abhinav

The following are some of the most preferable places you just can’t miss to visit in this world;

The Valley of the Moon, Atacama Desert in Chile
The Valley of the Moon is a moonscape valley that lies in the driest desert in the republic of Chile. The valley is marked by rock pillars, volcanic peaks and the windswept dunes. Most of the visitors hike across these massive sand dune during afternoon and wait for the volcanoes to be washed away by the setting sun. The valley is surrounded by many places where you can stay. The hotels in the place offer good accommodation with luxuries to make you enjoy your vacation at the valley of the moon. There are a lot of guesthouses in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. The Valley of the moon shares its borders with Peru, Bolivia and Argentina.

Murren and Gimmelwald, Bernese Oberland in Switzerland
Murren and Gimmelwald, Bernese Oberland are situated in Switzerland. Murren is a tiny town with a 300 year-round residents. It sits at 3000 foot in a cliff looming over Lauterbrunnen Valley. Hiking along this valley is a real life experience that you cannot miss and it remains to be one of the places you just can’t miss to visit. Below the murren you will find the Gimmelwald. Cars are not allowed in the town but one can use the vertigo inducing car cable to access the place.

Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Havasu Falls are found in the middle of Arizona desert and the virtual Garden of the Eden. It is a ten mile hike to the Grand Canyon National park. It is a tropical oasis that is in a blue-green pool that spills out a hundred foot waterfall. It is not easy to reach Havasu falls because it is watched over by Havasupai tribe who live at canyon a town which is two miles above the stream.

The Underground Cities, Cappadocia in Turkey
Cappadocia is a beautiful and romantic kind of city. This is a landscape where almost everything is built inside the rock terrain. Some of the cities to explore here are the Derinkuyu that extends more than 18 stories under the Anatolian plateau. The months of February and March are best months to visit the Cappadocia cities.

Mount Hekla, Iceland
Mount Hekla is Iceland’s second most active volcano and it is 5,000 foot high. The mountain is still displaying the tendencies of erupting and mostly erupts after ten years. The volcanic mountain can be climbed in eight hours. The mountains can be best climbed during summer solstice especially in the month of June and winter months when its view is at the mountain’s most spectacular point. The town of Geysir is the nearest town to Hekla Mountain where you can get the place to stay.

The National Express is one the UK’s largest coach company that is scheduled to operate into around 1200 places or destinations across England, Wales and Scotland.

Get Into the Shoes of the Royalty with a Visit to Palaces in London

June 11th, 2013 abhinav

Get into The Shoes of The Royalty With a Visit to Palaces in London

London may be a democratic city now, but it has its roots in monarchy. The ample proof of that can be found in the ostentatious, imposing palaces that adorn this city. Pack your bags, rewind the clocks a touch and plunge into the realm of the intriguing history of this city. And, these palaces provide you just that.

Tower of London

A historical building soaked in an impenetrable aura of inscrutability, spectacle and mystery. For a long time this palace was used as a venue for executing culprits and prison. With a brimming river forming a jaw dropping, almost ethereal backdrop to this palace, you are likely to be immersed in its intriguing history. The Medieval Palace is one of the most popular sections among the tourists. The bed used by King Edward I was recreated by the architects.  In fact, a small chantry off the regal bed is one of the most tranquil spaces in the whole palace.

Hampton Court Palace

This oldest surviving Tudor palace is bound to bring goose bumps to your body. The breath-taking winding corridors, palatial apartments, impeccably maintained 60 acre royal garden all evoke a feeling of disbelief.  Italian Renaissance artist Andreas Mantegna’s Triumphs of Ceaser adds an unmatched grace to the palace. However, the thing, which is most likely to blow you away,is the collection of the world’s largest and oldest wines. These giant wines embellish the royal gardens and a stroll around these will delight you in the most beautiful manner.

