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London’s 5 Most Famous Parks

London really is a magical city- filled with iconic buildings and nearly 2,000 years of history, there is something for everyone. 

But one of the things that really sets London apart is its stunning green spaces. In fact, London is suspected to have the most green spaces of any city in Europe! And that’s really saying something. 

If you’re looking to explore London’s very best parks then make sure you book a room at the Park Grand Lancaster Gate Hotel London; one of the best hotels in the city centre and one of the finest London hotels with breakfast. 

Not only will your room be in close proximity to the best restaurants near Lancaster Gate Station, but you will also be just across the road from the first park on our list…

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens is slap bang in the middle of the city, and is a truly magical spot. It’s home to the Royal Kensington Palace and some of the city’s best gardens like the Italian Gardens and the Sunken Garden. 

This park was actually the inspiration for J.M Barrie to create the well loved Peter Pan books, and you’ll find several statues hidden in the woodlands to commemorate the author and his magical world.  

Hyde Park

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens actually share a border and both offer something pretty different. Hyde Park offers more grassy areas, and some beautiful sparse woodland to explore. 

You’ll also find the famous Serpentine boating lake that separates it from Kensington Gardens, where you can walk along the water's edge, or rent a row boat and go for a paddle. 

Hyde Park is one of the city’s favourites, and a great place to spend an afternoon- all just down the road from the best 4 star hotels Lancaster UK has to offer; The Park Grand Lancaster Gate.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is one of the city’s best green spaces if you are a horticulturalist, or really into your flora. Home to what is said to be the largest living plant collection on earth, this stunning garden will blow you away, and keep you entertained for a full day. 

You can climb the Grand Pergola for a stunning view, get lost in the arboretum, explore the botanic gardens, walk in the canopy and explore the incredible greenhouses. There really is a lot to see and do at this UNESCO World heritage site.    

Richmond Park

Richmond Park spans an incredible 2,500 acres making it London’s largest park. It is home to a large herd of deer and many other species, and has actually been designated a site of ‘special scientific interest’ thanks to its plentiful inhabitants. 

There are plenty of activities on offer here, so get out there and explore this amazing natural space.

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is one of London’s oldest and offers a lot to the explorers out there. There are several museums in close proximity to the park and you can snag an incredible view of the dockland area of the city from the top of the hill.

Green London

So there you have it; just a few of the incredible parks in london. 

Get out there and enjoy some peace in nature, take short breaks from the hustle and bustle of the city, and explore these amazing green spaces to calm the soul.

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London on a Budget: A Guide

With the cost of living creeping up and London one of the destinations most impacted by the rising costs of everything from travel to a pint of beer in the pub, planning a trip to the city can fast become an exercise in budgeting.

To help fill your trip with exciting attractions and immersive experiences, we’ve created this guide to London on a budget – combining tips with ideas for things you can do which don’t cost a lot, so that you can save money for the big experiences that mean the most to you.

First up, accommodation.

Source a great accommodation deal

If you can spend less on your accommodation then you will have more disposable income to fund your meals, experiences, and attraction visit. Find a London hotel deal with breakfast included – ideally one which is located centrally to minimise the need for travel inside and outside of the city centre - such as the Park Grand Lancaster Gate.

Plan your days around transport and travel

One of the biggest mistake that tourists make is planning a day which moves backwards and forwards across the city, chasing different attractions and experiences at every turn. Instead of running yourself down with excessive travel and having to fork out for tubes all day long, plan each day around a dedicated area of London – first keeping it central with shopping and lunch at one of the Lancaster Gate restaurants, and then moving down towards the River Thames for a walk and exploration of the Tower of London on day two.

You will be amazed at how much of your budget this saves.

Take advantage of set menu meals

Did you know that many of the central London restaurants offer set menu meals – particularly those around the West End, which are designed for quick service for theatregoers? This can help to cut your meal costs right down – saving you a little extra budget to indulge in a traditional British or more unique Indian afternoon tea in London.

Find free attractions and things to do

There’s a lot to do in London, even when your budget is close to zero. One thing that you must make sure to do is visit the sky garden – an impressive, open space which is at the top of a skyscraper in London City and presents incredible views over the skyline. A similar vibe to the London Eye but completely free of charge – all you need to do is book your slot in advance due to how popular and busy this attraction is.

Other free experiences to look out for include:

Museums and galleries

Window shopping

Wander around Camden Market

Walk over Tower Bridge

Head to one of the Royal Parks and spend a day enjoying London’s green spaces

Take a walk through Regents Park and keep your eyes and ears open for the ZSL London Zoo residents just the other side of the park boundary

Cost cutting in London doesn’t have to be boring, with so many free and cost effective attractions and things to do.

