As a soon-to-be chef, this would be the food and drink highlight of London for me. I first fell in love with this location when I saw it on an episode of Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa. It was a special entitled "Barefoot in London". She and her husband Jeffrey took a vacation to London. She had the luxury of having Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall's journalist brother give her a tour of Borough Market. I was astounded by all of the locally produced goods and the lovely British looking atmosphere. I know when I go to London, I will spend the better part of a day just strolling and eating through the stalls of this glorious market. Borough has long been synonymous with food markets and as far back as the 11th century, London Bridge attracted traders selling grain, fish, vegetables and livestock. In the 13th century traders were relocated to what is now Borough High Street and a market has existed there ever since. In 1755, the market was closed by Parliament, but a group of Southwark residents raised £6,000 to buy a patch of land known locally as The Triangle, once the churchyard of St Margaret’s, and reopened the market. The Triangle, where you’ll find Northfield Farm and Furness Fish and Game, is still at the heart of the market today. The market still feeds this core community and has grown to over 100 individual stalls. Alongside the original fruit, veg, bakers and butchers we now sell a huge variety of British and international produce. All of the traders share a love of food and many of them make, grow or rear the produce they sell so now, just as in 1755, the customers know exactly where their shopping has come from. The market ensures high standards of produce by employing a food quality panel of impartial experts who ensure that the taste, provenance and quality of foods sold here are all regularly measured and maintained and we support small traders to meet these standards. With its vibrant and friendly atmosphere, Borough Market will always be at the heart of the local community. Its unique standing within the area has recently been marked by a Blue Plaque, voted for by the people of Southwark, marking its place as London's Oldest Fruit & Veg Market. Information on the Market Opening Times Open for Lunch- Monday - Tuesday: 10am-5pm Full Market Wednesday-Thursday: 10am-5pm Fridays: 10am-6pm Saturdays: 8am-5pm Travel Information Borough Market is easily accessed by public transport. It is a few seconds walk from a major train station, on countless bus routes and even provide bike racks for keen cyclists. If you’re travelling to the Market using public transport, Transport for London’s Journey Planner, which you’ll find to the right of this page, is a useful tool. The address is: 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL Travel by train and underground: The Market is located next to London Bridge Station which is serviced by the Jubilee and Northern Lines on the Underground and by overground trains from all over London and the south of England. To find us, simply exit the station following the exit signs for Borough High Street. Travel by bus: If you’re travelling by bus, stops at London Bridge, Borough High Street or Southwark Street will leave you right by the Market. Travel by bike: We provide bike racks so you can cycle to and from the Market. You’ll find the racks in Jubilee Space.If you’re using a Barclays Cycle Hire bike, the nearest docking stations are located on Southwark Street and Park Street. We are also easily reached by foot or along the Thames Path on the Southbank or over London Bridge from the City. Travel by car: There are now a limited number of parking spaces available in Jubilee Place for customers unable to use other forms of transport or wishing to make larger purchases. Charges are £4 for a maximum stay of 2 hrs. Jubilee Place now also provides electric car charging bays and mobility scooter hire. The parking scheme will operate from: 09:45-3:15 Monday-Tuesday 10:45-5:15 Wednesday-Thursday 11:45-6:15 Friday 07:45-5:15 Saturday For more information on the market such as maps, vendors, and floor plans; check out the official website below. Cheers!