Banqueting House

Once a part of the largest royal palace in the Europe, this venue is now the only section remained in the White hall palace. The architecture of this hall is unique in itself. It was one of the first structures on which the principles of Palladianism were applied. However, this brilliant palace is also known for one outstanding feature. Its ceilings adorns the masterpiece of Rueben, an in – situ ceiling painting, the only surviving one. This palace’s distinct structure and an undercurrent of Italian Renaissance style embossed on its disposition are a marvel in themselves. You cannot help but find your conscience drowning into the intricacies of this beauty.

These palaces are waiting for you to unravel their mysteries. Visit London and absorb the rich history, which these monumental structures offer.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Beckons Nature Lovers

June 5th, 2013 abhinav

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Beckons Nature Lovers

If you are a nature lover especially into gardening and planning to visit London, then the time has come to start your preparations. The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, the largest horticultural show in the world will take place from 9th July to 14th July 2013. This annual extravaganza will take place at the iconic Hampton Court Palace in London. With six days totally devoted to everything horticultural, this flower show is an event for the gardener in you to rejoice.

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show – An Overview

As mentioned, it is the largest annual flower show in the world. On display would be the works of over 150 nurseries specialists. The event normally opens with a special evening where preview is introduced and fireworks complete the preview evening.

The event is, however, much more than a mere flower show. Here experts give tips and suggestions on gardening. Tips on gardening in a changing climate and a shop for all the gardening products that you might need are the added features.

This year the main attraction of the festival would be the introduction of three new zones namely ‘inspire’ ‘grow’ and ‘escape’. Here is a brief description of these three zones.

INSPIRE ZONE

If you want some ideas on refurbishing your garden, then head to this zone. You will find the latest garden designs and funky furniture, and equipment for your garden, which includes lighting. At the inspire zone, you will find the following things:

  • 8 innovative concepts on Garden design
  • Gardens designed on a budget ranging from £7K to £15K
  • Hands on area, where you will get demonstrations on garden design technique

GROW ZONE

The organisers of the show would be stocking an astonishing range of rare plants in this zone. Along with this, experts here will provide you with guidance on how to plan a beautiful garden. The highlights of this zone would be:

  • Floral Pavilion with over 90 top nurseries and plant experts
  • An informal plant fair called plant village

ESCAPE ZONE

If you dream about creating an aesthetic garden at your home, then this is your destination. The main features of this pavilion would be:

  • Country Living Magazine Pavilion: Where over 120 artists and craftsman would be selling chic garden products
  • A designated Rose Pavilion
  • Grow your own and Artisan Food Marquee
  • Summer gardens

The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is an alluring event for everyone, whether you are a passionate gardener or not. There is so much to see and explore at this annual flower show. Visit London in July and be a part of this fabulous flower show.

Dance Opa Gangnam Style at Best Cabaret Clubs and Bars in London

May 28th, 2013 abhinav

Dance Opa Gangnam Style at Best Cabaret Clubs and Bars in London

London has a sizzling and glamorous nightlife apart from a bustling daytime. Londoners work hard, but prefer to party even harder and the rocking nightlife there complements their desire in the most satisfying manner. However, googling a happening, zesty cabaret club can be a nuisance in this vast city. Nevertheless, do not worry; we give you the list of most wild and swinging cabaret clubs in the city.

Proud Cabaret City

Nostalgic of the nightlife of the bygone era? Shed that feeling of nostalgia and walk into this sophisticated cabaret bar to relive those golden days. The whole ambience emanates an air of 1920s, with women flashing burnt cigarettes on a lengthy holder, their bodies adorned with flapper dresses. Men too dressed like mob members strengthen the aura of bygone times. However, you need not be intimidated them. No inhibitions here, as once the party starts, everyone lets their hair down, abandoning the 1920s aura. Dance coupled with some wonderful cocktails, you are going to have a time of your life.

Café de Paris

If there is one cabaret bar you should visit when in London, it is Café de Paris. The opulence and the sheer dazzle of this bar will sway you away. Its absolute vast infrastructure (three separate bars in addition to mezzanine and the main dance floor) and the regular visits by big names like Madonna, The Spice Girls have made this bar a renowned one. However, the prices can be a bit high on the budget and in extreme crowds, the staff could be a bit condescending. Nonetheless, this bar is worth a visit for its magnificence and the performances it holds.

