Akhil Gupta

Avid traveller, travel blogger, love exploring new cultures, food, people and adventures.

Queen Elizabeth II has died at 96 in Balmoral 8 September 2022

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Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

She died peacefully on Thursday the 8th of September 2022 afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.

Her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a “moment of great sadness” for him and his family and that her loss would be “deeply felt” around the world.

He said: “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”

During the coming period of mourning, he said he and his family would be “comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held”.

The King and his wife, Camilla, now Queen Consort, will return to London on Friday, Buckingham Palace said. He is expected to address the nation.

Senior royals had gathered at Balmoral after the Queen’s doctors became concerned about her health earlier in the day.

All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

Her grandson and now heir to the throne, Prince William, and his brother, Prince Harry, also gathered there.

The royal family rushed to the Queen’s side

The Queen’s four children were at Balmoral Castle when the announcement was made.

Charles rushed to the Scottish castle earlier on Thursday together with his wife, Camilla. The Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, known as Princess Royal, was already there.

Prince William, who is now the heir apparent to the throne, arrived at Balmoral Thursday afternoon together with the Queen’s other two sons, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, as well as Edward’s wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.

Prince William and his wife Catherine have taken on the title of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, according to their official Twitter account. Charles and Camilla were previously known by that title. The couple is now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. Catherine remained at Windsor, where their three children attended their first day at a new school.

Prince Harry arrived at Balmoral after the announcement was made. His wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex was not travelling with him.

World leaders and mourners pay tribute

After Thursday’s announcement, a flood of condolences came in from all corners of the globe: world officials, cultural icons and everyday people alike mourned.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years,” said French President Emmanuel Macron. “I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”

Queen’s Last public appearance

The Queen was last seen in public on 6th September 2022, Tuesday when she formally appointed Liz Truss as the UK’s new prime minister. A photograph from the audience showed the monarch smiling, standing in the drawing room in Balmoral, carrying a walking stick. Liz Truss is the 15th – and the last – British Prime Minister to be appointed by Elizabeth.

There have been concerns over the Queen’s health ever since a brief hospital stay last October 2021. She has experienced episodic mobility issues, which have at times caused her to withdraw from official engagements.

But those concerns grew deeper on Wednesday when Buckingham Palace announced the Queen had postponed a virtual meeting of her Privy Council after being advised by doctors to rest.

On Thursday, the palace announced that the Queen was under medical supervision, but said she was “comfortable” at Balmoral. As her children rushed to her side during the day, it became clear the situation was serious.

Her death comes seven months after the Queen marked the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. The UK officially celebrated the Queen’s platinum jubilee in June with days of pomp and pageantry and she made several public appearances in London.

Kings Guard following Queen Elizabeth II's Coffin at her precession
Kings Guard following Queen Elizabeth II’s Coffin at her precession

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Tallinn to London Travel Experience July 2022

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Finally, I went to London in July 2022 after a good 2 years gap. This time I travelled from Tallinn to London. In this post, I will share my travel experience of what it’s like to travel from Tallinn to London.

Staying in Tallinn, Estonia for almost 3 months now. I definitely had to go to London. Knowing my Dad lives there, and I have not seen him for some time. We all decided that as the flights are open (Post Corona Virus Panedimic) from Estonia and from India both. We all can gather in London to celebrate my father’s birthday.

Tallinn to London Air Baltic Flight

Post-pandemic the flight cost has shot up and this was evident when we booked our Tallinn to London flights. We searched for our flights from Skyscanner. However, doing detailed research we found that if we book individual tickets from Tallinn (Lennart Meri) to London (Gatwick) one way and London to Tallinn one way. This way we can get the timing of the flight we want. This is not recommended approach however, we were able to save some money by doing this. Air Baltic flight from Tallinn to London for 2 people cost us €393 Euros. This one was not even direct, we first had to take a flight BT362 From Tallinn to Riga and then flight BT651 from Riga to London Gatwick.

The whole duration of the journey was 5 hours or so. Flight from Tallinn to Riga was for 50 mins and Riga to London was 3 hours or so. In total, if you are travelling from Tallinn to London the shortest time duration is 5 hours.

