london tourism essay

Essay on London Trip

Students are often asked to write an essay on London Trip in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on London Trip

Planning a london trip.

When you decide to visit London, making a plan is key. Choose the places you really want to see. London has famous spots like the Big Ben and the London Eye. Pick a time when the weather is nice, usually in the spring or summer.

Traveling in London

Must-see attractions.

Don’t miss the Tower of London and the crown jewels. See the guards at Buckingham Palace. Museums are free, so you can learn a lot without spending money.

Food and Fun

Try fish and chips, a classic London meal. Parks like Hyde Park are great for picnics. At night, the city lights up, and you can watch a play in the famous theater district.

Shopping and Souvenirs

250 words essay on london trip, planning a trip to london.

When you decide to visit London, the first thing to do is to choose the places you want to see. London has many famous buildings, parks, and museums. You can make a list of the top spots like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. It’s a good idea to look at a map and see where these places are. This way, you can visit several places that are close to each other on the same day.

Getting around in London is easy because of the buses and trains. The underground trains, called the Tube, are fast and run to many parts of the city. You can get a special card called an Oyster card to pay for your rides. It’s cheaper and more convenient than buying a ticket each time.

Seeing the Sights

When you’re in London, you’ll see lots of old and beautiful buildings. The Tower of London is a castle with a long history, and you can learn about the kings and queens of England there. For a great view, you can go on the London Eye, which is a big wheel that lets you see the whole city from the sky.

Fun Activities

London has fun things for everyone. If you like animals, you can visit the London Zoo. For those who love stories, there are plays in the theater district, called the West End. You can also eat different kinds of food from all over the world in London’s restaurants.

A trip to London is exciting and full of adventures. Remember to take pictures and enjoy every moment of your visit!

500 Words Essay on London Trip

Famous places in london.

London is known for its amazing sights. One of the most famous is the Big Ben clock tower. Even though it’s being fixed right now, you can still see how big and important it looks. Another must-see is the London Eye, a giant wheel that lets you see the city from high up in the sky. If you like history, the Tower of London is a place where you can learn about the kings and queens from long ago.

Museums and Parks

If you enjoy looking at old things and learning, London has some of the best museums. The best part is that many of them are free. The British Museum has treasures from all over the world, and the Science Museum makes learning about how things work fun. After visiting museums, you might want to relax in one of London’s parks. Hyde Park is a big green space where you can walk, play, or just sit and watch the ducks in the pond.

Seeing a Show

London is also famous for its plays and musicals. In a place called the West End, there are theaters that have shows every night. You can watch a story unfold on stage, with actors wearing colorful costumes and singing songs. It’s an experience that you’ll remember for a long time.

Food and Shopping

Traveling around the city.

Getting around London is easy because of the Underground, also known as the Tube. It’s a train that goes under the city. There are maps in every station to help you find your way. Riding on the famous red double-decker buses is another fun way to see the city.

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Essay about London 10 models

Essay about London , contains all the important and valuable information about the city of London. Here you will find essay about London with all the information you are looking for about London, its attractions, geographical location and everything related to London.

 Essay about London

London is one of the most beautiful tourist and industrial cities in the world and if you are looking for more information about the city of London; here you will find essay about London  gives you all the information you seek .

The city of London is the capital and largest city of Britain. It is located on the south side of the country on the Thames, with a population of about 8.4 million, of whom 2.7 million live in inner London neighborhoods.

Its total population in all its suburbs is approximately 15,010,295 inhabitants, according to the 2012 estimates. This is Europe’s largest city by population and one of the most important cultural, political and economic centers in Europe.

It has a large number of famous theaters, universities, museums, educational institutes and cultural centers around the world.

Called several different names, including the following: Londra. Londres. The fog city has a climate of almost permanent fog in summer.

Tourism in London is suitable for all ages, young and old as well as all nationalities, where there are restaurants serving traditional meals from all over the world, often these restaurants in public parks.

There is also a famous market called Burro Market on the south side of the River Thames, as well as other commercial markets that include the world’s most famous restaurants and shops, especially clothing, jewelry and handicraft shops such as the Brick Lane Street in the east from the city.

London is also famous for the Camden market on the north side and the Portobello road on the west side. To enjoy the shopping, it is better to get out of the metro by foot to these markets, where you can see colorful houses and shops that sell old crafts on the street leading to the market.

The most beautiful part of London is the dynamic intercultural integration that a visitor can recognize  the city by walking on the sidewalk, riding the city’s famous red bus or by traveling on the subway.

The city of London is administratively divided into several administrative areas.

It is divided into two parts:

The north of the city: which includes the city district. Camden. Ealing. Enfield District. Barking and Dagenham. Barnett area. Brent area. Havering. London. Hackney. Hammersmith and Fulham. Harnegi. Harrow. And then Forrest. Westminster. Hounslow. Kansas and Chelsea. Newham. Redbrieg. Tower Hamlets.

South of the city, which includes both: Kingston. Merton. Lambeth. Bexley. Bromley. Greenwich. Louis. Saten. Richmond. Croydon. Your error. Wandsworth.

London essay

London is constantly growing. It is wonderful to walk around London and see the architectural and cultural development.

Since the end of the Roman authority over it, it has been in continuous progress since it was called the Little Kingdom of London.

It is wonderful that London passed through the economic events and commercial activities that led to it becoming one of the first centers of civilization.

One of the famous landmarks of London is the expansion of its streets and the vast areas that were used to enlarge the city. Which led to more openness, progress and an increase in the speed of lifestyle and development.

As we all follow from the news that it is always striving for a series of urban plans that lead to the improvement and beautification of the city’s function.

Paragraph about London

London is one of my attractions because of the close distance between us, I like a lot to go to it to spend a day trip with my friends, and do some recreational activities, such as cycling and passing through many of its attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, the Science Museum, or the interactive science and technology center in London, and take some souvenir photos in these wonderful areas.

Finally we head to watch Big Ben and enjoy sitting and talking in this area. And in the evening we take a bus ride, so the whole of London is lit up and more attractive. And at midnight we return to our homes eager to see her again.

London essay in English

At the end of last year, I traveled to London, the capital of the United Kingdom. It is located in the south of Britain on the River Thames. It is one of the most famous and densely populated cities in Europe.

London is an open city with a number of different nationalities. Therefore, there is a great cultural diversity. London is characterized by the unique architectural style that increases the splendor and beauty of the city.

And there are many prestigious universities in London that you can join in order to get the best education. And when you get a degree from these universities, it qualifies you to work in many countries of the world.

Short essay about London

London is a city known for its beauty and has people from all nationalities of the world. Because of the diversity of its population, you can find restaurants from all countries, where a restaurant is opened serving food for each type of population.

Because of her charming nature, she was the source of inspiration for a number of international personalities, including William Shakespeare, writer of Sherlock Holmes stories, and writer of the famous Harry Potter series.

As for music, London is known among the countries of the world for its interest in this form of art, where huge concerts and various festivals are held.

Essay about London city

My name is (..) I have a brother who is five years older than me. I am (..)years old . I study in class (..). I Live in the city of London. I really like to walk around and spend my free time.

But I love the Royal Opera House very much, because my older brother is rehearsing there and doing some performances with a band there. I would love to join this band too when I grow up.

I really like wandering inside the opera and watching the sky through the glass ceilings in the corridors and seeing the stars through them.

I loved watching the last show on the rooftops of the opera due to the outbreak of the Corona virus. I really enjoyed the experience of watching the show in a different place that I’m not used to and found it a great idea.

I also love spending time with my friends in Nottinghill Gate, Chelsea, Camden and Primrose Hill. I am very happy because I live and study in London and do many sports and activities there.

Describe London essay

London is famous as the city of dreams. As it contains many imaginary places that many would like to visit and enjoy spending time in.

Once you arrive in London, you will notice some means of transportation for tourism, such as the bus. You can sit upstairs and watch the landmarks of London through it. The bus provides you with a headset and several languages ​​to learn the landmarks of London through it. The bus will take you to see some of the famous archaeological sites such as Big Ben and other landmarks.

Then it will take you to the most famous landmarks of London or the London Wheel, through which you can see the entire London landmarks, and it is a favorite destination for tourists. Definitely you can try food on the streets of London.

This experience is great for many people who want to break the routine of eating at home or restaurants. There are several fast food areas on both sides of the road. This experience pleases many tourists.

Descriptive essay about London

London is one of the ancient cities that witnessed many wars and many kings. Modern London was formed on many of the ruins of old London, and few archaeological monuments remain that show the features of the old life that London lived and extended to the twenty-first century.

Through one of the most famous landmarks of London, we can see how castles were one of the symbols of ancient London, such as the Tower of London, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror. It served as a strategic defensive headquarters.

We can see many similar castles which were also used as prisons at many times. There are also other aspects of London that show its wealth, such as, Buckingham Palace, which was established in the year 1837.

And the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, which dates back to 960-970 AD. Many famous kings and writers were buried there, and it is a very big attraction for London because of its civilization and history.

It is through these landmarks that we can understand who life was like in London.

Short paragraph about London

London is my love, I live in London since I was born, I live in the neighborhood of (write the name of the neighborhood). I study in class (type class here).

I very much like to study and live in London, I appreciate this very much and see that many ate not as lucky as me, as they are in different areas less than London in many respects such as health and hygiene and the availability of many opportunities around them.

I learned gratitude when I witnessed many parts of Africa suffering from starvation and poor diet and health. So I value my life very much and the opportunities I have.

I very much like to see the fast life around me in continuous development and creation, and I would very much like to succeed in my hobby that I love and to provide something different that distinguishes me and makes me unique.

I love designing and making electronic games. I hope in the future I can make some great models for movies, or for other purposes. This specialization is in great demand in London, so I aspire to succeed in it.

Describing London in a single paragraph

There is no doubt that London is one of the target tourist destinations for many people, and you can find out why once you arrive and see the historical monuments and how it has preserved its 2,000-year-old splendor.

London is distinguished by its tradition and contemporary art that goes with all eras. You can walk around London to find everything in front of you: wide roads, distinctive pubs, historical and cultural landmarks linking art and politics, you can during your wandering see Big Ben, see Parliament and you can take some pictures with the most famous members of Parliament while wandering in front of it without any guard, and picnic in the gardens and attend amazing modern parties and shows. That is why London is considered the most beautiful city.

In this way, we have given you essay about London,  and you can read more by entering the following section:

• A trip to London essay

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — My Favorite Place — Why London Is My Favorite City

Why London is My Favorite City

• Categories: London My Favorite Place

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Published: Oct 25, 2021

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Soft power and the contribution of london tourism, london essays – issue 1: soft power.

