Goldenbackpacker.com

STAY FOR LESS - LONDON "££"

LONDON the Capital of the British Nation is also the “ Culture Capital of the World ”. It has an incredible history, from the Romans over 2000 years ago through many ages to the present day, which has left amazing sights and tremendous experiences. To the new traveller, however, the challenge to see it all is impossible even a little can be daunting and expensive so GB , who knows the place so well, shows how to start with good Hostel locations then to set off & have a great time in London .

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 – CITY OF LONDON YHA at 36 Carter Lane (next to St Pauls Cathedral) tele 020 7236 4965 - from £22 p.n (ask for Room 11) incl. brek & sheets, 193 beds (singles to 15x rooms) sep showers. No kitchen but café eating/ meeting area, plus fabulous chandelier NON SMOKE lounge/ TV room Ideal for the historic East London sights & River Thames with tranquil surroundings - St Pauls U/G

RESERVES–Oxford Street YHA at 14 Noel St. (in Soho just off Oxford St. ) tele.020 7734 1618 E- oxfordst@yha.org.uk from £23 p.n. incl. sheets in 75 x 2,3,4 bed/bunk rooms (sep. showers, wc's) good self cat. Kitchen (microwave/fridge/crocks) cosy lounge (sofas /TV / Internet) sadly a SMOKE but best Central London location for main shops, theatres, sights & sounds - Oxford Circus U/G

The Generator at Crompton Place (North of British Museum, off Tavistock Place, look for archway & walk under)– tele 020 7388 7666 - www.generatorhostels.com - over 800 beds incl. £15 for 8x dorms incl. breakfast, sheets & towel, sep. showers, wc's. No S/C but meals provided, various sitting areas incl. NON SMOKE TV area. A good hostel with lots of activity if you can find it - Russell Square U/G

FOOD – in a self-catering hostel can save £'s in London buy food in central supermarkets, Tesco Metro's & Sainsbury's , & eat like “Royalty”. UK food s/m's. have wide food selections from ready-made meals (to heat up) to fresh produce (to prepare yourself). Look for the reduced price shelves (near out dated food) for extra value, it can also help make your choice easier. Of course there are 1000's of eating places around central London of every nationality & taste, some “all you can eat for £5”, plus many fast food outlets. Tops is the “Ritz Hotel” £30 + tip for afternoon tea (GB tie required)

TRAVELLING AROUND - Most of London 's major sights are reasonably central and within walking distance of No 1 hostel so, with a decent map, it will cost you nothing to get around but its tiring. To use the famous London “ Double Decker Red Busses” to get to an area & walk back is best, especially with a great 7day pass for only £9.50. Also for the first time in the City an initial Bus Tour is a good idea to get your bearings. The underground is quickest way to get around but expensive & boring, a single zone fare is £1.60 (keep your ticket to get out) Taxis are for Film Stars!

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE IN LONDON

1. British Museum - Egyptian Mummies, Athens Marbles, Rosetta Stone, amazing building
2. National Gallery – See DaVinci, Van Gogh, Constable, Monet, Canaletto & luxury rest seats
3. Trafalgar Square - Nelsons Monument , fountains, statues, pigeons, the heart of the City
4. Greatest Museums – Nat. History, Science, Imperial War, London City , Victoria & Albert all free
5. Picadil1y Circus – Eros fountain always alive with people, musicians and spectacular night lights
6. Covent Garden – Royal Opera House, souvenir shops/ market, street entertainers, outside cafes
7. Oxford Street - Mile of top shops -Fashions, Restaurants, Music & Souvenirs to see
8. Buckingham Palace – Queens Home, Changing of the Guard (check times) Victoria Monument
9. Hyde Park - Marble Arch, Serpentine Lake & fresh air in this vast green area in a bustling City!
10. Whitehall - Government buildings, No 10 Downing St. , Horse Guards on duty, Monuments
11. Tate “Modern” Art Gallery - Converted power station on the River Thames, must for Art lovers
12. Houses of Parliament - Big Ben bell & clock, Government buildings looking over River Thames

“SOME” CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

Tower of London - Tower Bridge - London Eye - St Pauls Cathedral - Shakespears Globe Theatre - Somerset House Museum - Westminster Abbey - Royal Academy of Art Gallery

SHOWS “World Class” Musicals & Plays at night, ask for restricted view seats (cheap & good)

* Peter, Steve, Michelle, Ben, Axelle, Rossella, Aaron