You can search for Air Baltic flights by clicking on the banner below:

Air Baltic
Air Baltic

I searched for the best deal for my Flight from Tallinn to London on Skyscanner. Check out the flights from Skyscanner below to get the best deals and offers:

London Gatwick Airport

Landed at the Third busiest airport in the UK. Gatwick airport and then I had to book a train to reach Central London. As we were hungry we took a quick bite from the Marks and Spencer Food store at the airport. I had my old University-time Oyster Card. However, for some reason, I was not able to top it up, even though I had GBP currency with me. Nevertheless, The fastest way to reach Central London that I figured out there was via the Gatwick Express. We bought a ticket one way from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria Station for £20 each. This was a little expensive but anyway, we had to buy one. The train came in at platform 2 and we hopped onto the train. There were about 2 stops before we reached Victoria Station, East Croydon and Clapham Junction.

London Victoria to East Ham Station

We reached London Victoria in about 30 mins. From there we continued our journey to East Ham. We took the district line towards Upton Park. This journey involved 19 stops. I mean this was the fastest we could travel to reach our destination at reasonable expenses. You may take a private cab but then they will be charging a lot more than a good old London tube.

You can plan your journey by visiting the TFL website, as there are a lot of disruptions due to construction and repair work done on the tube line.

Visa For London, UK

Thankfully I had a UK tourist visa before I moved to Estonia. I applied for a UK visa when I was in Delhi, India. As I have been a frequent traveller to the UK. I applied for a 5-year tourist visa from the New Delhi VFS Global Centre. In case you are Estonian and want to travel to the UK, You need not apply for a visa. Estonians can travel to the UK and stay up to 6 months without a visa. You also need to make sure that you meet the standard visitor eligibility requirements. To know more about the UK visa types and fees you can check out our Visa for London UK page.

Overall I had been missing London and finally got a chance to visit this beautiful city again. My Tallinn to London travel Experience had been good, and I will be travelling more frequently now. Knowing COVID-19 has taken more than 2 years of our life. Another reason being I have shifted to Tallinn, So Tallinn to London travel will be much more frequent than Delhi to London travel.

London Weather

However must say, summers here are getting unbearable. Climate change is playing havoc. All the underground trains are too old to cope with the heat. Especially the Central line does not have air conditioning. A lot is going to change in this big city. And the climate is going to play a pivotal role.

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Notting Hill Carnival 2022 returns for the first time since pandemic began

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Notting Hill Carnival 2022 returns for the first time since the pandemic began

For the first time since the pandemic Adults, Day at Notting Hill Carnival returned to the streets of west London. Performers in brightly-coloured costumes have marked the return of the Notting Hill Carnival after a two-year hiatus during the COVID pandemic.

Millions of people attended the festival which lasted until Monday and saw many of those in the parade dress up in brightly-coloured costumes in commemoration of Caribbean heritage.

Dancers, brass bands and floats entertained the large crowds in west London on what is known as ‘family day’. The event lasted until Monday till the bank holiday. The carnival, which celebrates Caribbean culture, has been held online over the past two years due to the COVID pandemic, but now the huge street party is back, with music, dancing, parades, and extravagant outfits.

Its origins date back to the 1950s when Trinidadian human rights activist Claudia Jones began organizing gatherings after racially motivated attacks in the area. To check out historical pictures of the previous Notting Carnivals see our previous post on Notting Hill Carnival Going Digital 2020.

The festival has since become a “part of the very fabric” of London, according to the city’s mayor, Sadiq Khan.

Notting Hill Carnival 2022 Events 

At 3 pm, a group of people stopped in 72-seconds of silence by the parade marking the 72 lives lost in the Grenfell Tower fire five years ago.

Among the group were the first firefighters to arrive at the scene, alongside survivors and campaigners. Behind a food stand a man selling jerk chicken for a queue summed up how lots of people were feeling and enjoying the festivities. Revellers dressed in colourful costumes descended on the streets of west London for Notting Hill Carnival for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic.

The Metropolitan Police said there had been 76 arrests for “a variety of different offences” by 7 am on Monday. No festivals can go in please and the same was seen on Monday morning. Officers also said a police horse died on duty during the carnival after collapsing around 9 pm on Sunday. The force said it was too early to determine the cause of death and added that there will be an investigation.

Sadiq Khan Please Notting Hill Carnival is Back

London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “As a Londoner, I’m really pleased carnival is back.” London mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: “Biggest street party in Europe! And the vibes are immaculate.” He said it had “become one of the world’s biggest street festivals and part of the very fabric of this city”. This year’s event comes amid a cost-of-living crisis, which Mr Khan said had affected the carnival. He said the carnival was celebrating Caribbean culture, heritage, and history and there was a “pent-up” demand for festivities this year.

Cost of Living Crisis

The 2022 Notting Hill Carnival is also marked by the cost-of-living crisis, as organisers claim that some people were unable to afford the extravagant costumes which are traditionally seen at the event; while some bands were not able to perform due to the costs involved.