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Next to Big Ben this is probably the most recognizable piece of architecture in London. It is one of the top 10 most famous bridges in the world for its iconic look and design. It all began in the middle of the 19th century. With all of the new development in the eastern part of London, a new river crossing was needed down river from London Bridge. A normal bridge was not an option, because it would obstruct the entrance of ships with tall masts. So a committee had to be formed to solve the problem. Over fifty different designs were submitted to the committee. It wasn't until 1884 that Sir Horace Jones, an architect for the city of London submitted a brilliant design. Jones' engineer, Sir John Wolfe Barry, devised the idea of a bascule bridge with two towers built on piers. The central span was split into two equal bascules or leaves, which could be raised to allow river traffic to pass. The two side-spans were suspension bridges, with the suspension rods anchored both at the abutments and through rods contained within the bridge's upper walkways. Construction started in 1886 and took eight years with five major contractors. Two massive piers, containing over 70,000 tons of concrete,were sunk into the riverbed to support the construction. Over 11,000 tons of steel provided the framework for the towers and walkways. This was then clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone, both to protect the underlying steel-work and to give the bridge a pleasing appearance. Jones died in 1887 and George D. Stevenson took over the project. Stevenson replaced Jones's original brick façade with the more ornate Victorian Gothic style, which makes the bridge a distinctive landmark, and was intended to harmonize the bridge with the nearby Tower of London. The total cost of construction was £1,184,000 (£118 million as of 2014). The bridge is 800 feet (244 m) in length with two towers each 213 feet (65 m) high, built on piers. The central span of 200 feet (61 m) between the towers is split into two equal bascules or leaves, which can be raised to an angle of 86 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The bascules, weighing over 1,000 tons each, are counterbalanced to minimise the force required and allow raising in five minutes. The two side-spans are suspension bridges, each 270 feet (82 m) long, with the suspension rods anchored both at the abutments and through rods contained within the bridge's upper walkways. The pedestrian walkways are 143 feet (44 m) above the river at high tide. A visit to Tower Bridge Exhibition is the most exciting way to explore and experience the most famous Bridge in the world. Within the Bridge's iconic structure and magnificent Victorian Engine rooms there is plenty to see and do! After watching a new animated video about why Tower Bridge was built, guests can walk into the high level Walkways, 42 metres above the River Thames. This offers visitors the chance to admire stunning panoramic views of London, spying such popular landmarks as St Paul's Cathedral and the Monument to the west and St Katharine Docks leading to Canary Wharf to the east. Tourist Info for the Tower Bridge Exhibition: Opening Times April - September (Summer) - 10:00am - 5:30pm October - March (Winter) - 9:30am - 4:00pm Tickets Adults £9.00 Child (aged 5-15) £3.90 Child (under 5) Free Concessions £6.30 Family tickets from £14.10 Disabled/Carer Free How to Get There The main entrance of Tower Bridge Exhibition is located at the North West Tower of the Bridge; allowing entrance into the Bridge’s iconic structure. On exiting the Bridge, follow the painted blue line on the floor which leads you directly to the magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms and the second part of your tour, located on the south side of the Bridge at river level on Shad Thames. By Bus: The following bus routes will take you to Tower Bridge: 15, 42, 78,100, RV1. By Tube: Tower Hill station can be accessed from the District and Circle lines to the north side of the Bridge. London Bridge station crosses the Northern and Jubilee lines brings you to the south bank of the River Thames with Tower Bridge just a short walk away. By Train: Reach Tower Bridge Exhibition from either London Bridge, Fenchurch Street or Tower Gateway DLR Stations. By Car: The nearest car park is Tower Hill Coach and Car Park situated at 50 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6DP, situated next to the Tower of London. For more info on Tower Bridge and the Tower Bridge Exhibition, check out the official page below. Cheers! My good Friend Brandon, has just landed in England to start his first year at University, so I though it a good time to talk about getting over the horrible feeling of jet lag. Fortunately, the best way I can talk about it is simple letting Rick Steves talk about it. Below are his tips for conquering jet lag. Enjoy! Anyone who flies through multiple time zones has to grapple with the biorhythmic confusion known as jet lag. Flying from the US to Europe, you switch your wristwatch six to nine hours forward. Your body says, “Hey, what’s going on?” Body clocks don’t reset so easily. All your life you’ve done things on a 24-hour cycle. Now, after crossing the Atlantic, your body wants to eat when you tell it to sleep and sleep when you tell it to enjoy a museum.