Cellar Door

Want to go in a cabaret bar but fearing about a cloistered atmosphere? Renounce your worries and enjoy like no one else in this intimate yet chic bar. Alive with jazz and burlesque performances every night, you will get your money’s worth here. A small and relatively low stage establishes that feeling of intimacy not to be found anywhere else. An astonishing confluence of superb jazz and cabaret performances dazzles its nights. Moreover, coupled with delightful cocktails, this place is a haven for partygoers.

Choose from these cabaret bars and clubs and infuse that unmatched vigour into your nightlife experience in London.

London has a sizzling and glamorous nightlife apart from a bustling daytime. Londoners work hard, but prefer to party even harder and the rocking nightlife there complements their desire in the most satisfying manner. However, googling a happening, zesty cabaret club can be a nuisance in this vast city. Nevertheless, do not worry; we give you the list of most wild and swinging cabaret clubs in the city.

Reasons Why Travel Insurance is Important

May 21st, 2013 abhinav

Reasons Why Travel Insurance is Important

With a boom in the travel industry, people’s attitude towards travel has changed drastically in the recent times. Earlier, travel insurance was seen as an option but now as a necessity. You may have to drop the idea of travelling due to some unforeseen circumstances or you may have to cancel your trip owing to some reasons. At that time, travel insurance can come very handy for you. We give you the reasons why you should have travel insurance before you embark on a trip to London.

Trip Cancelled? No Worry
Travel insurance can be very helpful in case you have to cancel your trip due to some emergencies. Normally, a travel company will not refund your amount in the case of trip cancellation. At that time, proper travel insurance will cover your amount.

Cash in Emergency
If, in the foreign land, you have lost your passport, wallet and other valuables, then travel insurance can help you a great deal. You can get emergency cash at that moment and your identification can be ascertained through that.

Life-Saving Drug in Bankruptcy
Sometimes, when the cruise company or the travel company through which you have booked your trip goes bankrupt, at those times you can claim your money. If you have travel insurance, you will not lose the money, even if the travel company is not in a position to pay.

A Worry Free Vacation
Vacations should be worry free and that is what travel insurance aims to do. If you do not have travel insurance, handling a critical moment in the foreign land will be very daunting. Travel insurance package covers all the vital aspects of your travel and makes sure that you enjoy to the fullest in your vacation. After all, holidaying should be worry free.

Helps in Medical Emergencies
It does not matter how healthy and fit you are, medical emergencies can strike you at any moment. Travel insurance, at those moments, can prove to be a boon for you. Most of the travel insurance packages come with a substantial medical cover, which will take care of those critical situations for you.

Travel insurance is a great way to cover you from the unexpected disasters that might occur in travel. Keep yourself insured and make merry in your holidays.

Visiting London’s Museums For Free While on Budget Travel

May 14th, 2013 abhinav

Have you booked your flights to London and making your travel on a budget? I asked this question knowing well that there are many tourists who love to spend on their travel, while there are also others who want to save as much as they can when traveling to distant places for sightseeing or vacations. In fact, traveling on a budget is fast gaining pace with most of the tourists who want to enjoy and at the same time save on their trip.

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If London is your next vacation destination, here is a valuable tip that will surely help in saving a lot while you are on a budget travel. London is strewn with myriad attractions that entices the visitors no ends. The city offers endless sightseeing opportunities to its quintessential visitors. One of the major attractions in London is its countless museums, which consume most of your time. A visit to these museums is fascinating indeed and takes you down the memory lanes.

Most of the museums in London are known to charge admission fee from the tourists. But, do you also know that major art galleries and museums in London offer free admission to the visitors. It’s surprising indeed, and most surprising of them all is that these art galleries and museums can be visited for free all year round. So, you now already know whenever you book cheap tickets and travel to the city during any part of the year you’ll get ample opportunity to see the museums and art galleries here free of cost and save on your travel and sightseeing expenses.