13 April 2015

When we think of the influence that a city like London exercises across the globe, it’s natural to think of that influence being exercised abroad. But that is too simple. While people around the world do engage with London remotely – they learn about it at school, read about it in books and papers, see it on TV, or meet visiting and immigrant Londoners – their most intense engagement with it will be as visitors to the city, whether as students, migrant workers or tourists.

By Sandie Dawe

Millions of people visit London every year for business, leisure or study, creating a web of human connection which helps the UK maintain a prominent position in the collective global consciousness. So what is it that makes London so attractive to potential visitors? And what can we do to ensure tourism continues to bolster our soft power?

Tourism in London is booming. There were a record 16.8 million visitors from at least 60 overseas markets in 2013, 18 making London one of the most visited cities in the world. Last year tourism added over £9 billion to the London economy and is responsible for 200,000 jobs across the capital. 19 Motivations to visit vary from market to market, but the city’s cultural offer is a consistent draw; the British Museum alone recorded over 4 million visits from international tourists in 2013. 20 The Royal Family and Buckingham Palace have a strong appeal, especially to American visitors. Shopping, parks and nightlife all contribute to a perception of London as a vibrant and appealing place to visit. However London’s appeal is arguably more complex and layered than this. Its history at the epicentre of a trading Empire; celebrated diversity and openness; success as a financial centre; famous educational, cultural and sporting institutions; and popularity as a destination for start-ups are all unique elements of London’s identity and attractiveness to tourists.

The 2012 Olympics were an opportunity to demonstrate the appeal of London and the UK to the world. The opening ceremony was a once-in-a-generation chance to communicate directly with a global audience of 900 million – and it presented a powerful and inspirational statement of British identity. The effectiveness and reach of the opening ceremony, the use of central locations such as Horse Guards Parade and Greenwich Park, and the welcome famously extended by the 70,000 volunteers across the city combined to exert a strong pull to London after the Games. The following year Britain topped the annual Monocle soft power ranking for the first time, and had moved up a place in the Anholt GfK Nation Brands Index Survey.

The 2012 Olympics were an opportunity to demonstrate the appeal of London and the UK to the world.

Marketing activity was carefully planned both pre- and post-Games to capitalise on the opportunity.  Limited Edition London  ran prior to the Games, highlighting a raft of temporary attractions and offers, successfully offsetting the displacement effect experienced by many other cities. Following the Olympics, the  London – Now see it for yourself  campaign was rolled out, seizing the opportunity to convert viewers into visitors. Tourism campaigns such as these involve far more than the straightforward purchase of advertising. Huge PR efforts result in articles and programmes across a variety of travel, food, fashion and lifestyle media. Increasingly the focus is also on using digital and social media to encourage the creation of third party images and reflections about London on sites such as Facebook, Flickr, Instagram and Pinterest.

As the halo effect created by the Games recedes, the challenge is on to maintain London’s pull as a visitor destination. The upward trajectory in tourist numbers is far from guaranteed to continue. Established and emerging competitors are investing heavily in promotion designed to capture a greater share of global tourism. Hong Kong, for example, spent £52 million on promoting to potential leisure tourists in 2013 compared to the £10 million spent on the marketing of London around the world. 21

London’s appeal is strong and deep, but effective promotion remains essential to catalyse visits, particularly from emerging markets with weaker cultural and historical ties to the UK. 60% of London’s overseas visitors come from just ten markets, comprising the USA, Western Europe and Australia. However the strongest growth in outbound tourism is coming from China; London currently ranks just 22nd on the list of long haul cities visited by Chinese tourists. 18

Ensuring that London captures a greater proportion of the Chinese market, as well as other emerging markets such as Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, is critical if we want London tourism to continue to bolster the UK’s soft power. Success relies on three main areas of activity.

The first is the removal of logistical barriers to inbound tourism. One of the major obstacles is the relative lack of direct flight connections to emerging markets, held back by the lack of airport capacity at London’s hub, Heathrow. Another example is the requirement for Chinese visitors planning to visit Europe to apply for a separate visa if they wish to visit the UK (given the UK’s non-participation in the pan-European Schengen Agreement); active lobbying has helped secure agreement from the Home Secretary to streamline this process.

The second is ensuring that London’s tourism ‘product’ is appealing and accessible to visitors from emerging markets as well as our more established markets. VisitBritain recently launched the GREAT China Welcome Charter to steer Chinese tourists towards tourism providers who are ‘China ready’ – for instance they may employ Mandarin-speaking staff, provide translated websites, apps or literature or have facilities for customers to pay using China UnionPay.

Thirdly, effective promotion must be adapted to different markets, based on insight into which aspects of London are the most appealing. London & Partners, VisitBritain and the GREAT campaign are collectively delivering a raft of effective marketing activity; but gaps remain in terms of the range of markets covered and the depth with which they are targeted. At London & Partners efforts are being made to attract greater private sector sponsorship, and to pool resources with regional promotional bodies to develop ‘London plus’ campaigns. Such campaigns build on London’s strong international brand to attract visitors, while encouraging them to extend their stay by visiting other areas of the UK.

London is one of the UK’s major assets, and a real contributor to soft power. Its ability to reinvent itself across the centuries has helped it remain relevant and appealing to people across the globe, who have sought London out as a place to live, work, study and visit. We need to ensure London remains an open, accessible destination for visitors from all over the world so that millions keep arriving – and returning home to spread the word.

• 18 International Passenger Survey, Office for National Statistics
• 19 ‘London 2036: An Agenda for Jobs and Growth’, McKinsey and London First, January 2015
• 20 Department for Culture, Media and Sport Performance Indicators 2012/13 and Association of Leading visitor Attractions 2013
• 21 ‘Benchmarking the effectiveness of London’s promotional system; A report for London First’, Deloitte, November 2014
• 22 International Passenger Survey, Office for National Statistics

The London Eye as a Tourist Attraction Case Study

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Examples of the performance objectives of the London Eye from the point of view of the operational performance, for example, the customer requirements

London is a stunning city with varied architectural beauty suggestive of the ancient world. In addition to the architectural beauty of features like the Westminster Bridge in the backdrop and the Westminster Abbey, we have the London Eye. London Eye offers a breathtaking spectacle view and experience, which makes it a popular fixture in travel schedule to any person visiting the city of London (Hess, 2010, p. 66).

David Marks and Julia Barfield was the architect couple that pioneered the idea of London Eye. Their initial idea envisioned a Ferris wheel where persons could sit and take pleasure in a stunning view of London. The financial funding of the London Eye project was by British Airways and the Tassauds Group, which were also the managers from since then.

The project of London eye came to be by the contributions of other people and construction companies, which include steelwork contractor, Mace, consulting Engineers Tony Gee, & partners who had the responsibility of designing the foundations of the project. The designing and construction of the London Eye project took seven years to be completed having its formal opening on the December of 1999. The then Prime Minister Tony Blair overseen the opening ceremony, and it was later became open to the public in March 2000 (Paolo, 2010, p. 96).

London Eye as a tourist attraction tool in London city has several performance objectives from the point of view of the operational performance. Performance objectives refer to the ideology of carrying out things in the right way, which includes provision of error free services and goods, which will ensure customer satisfaction.

The customer satisfaction in terms of quality goods and services can come in different perspectives meaning that performance objectives come in five main dimensions. The London Eye is tourist attraction equipment in London and that effect; it has certain degrees of operational performance that it has to meet while serving its customers. Operational performance refers to the company’s performance evaluated against prescribed or standard indicators of efficiency, effectiveness, and environmental obligations like productivity, cycle time, regulatory compliance, and waste reduction (Kester, 2003, p. 81).

First, we look at the dimensions of performance objectives, which explore the customer satisfaction in terms of the goods, and services a company offers their customers. Customer satisfaction will come from the speed aspect, which refers to the responsibility of doings things fast to reduce the time between the availability of the product or service and the ordering of the product that gives the consumer of the product a speed advantage (Dowd, 2008, p. 73). In the case of London Eye, the performance objective dimension of speed is abundantly put to mind by having fixed schedules of the operations of the wheel.

The London Eye is open daily except on Christmas day from 10.00 in the morning to 9.30 in the night. This is mostly in the summers and during the winter season; the last slot is 5.30 to 6.30 pm. This fixed schedule ensures that customers are aware of the operations of the London eye and can, therefore, plan in relation to their travel. The management of the London eye has also made it possible for its customers to book online for the services of the wheel. These online bookings have made it possible for customers to know when their journey will take place, and since there is a fixed schedule, the customers receive their service at the right time. This fulfills the performance objective of speed, which calls for minimal time between the times the customers orders for the service and the delivery of the service (Lambot, 2002, p. 78).

The second dimension of a performance objective is dependability. This refers to carrying out things in the scheduled time for customers to obtain their services and goods when the management made the promise of delivery. When it comes to customers’ satisfaction, the management needs deliver the goods or services at the exact time it promised the customer. The London requires the customers who intent to board the wheel buy tickets in advance. On buying the tickets, the customer will have to queue and wait for the customer’s allocated time to board the wheel.

The management offers its customers with a sense of dependability because it is a known fact that the wheel takes thirty minutes to make one rotation. For instance, a customer will buy a ticket knowing how many people are before him or she and this will enable the customer to calculate the exact time they board the wheel. The defined time for the wheel to rotate offers the customers dependability on when they get their service. Dependability of the London eye is so high to the extent that customers queue for almost four hours waiting for their service, which is always on time. People come from far places of the world to experience the stunning London Eye, and this would not have been possible if the management did not offer any dependability. Dependability is a paramount element in customer satisfaction (Goel, 2008, p. 54).

There is the dimension of flexibility in the performance objectives of any company. Flexibility refers to the clear result of responding to a dynamic environment in the organization. This is the ability of the organization to transform their services and products or the way of business operations with the present environment. In the case, of London eye since its opening it has been flexible in that it does its business so at meet the objective of customer satisfaction in line with its services.

During the high season, which is, normally when the weather is exceptional, the wheel changes its closing time for the rotations to around 9.30 in the night, which allows for more sets of rotations. This is usually during the summer time where there are several people on holidays in London. During major holidays, the London eye has the flexibility by allowing its customers to have their ideas of fun carried on the wheel. For instance, during the Valentine’s Day the wheel lets its customers board the wheel as couples and offer romantic experiences for couples on this lover’s day (Tonchia & Luca, 2010, p. 41).

The flexibility objective is present in the London eye tourist-attraction tool by the activities that take place on the wheel. Among the other possibilities, the Eye can offer to its customers is the carrying out of momentous events on the wheel. This includes occasions like weddings, civil partnerships, and other functions.