Too many people assume their first day will be made worthless by jet lag. Don’t prematurely condemn yourself to zombiedom. Most people I’ve traveled with, of all ages, have enjoyed productive — even hyper — first days. You can’t avoid jet lag, but by following these tips you can minimize the symptoms. Leave home well rested. Flying halfway around the world is stressful. If you leave frazzled after a hectic last night and a wild bon-voyage party, there’s a good chance you won’t be healthy for the first part of your trip. An early-trip cold used to be a regular part of my vacation until I learned this very important trick: Plan from the start as if you’re leaving two days before you really are. Keep that last 48-hour period sacred (apart from your normal work schedule), even if it means being hectic before your false departure date. Then you have two orderly, peaceful days after you’ve packed so that you are physically ready to fly. Mentally, you’ll be comfortable about leaving home and starting this adventure. You’ll fly away well rested and 100 percent capable of enjoying the bombardment of your senses that will follow. Use the flight to rest and reset. In-flight movies are good for one thing — nap time. With a few hours of sleep during the transatlantic flight, you’ll be functional the day you land. When the pilot announces the European time, reset your mind along with your wristwatch. Don’t prolong jet lag by reminding yourself what time it is back home. Be in Europe. On arrival, stay awake until an early local bedtime. If you doze off at 4 p.m. and wake up at midnight, you’ve accomplished nothing. Plan a good walk until early evening. Jet lag hates fresh air, daylight, and exercise. Your body may beg for sleep, but stand firm: Refuse. Force your body’s transition to the local time. You’ll probably awaken very early on your first morning. Trying to sleep later is normally futile. Get out and enjoy a “pinch me, I’m in Europe” walk, as merchants set up in the marketplace and the town slowly comes to life. This may be the only sunrise you’ll see in Europe. Consider jet-lag cures. The last thing I want to do is promote a pharmaceutical, but I must admit that the sleep aid Ambien (generic name zolpidem) has become my friend in fighting jet lag. Managing a good seven hours of sleep a night in Europe (or after flying home) hastens my transition to local time. That way, I’m not disabled by sleepiness that first afternoon and can stay awake until a decent bedtime. Ambien can have side effects, and if misused, can be habit-forming; consult with your doctor, and read and follow the directions carefully. Other travelers rave about melatonin, a hormone that helps recalibrate your internal clock (available over-the-counter in the US, but illegal in some European countries). Bottom Line: The best prescription is to leave home unfrazzled, minimize jet lag’s symptoms, force yourself into European time, and give yourself a chance to enjoy your trip from the moment you step off the plane. I think it only fitting to start my first London Attraction post on the oldest building in London itself...The Tower of London! This great fortress was built by William the Conquerer in 1066 A.D. when the Normans invaded England from France. After taking the throne of England for himself, William had to have a castle and a fortress. As Rick Steves said "the idea was to put fifteen feet of stone between him and his enemy." Over the centuries this building has seen monarchs, traitors, and enemies being held prisoner, executions and murder. It has had many uses over the centuries: a prison, mint, zoo, and a royal palace (which it still is to this day). But, it is probably the busiest site in London. It is the home of the greatest collection of Crown Jewels in the world. It houses among others: the Imperial State crown, St. Edward's Coronation Crown,the Sword of State,and the Golden Orb. It also includes crowns belonging to Queen Victoria, and the late Queen Mother. The Tower is also known for the resident Ravens. Legend says that the kingdom and the Tower will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress. It was Charles II, according to the stories, who first insisted that the ravens of the Tower should be protected. It is for that reason that there are always six ravens at the tower at any time with a seventh as an insurance policy. The other main residents of the Tower are the Yeoman Warders known as "Beefeaters". The ‘Beefeaters’, as they are nicknamed, have long been symbols of London and Britain. It is thought their nickname is derived from their position in the Royal Bodyguard, which permitted them to eat as much beef as they wanted from the king's table. They are a detachment of the ‘Yeomen of the Guard’the Queen's personal bodyguards, and they’ve formed the Royal Bodyguard since at least 1509. Their origins stretch back as far as the reign of Edward IV (1461-83). Yeoman Warders are required to have served in the armed forces with an honorable record for at least 22 years. The current contingent of warders have experienced serving in Northern Ireland, the Falklands War, Bosnia, the first and second Gulf conflicts and in Afghanistan. They are happy to answer your questions about the Tower and are some of the most photographed guards in London! A Yeoman Warder tour is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to the Tower. Join one of these famous tours where Yeoman Warders (popularly known as ‘Beefeaters’) will entertain you with tales of intrigue, imprisonment, execution, torture