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London’s Magnificent 7: The Best Graveyards In The City

Despite sharing a name with a very popular group of gunslingers, the Magnificent 7 in the city of London means something very different. A taphophile is the term given to someone who likes to explore graves, cemeteries or tombs, and there is no judgement here. Exploring cemeteries is a great way to explore a lost culture, and learn about the inhabitants of previous generations when visiting an area. 

Whatsmore, London’s cemeteries have some pretty amazing graves and some pretty amazing inhabitants. So make the most of the best London accommodation Lancaster UK has on offer, and explore the city’s past from the Park Grand London Lancaster Gate. The public transport links are incredible, so visiting the Magnificent 7 is a very easy thing to do! Let’s find out what makes these cemeteries special!

Abney Park Cemetery

The first cemetery in the UK to house an arboretum, it was partially abandoned for a period of time- ironically making it even more incredible. Nature started to reclaim the area, meaning it still has an eerie feel even for a graveyard. Incredible architecture and a wild urban feel give this place a unique vibe. 

Brompton Cemetery

One of Britain’s oldest garden cemeteries, Brompton is actually one of the few that is still open for interment. Containing 35,000 graves spanning several centuries as well as several Grade II listed buildings, this is a special piece of London’s history. 

Highgate Cemetery

Highgate is perhaps the most well known of the 7- not least because of the people buried there. The cemetery is actually a nature reserve and it shows. The trees and plants are allowed to grow, ivy covers the headstones and nature is in control. There are roughly 50,000 graves including the likes of famed author Douglas Adams and novelist Geroge Eliot.  

Kensal Green Cemetery & Catacombs

Built to honour a cemetery in Paris, Kensal Green is a gorgeous piece of architecture before anything else. The home of 2 neoclassical chapels, 65,000 graves, 3 catacombs and several mausoleums. The final resting place of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Oscar Wilde’s mother and the man who crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope. 

Nunhead Cemetery

One of the smallest cemeteries on the list, but also one of the prettiest. Nearly 2,000 gravestones once filled the area, although now some parts are so overgrown you could easily miss them. Offering views of St Paul’s through the trees, it’s a great place to explore! 

Tower Hamlets Cemetery

Despite its relatively small size this cemetery is actually the final resting place of over 250,000 people. Situated in one of the poorest areas in London public graves were the only option for lots of people. The overgrown nature of this cemetery gives off a spooky vibe.

West Norwood Catacombs

West Norwood was the world’s first Gothic style cemetery. It used to contain chapels, but these were badly damaged in the war. The catacombs survived and the braver explorers among you can still descend and see the piles of coffins. Home to many famous names, this is really worth a visit.   

If you’re staying in the best Hotels In Lancaster England you are well situated to see the city. So ensure that you make full use of your Hotels Near Lancaster Gate Station London, and explore the city’s past. These cemeteries will scare and enchant you in equal measure, so get out there and explore!  

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Must-eat British Cuisine in London

British food might not have the same reputation as some of our neighbouring European nations, but one thing that British food does is fill you up! During your stay at hotels in Lancaster (Gate?) England you can look forward to sampling the best of British cuisine. Here are the most popular dishes from the British Isles to try. 

Scotch Eggs

The quintessential pub snack, a Scotch egg is a hard-boiled egg coated in sausage meat and breadcrumbs that is either baked or deep-fried. These are often available in traditional and gastro pubs as well as at food markets such as Borough Market. Modern variations have been adapted to cater for vegetarians and vegans. Choose to eat it plain or with a side of tomato ketchup, mustard, or horseradish sauce. These are a handy pick-me-up while enjoying London day packages.

Toad in the Hole

Toad in the hole or sausage toad is a traditional family dish in England and the British Isles consisting of pork sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. It’s usually served with gravy and vegetables. The dish is often cooked at home but you can find it in old-school pubs and restaurants near Lancaster Gate that serve classic British food.

Haggis

Hailing from Scotland, haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep's heart, liver, and lungs minced with onion, suet, and spices. It was traditionally cooked while encased in the animal's stomach. Nowadays, haggis remains a popular dish in Scotland and appears in a couple of London pubs and restaurants. Vegan and vegetarian haggis alternatives are particularly popular. 