Since its opening, the Eye has hosted 433 civil partnerships and weddings, in addition to the spectacular New, Years Eve fireworks, which is normally at a fee. Families and groups can also hire the private capsules to have their celebrations during the Christmas period. This flexibility has increased the popularity of the London eye among the tourists and other people visiting London. In addition, the London eye has arrangements for specific ticket holders like school bookings, flexible tickets, disabled tickets, flexible fast track tickets and many more (Steve & Marcus, 2007, p. 62).

One notable operations objective is cost, and this is where companies compete most. It is common evidence that low costs are a universal, attractive objective to customers. This objective is attainable by producing low cost goods, which can compete with other products in the market. This works well in situations that have many competing products in the market. The companies have the duty of producing low cost goods but of the same high quality so that customers do not end choosing the alternative products and services.

In the case of London Eye, it has customer friendly prices even though it is the only company with such services in the whole world. The customer turnover is an absolute indication that the prices of the services are low, and the customers get the worth of their money with the services they get. For customers to keep on coming back to the wheel, means that the services offered are at par, and the cost is worthwhile for the services. This in turn, ensures customers’ satisfaction as the services provided by the London eye match their costs.

All the above dimensions of performance objectives lead to a greater customer satisfaction, which is a requirement for all the operational objectives of any company. High quality or uniqueness of services of the London Eye means fewer errors or mistakes are made by each service offered to customers. Fewer mistakes or errors will mean the company will require less time to correct these mistakes, confusion, and customer irritation. High quality of services profoundly affects the customer satisfaction, which in turn leads to efficient and stable services by the company. On the other hand, speed of delivery of services supports the flexibility of the business services to the customers’ needs and demands.

What is the capacity of the London Eye?

The capacity of London eye refers to the number of people the eye can accommodate at a time. In this case, we look at the capacity of the eye in one complete rotation. The construction of the London eye saw the complete build up of thirty-two futuristic capsules with the capacity of each capsule accommodating twenty-five passengers. In total, the Eye can accommodate up to 800 passengers on board in one complete rotation. The rotation of the London eye takes about thirty minutes, and this means that, in a single day, the London eye can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Being the most popular paid-for tourist attraction in the UK, the London Eye reports visits of over 3.5 million people annually and this population includes people from all over the world.

The construction of the wheel that accommodates the observers took over a year and a half to be complete. The observation wheel used over 1700 tons of steel, and 3000 tons of concrete to lay the foundation. The capsules with a 25-passenger capacity were conveyed from France by train via the Chunnel. For the construction to accommodate twenty- five passengers, its shape is egg like being eight meters long with a weight of 500kgs. This makes the London eye accommodate approximately ten thousand people in a single day.

Given an annual number of 3.5million visitors what is the anticipated utilization?

Utilization of a product or service refers to the utility of the product. Utility is the economic life of service, product, which is normally, measured in line with the time the product, or service will be operating. Utility is the proportion of the available time that a piece of the machine or system is operating, and the utility is usually expressed as a percentage.

Formula for utilization is operating hours * 100 / available hours. The construction of the London eye involved the use of strong and durable material, which ensures the reliability of the wheel. The parts of the wheel have materials that can sustain its daily rotations, which are approximately over 30 rotations a day. The rim of the wheel has a diameter of 122 meters, which is about 200times the size of a bicycle wheel. It has eighty Spokes that connect the rim with the spindle to enable its rotation. These materials mean that the wheel has a long utility life for the machine is still in use more than ten years after its opening.

This prolonged utilization of the London eye has been made possible by the constant upgrade programs, which require about 12.5million Euros to install the repairs. In the program, there put will removal of each capsule, and a non-functional capsule in position until the repair of the last capsule. The constant use of the London eye requires these constant repairs to ensure there is no exposure of customers to any health hazards. It is, therefore, evident that the London eye has a lifetime economic life, because equipment has to serve people for an extraordinarily long time. It is a monumental investment by the London city.

Discuss ways in which this revenue/performance gap could be reduced

Performance/ Revenue gap refers to the trend, occurrence, or incident that indicates a company’s performance falls short of the expected presentation levels especially when the company’s management ignores growing technical evidence supporting other technical interventions or when the manager’s do not attain the benchmarked goals. This performance gap is usually present in most companies especially after the beginning of its operations.

The creation of a certain company comes with set targets and goals that the company needs to achieve and in most case it usually in set durations. These set targets and goals govern the manner in which the company will conduct its operations, the services it will provide, and the price or costs of its services or products. After the company goes in to operation, the management will have to carry out evaluations on the level to which the company is meeting its objectives whose consequence is the revealing of the performance gap.

Gap analysis is a tremendously helpful tool for helping the marketing managers of a company to decide upon marketing tactics and strategies. Gap analysis will enable the marketing managers to come up with ways in which the performance or revenue gap can be reduced. In the London Eye, case, there is a notable gap performance, as it has not met its expected revenue targets and there are ways in which the management can close the gap. Like any other product or service, the management will have to look at issue like the costs, the nature of the services and products offered the flexibility of operations, and other matters (Hawkes, 2000, p. 67).

The main way in which the management of London Eye can bridge the revenue gap is to reduce the costs of the services they offer. As seen in the above discussions, high costs of a product tend to push potential customers away as they seek other alternatives options. This will reduce the customer turnover because of the high costs that the company is putting to the market. London eye is a tourist attraction, and it is a spectacular tool in the economy of London.

This has made the management set high prices because it attracts many visitors from all over the world. This, in turn, will create a revenue gap because the tool will register low visitor turn up. To reduce the performance gap, the management of London eye offers friendly prices to its customers to enable more people to visit the wheel. The high customer visits will result in high revenues, which will reflect in the company meeting its set revenue objectives (Neely, 2002, p. 67).

Another method in which the company can bridge the performance or revenue gap is to explore alternative revenue streams. The London eye management can come with more ways in which it can collect revenue apart from the usual ways. This can be by introducing exceptional capsules, which persons can hire for their occasions like anniversaries, weddings, Valentine’s Day celebrations, and even researches.

These distinctive capsules can be for people who are willing to pay an extra coin for the service and enjoy their privacy while celebrating their unique occasions. The management can increase the time in which the wheel is to operate to late in the night as it offers an even better sight of the city. For a company to achieve its targets, it should explore ways in which it can improve its revenue collection or its performance levels.

We have the flexibility of the operations of the company as a way of bridging the gap in revenue. Flexibility in this sense means the capability of the company to offer other services from the usual or offering the usual services in a more attractive way. London eye can be flexible in its services by even offering services in the night or increasing the speed at which the wheel rotates.

The London Eye can increase the speed of its rotations from 30 minutes to a smaller period to increase the number of rotations in a day, which will in turn increase the revenue collected in a day. The decisions made in the initial stages of the operations do not have to stick for the rest of the economic life of the equipment. The management should be flexible in its decisions so that it can cater for any inevitable changes in the future life of the machine. With all the above methods, the London eye management will be in a position to reduce the gap in revenue/performance of the company.

Table of information on operations of London Eye

Dowd, S., 2008, The London Eye Mystery . New York: David Fickling Books.

Goel, T., 2008, Performance Appraisal and Compensation Management: A Modern Approach . New York: PHI Learning Pvt.

Hawkes, J., 2000, London 360:̊: views inspired by British airways London eye . London: HarperCollins Illustrated.

Hess, N., 2010, London Eye: Score & Parts . New York: Faber & Faber.

Kester, R., 2003, The essential eye . New York: HarperCollins.

Lambot, I., 2002, Reinventing the Wheel: The Construction of British Airways London Eye Conceived and Designed by Marks Barfield Architects . New York: Watermark.

Neely, A. D., 2002, Business performance measurement: theory and practice . New York: Cambridge University Press.

Paolo, T., 2010, Business Performance Measurement and Management: New Contexts, Themes and Challenges . London: Springer.

Steve, R., & Marcus, R., 2007, Eye: the story behind the London Eye . London: Black Dog.

Tonchia, S., & Luca, Q., 2010, Performance Measurement: Linking Balanced Scorecard to Business Intelligence . New York: Springer.

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IvyPanda. (2020, July 12). The London Eye as a Tourist Attraction. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-london-eye-as-a-tourist-attraction/

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IvyPanda . 2020. "The London Eye as a Tourist Attraction." July 12, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-london-eye-as-a-tourist-attraction/.

1. IvyPanda . "The London Eye as a Tourist Attraction." July 12, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-london-eye-as-a-tourist-attraction/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The London Eye as a Tourist Attraction." July 12, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-london-eye-as-a-tourist-attraction/.

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Your First Trip to London

Are you planning your first trip to London?  

This global city is endlessly popular with travelers from all over the world. With its famous landmarks and iconic sights, the number of things to see and do in London can easily excite and overwhelm first-time visitors.

In this post, you’ll find a cheat sheet compiled over 3 separate visits to London packed with information about how to get to London from the airport, where to stay in London, how to get around once you arrive, and best of all,  mapped-out London itinerary planning tips .

Are you ready to make your first trip to London a success? 

How to Plan a Trip to London

It can seem daunting to get started on your London trip plan. It’s a huge city with lots of iconic sights and experiences. In fact, I think it’s often underestimated by travelers who often write to tell me what a great time they had in London and that the city was such a surprise…in a good way!

So, as any good teacher will tell you, start with an outline. In this case, you want to break down each step you’ll need to do to plan a trip to London and then work on filling in all the details.

Start with deciding when you want to visit London and how many days you’ll stay. (I recommend at least 3-4 days.)

Once you know this, you can work on booking your London accommodations. (I recommend staying in a central-ish area within walking distance of a Tube station. Keep reading for more below) The further out you book your London hotel, the more available options you’ll have with competitive pricing.

ProTip: If you have flexibility, you might even look at London flights and hotels first to find the cheapest combination of dates and rates. In this way, you’re letting the deals decide when you travel versus looking for a deal on the dates you need/want to travel.

Once you’ve got the major logistics set, it’s time to work on your London itinerary. (I’ve got specific itinerary ideas below so keep reading!)

At this point in your planning a trip to London, you’ll want to make a list of the London sights and attractions that are your must sees and dos. Then, using the maps below (or Google Maps), start grouping them by area.

One really important thing to know as you plan your London trip is that the city is huge. The distances between places can be far, and with limited days, you don’t want to backtrack or plan activities on opposite ends of the city on the same day.

From here, figure out what can be booked ahead…and actually book it ahead! London is a popular destination. It’s normal for there to be lines at top sights and restaurants that are completely booked.

You can use sightseeing passes like The London Pass (my complete review) to pre-plan and save money. Or you can book individual tickets through a platform like Get Your Guide .

Once you know where you’re staying and what you’ll be doing each day, you can round out your London trip planning by looking at the Tube Map to orient yourself and decide how you’ll get from the airport to the city center. (More tips on this below!)