Notting Hill Carnival went Digital for 2020

The 2020 carnival was cancelled because of COVID, although there were live-streamed events, and last year’s carnival did not take place either due to the coronavirus risk. You can check out the Notting Hill carnival digital event of 2020 here.

Check out some pictures taken by various news channels on Notting Hill Carnival 2022

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The Shard Entry Ticket

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Regularly voted as one of London’s greatest tourist attractions offering the best views of the city from the top of London’s tallest skyscraper The Shard. Visit The View from The Shard and celebrate London with breath-taking 360° panoramic views day and night. You surely don’t want to miss the spectacular Hawkeye view of the city.

Admire the sprawling metropolis of London from the 72nd floor of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city from the inside or, if you’re feeling brave, venture outside onto Western Europe’s highest viewing platform.

The Shard Entry Ticket Highlights

  • Step out onto Western Europe’s highest viewing platform, on the 72nd floor of The Shard
  • Enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of London from 800 feet above
  • Learn about London’s history through multimedia exhibits
  • Explore The Shard at your own pace – there are no time restrictions on your ticket

Book Shard Entry Ticket

The Shard Experience

Watch the streets of London fall away as you climb to Western Europe’s tallest viewing platform on the 72nd floor of The Shard. With a flexible ticket, spend as much time as you like enjoying panoramic views of the city, with visibility of up to 40 miles. Test your limits and step outside onto the open viewing platform on the 72nd floor, or admire the views from inside. Learn about London’s history through multimedia displays and exhibits, or sit back and enjoy the view from the champagne bar.

The Shard redefines London’s skyline and will soon be a dynamic symbol of the city, recognisable throughout the world. The unique building features a sculpted design of glass facets that incline inward without meeting at the top to allow the building to breathe naturally. Sneak a glance upward at the points of glass that form the top of the building, which reaches a height of 1,016 feet (310 meters). Finish up your journey in the boutique, where you can purchase a souvenir photograph.

About the Shard Entry ticket

  • Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

  • Covid-19 precautions

Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.

  • Reserve now & pay later

Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more

  • Valid 1 day

Check availability to see starting times.

  • Skip the ticket line

What’s Included in the Shard Entry Ticket:

  • Ticket to the attraction
  • Souvenir photograph – available for purchase, for an additional cost

Book Shard Entry Ticket

 Important information to know before you go

  • Since this activity sells out quickly on Saturdays and Sundays you are strongly encouraged to exchange your voucher early on these days of the week to claim your preferred time. Otherwise, you may not be able to visit The Shard on your chosen day
  • With this flexible ticket, you spend as long as you like admiring the Shard’s breath-taking views and can change the day of your booking at no additional cost (subject to availability)
  • Entry times vary depending on the day
  • Infants under the age of 3 do not require a ticket

Meeting point:

Address: London Bridge, London. The entrance to the attraction is on Joiner Street, next to the London Bridge Underground station.

Need help with planning your travel to the Shard? Check out our Geeting Around London page for you to reach The Shard in time.

To help you plan your travel to the Shard, please check out the Google map below as well:

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Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee

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Britain celebrated its longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in her Platinum Jubilee year. The 96-year-old queen is being toasted across the nation with four days of events showcasing the best of British pomp and pageantry. It was a four-day extravaganza that consumed Britain. Every minute is covered live on local TV, in daily front-page splashes in tabloid and broadsheet newspapers, and on social media in a frantic manner.

Crowds in London got a glimpse of royal family members on the Buckingham Palace balcony, while others attended the concerts and street parties or simply enjoy the national holiday.

Queens Platinum Jubilee
Queens Platinum Jubilee

The UK had a four-day bank holiday weekend at the beginning of June, for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

Queen Platinum Jubilee schedule:

2nd June 2022, Thursday:

The celebrations kicked off with Trooping the Colour, a military parade in honour of the queen’s official birthday. In the evening, more than 3,200 beacons ignited, reimagining and repurposing the torchlight relays once deployed in England to warn of a possible invasion. The Cambridge kids were extremely visible during the entire Platinum Jubilee weekend, and their first appearance was perhaps the most exciting: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis rode in a carriage during the Queen’s birthday parade. The Cambridge kids sat with their mom, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and their step-grandmother, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and waved to the crowds that packed the Mall. Notably, Prince Louis wore the same sailor suit his dad, Prince William, wore 37 years ago to the Trooping the Colour celebrations.

Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte wave from the carriage procession at Trooping the Colour, June 2, 2022
Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte wave from the carriage procession at Trooping the Colour, June 2, 2022. (Image Souce: KARWAI TANG/GETTY IMAGES)

3rd June 2022, Friday: 

The queen and royal family attended a church service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Queen Victoria marked her Diamond Jubilee here in 1897 with a similar service. When a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed the attendance of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the Platinum Jubilee, there was much speculation surrounding what events they would attend. Ultimately, Meghan and Harry only made one public appearance during the four days of festivities, choosing to attend the National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s. The two watched Trooping the Colour from the Major General’s Office with other non-working members of the British royal family. And while Lili and Archie made no appearances, the Sussexes confirmed their children would be travelling to the UK with them—therefore, the family celebrated Lili’s first birthday in private this weekend.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave St Paul’s Cathedral after attending the National Service of Thanksgiving, June 3, 2022.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave St Paul’s Cathedral after attending the National Service of Thanksgiving, on June 3, 2022. (Image source: WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES)

4th June 2022, Saturday: 

The royal family attended a horse race at Epsom Downs, south of London. The queen, though a keen rider and horse breeder, may miss the event to attend a birthday party for her great-granddaughter Lilibet, daughter of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan. In the evening, a concert featuring Elton John, Diana Ross and Andrea Bocelli took place at Buckingham Palace for an audience of 22,000 people. During the Platinum Party at the Palace, Prince Charles gave a heartfelt speech where he spoke directly to his mother the Queen, thanking her for her service and support. “Your Majesty, Mummy,” he began, “The scale of this evening’s celebration—and the outpouring of warmth and affection over this whole Jubilee weekend—is our way of saying thank you—from your family, the country, the Commonwealth, in fact, the whole world. On behalf of us all, I wanted to pay my tribute to your lifetime of selfless service.”

The Prince of Wales delivers a speech during the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace, June 4, 2022
The Prince of Wales delivers a speech during the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace, on June 4, 2022. (Image Source: WPA POOLGETTY IMAGES)

5th June 2022, Sunday: 

More than 10 million people are expected to take part in “Big Jubilee Lunches” across the nation. The community-organized street parties and barbecues aim to foster neighbourliness, and similar events took place in Canada, Brazil, New Zealand and South Africa. The weekend ended with a People’s Pageant, involving the military and members of the public and led by the queen’s Gold State Coach, alongside a host of celebrities, including singer Ed Sheeran and soccer star David Beckham.

Last but certainly not least, the youngest Cambridge kid deserves a moment of his own for his antics throughout the weekend. From his shenanigans on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour to his dance moves while watching the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, Prince Louis was unstoppable.

Kate and her son, Prince Louis, watching the Jubilee Pageant from the royal box, June 5, 2022.
Kate and her son, Prince Louis, watching the Jubilee Pageant from the royal box, June 5, 2022.

 

People from all over the UK and across the Commonwealth are giving their time and creativity to build this event and celebrate this momentous occasion. Communities across the UK can find a connection to the ‘People’s Pageant’. Britons enjoyed an additional day’s holiday from Thursday to Sunday, while huge street parties happened across the UK.

Travellers from all around the world poured into London to see the spectacle and celebrations unfold and be part of something truly euphoric. Summers are a perfect time for you to book your trip to London. Don’t miss out as the Covid restrictions have been uplifted, it’s a perfect time to make those dream travel plans and book your London tour package with us. Check out some awesome tours we have recently added for you to book. “Click Here” 

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London Zoo Entry Tickets

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Book your advance ZSL London Zoo entry tickets and explore an oasis in the city centre, nestled within Regent’s Park. Immerse yourself amidst listed structures, lush gardens, and a diverse collection of approximately 15,000 animals.

Highlights of London Zoo:

  • Come face-to-face with one of nature’s most awesome predators at Tiger Territory
  • Visit Penguin Beach to see Humboldt penguins swimming, walking, eating, and more
  • Get closer than ever before to the mighty Asiatic lions at Land of the Lions
  • Explore London Zoo with an official entry ticket and see over 720 animal species
  • Check out the Gorilla Kingdom to get breathtakingly close to giant gorillas

ZSL London Zoo Ticket Details:

  • Free Cancelation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
  • COVID-19 Precautions: Special health and safety measures apply.
  • Valid 1 Day: Check availability to see starting times.
  • Skip the ticket line
  • Instant Confirmation

Book your ZSL Zoo Entry Tickets

About London Zoo Land of the Lions

Take in the zoo’s biggest experience, Land of the Lions, to get closer than ever before to the mighty Asiatic lions – of which only 400 remain in the wild. Explore walkways covering the 2,500 m² Indian-themed exhibit.

step into the land of the lions at London Zoo
step into the land of the lions at London Zoo

Exchange your voucher for a ticket at the pre-paid ticket desk and head into the zoo. Come face-to-face with one of nature’s most awesome predators in Tiger Territory, learn about the natural behaviours of Sumatran tigers, and discover the conservation issues these creatures face in the wild.