Here are some of the big names that offer free admission to the visitors all year round. These museums and art galleries include Natural History Museum, British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Museum of London, Saatchi Gallery, Horniman Museum, Museum of London Docklands, and RAF Museum.

It’s important to know details of some of these important museums and art galleries so that it will help you prepare for your London visit beforehand and give an insight into these major attractions.

Spending your time at the Natural History Museum would quite be interesting. It is one of the big three museums situated in South Kensington. Famous world over for its dinosaur skeletons, the Natural History Museum is housed in a wonderful Victorian building. Avoid visiting the museum on weekends because of long queues of people. Weekdays are always the best time to visit the Natural History Museum.

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British Museum is among the best museums to visit while in London. This museum came into existence in 1753 and had since been offering free admission to the visitors. An incredible more than seven million objects are presently housed in this museum and would take the visitors around one week to see everything. The British Museum is also known for its best known and largest collection of Greek and Egyptian antiquities.

The National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain and Saatchi Gallery are among the best art galleries that merit a visit by all visitors while in London. Apart from these, there are more museums and art galleries that remain to be visited while on a budget travel to London.

Take a trip back in time in Pollock’s toy museum

May 8th, 2013 abhinav

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Whoever says they don’t get excited by toys is telling porkies!

Nowadays toys sadly aren’t what they used to be, but if you’re feeling a bit nostalgic and want to remember toys of yesteryear you can do just that in Pollock’s toy museum in London!

History of the museum

The museum is named after Benjamin Pollock, the last of the Victorian Toy Theatre printers. It was founded by Marguerite Fawdry who bought most of the Pollock’s stock even though she was originally looking for just one toy. The museum has been located on Scala Street since 1969, but was originally nearer to Covent Garden.

What’s inside?

The ground floor is a shop where you can buy lots of cool goodies such as wooden toys and replicas of old-fashioned games. Then your expedition begins by climbing a narrow staircase where you’ll then see several displays of dolls from various places such as Africa, Europe, India and Latin America.

Upstairs you’ll also find a collection of toy theaters, intricately made by Benjamin Pollock himself. There are also puppets, mechanical and construction toys, lead miniatures, folk toys, dolls houses and so many other novelty items from all over the world.

For the young and the young at heart

When you think of a toy museum you might automatically presume it’s just something for the kids, but as this museum is full to the brim of vintage treasures you’re bound to have a lot of ‘wow, I used to have one of those!’ moments. Some of the porcelain dolls with creepy eyes might scare the kids, but it’s interesting for them to see how toys used to be and know that not everything has to be battery-operated or have an internet connection to be fun.

The location

The museum is spread across two houses (one from the 18th century and one from the 19th century), which are joined together by these many staircases. The houses themselves with their creaking, winding stairs and random décor add to the nostalgic feel.

Information

The museum is open from 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday and the entrance fee is

£6 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3 for children.

It’s situated on 1 Scala Street, London, W1T 2HL.

For any other information check out their website.

If you happen to feel slightly peckish after reminiscing about your childhood why not treat yourself to a pizza delivery in London?

 

Bio:

This was a guest post by Rachel, who writes for a variety of blogs including hungryhouse, providing you with all your fast food needs! She lives in London and likes to explore all the unusual activities there are to do in the capital.

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening Ceremony Awaits You Eagerly

May 7th, 2013 abhinav

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening Ceremony awaits you eagerly

Do you want to get up close to the Buckingham Palace? This is your excellent opportunity then. The Buckingham Palace Summer opening ceremony commences on 27th July 2013 at the Buckingham Palace, London. It is the only time when the doors of 19 lavish staterooms are opened for public.

Thus, you can witness the sheer opulence of these staterooms, which are still used to entertain guests of the Royal Family in London. If you are travelling to London late July, then you can be a part of this exclusive ceremony. And it is not just about opening ceremony. Here are the things, which you will witness during this lavish function.