What to See and Do on Your First Trip to London

This London trip planner is set up in different sections to help you plan a trip to London from start to finish. The first part helps you get ideas about how to plan your days in London with landmarks, attractions, museums, markets, and activities in a logistically sensible way.

You want to maximize your time in London without backtracking or zigzagging around the city. These ideas can also help you piece together a complete day because not all of them require a full day.

You also note that I’ve included the Tube stops for individual attractions. This is to help you in case you visit these places outside of the order I’ve suggested in the Google Map for each itinerary idea.

After these itinerary ideas for planning your trip to London, you’ll find tips and helpful information so you can navigate the city confidently.

Are you ready to plan your trip to London?

London Itinerary Planning Idea #1 – History Buffs and Foodies

Tower of London – Tower Hill Tube Stop – Circle and District Lines

The  Tower of London  with its crown jewels is an absolute must with its thick, ominous walls, dark past, resident black ravens, and informative Beefeaters. The Tower and the nearby Tower Bridge sit stalwartly as a link to the past when Kings and Queens sent prisoners to “think” about their choices and to wait for the inevitable… execution.

The Tower of London was the inhospitable home to infamous gangsters, spies, Dukes, Bishops, Princes, and even Queens!

Undoubtedly the most famous Queen of them all was the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. The Tower of London is where Henry the VIII’s executioner beheaded her on charges of adultery and conspiracy, however, Henry actually blamed her for not producing a male heir.

Today, visiting the Tower of London is like stepping back in time. The daily traditions involving this historic castle have continued for hundreds of years. The resident Beefeaters live at the Tower of London and maintain the rituals and routines of the past. But they also offer free tours (once inside) and comically share their vast Tower of London knowledge.

These tours begin every 30 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m. and finishing with the last tour at 2:30 p.m.

Pro Tip:  Arrive in the morning when the Tower first opens. It becomes quite crowded later in the day. Use your  London Pass  to get Fast Track Entry and bundled savings when compared to buying attraction tickets individually.

Tower Bridge & Borough Market – London Bridge Tube Stop – Northern and Jubilee Lines

After a morning at the Tower of London, time your escape for lunch at  Borough Market . It’ll be easiest to walk from the Tower of London. Walk across Tower Bridge instead of London Bridge as shown on the map above. The walk is a bit longer than crossing London Bridge, but historic Tower Bridge is a sight in its own right.

You can tour the Victorian-era engine rooms, as well as climb to the bridge’s upper walkways for gorgeous views over London and the River Thames. Get your Tower Bridge ticket in advance or use The London Pass to visit the bridge.

You can also cross the River Thames with a river bus using your Tube Oyster Card (more on these below) from Tower Pier to London Bridge City Pier.

Once at Borough Market, the market lanes are lined with food and grocers selling every imaginable food item. It’s a great place to sample a variety of foods from all types of global cuisines. Not to mention, no London trip is complete without taking advantage of the city’s amazing international food scene!

From famous falafel to perfectly spiced Indian food, huge skillets of paella, and savory British pies from Pieminster, you’ll be thankful to visit with an empty stomach on your first trip to London and every time you return like I do!

Restaurants and cafes fill the upstairs level and the surrounding streets (in case you’d prefer to sit rather than sample and roam) making this Southwark neighborhood a foodie’s delight.

ProTip: From Borough Market, you’re just a 5-minute walk to The Shard , London’s tallest glass skyscraper to see the highest views over the city. If you have it, you can use your London Pass for access. Be sure to follow the pass instructions to pre-reserve a time.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #2 – Royalty and High Tea

Westminster Abbey – Westminster Tube Stop – Jubilee Line

Coming out of Westminster Station, you’ll immediately be in the shadow of Big Ben and London’s iconic Parliament Building. You can walk back onto the Westminster Bridge to capture fuller photos of these London landmarks. If you’re lucky, you just might get a classic shot with a red doubledecker bus!

Continue on to  Westminster Abbey , just a couple of minutes walking from Big Ben. Westminster Abbey is open to visitors Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m until 3:30 p.m. The Abbey is closed on Sundays so keep this in mind when planning your London trip.

Use your  London Pass  to gain access to Westminster. Once inside, admire the architecture and the Abbey’s gorgeous choir room. Westminster is also the final resting place of numerous kings, queens, and dignitaries. You can see the monuments in their honor, as well as learn about their place in history.

If you’re a fan of the Royals, you’ll be visiting the spot where Kate and William were married.

Pro Tip:  If you want to take a ride on the London Eye , it can be included with the stops you make in and around Big Ben because it’s just a short walk over the bridge you see in the photo below. Avoid the lines by choosing the fast-track ticket option. It’s also quite popular to depart from the Westminster Pier for a cruise along the River Thames to take in the sights of London from the water.

History buffs won’t want to miss the Churchill War Rooms. They’re not far from Westminster Abbey, along the edge of St. James’s Park. These rooms served as the secret headquarters for Churchill during WW2. The rooms have been preserved just as they were during the war and give a fascinating look at how Churchill operated and made decisions during this dark time in history.

If your trip to London is 3 days or less and it’s your first visit, this WW2 museum may not be a top priority. But if you or a travel companion is interested in visiting WW2 sights and museums in Europe, The Churchill War Rooms are a great way to divert from the typical first time in London sights.

Buckingham Palace-Green Park Tube Stop-Jubilee, Victoria, & Piccadilly Lines

Next, make your way to  Buckingham Palace  where the  Changing of the Guards  happens.

The ceremony is all pomp and fanfare. The King’s Guard outside the castle has been on watch for hours and the new guard comes to take over in grand style! A marching brigade of guards along with a mounted cavalry and a marching band head up The Mall and through the palace gates.

This ceremony draws a crowd so it’s best to arrive ahead of time so that you can get yourself in a position to see the fanfare. I’ve watched from both the gates of Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria Monument directly opposite the palace gates.

You’ll have to choose the location you want because it’s typically too crowded to move from place to place. To get a spot along the fence at Buckingham Palace, be prepared to arrive up to an hour early and wait.

If this is the case, you also may need to reverse the order and visit Westminster Abbey after so that you can stake out your Changing of the Guard spot in the morning.

Pro Tip:  Check the  Changing of the Guard schedule  before you go to make sure the ceremony is planned for the day you intend to visit.

Hyde Park – Hyde Park Corner Tube Stop – Piccadilly Line

When the ceremony is finished, keep those royal juices flowing for a stroll around  Hyde Park . It’s one of the largest parks in London, as well as one of the Royal Parks. Enjoy its monuments, bridges, fountains, gardens, and lake, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Finish up with a classic afternoon tea experience at  The Dorchester Hotel .

No doubt, it’s a luxurious splurge, but after having experienced life as a royal, it’s the perfect way to properly finish the experience. From finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, sweets, and of course, tea, you’ll have had a quintessential London outing.

Alternatively, if you plan afternoon tea for another day, you might want to visit London’s Natural History Museum or Kensington Palace on the other end of Hyde Park.

The latter has been a royal residence for hundreds of years and was where Princess Diana lived with Princes William and Harry. Today, you can tour the apartments and staterooms and see the sunken gardens where there is a statue of Princess Diana commemorating the 20th anniversary of her death.

While the Natural History Museum displays animal specimens, dinosaurs, and exhibitions about the history of the natural world and the people who evolved in it.

If you intend to walk into Hyde Park and casually make your way towards Kensington Palace or the Natural History Museum, the walk will be broken up by the time spent in the park.

Otherwise, if your aim is to get to either of these sights without a long walk, use the London underground. The Queensway stop along the Central line is the closest to Kensington Palace and the South Kensington stop along the Circle and District lines is near to the Natural History Museum.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #3 – Architecture, Theatre, & Art

St. Paul’s Cathedral – St. Paul’s Tube Stop – Central Line

Start off at  St. Paul’s Cathedral  to admire this Anglican Church’s architecture. You can explore the crypt or head in the opposite direction and climb the dome’s 528 steps for spectacular panoramic London views.

If you have it, entry is included with your London Pass .

Take your time crossing the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge on your way to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This is a great spot to watch boat traffic along the River Thames.

Tate Modern & The Globe Theatre-Blackfriars Tube Stop-Circle & District Lines

These 2 London attractions are just next to one another.

The  Tate Modern  has a vast permanent collection of modern art by the likes of Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock, as well as temporary exhibitions. There are beautiful views looking back on St. Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames, as well.

It’s free to enter the museum and there’s no need to book ahead, unless there is a specific exhibit you’d like to see that requires a reserved space.

The nearby  Globe Theatre  is a replica of Shakespeare’s original which burned in a fire many years ago after the thatched roof was ignited during a production of Henry VIII.

For your first trip to London, you’ll want to use your  London Pass  to tour the theater during the day and hear about its historic past. The Globe also has evening performances during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The ambiance of the open-air theater makes for a fantastic night out!

Pro Tip:  Check times to coordinate visits to both the Tate Modern and The Globe in a way that lets you see one after the other. The Globe performance tickets sell out so purchase them in advance, especially if you want to see a play on a specific date.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #4 – Artifacts, Landmarks, and Shopping

The British Museum – Tottenham Court Tube Stop – Central & Northern Lines

No trip to London is complete without a stop at The   British Museum . The art and artifacts on display are open free to the public beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, and a vast Egyptian collection including mummies.

It’s worth checking for any special, limited-time exhibits during your stay. If there’s one you’d like to see, it’s worth buying tickets online or at the museum when you first arrive.

After the museum, spend the afternoon strolling through  Covent Garden  or head over to  Soho  and  Oxford Street  for a shopper’s paradise. Covent Garden is in London’s West End, home to theaters, restaurants, and shops. You’re sure to find anything you’d want to buy from the numerous chain stores, boutiques, and markets.

Pro Tip:  There are many classic London pubs in these neighborhoods. If you haven’t had a plate of fish and chips yet, now’s the time. You can also join a historical pub walking tour to visit some of London’s most iconic pubs.

Leicester Square – Leicester Square Tube Stop – Piccadilly & Northern Lines

Make your way to  Leicester Square  and the heart of London’s Theatre District. It’s super touristy here. Think Times Square-esque…a place where you take a few photos before moving on.

But if you plan to see a musical or a play later (and you certainly should!),  get your discounted tickets at the TKTS booth right in the square for performances that day or night.

There’s crossover between shows in London and New York’s Broadway district. Sometimes, you can even catch a performance in London before it heads to New York City.

Trafalgar Square – Charing Cross Tube Stop – Bakerloo & Northern Lines

Finish your walk at  Trafalgar Square . This iconic London crossroads has monuments, historic buildings, museums, and street performers. It’s an absolute beehive of activity and perfect for taking more classic London photos complete with red double-decker buses passing by on the streets in and around the square.