Then, discover the new features added in 2021. Head to Tiny Giants, a celebration of all things small but mighty and the sometimes strange but always wonderful world of invertebrates. Enjoy the unmissable, brand-new coral reef tank and watch schools of fish, including clownfish and blue tangs.

Next, visit Giants of the Galápagos, which opened in October 2021. Soak in the Galápagos climate and discover three Galápagos giant tortoises that can live for over a century. Imagine how the world might change in their lifetime and learn how we can protect them – and our planet – for years to come.

Book your ZSL Zoo Entry Tickets

Penguins at London Zoo
Penguins at London Zoo

Penguins at London Zoo

Head down to the beach to watch the colony of Humboldt penguins dive, swim, frolic, and feed in England’s largest penguin pool, complete with underwater viewing windows. Next, step Into Africa to observe the elegance and grace of the giraffes before moving on to the magnificent residents of Gorilla Kingdom.

western lowland gorillas at zsl london zoo
Western lowland Gorillas at ZSL London Zoo

What’s included in the ZSL London Zoo Ticket

Entry ticket only

Check availability to see starting times:

How to reach ZSL London Zoo?

By Tube

Camden Town (16 mins / 0.8 miles walk from the Zoo)
You will have to take the Northern Line train from Camden Town station, which is the nearest Underground station to the ZSL London Zoo.
Camden Town to ZSL London Zoo walking route (opens in Google Maps).

Important information: The Northern line (Bank branch) will be closed between Kennington and Moorgate from 15 January to mid-May 2022. There will be no Northern line at four stations: Bank, London Bridge, Borough, and Elephant & Castle. There will be fewer Northern line trains between Camden Town and Moorgate. Some other lines and stations will be exceptionally busy. Find out more about travelling. 

Chalk Farm (18 mins / 0.9 miles walk)
Camden Town Station can get extremely busy, especially at weekends. Chalk Farm (Northern Line) is an ideal alternative, approximately the same walking distance from the Zoo. The station has lift access and this route offers a pleasant walking route through Primrose Hill’s pretty residential streets and beside Primrose Hill Park.
Chalk Farm to ZSL London Zoo walking route (opens in Google Maps).

Baker Street (21 mins / 1.1 miles walk) / (14 mins via 274 bus)
Walking from Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City Lines) is via Regent’s Park.
Alternatively, take the 274 bus northbound, which leaves every 12 minutes.
Baker Street to ZSL London Zoo route (opens in Google Maps).

Regent’s Park (24 mins / 1.2 miles walk)
The ZSL London Zoo is an easy walk from Regent’s Park station (Bakerloo Line). Once out of the station and across Marylebone Road, the whole route is signposted and within leafy Regent’s Park.
Alternatively, take the 88 bus northbound from nearby Albany Street (exit Regent’s Park tube station to the right) to approximately halve the walking distance.
Regent’s Park station to ZSL London Zoo walking route (opens in Google Maps).

Book your ZSL Zoo Entry Tickets

By London Overground

Camden Road station (21 mins / 1-mile walk from the Zoo).
London Overground makes travel to the Zoo easy from southwest, north and northeast London. The Zoo is an easy walk from Camden Road station, or catch the 274 bus towards Camden Town.
Approximate travel time to Camden Road station from Richmond: 45 minutes; from Stratford: 27 minutes; from West Hampstead: 14 minutes).
Camden Road to ZSL London Zoo walking route (opens in Google Maps).

Nearest National Rail stations to ZSL London Zoo

Euston (Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway or London Overground).
If arriving at Euston, the fastest route to the Zoo is to take the Northern Line tube from Euston to either Camden Town or Chalk Farm. Camden Town to ZSL London Zoo walking route (opens in Google Maps). Chalk Farm to ZSL London Zoo walking route (opens in Google Maps).

Marylebone (Chiltern Trains)
From the main entrance of Marylebone Station walk left to Baker Street, then either follow Baker Street tube walking directions or take the 274 bus northbound, which leaves every 12 minutes. See a map of the 274 route bus.

