Best Ways to Explore London!
Now that you are in London to learn and improve your English language skills, it is a fantastic opportunity to explore this amazing city. London dates back to Roman times when it was called Londinium. Back then the population was quite small, but today there are more than nine million people living in this culturally diverse city. The city covers just over 1500 square kilometres, which makes it twice as large as NYC, but bigger is better as you have even more to see once you put your walking shoes on!
As a visitor for whom English is not your native language, exploring London can be an overwhelming task. But fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the best ways to explore this magnificent city and make the most of your visit. Like any other large city, London caters to visitors from a multitude of countries and Londoners are always happy to help out with directions and helpful suggestions.
Take a Walking Tour
Walking tours are plentiful in London, as the city lends itself to exploration on foot. The winding streets and back alleys of London are far more easily discovered on foot, as there are many nooks and crannies that you won’t see if you’re in a car or on the bus. On a walking tour, you can learn more about London’s history from experienced guides. Hear gruesome stories and quirky facts from your tour guide and use the opportunity to ask questions and practice your English language conversational skills. Not only is a walking tour fun but it’s also good exercise.
While there are plenty of straightforward walking tours, there are also themed walking tours too.
Food-themed tours are always popular, and this is a great opportunity to sample local delicacies like fish & chips or pie & mash, both washed down with some famous London ale. Some tours also include classics like high tea, where you can scoff cakes and drink tea.
London is the stomping ground of one very famous wizard: Harry Potter. As such, a Harry Potter guided tour where you get to see the locations from the books and movies, such as Platform 9 ¾ and Diagon Alley, will no doubt appeal.
Other very popular tours include Sherlock Holmes walking tours, Gangster tours around the East End, and our personal favourite, the Jack the Ripper terror tour where you can visit the places Jack murdered his poor victims. This one isn’t for the faint of heart but is very atmospheric.
Remember, walking tours let you discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots that you might otherwise miss.
River Cruises
The River Thames flows right through the heart of London, and a river cruise offers a unique perspective of the city. You can hop on a riverboat and enjoy stunning views of iconic landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. The hop on hop off river boats are easy to use and an entertaining way to explore London along the River Thames.
There are dozens of private river cruises you can book. Some are straightforward cruises with a commentary on the various sights along the route. Others include dinner and drinks. Pick the one that best suits your budget and try and arrange it for a sunny day so that you get the best possible views.
London Tour Buses
The iconic red buses are something you’ll soon get used to as you spend time in London. Buses are a convenient way to get around once you are familiar with the city, but the hop on hop off bus tours are a good way to get your bearings in the city.
The hop on hop off tour buses follow a route that passes most of the major London attractions, including the Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and Covent Garden. The Red Route covers central London, and the Blue Route goes East to West. Buses come along every 10-20 minutes, so you won’t ever be waiting for long. Buy tickets online and jump on and off as often as you like.
London on Two Wheels
London now has dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing schemes. Boris Bikes, originally named after the infamous Boris Johnson but now known as Santander Cycles with a smart red livery, can be rented from many locations around London.
Renting an e-bike and exploring the city on two wheels is not only a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, but it also allows you to cover more ground and reach places that may be harder to access by other means of transport. You can cycle along the scenic paths of Hyde Park, pedal through the bustling streets of East London, or join a guided bike tour with a commentary from a local guide.
To use an e-bike, download the app or find a docking station and pay via card. There are also monthly membership schemes for regular users.
These are the best ways to explore London, so grab a friend and make a day of it. You can test your language skills by conversing with locals and having fun at the same time!