Full English Breakfast

A full English breakfast consists of bacon, sausage, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, and buttered toast. Variations apply when dining in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Book London accommodation offers that include a complimentary breakfast if you want to sample this tasty morning plate for yourself. 

Fish and Chips

A staple of the British food scene and best consumed wrapped in newspaper by the sea, fish and chips is a must-try. This consists of battered white fish – usually cod or haddock – served with thick-cut potato chips. Choose to add a side of mushy peas and sprinkle salt and vinegar as you see fit. You will find fish and chips on the menu at most hotel restaurants near Lancaster Gate.

Bangers and Mash

Another sausage-based dish, bangers and mash is a very simple affair of sausages served with mashed potato. Sometimes it’s topped with a dash of gravy. This homely meal is comforting and popular throughout the year. You can purchase vegan-friendly alternatives in London.

 Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea was conceived as a light snack to fill the gap between lunch and dinner but has become a meal in its own right. The traditional presentation is finger sandwiches served on a tiered cake stand with scones and sweet bakes. Tea flows on the side and it’s common to add a glass of prosecco or champagne. If you want to indulge in afternoon tea, seek out London accommodation offers that include a sitting at your chosen hotel.

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A Short Guide to the British Museum: 7 Things to See

If you’ve got a trip planned to London this summer then you probably have a busy itinerary already. The city has a lot to offer, so how do you choose what to do? Well I can simplify that for you. Visit the British Museum. It is one the largest and best collections the world over, celebrating human history and art through the ages. So take full advantage of your London accommodation offers by visiting one of the best museums in the world. It’s easy to get to from the hotels in Lancaster England (London!), Just hop on the tube, the Central Line will take you right there from Lancaster Gate. Here is a quick rundown of the museum’s highlights:

The Egyptian Sculpture Gallery

This gallery is full to the brim with fascinating artefacts that date back well into the early dynasties of the Egyptian empire, approximately 2000BC! If Egyptology is your thing, then you will also love the Mummy Gallery, with over 140 mummies on display!

The Sutton Hoo Burial Ship Collection

Without question one of the most important historical finds in British archeological history, the Sutton Hoo Burial Ship is quite literally a perfectly preserved longboat, filled with treasure from an ancient kingdom. Really worth a look!  

The Rosetta Stone 

This incredible stone is actually more of a key. Written by scholars during the Roman occupation of Egypt, with Ptolemy V at the helm, this stone is the only reason we can read ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs today. This key allowed us to decipher ancient history in ways we never thought possible. 

The Parthenon Marbles

This 75 metre marble chiselled story, shows battles between the Lapiths and the mythical Centaurs, and offers us a unique insight into Greek life. You’ll be blown away by the sheer size of the marble, let alone its intricacies.  

The Roman Britain Room 

This room is a vast collection of glassware, clay works, gold coins, armour, scripts… the list goes on. Roman Britain was a time of great change and collaboration, settlers from the Middle East, Asia and the Romans themselves created an incredibly diverse society, ones that enjoyed life and did not just subsist.

Assyrian Gallery

Assyria, the area we would now call northern Iraq, was a culture well ahead of its time in around 800 BC. They enjoyed arts and treasures, and created culture in the Middle East. The stone sculptures and reliefs are taken from palaces long since lost to the region’s deserts, but the creations themselves are in remarkable condition given their age. 

The Great Hall 

The Museum’s centre piece, opened in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth herself, is the magnificent Great Hall. Stand in awe of the architectural marvel that is the largest covered square in Europe, Glass and steel fracture the view into the heavens above you, as you feel dwarfed by its enormity. It’s truly a spectacle in itself. 

So these are my picks for the museum’s must see things, although you could spend several days there and probably find more! What a way to make the most of your London Day package before heading back to some restaurants near Lancaster Gate for a spot of dinner!  

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Trafalgar Square: Paradise of Art!

When it comes to top art destinations in the world, you’ll likely think of France or Italy due to the number of iconic artists hailing from these countries. That being said, London has a rich art scene; Trafalgar Square in particular! 

If you’re enjoying one of the London hotel packages, there’s a good chance you’ll have Trafalgar Square on your itinerary anyway, but if you love art and culture in particular, it should be at the top of your list. 

It’s conveniently located in Westminster and is a central part of London’s tourist arena. Known for Nelson’s Column and the Landseer Lions, it’s obvious that Trafalgar Square is an artistic and sculptural area of the city, but beyond the glaringly obvious monuments that pock the street lies a much bigger, richer paradise of art. 