Please note, if you are travelling over school or bank holidays, your journey may be affected by planned engineering works. Check your journey at National Rail. 

Book your ZSL Zoo Entry Tickets

By Bus

Buses that stop near the Zoo:
88: Northbound, towards Kentish Town: Alight on Albany Street at Prince Albert Road.
88: Southbound, towards Great Portland Street: Get off on Albany Street at Regent’s Park Barracks.
These stops are just a few minutes walk from the Zoo. See map. 

274: Northbound and Southbound: Get off on Prince Albert Road at ZSL London Zoo. See map.

Plan your journey with the TfL Journey Planner.

By Car

ZSL London Zoo’s car park is on Outer Circle, Regent’s Park – plus we’re outside of the congestion charging zone. Sat nav: NW1 4SX. Cars and motorbikes are charged £14.50 for visitors to the Zoo. For more details please see full parking information.

A disabled parking bay is available in front of the Zoo entrance, with other dedicated spaces on the main road (up to four hours) and in the main car park.

Please be aware parking space in the Zoo’s main car park has been significantly reduced due to Thames Water/HS2 works.

By Bike

Cycling to the Zoo is easy. We have a public bike shed in the car park opposite the main Zoo entrance.
We also have two TFL Barclays Cycle Hire scheme docking stations – one in the small car park opposite the main Zoo entrance and another in the Zoo’s main car park.

Author’s ZSL London Zoo Experience and Suggestions

You can also check out our “Getting Around London” post to see how you can travel and plan your travel to the London Zoo.

Want to know what it feels like to go to ZSL London Zoo and see all those exotic animals? I went to ZSL London Zoo and have written a blog article to share my experience with you. Check it out here “My Day at ZSL London Zoo”

Important Information to consider

The last admission is 1 hour before the advertised closing time. So please make sure that you have planned your day well and have ample amount of time to see all the interesting areas of the zoo and nothing is missed out

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Eid Al Fitr 2022 festivities will be held around the UK

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Eid Al Fitr 2022 festivities will be held around the UK as Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Eid al Fitr translates as “the festival of the breaking of the fast” and is one of the major holidays in the Muslim calendar. This year it is special after 2 years of COVID restrictions.

Sadiq Khan tweeted on Twitter: “As Eid celebrations across the globe begin, I want to pay tribute to London’s Muslim communities whose charity and huge contributions help to make our capital what it is – the greatest city in the world.”

In central London, Eid will be celebrated in Trafalgar Square on May 7 the Mayor of London’s 17th Eid in the Square, a festival developed by grassroots Muslim organisations. The Main Stage will be hosted by award-winning actor, filmmaker and BBC Asian Network presenter Mistah Islah alongside former teacher and trailblazing broadcaster Mehreen Baig and features a mix of traditional and contemporary acts including Baha Yetin Sufi Ensemble, Nafees Ifran & Qalandar Qawwali Band, Dur Dur Band, Star Children’s Choir and the Original Mummy’s Boy, spoken word poet Hussain Manawer, plus a special guest star. Don’t miss out on visiting Trafalgar Square on 7th May to exhibit the Eid Celebrations.

For the first time this year, the international Edgbaston cricket stadium in Birmingham is being used to celebrate Eid Al Fitr with 2,000 people on Monday.

Organisers at the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre, will also host another Eid celebration in Small Heath Park and welcome an estimated 20,000 people.

“We have worked with the Edgbaston team on several projects and have been impressed by their professionalism and genuine commitment to supporting the local community,” said Kamran Hussain, chief executive of Green Lane Masjid, a leading UK mosque in Birmingham.

In Manchester, more than 10,000 people are at Eid in the Park, which has become one of the fastest-growing events and is now, at Platt Fields Park, in its seventh year.

Two other events are being held in Ilford, East London, and another at Shepherd’s Bush in West London.

The Ilford event is back at Goodmayes Park for its 16th year and the Shepherd’s Bush event at Westfield Shopping Centre is now in its third year.

We wish all our Muslim followers an Eid Mubarak 2022.

Eid Mubarak 2022
Eid Mubarak 2022

Travel to London

In case you are planning to travel during Ramadan and Eid, you can check our tour packages and we also have shared information for you to plan your travel to London from your city.

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Riyadh to London Tour Packages

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Are you in the midst of planning your vacation from Riyadh to London? Your search ends here, as this post exclusively focuses on comprehensive Riyadh to London tour packages, providing you with all the essential details you need for your trip.

Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and the largest city on the Arabian Peninsula. The population of Riyadh is 7.6 million in 2019, making it the most populous city in Saudi Arabia. The GDP per capita income of Riyadh is $ 32,372, which is the second-highest after Dhahran’s $55,940. This makes the city have high disposable income to travel around the world and a high inbound travel destination to the UK.

Riyadh to London Travel

The distance between Riyadh and London is a whopping 6,118 km by road and 4,946 km by air. You need to be super adventurous to do road travel to reach London from Riyadh. By Road, it can take a minimum of 62 hours to reach London. Of course, you will be taking breaks throughout your journey. So it can take up to 7 -9 days of being on the road to reach London. However, the best alternative we would recommend to travel to London from Riyadh will be Air travel.

Riyadh to London flights

The best airline service and most efficient on-time arrival will be the national airline of Saudi Arabia which is Saudia. Reviewers on Tripadvisor have given 3.5 stars to the Saudia airline. Following are the topmost recommended airlines for travel to London from Riyadh:

  1. Saudia (3.5 stars on Tripadvisor)
  2. Emirates (4 stars on Tripadvisor)
  3. British Airways ( 3.5 stars on Tripadvisor)
  4. Qatar (4 stars on Tripadvisor)
  5. KLM (4 stars on Tripadvisor)

The fastest among the above-mentioned flights will be Saudia and British Airways which will take roughly 7 hours to reach London. Both these flights offer non-stop flight from Riyadh to London. We recommend Saudia and Qatar Airways as a flight to book your trip from Riyadh to London.

Top London hotels to stay for Riyadh Tourists

Once you are done with the visa formalities and flight booking, you will need to sort out the hotel booking. London has the most beautiful and highest number of 5-star hotels in the world with 75 hotels in total. Surpassing Dubai which has 61 5-star hotels. The top 10 London hotels as per travel and leisure in 2022 are as follows:

S.No Hotel Name Score  
1 Shangri-La the Shard, London 97.86 Check Availability
2 The Goring, Belgravia 96.55 Check Availability
3 The Connaught, Westminster 95.79 Check Availability
4 The Lanesborough, Oetker Collection 95.50 Check Availability
5 Kimpton Fitzroy London 95.24 Check Availability
6 Claridge’s, Mayfair 94.60 Check Availability
7 The Savoy, Strand 93.63 Check Availability
8 Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park 92.95 Check Availability
9 Four Seasons Hotel London, Park Lane 92.50 Check Availability
10 Rosewood London 92.39 Check Availability

In case you are looking for other specific London hotels you can search and book below basis availability:

Visa requirements for Travelling to London from Riyadh

For Riyadh to London travel, it is mandatory for Citizens as well as ex-pats to apply for a visa to travel to the UK. Following is the process for booking your UK tourist visa:

1. Choose the UK Visa Type

You will have to choose the right visa to travel to the UK. Generally, tourists who are travelling to the UK for a short term can apply for a short-term visa which is valid for up to 6 months. You can see all visa types here Link

2. UK Visa Fees

Following are the visa fees to travel to the UK:

    • Standard Visitor visa – for the UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey
Visa types – Standard Visitors Visa application fee in Saudi Arabian Riyal (﷼) Visa application fee (USD)
Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) SAR 499 $ 133
Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) SAR 1,890 $ 504
Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) SAR 3,431 $ 915
Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) SAR 4,305 $ 1,148
Visiting academic – more than 6 months up to 12 months SAR 994 $ 265
Marriage visitor visa SAR 499 $ 133
Permitted paid engagement visa SAR 499 $ 133
Private medical treatment – more than six months up to 11 months SAR 994 $ 265
Visit the UK in a Chinese tour group (the UK only) SAR 499 $ 133
    • Child Visitors
Visa types – Child Visitors Visa application fee in Saudi Arabian Riyal (﷼) Visa application fee (USD)
Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) SAR 499  $ 133
Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) SAR 1,890 $ 504
Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) SAR 3,431 $ 915
Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) SAR 4,305 $ 1,148

Please Note: The visa fees may change from time to time. We will keep it updated, in case the changes are frequent, you may also visit the “Gov.UK” website to check the latest UK visa fees from Riyadh.