and much more.The tours begin every 30 mins (last tour 3:30 in summer, 2:30 in winter). Tours last approximately 60 mins and start near the main entrance. The tour is included in the ticket admission. The Tower also was home to many exotic animals from around the world. Since the reign of King John animals were kept at the Tower for the entertainment and curiosity of the court. Everything from elephants to tigers, kangaroos and ostriches lived in what was known as the Royal Menagerie. Under James I, the bloody sport of baiting became very popular and a platform was built over the dens so that the King and his courtiers could watch lions, bears and dogs being made to fight each other to the death. The Menagerie finally closed after several incidents where the animals had escaped and attacked each other, visitors and Tower staff. The Duke of Wellington, who was Constable of the Tower, ordered the animals to leave and in 1832 they arrived at their new home in London Zoo. Here is one great tip that myself and Rick Steves would both agree on. The most popular things to do at the Tower are to see the Crown Jewels and to take a Beefeater Tour. To get the best experience without having to wait a long time, go to the Tower early and go straight for the Crown Jewels then go on a Beefeater tour afterwards. This way you avoid long lines and practically have the jewels to yourself. Or, if you go in the late afternoon, you will have shorter lines at the Jewels. It is most busy at mid-day. It is less busy right at opening or close to closing. Bottom line, save time when you can. Here is all the essential Tower Tourist Information:
Opening Times: Mar 1 - Oct 31 (Summer) Tue-Sat- 9:00am-5:30pm, Sun-Mon- 10:00am-5:30pm Nov 1- Feb 28 (Winter) Tue-Sat- 9:00am-4:30pm, Sun-Mon- 10:00am-4:30pm Ticket Prices: Gate Price Online Price Adult £22.00 £20.90 Child (5-15) £11.00 £10.45 Concession £18.70 £17.60 Family £59.00 £55.55 For all of the travel information as well as guidelines and prohibited items, and all that sort of stuff, check out the official website for the Tower below! Cheers! This is the final chapter of my mini booklet. This deals with how you pack up all of your stuff to bring back from London. Enjoy... Packing to go Home! One of your biggest obstacles now lies before you. You have to pack up all your fun to take home. This is the biggest advantage of packing light as you leave home. This way you have a lot more spare space to bring stuff back. Now to begin, whether your clothes are dirty or not, arrange them just as you did when you originally did. As a matter of fact if you are quite skilled at folding, try and make them occupy even less space. Now, unlike when you left with your valuables in your day pack, here is what you should do. Take everything out of your day pack, and deep store it in your carry-on suitcase. Except your important travel documents. These you should place in the outer pouch if your suitcase has one. That way you are able to have quick access to them. Then, if possible also store your day pack in the suitcase as well. This may sound strange but it will make sense in a moment. Now, you shall make use of that extra tote I mentioned in the packing section. Inside this you are to place all of you souvenirs. If you need extra space, you can use any un-occupied space in your suitcase. To explain my strange method now. By putting your day pack into your suitcase, your souvenir tote bag now becomes your second carry-on bag. As you should well know by now, most all airlines allow you a carry-on suitcase and one personal bag. When you left home you had the carry-on and the day pack. Now, when you go back home you shall have the carry-on and the souvenir tote. This way you avoid having to spend the extra money to ship your souvenirs and risk them being lost. There is one thing you may have need to worry about. The weight of the souvenir bag. All airlines have different weight limits. I would suggest checking on the airline’s website for their maximum weight limits. If you go over the limit, you will just have to pay a little fee or a big fee depending on how much over the limit it weighs. A great bag that I would suggest buying is Rick Steves' Hideaway Tote bag. It is pictured above and below. It folds up into a very small little pack so you can store it in your suitcase. It costs a measly $19.99.It is big enough to carry a bunch of souvenirs and yet withing most size restrictions for carrying it on airlines. One note, i have been advised by Rick Steves' Travel office. If you over stuff it where it is near exploding you may be required to check it on the airline. The only thing to keep in mind is that you have to be able to fit it under the seat in front of you. So, for that reason, it is very important that you are able to make spare space in your Carry-On suitcase so you will not be forced to over-stuff your souvenir bag. I should also mention this is a great bag to carry in your day pack while roaming London. If you want to buy a big picnic lunch to take to a park or you want to have a big shopping bag to carry your goods while shopping, this is a great option to have. So you can see it has many uses. To check out Rick's Hideaway Tote bag, click on the picture below. I hope you have enjoyed all of my useful tips from my London Vacation Travel Tips book. But this is only the tip of the Tower...pun intended. From now on I will provide useful insight on sites,sounds, and tastes of London. Cheerio!
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