National Gallery 

The most prominent artistic aspect of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery. It’s one of the most popular art galleries in the world and draws in millions of tourists, many of whom stay close to the action in the accommodation in Lancaster, UK. 

Established almost 200 years ago, the gallery has art pieces spanning more than 700 years, and all of it is free to see. Inside there are more than 2,600 paintings by some of the most renowned artists of all time, including Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh, and Michelangelo to name just a few. 

There’s more than enough to keep you occupied for a day at the National Gallery, but this isn’t the only art haven in Trafalgar Square. 

The National Portrait Gallery 

On the other side of the National Gallery is the National Portrait Gallery, home to the biggest collection of portraits in the world. There are more than 11,000 portraits and other works of art here, with portraits of some of the most influential people in the world. Prominent people include the royal family, with portraits from the Tudor times through to the current Elizabethan times. 

If you appreciate paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures of people, the National Portrait Gallery will be able to amaze you in a way that will stick forever. You can finish off a long stroll around the gallery with Grand Hotel afternoon tea – a classy day indeed! 

Statues and Sculptures 

Trafalgar Square itself is a walkable work of art, with installations like the two fountains. Originally installed to prevent riots and demonstrations, they have gone on to become marvels of their own, alongside several other notable features visible from the Park Grand Lancaster Gate. 

Art on the Fourth Plinth is a unique concept that highlights the creative nature of this corner of London, with a new installation installed atop the plinth every six months. Originally meant for a statue of King William IV, it’s now a rotation of some of the most provocative and creative art pieces. 

Wherever you go in Trafalgar Square, you’ll be able to view some of the best and most symbolic art in the world.

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The best afternoon tea in London

Afternoon Tea is the sort of London activity that doesn’t need a season or a reason to partake - it is a classic year-round and no matter how many times you dabble, it never gets old. Here are five different ways to enjoy Afternoon Tea in London, depending on your mood. 

Traditional 

If straying from the beaten track is something you reserve for quirky museums or wacky cocktails, but not your afternoon tea, then you can’t go far wrong with Traditional Afternoon Tea at Lancaster Gate’s Park Grand hotel. Enjoy the fresh finger sandwiches, jammy scones, and delicate cakes and tarts… all with a good old fashioned cup of tea. 

On the water 

We all know that Afternoon Tea is a London staple, as is a relaxed river cruise of the Thames. So, naturally, a combination of both these things always go down very well. Bateaux London reckons your sweet treats are best enjoyed while snaking down the famous London river, eying the sights as you pass. Certainly, if you find yourself with limited time in London, this rather splendidly “kills two birds with one stone”, as the saying goes. 

On the road 

Brigit's Bakery bus tour has been making a name for itself in London for years, and is regularly part of the London traffic. The iconic London red bus has been pimped out to be a vehicle for one thing and one thing only: Afternoon Tea. Traffic suddenly seems like the goal when you realise it will prolong the experience, right? The buses drive through Central London, allowing its riders to take in some of the city’s most famous landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, all the while tucking into their classic Afternoon Tea treats. 

For the kids 

Afternoon Tea has earned itself a bit of a reputation for being somewhat “posh”, which doesn’t always bode well for travelers who have little ones. While they may not know the correct order to use their cutlery or have a grasp on tea-drinking etiquette, that doesn’t mean they can’t get in on the action. The Wizard Emporium agrees, offering a magical Harry Potter Afternoon Tea experience in Soho. We’re talking sand-witches, cauldrons of tea and oodles of interactive, imaginative fun. 

Indian 

While Afternoon Tea at Lancaster Gate is a go-to for Traditional Afternoon Tea, it is also a hub for a mouthwatering Indian Afternoon Tea if you want to spice things up (excuse the pun). The spread includes spiced sultana scones; an authentic Indian ravet and savory cookie called Nan Khatai; samosas; assorted pakoda (a batter fried vegetable snack); a spiced mash potato ball, battered and fried, called Bombay Aloo bonda pav; chutney and chicken tikka sandwiches; a paneer mixture rolled in tortillas, and much more. The selection of teas include Assam, Darjeeling and Green tea.

While shopping 

If getting some well-earned retail therapy is a mandatory part of a trip to London for you, then perhaps Afternoon Tea in Harrod’s is the most efficient way to spend your time. Once the phrase “shop till you drop” becomes a little too literal for you whilst browsing, head to The Harrods Tea Room for the rejuvenative experience of a lifetime. If you’re wanting to call this a triple-whammy, don’t forget that Harrods’ origin story all began with selling tea, making this an historical experience as well as a retail and culinary one.