With any luck, you’ll have time to check out the  National Gallery  right in Trafalgar Square which houses famous paintings by the likes of Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt, Cezanne, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Best of all, it’s free to visit, and you can use your  London Pass  Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus ticket to reposition yourself closer to your hotel when you’re done.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #5 – Harry Potter Fans

Harry Potter Studio Tour Meeting Point – Victoria Station – Circle, District & Victoria Lines

Are you traveling with a wannabe wizard dying for a Hogwarts adventure?

Plan a visit to the  Harry Potter and Warner Brothers Studio . Buses leave from Central London and travel to the magical sets of the famed movie and book series. The closest tube stop to the meeting point is Victoria Station. From there, it’s just a few minutes on foot.

You’ll have 4 hours to see places like the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, Diagon Alley, and more! Plus, get to see some of the most famous props and the costumes worn by Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

If you’ve wanted to visit Platform 9 ¾, ride the Hogwarts Express, and attempt to ride a broomstick, then you definitely don’t want to miss escaping the world of Muggles for just a bit on your visit to London!

ProTip: If you want to sprinkle some Harry Potter into your London trip but don’t want to commit a full day to the experience, this Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour is a popular alternative.

Out-of-Town Must-Sees on your First Trip to London

From London, many parts of Britain and the U.K. are easily reachable by train. This makes it possible to visit a couple of popular sites with even just a half day’s worth of time.

Trains run from London to both  Windsor Castle  and  Hampton Court Palace . From their respective train stations, it’s just a few minutes on foot to reach the entry points.

The exquisite staterooms at Windsor Castle are open to the public when the King is not in residence. These rooms are some of the most spectacular castle rooms you’ll see anywhere in the world.

St. George’s Chapel, within the grounds of Windsor Castle, is the final resting spot of Henry VIII and several other Kings and Queens. It’s also where Meghan and Harry were married and the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II.

Hampton Court Palace is full of Tudor history, as it was a regular stop for Henry VIII and his royal court. The palace creates a historical experience by revealing the inner workings of how the palace operated in its heyday. It’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting and well-preserved looks at Tudor history, as well as what life was like during this period.

Look out for King Henry VIII himself, as visitors can watch the King interact with Anne Boleyn or flirt with his soon-to-be next wife, Jane Seymour. Leave some time for the palace’s gardens and maze.

Pro Tip:  Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace are both included with the  London Pass . Get Fast Track Entry at Hampton Court to maximize your time and avoid any entry line.

If you have extra days in your itinerary, consider a London day trip to:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath
• The Cotswolds
• Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) & the Filming Locations

If you’re planning a trip to England, rent a car and drive into the English countryside when your time in London is done. I’ve done this to spend time exploring places like Stratford-Upon-Avon , the Cotswolds villages , and Warwick Castle .

It’s a perfect way to add on to an England itinerary and explore more of what the country has to offer beyond London.

Best Area to Stay in London

Where to stay in London is one of the most frequently asked questions for anyone planning a trip. It’s understandable. You want to be somewhere conveniently located, safe, and within your travel budget.

London’s neighborhoods and districts each have their own unique charm and flavor. And while some might say you should absolutely stay in the heart of the most touristy areas of the city, I think the most important thing when choosing where to stay in London is to  stay somewhere with convenient access to the Tube. 

You shouldn’t be hesitant to book a hotel or rental accommodation that’s a few Tube stops away from popular attractions. You can truly get nearly anywhere in London very quickly by using the underground train system.

That being said, you don’t want to stay too far from the heart of London, either. The city is big and the Tube rides from London’s outer neighborhoods can take upwards of an hour back to the center.

Ideally, you want to find a London hotel that matches your travel budget, close to a Tube station, in a relatively center-ish location. Example neighborhoods include Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and near Southwark along the south bank.

Below, I’ve shared a couple of hotels where I’ve stayed. They’re in different budget categories and neighborhoods, and they have convenient Tube access.

I’ve had excellent hotel points and paid stays at several London hotels including the ones listed below.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel  – The hotel is located in the Seven Dials neighborhood near Covent Garden, the West End’s Theatre district, pubs, and my favorite Indian restaurant, Dishoom. Rooms are a classic modern boutique style for which Radisson Blu hotels are known.

Holiday Inn Express London-Southwark  – Just a 10-minute walk to Borough Market, the Tate Modern, or the Globe Theatre, with a Tube station nearby. This hotel is on the south bank of the city not far from the Southwark Tube station.

London Rental Accommodations

During my travels, I’ve also opted for apartment and home rentals. You feel more like a local and oftentimes can save money because you’re able to prepare your own breakfast or share the overall cost with family members or friends. Not to mention, you can find truly unique places to stay with awesome views or even discover a new neighborhood!

London is the perfect destination to consider a rental accommodation over a hotel because hotels aren’t cheap(!) and London is well-connected with its underground trains.

My go-to place to search for rental accommodations is Plum Guide . They vet the properties on their site using “Home Critics” and only select the best properties in a variety of price brackets. Plum Guide even offers phone support 24/7 should you need any help or have questions.

How Many Days to Spend in London

As with most places, you can spend an extended period of time and still not see and do everything a fantastic city like London has to offer.

If it’s your first time in London, you likely will focus on the most popular attractions and experiences that interest you. For this, you’ll need 3-4 days to explore and make use of the London itinerary ideas in this guide.

With 4+ days in London, you can also use a day to visit a popular sight just outside of London or even  get off the beaten path .

London is a great city to explore. It’s also the perfect jumping-off point for future trips to Europe. It’s not complicated to add a couple of days in London as a stopover before continuing on to another destination in Europe.

Arrival into London

The  Heathrow Express  is a quick and efficient way to get into the city from London Heathrow Airport. The train leaves every 15 minutes and arrives in just about the same time to Paddington Station.

You can book your tickets online or using the Heathrow Express App. Not only will this save you any hassle at the airport, but you’ll also save money. Heathrow Express prices are lower the further you book in advance.

Gatwick Airport also has an  express train  which arrives at Victoria Station. Trains run every 15 minutes and take a half-hour to reach London.

Similarly, the express train from Gatwick offers considerable discounts for booking online and ahead of time.

The airports also have commuter trains, buses, and taxis to get you into London. Except for the taxis, these options are less expensive than the express trains mentioned above but do take more time.

You can check prices and schedules for  Southern Railways  from Gatwick to compare.

In addition, from London Heathrow, you can take the Tube. Trains along the Picadilly and Elizabeth lines connect terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. The ride takes between 45-50 minutes to reach central London but is less expensive than the Heathrow Express.

From Paddington and Victoria Stations in London, you’ll have access to the  London Tube  with lines spreading across the city, as well as a taxi queue at ground level. Most taxis take credit cards but be aware of the occasional cash-only sign in a taxi’s window.

Pro Tip:  My recommendation is to use an express train or the Tube (from/to Heathrow), for a quick and easy trip to London’s city center or even directly to your hotel. Avoid London traffic and expensive taxi rides.

If you’d prefer to arrange transportation and/or avoid taking the trains, consider booking a car with Welcome Pickups  to transfer to the city. Although I’ve only used the trains to get from Heathrow to London, I’ve used Welcome Pickups in several other European cities and always had a great experience.

This will be a much more affordable option compared to a London taxi. The price will be a flat rate, as opposed to paying based on the taxi’s metered fare which can get quite high with even the smallest amount of traffic

How to get around London

London is very pedestrian-friendly and you’re bound to do a good amount of walking during your London trip. Remember, cars are on the opposite side of the road compared to the U.S., so you need to LOOK RIGHT when crossing the road. When in doubt, just look both ways before crossing.

Along the Thames, the riverwalk is a clear path connected with several bridges to help you cross to the other side as frequently as you need.

In addition, London’s Tube (subway) is reliable, easy to navigate, and stretches across the city. The announcements are clear and the lines are identified with colors and names, like Central, District, and Piccadilly. Given how big London is, you’ll need to rely on public transportation to maximize the time you have rather than always walking long distances.

As with getting to London from the airport, taxis are expensive in London and get even pricier when traffic is heavy. It’s best to go underground to save time, money, and patience.

Visitors staying for a few days can get an Oyster Card for easy use and refills in the Tube. Your Oyster Card is good for your first trip to London and every return trip thereafter!

London Pass  purchases come with the option to add a visitor’s Oyster Card. I would skip this option because the card takes several weeks to be physically mailed to you. You can also save more money by simply using a regular Oyster Card or the Tube’s contactless payment system because it will cap how much you’ll pay each day automatically.

Use a contactless credit card to pay to enter the Tube, as well as a mobile device like a smartphone with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Just be sure you’re using a card with no foreign transaction fees.

A few things to keep in mind when paying to access the Tube.

• Use the same card or device when you touch in and out at the yellow card readers. The London Tube caps how much you’ll pay. So, you can ride as much as you want in a day or a week and you’ll never pay more than the capped price.
• If you don’t use the same card or device, the Tube card readers won’t be able to accurately cap the amount you pay.
• If you’re using a device like a smartphone, be sure you have enough battery power. You need to touch in and out of the Tube. You also need to use your phone all day otherwise the system can’t cap the amount you pay.
• You can pay for another person if you are traveling together. (They will need to touch out of the Tube and can’t do it without your card or device.) You’ll need to pay for yourself with a separate card or device.

London Tips for Your First Trip

As you plan things to do in London and where to stay in London, also take into consideration the tips below. They’ve come from 3 separate trips to London and a lot of travel experience overall.

The best time to visit London is during spring and fall.

Visiting London in the shoulder/winter season months, April-June and September-November, are the perfect combination of moderate to cool temperatures and fewer visitors. January to March can also be a good time to visit if you’re not bothered by colder temperatures and prefer to visit during the least busy time of year.

Summer can be very busy, making the next London travel tip even that much more important.

Book as many things as possible in advance.

Not only will things like the London Pass or advance fast-track tickets help you save time and money, but it’ll eliminate indecisiveness about what to do while you’re in London and who to trust when you eventually buy the tickets, tours, and passes you want.

Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

London isn’t a budget destination. The last thing you want to add to the currency exchange are fees from your credit card once you get your bill back home.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout London and also remove the necessity to convert and carry large amounts of dollars to British pounds.

ProTip: When paying by credit card or using your debit card to withdraw money at an ATM, always pay in the local currency (Pounds) and/or decline the currency conversion. This is a sneaky way to convert your money at a less-than-desirable rate.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

I know this seems obvious but it truly can’t be understated. As someone who lives in New York City, I can always recognize a visitor who’s regretting his/her shoe choice.

These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I wear them walking around New York City and they’re a staple I pack for nearly every trip I take. You can walk miles without any irritation or blisters.

Check for service charges.

