London Weekend Breaks

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London, formerly known as 'The Big Smoke', but is now best known as 'The City of Culture and History', is one of the most visited cities in the world. Approximately 15.5million overseas tourists visit London each year, spending a whopping £9.4 billion! (Telegraph, 2013). Many tourists come to London for a variety of reasons; shopping trips, see london attractions, visit family/friends, with some staying at different hotels throughout the city. I am no stranger to London, and visit quite often throughout the year. However when I do visit I like to make the most of it, and tend to stay for the weekend. My weekend in London is usually so packed, I often find myself needing a few days to recover!  I tend to also plan my weekend, so I am able to make the best of the time I have. 


Shopping

.  . .Ahh shopping in London - every girls dream! Ok, it's actually a nightmare as it's so huge, but guaranteed you WILL leave with something. I often find there is soooo much more variety, I often feel like a child in a sweet shop! Oxford Street is basically the place to shop until your heart is content. Your eyes are often all over the place as you're bombarded with huge shops, some with great offers. I also believe places like Carnaby Street, Camden Town Market and Portobello Road are great places to visit; filled with lots of independent shops, which sell a variety of beautiful things.

Restaurants

Regardless of where you are in London, you'll always get food; no matter what time of the day/night. The selection of food is so varied, there is always something to fit the acquired palette of those searching. I personally am quite 'picky' when it comes to food so perhaps am not the best person to give advice, however simply using various search engines will indicate the best places to go. However I should add some places will be slightly more expensive, as it's London.


Theatre

I absolutely *love* musicals. I have danced since the age of 4, grown up around musical theatre, so of course am a fan of the West End. Throughout the year there are always great musicals/ballets on at the varying theatres across London. Lyceum, Her Majesty's Theatre, Sadler's Wells, Royal Opera House to name but a few always have great shows showing during the week. The West End isn't cheap; for good seats expect to pay a 'hefty' price. although if you're happy to sit somewhere in the ''attic'' (high up) seats will be significantly cheaper. Many of the shows offer matinee performances, which suit those who prefer to perhaps have their evenings free if they have other plans. However word of warning, if you decide to watch a West End show/Ballet, ensure you purchase from a legitimate source; there a select few 'dishonest' touts, who sell fake tickets at very 'cheap' lucrative prices! Do your research and don't buy from anyone who may approach you offering such tickets.

I hope this blog post has been interesting and useful to those of you perhaps planning a visit to London.