Ballyclare Gazette - Features - Enjoy London’s treasure trove of attractions

Features

Enjoy London’s treasure trove of attractions

Tuesday, 24 January 2012

The recession is unfortunately still biting and often an expensive trip abroad is not an option. With more people opting to enjoy a staycation, London is undoubtedly one of the places to be. Holidaymakers are swapping a week abroad for a long weekend in the capital, choosing to take advantage of great deals on top London attractions ahead of the Olympics.

Particularly if you're travelling from afar, a London holiday for a family of four can end up costing a fortune; there are Tube fares and hotel bills to think about before you even consider how you'll feed and entertain yourselves for the duration of your stay. That's where a sightseeing city card comes in, offering money off and tempting deals on some of the city's much-loved attractions and landmarks. Many such cards not only offer discounts on the capital's most popular attractions, they also give users the chance to skip those off-putting queues.

While plenty of London museums are free to enter, many of the more popular ones can be quite pricey. Fear not, though, as with a handy sightseeing pass you can waltz into venues like the Churchill War Rooms (normally costing £14.50 for an adult's pass - that's well over £30 for a family of four) absolutely free! The London Transport Museum is another attraction definitely worth a visit if you're in the Big Smoke; but at £13.50 for each adult ticket, it'll certainly leave a hole in your pocket, fortunately with a sightseeing card you can enjoy free entry to this top attraction too.

But it's not just free entry you'll be entitled to with a pass like this. Head to London's Tate Modern and you'll be eligible for a free audio guide. Set in the magnificant fomer Bankside Power Station, this popular museum features a huge collection of breath-taking art, including all the major modern art moments from Fauvism onwards. for everyone.

London is a city that has started to really embrace cyclists, with new cycle routes and lanes constantly being laid down. If you're looking for a different way to see the city then it's worth thinking about renting a bicycle; better yet why not join the London Bicycle Tour? On the tour you will follow an expert guide around London's historic streets stopping at many famous locations. The tour will give you the chance to learn about London's past in more detail, discovering things that you would never otherwise find out.

Alternatively, if cycling is not for you, it is also worth considering a boat tour along the Thames. There's surely no better way to enjoy London's riverside landmarks then by crusing down this famous waterway.

The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it's no wonder Windsor Castle is at the top of visitors' 'to do lists' when making the journey to London. Travelling within London is expensive, especially when it's a long journey, but getting hold of a great value city pass can save you over £10 each.

Covering not only the ticket price but also the train connection to and from Windsor, a city pass can save you enough money to cover lunch at a nice eaterie or restaurant. Explore the magnificent State Apartments of Windsor Castle, complete with a free self-guided audio tour, before heading on to another fun city attraction like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court or St Paul's Cathedral.

Whether you're heading to London for a week's holiday or for a weekend visiting family and friends, you're guaranteed to save pounds with a handy city pass, enabling you to make the most of your city break by experiencing all London has to offer.