Tipping isn’t obligatory in London. In fact, service charges are often added to bills at restaurants and pubs. That being said, if you’re happy with your service, you always leave a small amount as a gesture of appreciation.

Pack the right electrical converters.

Most commonly, you’ll need a Type G converter to plug into the outlets throughout the U.K. I’ve encountered one place where this wasn’t the case. So, it’s smart to also have a universal adapter with USB ports, too.

London Trip Planner FAQs

How do i start planning a trip to london.

To plan a trip to London, first, decide how many days you’ll spend in the city. Then, book your hotel. You’ll find more options and competitive pricing the further in advance you book. After this, plan your London itinerary. Make a list of the sights and activities you want to see and do. Then, group them by area to logically plan what to do without backtracking. Be sure to book ahead as many things as possible to save time and to ensure you can visit places on the days that make sense for your London itinerary.

How many days should I plan for London?

As you plan a trip to London, you’ll need at least 3-4 days to comfortably see the city’s top sights and attractions. London is a very large city with an endless number of things to see and do. You can easily plan a trip to London for a week and have plenty to fill your itinerary.

What time of year is best to go to London?

The absolute best months for a perfect combination of weather and number of visitors is from April to June and September through November. January to March can also be a good time to visit London because fewer people are visiting during this time. Summers come with big crowds and long lines.

What is the best area to stay in London?

The best area to stay in London is in the heart of the city, especially if you’re visiting London for the first time, and within walking distance of a Tube station. These include neighborhoods like Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and along the south bank near the Southwark area.

Where should I go on my first trip to London?

For your first London trip, plan to see the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the British Museum, Covent Garden, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the iconic view of Big Ben and Parliament from Westminster Bridge. You should also plan to have afternoon tea, eat at Borough Market, go to a play or musical, and glimpse London from above at the London Eye or the Shard.

First Trip to London – Bottom Line

You have chosen a fantastic city to visit, full of important landmarks, historic sights, good food, and fun experiences. With some advance planning, you’ll arrive in London prepared with your itinerary and know-how to navigate the city confidently for an unforgettable trip.

So, what questions do you have about your first trip to London or about planning a London itinerary?

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Print or web publication, london without its landmarks.

A mournful silence in the Stage City

Jan Morris, the Welsh historian and travel writer who died last month at 94, once opened an essay about London with a description of the flight path by which her plane arrived in the city. The essay, titled “The Stage-City,” originally published in 1978 in Rolling Stone , appeared later in Destinations , a collection of her travel essays. After passing over “a drab sprawling mass of housing estates, terraces and industrial plants,” Morris comes to the River Thames, and familiar landmarks begin to appear: “The Tower of London squats brownish at the water’s edge. Buckingham Palace reclines in its great green garden. The Houses of Parliament, of all famous buildings the most toylike and intricate, stand like an instructional model beside Westminster Bridge.”

If Morris were an ordinary writer, I might have said that starting a travel essay in this manner, with an enumeration of the destination’s most familiar landmarks, would be a tired and obvious gambit. But Morris wasn’t an ordinary writer—who else could have described the Tower of London as squatting brownish?—and, more important, the familiarity of these landmarks was precisely the point. These places are, as Morris says, “part of the whole world’s consciousness […] reflecting the experience of half mankind.”

Not long ago, I made my own descent into London. I was moving away from the East Coast for the first time, having graduated from college months earlier in a stumbling, well-intentioned Zoom ceremony. Now I was flying to England to start graduate school. I didn’t know when I would return. As our plane tilted leftward and we began to wing down toward the city, I raised my window shade, allowing a slant of afternoon light to come streaming into the cabin. I wanted to know if our plane would follow the same path as Morris’s, over all the landmarks I knew by heart. But the world outside the window was shrouded in a dense fog; I could scarcely see the wing of the plane. Imagining myself somehow cheated—why should Morris get a glorious arrival, and not I?—I lowered the shade and closed my eyes until we touched down, feeling that I might have been arriving in any city in the world, as if this were not a new place but a non-place, a gray and numbing repetition of everywhere else.

I started reading Destinations in April, as I finished my senior year from my parents’ house in Maine. I felt cooped up, stunted, and I hoped that the essays might bring me some vicarious sense of escape. I’d been struggling with depression for a few months. For me, depression often seems to drown everything in uniformity, as if every place and every day were the same as the last; when life first went into lockdown, it was suddenly as if the outside world matched my interior one. Of course, this wasn’t actually true. I had much to be thankful for: my family was healthy and secure, unlike so many others in the pandemic. Nor, speaking objectively, could that time be described as uneventful, between the daily devastation being wrought by the virus, and the injustices of a brutal and racist policing system. But for me, in those early, dazed weeks of April lockdown, the days truly felt indistinguishable. Photographs from cities around the world showed the same empty streets that I saw out my window. Interactions took on a generic quality. What else was there to talk about but the virus? And what could anyone possibly say about it that we hadn’t heard already? Perhaps worst, in the midst of so much to be mourned and fretted over, I found myself unable to feel much of anything at all.

Morris’s essays became my consolation in the crushing sameness of those days. I read and reread them. Like all good travel writing, hers is a celebration of difference, a masterly display of differentiation—viewed through Morris’s eyes, no place or time is like any other. Her essays take on far-flung places at distinct moments: Panama in the midst of discussions over the U.S. treaty in 1975; Delhi under the rule of Indira Gandhi; Cairo during the Israeli-Egyptian peace negotiations. Though Morris always seems to visit a place at a dramatic moment in its history, her writing is hardly journalistic. She’s there to capture a particular atmosphere, a feeling in the air, an energy in the eyes of the people on the street.

Morris judges the places she visits with an almost self-parodying degree of authority, as if only she could sum up the true spirit of a city or country with a few brash, broad strokes. The resulting assessments are never predictable, and are always entertaining. Consider her view of Los Angeles in 1976, not as a haven for smug sophisticates or vapid elites, but as “a city of hard workers.” It reminds her of “the guild spirit of some medieval town, where the workers in iron or lace, the clockmakers and the armorers, competed to give their city the glory of their trades.” She is often at her best when casting a critical eye, as she does when arriving in Istanbul:

For Istanbul does possess, as you can feel from the deck of your ship, the arrogance of the very old: like the rudeness of an aged actor whose prime was long ago, whose powers have failed him but who struts about still in cloak and carnationed buttonhole, snubbing his superiors. … It is only when you get closer that you realize the illusion of it, just as you observe, if he leans too close to you on the sofa, the creases of despair around the actor’s mouth.

I read these words and felt, for a brief moment, filled with hope about the possibilities of different places, of life going on and on around the world. I began to think that if I could get away from where I was, I might shake off the November of the soul that had come over me.

I exited Heathrow into a drizzling London afternoon and was promptly almost hit by a bus. I’d forgotten that when crossing the street in England, I’d need to look right rather than left. I briefly toyed with a fantasy of acting like a true tourist, taking a taxi directly to Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London and seeing what I could of them from the outside. I was brought back to reality by an enormous banner hanging over the airport sidewalk. It read: ALL TRAVELLERS FROM THE UNITED STATES REQUIRED TO SELF-ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS.

A friend of mine was letting me stay in his London apartment for my isolation period, after which I’d be allowed to move into university housing in Cambridge, about an hour’s train ride from the city. He was out of town, but he’d left his pantry and fridge stocked with food so I wouldn’t need to go to a grocery store. The apartment was a single tiny room on the fourth floor of a brick building in Hoxton. The windows looked out onto an empty parking lot. I didn’t leave for two weeks.

I cooked lavish meals for myself and tried to eat them slowly; I tuned in to an online yoga class, twice; mostly I slept. I often thought about Morris’s version of London. She called it “The Stage-City” not because of its theaters, but because she felt it was engaged in a constant performance of its own spirit. In her eyes, London itself was a stage:

The histrionic art is the London art par excellence—the ability to dazzle, mimic, deceive or stir. Look now, as you step from the restaurant after dinner, across the blackness of St. James toward Westminster. There is the floodlit Abbey, that recondite temple of Englishness; and there is the cluster of the Whitehall pinnacles […] and riding above it all, high over the clockface of Big Ben in the Palace of Westminster, high in the night sky, a still small light, all alone, burns steadily above the city. It is the light that announces the House of Commons, the mother of all parliaments, to be in session below. There’s theater for you! There’s showmanship!

I had no illusions, of course, that the reality of the place would ever be as stirring or romantic as Morris made it out to be. But it didn’t matter. Alone in that apartment, I felt as if I had missed the closing of the theater doors, and was trapped in an empty lobby, straining to hear a snatch of the performance. On days when it wasn’t raining, I opened the window in the hopes of hearing other people’s voices, a morsel of London conversation. But the only sound was that of the cars driving by, hidden from view.

Finally, my quarantine came to an end. My classes were starting the following day, so I was leaving London without having had the chance to see it at all. I woke early and called a car to take me and my embarrassing amount of luggage to the train station, then came out from the apartment blinking in the glare of a bright October morning. When the car came, I asked the driver if he had any recommendations for things to do in London, already planning for when I would make the trip back down to see it properly.

“All the things you’re supposed to see are overrated,” he told me. “Don’t do those. Just wander and see it that way. You’ll enjoy that.” I nodded, disappointed.

When we’d been on the road for a few minutes, the driver pulled over. He was, he informed me apologetically, diabetic. He needed to stop and buy a snack. Once I’d assured him that this was okay, he rolled the windows down and disappeared into a grocery store. I sat watching the people hurrying by on the busy sidewalk, most of them masked, their eyes blank. It occurred to me that people-watching isn’t nearly as riveting when you can’t see people’s faces; not even Morris, I thought, would be able to find the words to salvage this scene from such bleak uniformity. Beyond the sidewalk, through an iron-grilled fence, I could see children running around in a playground attached to a church.

After a few minutes, I became aware of a change in the frantic energies of the playground. The children had hushed and withdrawn to the laps of their parents on the park benches. All seemed to be waiting. Through the gaps in the fence I saw a woman pointing something out to her child, though what it was exactly was obscured from view. I got out of the car and walked over.

A line of small boys, clad in black robes and top hats, was emerging from the church into the playground. Each wore a dark silk mask and clutched a binder at his side. They carried such a solemn air about them that at first I thought they were a group of very small adults. There were around 20 of them, the youngest only eight or nine, the oldest probably 14. They arranged themselves neatly into a two-ringed circle, six feet apart. Then they removed their masks, and it became clear to me—as I’m sure it was already to everyone else—that they were going to sing.

