LONDON
FIRST-TIMERS IN THE BIG SMOKE Seeing London from the top deck of a ‘hop on, hop off’ bus is fun for newbies. The Tower of London is a ‘wow, that’s a really old spot where kings got banged up’ tourist must-see, and nearby Tower Bridge is spectacular. Camden Market is worth a look for the sheer scale and variety of people and stores. Then walk around London’s heart from Piccadilly Circus through Leicester Square to Covent Garden for a drink in a ye olde pub: try the Lamb and Flag or Cove Bar. Finish off in a superclub such as Ministry of Sound or Fabric. Don’t miss: The Tower of London
15 Tower Bridge
ROMANTIC LONDON You could ditch London and do Paris instead, but failing that, try this for size. Hire a boat and go for a paddle on the Serpentine (the lake in picturesque Hyde Park). It’s great couples fun, guaranteed. The National Gallery has a wonderful atmosphere and an outstanding collection of old masters and impressionists (Renior, Monet etc), then take your own masterful snapshot from the top of Primrose Hill. A concert at the grand Royal Albert Hall or dinner at the riverside Oxo Tower (near Southbank) with its hip cocktail bar will keep you in the good books. Finally, make it a day-long rule that you have a snog at every statue you see. Don’t miss: Primrose Hill View from the Oxo Tower
TNT Images, Rex Features, Getty Images
A PLACE FOR YOUR FOLKS TO CRASH They deserve better than the couch, are too old for a stinky dorm, but won’t wanna pay a fortune for a posh hotel. So where can your parents stay if you don’t have a spare room in your flat? Self-catering studios/flats are a good bet. They are heaps cheaper than paying per night for a hotel (even a cheap one), plus you get a kitchen and a living room. Some starting points are londonshortlettingapartments.com and homefromhome.co.uk. Out of term time, university halls are often let out to tourists. See lsevacations.co.uk for
basic but decent rooms. You can also find a really nice and reasonably priced bed and breakfast at athomeinlondon.co.uk. If you book ahead, the Travelodge hotel chain (travelodge.co.uk) can be very cheap.
tntonline For a guide to sights and things to do in London visit tntonline.co.uk/londonlife
‘LET’S DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT’ TYPES Head north to Camden or to the East End. In Camden, check out the markets around the Lock, and you might just spot a rock star in the Hawley Arms. Camden is a top spot for a night out, too. Koko and the Electric Ballroom plug (mainly) alternative bands. Nearby West Highgate Cemetery, with its ornate Victorian graves, is unique. You need to join a tour, but it’s worth it (020 8340 1834; highgate-cemetery.org). The East End is the most vibrant part of London. Wander down Brick Lane, stopping at the eclectic Old Truman Brewery and White Cube Gallery. Hoxton Square has funky bars, and don’t miss Dennis Severs’ House which is part museum, part ghost tour. Don’t miss: A tour of West Highgate Cemetery
Camden
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