Summer Opening Ceremony

The first thing obviously would be the summer opening ceremony at the palatial Buckingham Palace. Known for its unparalleled grandeur and lavishness, Buckingham Palace is a treat to watch. For the ceremony, the palace is extravagantly decorated and the royal robes are put on a display including the principal royal robes. Those of you who have not seen this ceremony before, this is the real chance to witness the extravagance of the Buckingham Palace.

Treasures from Round the World

This year not only the splendour of the Buckingham Palace is on display but also cultural artefacts and arts from Russia. This includes gifts, models, paintings and jewellery, as well as archival photography from over the past 100 years. You can even see the items presently owned by the royal family. Who knows, you may stumble upon an item owned by Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge?

Explore the Art of Buckingham Palace

The summer opening ceremony gives you an excellent opportunity to see the extensive art collection of the palace. You will be mesmerised by the priceless paintings by the master artisans like Rembrandt and Rubens. In addition to this, you will be blown away by the finest English and French architectures which this palace houses.

Seeing Buckingham Palace from such close quarters is an “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. Visit London and be a part of the history.

London – Popular Tourist Hangout

May 2nd, 2013 abhinav

London is a city of Royals which is renowned for its diverse activities, ancient history, fairs and theatrical events. It is an exciting city which has some of the world’s best attractions. The world heritage sites, the great museums, huge monuments speak volumes of its accomplishments, rich heritage, and love for art and culture.

London has so much to offer and activities to do, see, feel, and experience that you will have to narrow down your places to visit in London. This may include:

London Eye:

Unravel the views of London from a great height. Experience the capital city, witness the fireworks, and tingle your senses with the breathtaking journey. The spectacular views from different angles will take your breath away.

Madame Tussauds:

Meet your favorite celebrity at this great museum which is a combination of glitz, glamour, and incredible history. Click a pose with your favorite sports star David Beckham or plant a kiss on the cheek of Lewis Hamilton.

British Museum:

It boasts of having some unique, remarkable and magnificent collection of treasures from varied cultures under one roof. See the world renowned Rosetta Stone or the Egyptian mummies or catch glimpses of the displays of varied arts, events and exhibitions.

Natural History Museum:

See thousands of amazing exhibits, hundreds of fascinating specimens, or meet face-to-face with the dinosaurs. Experience and learn some amazing facts of science and nature in this landmark of London and much more… all for free!

London always has something new to offer to its visitors. This city is always bustling with some sports event, or plays a host to exhibitions or musical concerts.

Besides the famous top picks, away from the jostling hubble and bubble of the metropolis, entertain yourself and check out 10 London Things to Do on the ‘West End’.

National Gallery: Discover and explore the great works of Jan Gossaert of the Renaissance Age.

Covent Garden: Escape the city’s humdrum life and find an oasis of calm and tranquility in Neal’s Yard.

The Courtauld Gallery:

Get a glimpse of great works of the world’s renowned works artists.

Bridget Riley: View some beautiful paintings and other works of art.

Opera Quarter: The food quarter near Covent Garden boasts of having the best cafes, restaurants and food emporiums for food-lovers. The sizzling mouth-watering dishes are dipped with history of Thomas De Quincey and Charles Dickens.

Theatres: London has the best theatres in the world and always has ongoing theatrical events for all tastes, culture and style. London has history of lost theaters or Halls that are preserved for its heritage and cultural value and this is the reason the West End of London is called Theatreland.

Musical Concerts:

Get doused in a musical concert.

Besides shows, dramas, festivals, exhibition, London is also the shopper’s destination. Shop till you drop on Oxford Street or Westfield Stratford or just do window shopping at the iconic departmental stores and feast your eyes with the latest current brands in the market.

But before planning a trip make a checklist of all that you require. In case if you need passport renewals of any of your family members, you will have to plan ahead as it will take at least three weeks. So remember, not to miss out anything that will disrupt your great vacation

Visit and enjoy London as this is the only city in the world that offers more free stuff like world-class museums, Royal parks, peaceful gardens, galleries, canal walks and supermarkets.

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