I prepared myself to hear a hymn, something stern and Anglican, possibly in Latin. I was wrong. The song began with a solo from a young soprano, a red-faced boy, singing a piercing and desolate and seemingly wordless melody. After a few measures, more voices joined in, and then the rest, the melodies folding back on themselves and repeating. It didn’t sound like church music. It was modern, atonal, with an aching dissonance that never resolved itself. The language sounded vaguely Swedish. At the center of the group stood a conductor who seemed hardly older than I. He spun in a slow circle, giving attention to each section of the singers. They sang quietly, and not perfectly, but with such forceful and earnest sadness that I wondered what it was these boys might be mourning, and then, at a loss for any answer, found myself mourning along with them. I didn’t feel hope—I felt grief. But it was a shared grief.

The song ended as abruptly as it had started, and the onlookers clapped quietly while the choir filed back into the church. The driver was leaning against the fence beside me, wearing an expression of wonder and sadness.

“Don’t see that every day, do you?” he said quietly, passing me a sleeve of cookies.

“You’re right,” I said. “I don’t.”

For more tributes to Jan Morris, see “ Kindness, Always Kindness ” by Bruce Falconer and “ Experience Everything ” by Simon Winchester.

Charlie Lee  is an assistant editor of Harper’s Magazine . He lives in Brooklyn, NY.

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London: A Tourist Destination - Essay Example

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January Term Study Abroad Program

3-week course on travel writing with 2 weeks in London.

J-Term 2024 Information Sheet

Travel Writing is for the adventurous. In three weeks, students will learn to navigate London, one of the world’s greatest cities, and craft compelling, vivid essays about what they’ve discovered. Through curiosity, research and writing they will transcend from tourist to traveler, gaining a confidence in their ability to master the unfamiliar as well as pen publishable stories about place.

The UNH London J-Term Travel Writing program allows students to spend two weeks engaging with one of the world's greatest cities through a creative writing course. Program benefits include:

• Engage with London on a different level. Create effective travel writing based on your experience there.
• Travel with an experienced UNH faculty member
• Experience London! One of the most culturally diverse and fascinating cities in the world.
• Independent experience: outside of mandatory in-class sessions, the program is designed to allow you to explore the city for your writing projects.

A pply Now!  

Program dates.

Dec. 27, 2023-Jan. 18, 2024 (1 week online, 2 weeks in London)

Information Session

Thursday, September 14th from 1:00-2:00 PM in Hamilton Smith 201

Application Deadline

May 1st, 2023 (early admittance)

September 30th, 2023 (any spots still available)

Deposit deadline

October 15, 2023

Predeparture meeting

December, 2023

How to apply Financial Aid/scholarships

Sue Hertz Associate Professor of English London Travel Writing Program Director Email: [email protected]  

Eligibility Requirements

At the time of application, all students are expected to meet the following criteria:

• Freshmen students not meeting the 12-credit requirement may be allowed to participate in the program. Approval is needed from both the Program Faculty Director. Contact the COLA Center for Study Abroad for guidance.
• A declared major
• Students who do not have a declared major or who have an established GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 may still apply. Admission will be at the discretion of the program faculty director.
• A student who is on probation, regardless of the underlying violation, must successfully petition through the Academic Standards and Advising Committee (ASAC) for permission to participate. Students who have had a past violation will also be required to petition. Please contact your Dean’s Office for more guidance and the petition form, if needed.

Course pre-requisite: Prior to the start of the program, students should have completed either ENGL 501, 621 or 623. Students who have not taken any of these courses can contact the faculty director for permission to apply.

About the program

Dec. 27, 2023 -  Jan. 2, 2024 :   Students will delve into travel writing through a series of four modules posted on Canvas. Each module addresses a different element of travel writing and contains a combination of explanation, reading, and writing assignments. Each weekday of a J-term course equals one-week of a standard semester so prepare to devote three to six hours a day to course work.  All assignments will be submitted to individual OneDrive folders. In addition, students will research London and prepare their wish list for places and events to research when they arrive.

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024     Fly overnight to London. Take notes on the trip, detailing what you’re experiencing (use all of your senses), feeling, and thinking. Chronicle dialogue and interactions.

Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024     Arrive in London and head to Hyde Park View Hostel , 16 Leinster  Terrace, London W2 3EU.

4 p.m. meeting in the hostel’s lounge        

Friday. Jan. 5   Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of London. Meet in hostel lounge at 10 a.m. Take lots of notes and photos. Jot down sites you passed that you’d like to visit. 

Welcome dinner. Meet in hostel lounge at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 6   London excursion to Trafalgar Square and visits to the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Wear your walking shoes. Post an Insta-Essay.

Sunday, Jan. 7   London excursion to the South Bank and visits to Borough Market, the Tate Gallery, and the National Theatre complex. Post an Insta-essay.

Monday, Jan. 8    9:30-11:30 a.m.  Hostel Bar lounge/ Gathering content

• Discuss “The Longest Crawl”
• Visit a place you saw during the Big Bus tour that captured your curiosity. Could be a major tourist destination (Westminster Abbey; Buckingham Palace; Tower of London) or perhaps a park, or a street with quirky shops. Take notes, jot down impressions, talk to people.
• Post a photo/video and 500-word mini-essay #1 on Instagram.

Tuesday, Jan. 9   9:30-11:30  a.m. Hostel bar lounge/ Scenes

• Discuss “Swallowing Fear”
• Visit a museum (e.g. History of London Museum, Charles Dickens Museum; British Library; National Portrait Gallery, Tate; Wembley Stadium).
• Write a scene from the visit, either focused on your reflections (internal) or something you learned about the museum, or artifact, or history, or anything else external.
• Post a photo/video and 500-word mini-essay #2 on Instagram.

Wednesday, Jan. 10   10 a.m. Meet in hostel bar lounge and we will head to the British Museum for class. Afterwards, experience the London outdoors (e.g. Hyde Park, the London Zoo, Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath, any walking tour).

• Discuss on Canvas Discussions “Summer in the Far North”
• Write an Instagram post with special attention to sensory detail -- what you saw, heard, touched, smelled, tasted during your outdoor adventure.
• 7:30 p.m., Theatre TBD

Thursday, Jan. 11   9:30 -11:30 a.m. Hostel bar lounge/ Interviewing & content collecting

• Discuss “My Beirut Hostage Crisis”
• Experience London culinary icons (e.g. afternoon tea at Claridge’s; Harrod’s food court; fish & chips at Sea Shell of Lisson Grove). Interview a food vendor about his/her specialty.   
• Start work on a 1000-1500-word essay either based on an insta-essay or a whole new exploration. First draft due by 9 a.m., in OneDrive on  Monday, Jan. 15.

Fri., Jan. 12   Cambridge  (Links to an external site.)  Day Trip. Meet in the bar/lounge at 9:30 a.m. We will then head to King’s Cross Station and Platform 9 ¾ to catch a train to Cambridge.

• On Canvas Discussions, discuss “Such Perfection”
• Each of you will be assigned one place/person/institution to explore in Cambridge and post an essay and art about it on Instagram.
• Writing: Continue work on long essay  What other content do you need?

Sat., Jan. 13   Open day. Suggestion: Portobello or Camden markets (Watch your valuables!! Crowded street markets famous for pickpockets.)  

Sun., Jan. 14  All-day excursion TBD

Mon., Jan. 15   9:30 -11:30 a.m. hostel lounge/ Beginnings & Workshop essays

• Discuss “London” from Bill Bryson’s  The Road to Little Dribbling
• Work on revision, which is due 5 p.m., Wed., Jan. 19 
• Explore one of London's neighborhoods, or villages as they are often called. Possible destinations are: Mayfair; Marylebone; Knightsbridge; Hampstead; Shoreditch; Camden; Neal's Yard; SoHo; Paddington; Westminster; Bethnal Green; Little Venice; Bloomsbury; Battersea; Pimlico; Sloan Square; Fulham; Maida Vale; Limehouse.

Tues., Jan. 16   9:30 - 11:30 a.m. hostel bar Lounge /  Structure/ workshop essay drafts

• Discuss “Born to Travel”
• Revise essay. Gather more content. Write more scenes. Add more commentary.

Wed., Jan. 17   10 a.m. meet in hostel bar lounge for off-hostel class

• Final draft due in OneDrive at 5 p.m. 
• Farewell dinner. Meet in hostel bar lounge at 6 p.m.

Thurs., Jan. 18    Fly home 

Faculty Leader

Professor Sue Hertz

Course Information

PRE-REQUISITE: ENGL 501 or 621 or 623, or permission of instructor . Students enroll in the 4-credit course ENGL 703/803 Travel Writing . Travel Writing begins with a week of online coursework in which students will study the craft of writing about place, pen their first essay, and read widely about London. By the time they arrive in the United Kingdom, they will have a firm idea of what they would like to explore.

Each weekday morning, the class will meet for a two-hour workshop. The rest of the day will be devoted to exploring and writing about London. A travel writer’s mission is not to see 108 attractions in 14 days. Instead, the goal is to research and observe a selection of sites and events thoroughly enough to write about them creatively and with authority.

About London

London is one of the world's truly great cities. It's a bustling and modern economic hub of with a population of over 9,000,000. It's one of the world's cultural capitals with legendary theatre and music scenes, and some of the greatest museums available. It's a political power center and a city with a rich historical legacy. It's a diverse urban environment with over 300 languages spoken by residents. London is all of these things and more.

The city is divided by the Thames River as it rambles its way eastwards into the North Sea. Famous bridges like the Waterloo, Tower, and London Bridges connect the north and south banks of the city. London is vast and stretches out over a huge expanse of ground. Historic sites like the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Globe Theatre, and Westminster Abbey are located along the Thames. Lush urban parks fill in sizeable portions of the city to the north and west including the famous Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Primrose Hill. Distinct and endlessly interesting neighborhoods are nestled throughout the city from nightlife hubs of Soho and Covent Garden in the heart of London, to the posh and residential Kensington, hip and eclectic Brixton to the south, and Canary Wharf financial zone to the east. Students will get a taste for an exciting, complicated, and inspiring city so vast that it would take lifetimes to know.

Helpful Links

• Rick Steves' London Guide
• Rick Steves' Best of Europe Video "London: Historic and Dynamic"
• Lonely Planet: London
• Time Out London

The tuition for the program covers the 4-credit course, and the program fee covers 14 nights' lodging and breakfast, as well as a Big Bus Tour and 24-hour bus pass; two dinners; one theatre performance; and two day trip outside London. The costs below are estimated and subject to change.

Housing & Meals

Students stay at the Meininger Hotel in South Kensington, one of the safest and poshest neighborhoods in London -- just steps away from Harrod’s and the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as tons of funky restaurants, book shops, Stella McCartney clothing, and a Lamborghini dealer. Breakfast is included.

Other Inclusions

• Comprehensive international insurance and travel assistance coverage
• Bus tour of London
• Theatre ticket
• Day-long excursion outside of London
• Breakfast and two dinners

Not Included

• Application fee ($20)
• Airfare to and from London
• Most meals (breakfasts and two group dinners included)
• Public transportation in London
• Other travel
• UK SIM card (required, but can be purchased in the UK for as little as $20)

Payment Info and Refund Policy

Accepted students must submit a $200 non-refundable program deposit to confirm a spot on the program.

View study abroad payment deadlines, cancellation and refund policy

Health and Safety

While we cannot guarantee complete security abroad (just like on campus in Durham) the University of New Hampshire and the College of Liberal Arts (COLA) make every effort to facilitate safe international student experiences. Please find below important information on health and safety-related resources, policies, and procedures. If you have additional questions, please contact the program faculty director or the COLA Center for Study Abroad.

Travel to the UK

• Program Location and Support . During the London J-Term program, students and faculty reside at the Astor Hyde Park Hostel in South Kensington, a centrally-located and well-maintained budget hotel. Program faculty accompany students on all program-related activities while in London. 
• US Department of State Country Information
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Health Information for Travelers to  the UK
• COLA Center for Study Abroad: 603 862-3962 
• International SOS (UNH Membership #11BCAS000009): 215 942-8478
• UNH Police Dispatch (emergencies only): 603 862-1212
• UNH SHARPP (Sexual Harassment & Rape Prevention Program):    603 862-723
• US Embassy in London : + 44 (0)20-7499-9000 (US-citizen emergency contact number)
• UK Emergency Services: 112

UNH Global health and safety information

Student Writing Samples

Travel Writing is for the adventurous. In three weeks, students will learn to navigate London, one of the world’s greatest cities, and craft compelling, vivid essays about what they’ve discovered. Through curiosity, research and writing they will transcend from tourist to traveller, gaining a confidence in their ability to master the unfamiliar as well as pen publishable stories about place. Read these examples of student writing to gain insight into the types of experiences and craft you will focus on through the London Travel Writing Program.

" Vegan Heaven " by Adrienne Perron

" Finding My Mother on the Streets of London " by Madailein Hart

" For Amy " by Delaney McDonough

" All Are Welcome " by Hannah Drake

" Madame Tussaud " by Ken Johnson

Testimonials

As a group we got to see a lot of London (and Bath and Cambridge), but it was the amount of one-on-one time that we got with the city that meant the most to me. Considering we were only there for a few weeks and we had a solid schedule of outings and assignments, I feel like I still had plenty of time to visit and get to know the sections of the city that I liked best. Having that time to explore on my own made a relatively short trip feel a lot longer.

—Erin Mahoney, 2019

I would recommend the London J-term program to anyone who has always liked the idea of traveling the world but doesn’t know where to start. The program staff broke the logistics of international travel and the process of travel writing into manageable chunks. I was terrified to get on the plane to London, but by the end of the program, I felt not just comfortable but confident navigating the city on my own. I came out of J-term with long-form and social media content for my portfolio, plus some new friends. A warning: this program will give you the travel bug. I went back to London over the summer (staying in the same hostel) and am looking at going to grad school in the U.K.

—Grace Hanley, 2019

The London Travel Writing J-Term taught me how to be a traveler. It’s certainly not a passive experience, and that’s what I enjoyed most about the class. Professor Hertz combines classroom discussion, writing time, and independent excursions to create a really unique and fulfilling international experience. I made close friends that I still keep in touch with two years later—it’s incredible how much you can learn about each other when you travel, especially once you start reading each others’ writing. And London is a spectacular backdrop to any adventure. There’s a story in every travel experience, and this class will help you find it—just don’t forget to bring your umbrella.

—Hannah Drake, 2016

I am so grateful for my experience in the London J-Term class, as I don't think I would have ever convinced myself to travel outside of the country, let alone leave the Northeast. But here I am living on my own in Tennessee!

—Lane McDonough, 2015

Travel Writing in London takes classroom work and combines it with the living breathing classroom of London for a unique one of a kind course.  Prior to leaving for the UK, online classwork will teach you the aspects of travel writing and get you familiar with the city of London itself, which is extremely important once you get there since the time goes by really fast.  Once in London, part of the day is the classroom experience, where you get together as a group for writing exercises and to peer review the travel writing of your classmates.  The rest of the day is spend traversing the city of London not as a tourist but as a travel writer seeking that aspect that will become a piece.  By seeing London as a writer means that instead of just seeing the famous landmarks, which you will end up doing, you will also see the city on a different level and learn to express the experience so that others not only see what you did, but also feel your internal journey as well.  In addition, you will get to experience London through the eyes of your classmates as you peer review their pieces.  The aspects of writing that you learn will benefit journalism students, creative non-fiction students, and fiction students.  Not only will you grow and expand as a writer but you will meet new friends and create a memorable college experience.

—Ken Johnson, 2014

The J-term travel writing course was an unforgettable experience. In fact, I had such a wonderful time with Sue and my classmates, that I actually just purchased a flight to go back this coming August. I’ll even be staying at the same place we stayed for the course—the Meininger Hotel—as it was clean, safe, and had a prime location. If you’re a writer, the travel writing course is priceless. And if you’re not a writer, this trip will make you one! Seriously though, travel writing is the best J-term course to take. With just two weeks in the city, the coursework pushes you to get out there and make every minute count. You'll learn a lot, but most of it happens outside the classroom. Professor Hertz inspires you to immerse yourself in the city and culture, and as a result you’ll walk away with a couple polished travel pieces, and plenty of subject matter for future writing. I will honestly never forget my J-term trip to London, and neither will you!

—Shannon Reville, 2014

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Reinventing search with a new AI-powered Microsoft Bing and Edge, your copilot for the web

Feb 7, 2023 | Yusuf Mehdi - Corporate Vice President & Consumer Chief Marketing Officer

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To empower people to unlock the joy of discovery, feel the wonder of creation and better harness the world’s knowledge, today we’re improving how the world benefits from the web by reinventing the tools billions of people use every day, the search engine and the browser.

Today, we’re launching an all new, AI-powered Bing search engine and Edge browser, available in preview now at Bing.com , to deliver better search, more complete answers, a new chat experience and the ability to generate content. We think of these tools as an AI copilot for the web.

“AI will fundamentally change every software category, starting with the largest category of all – search,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Today, we’re launching Bing and Edge powered by AI copilot and chat, to help people get more from search and the web.”

There are 10 billion search queries a day, but we estimate half of them go unanswered. That’s because people are using search to do things it wasn’t originally designed to do. It’s great for finding a website, but for more complex questions or tasks too often it falls short.

The new Bing and Edge – Your copilot for the web

We have brought together search, browsing and chat into one unified experience you can invoke from anywhere on the web, delivering:

• Better search. The new Bing gives you an improved version of the familiar search experience, providing more relevant results for simple things like sports scores, stock prices and weather, along with a new sidebar that shows more comprehensive answers if you want them.
• Complete answers. Bing reviews results from across the web to find and summarize the answer you’re looking for. For example, you can get detailed instructions for how to substitute eggs for another ingredient in a cake you are baking right in that moment, without scrolling through multiple results.
• A new chat experience. For more complex searches – such as for planning a detailed trip itinerary or researching what TV to buy – the new Bing offers new, interactive chat. The chat experience empowers you to refine your search until you get the complete answer you are looking for by asking for more details, clarity and ideas – with links available so you can immediately act on your decisions.
• A creative spark. There are times when you need more than an answer – you need inspiration. The new Bing can generate the content to help you. It can help you write an email, create a 5-day itinerary for a dream vacation to Hawaii, with links to book your travel and accommodations, prep for a job interview or create a quiz for trivia night. The new Bing also cites all its sources, so you’re able to see links to the web content it references.
• New Microsoft Edge experience. We’ve updated the Edge browser with new AI capabilities and a new look, and we’ve added two new functionalities: Chat and compose. With the Edge Sidebar, you can ask for a summary of a lengthy financial report to get the key takeaways – and then use the chat function to ask for a comparison to a competing company’s financials and automatically put it in a table. You can also ask Edge to help you compose content, such as a LinkedIn post, by giving it a few prompts to get you started. After that, you can ask it to help you update the tone, format and length of the post. Edge can understand the web page you’re on and adapts accordingly.

My anniversary is coming up in September, help me plan a trip somewhere fun in Europe, leaving from London.

Will the Ikea Klippan loveseat fit into my 2019 Honda Odyssey?

Reinventing search with AI

The new Bing experience is a culmination of four technical breakthroughs:

• Next-generation OpenAI model . We’re excited to announce the new Bing is running on a new, next-generation OpenAI large language model that is more powerful than ChatGPT and customized specifically for search. It takes key learnings and advancements from ChatGPT and GPT-3.5 – and it is even faster, more accurate and more capable.
• Microsoft Prometheus model . We have developed a proprietary way of working with the OpenAI model that allows us to best leverage its power. We call this collection of capabilities and techniques the Prometheus model. This combination gives you more relevant, timely and targeted results, with improved safety.
• Applying AI to core search algorithm . We’ve also applied the AI model to our core Bing search ranking engine, which led to the largest jump in relevance in two decades. With this AI model, even basic search queries are more accurate and more relevant.
• New user experience . We’re reimagining how you interact with search, browser and chat by pulling them into a unified experience. This will unlock a completely new way to interact with the web.

These groundbreaking new search experiences are possible because Microsoft has committed to building Azure into an AI supercomputer for the world, and OpenAI has used this infrastructure to train the breakthrough models that are now being optimized for Bing.

Microsoft and OpenAI – innovating together, responsibly

Together with OpenAI, we’ve also been intentional in implementing safeguards to defend against harmful content. Our teams are working to address issues such as misinformation and disinformation, content blocking, data safety and preventing the promotion of harmful or discriminatory content in line with our AI principles .

The work we are doing with OpenAI builds on our company’s yearslong effort to ensure that our AI systems are responsible by design. We will continue to apply the full strength of our responsible AI ecosystem – including researchers, engineers and policy experts – to develop new approaches to mitigate risk.

Live today in limited preview, expanding to millions soon

The new Bing is available today in a limited preview on desktop, and everyone can visit Bing.com today to try sample queries and sign up for the waitlist. We’re going to scale the preview to millions in the coming weeks. A mobile experience will also be in preview soon.

We’re excited to put the new Bing and Edge into the real world to get the critical feedback required to improve our models as we scale.

Related links:

Amy Hood, Microsoft executive vice president and chief financial officer, will host a conference call with investors at 2:30 p.m. PT.

Brad Smith, Microsoft vice chair and president: Meeting the moment: advancing the future through responsible AI

Learn more about advertising on the new Bing

More information about the announcement

Tags: AI , Bing , Microsoft Edge

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