3. Apply for a UK visa Online and Pay

Once you have decided the type of visa you want to apply you, you will then have to fill out the application form on the Gov.UK website in English and pay online for the visa type selected. At the bottom of the page, you will see a “Start Now” button to start a new application. Apply Here

4. Appointment at VFS Global Riyadh

Once you have completed the application and paid the fees online, you will be redirected to the VFS Global website to book a face-to-face appointment to submit the visa application documents and biometric capture. Following is the Riyadh UK Visa application centre:

VFS Global Riyadh Address Opening Hours
UK Visa Application Centre 2591 Makkah road, al Hada, Riyadh 12913, Saudi Arabia, (Beside Marriott Courtyard, Opposite of Diplomatic Quarters Gate 2) Business hours are Sunday to Thursday 09:00 – 16:00

To know more about the Riyadh UK visa application centre click here. To edit or reschedule your booked appointment you can Log in to VFS global here.

5. Documents to carry on the appointment day

Once your appointment is fixed, you will have to carry the following documents with you to the visa application centre:

  • Printout of the Appointment Confirmation letter confirming the details of your appointment (Received from VFS Global)
  • Valid passport or travel document (With at least 1 page that is blank on both sides)
  • Printout of your checklist (From your completed application on GOV.UK)
  • Supporting documents you have not uploaded your documents online, you will need to bring them with you to the Visa Application Centre. Please refer to UKVI guidelines for your visa type for the documents you must provide. Documents should be sized, sorted and separated according to the supporting documents guidelines, to ensure swift processing at the Riyadh Visa Application Centre.

Once you have sorted your visa, you will have to Book your flights which we have recommended above. And once you have booked your flight you land in the dreamland of London. Below you can see our top-selling London tour packages you must check out and book.

Latest News: Going forward from 22 February 2024 onwards, Saudi Arabian Nationals will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they are travelling to the UK. Click here to know more. 

You can also apply for the UK Visa from our partner iVisa by clicking below: 

Apply for UK Visa

Best London Tour Packages for tourists travelling from Riyadh

We have listed below top London tours curated for Riyadh tourists, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience in the vibrant city, encompassing its iconic attractions and cultural highlights. 

1. Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace Tour

Experience the original Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace tour. Enjoy traditional sandwiches, cakes & scones on the grounds of the Palace by the Diana Statue.

royal high tea at kensington palace tour
Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace Tour

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2. Warner Bros. Studio: The Making of Harry Potter with Luxury Round-Trip Transport from London

Step into the mystical world of Harry Potter™ with a behind-the-scenes visit to Warner Bros. Studio London. With luxury round-trip transport from London Victoria to the north London studios included, this 7-hour experience enables you to discover the magic of the Harry Potter films without any hassle.
 
warner bros studio the making of harry potter with luxury round trip in London
warner bros studio the Making of harry potter with a Luxury round trip to London

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3. The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Admission Ticket

When in London, you don’t want to miss the fresh and fragrant air of “The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew”. Stroll along a walkway high up in the treetops, and explore acres of gardens under glass. Step inside a royal palace, discover galleries of botanical art, and experience 250 years of royal history at Kew Gardens, London’s largest World Heritage Site.

Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens

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4. Tower of London Early Access Tour including Private Audience with Beefeater

The Tower of London is steeped in rich history dating back more than 850 years. Explore the castle with a beefeater (also known as a Yoeman Warder) who knows the castle and its history better than normal tour guides do. 

Tower of London Early Access Tour including Private Audience with Beefeater
Tower of London Early Access Tour including Private Audience with Beefeater

BOOK TOUR

In case you are unable to find the right tour package from Riyadh for yourself, you can browse our tours section to see more existing London tour packages.

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5 days 4 nights london tour package

5 Days 4 Nights London Tour

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Little Venice: Regent’s Canal Waterbus Boat Trip to Camden Tour

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Enjoy a leisurely one-way Little Venice: Regent’s Canal Waterbus Boat Trip to Camden Tour passing by sights such as London Zoo.

If you are in London for the first time or have been to London multiple times, you must take this trip to Camden Town from Little Venice. It’s a picturesque 3.5 km boat ride.

Boat Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy the pleasures of Regent’s Canal
  • Learn about the history of the canals
  • Pass through the Maida Hill Tunnel
  • Admire the landscaped gardens of stately homes along the canal

Book this Tour

Waterbus Boat Trip Description

Travel from picturesque Little Venice to vibrant Camden Town along the Regent’s Canal in this tour. This waterway is a leisurely corridor through London, navigated by leisure boats and lined with quirky houseboats.

You’ll pass by Regent’s Park, the grounds of London Zoo, and through the echoey depths of the 248-meter Maida Hill tunnel. Each boat has slide-opening windows throughout, so everyone gets a view. As you pass through London Zoo, keep an eye out for warthogs and African hunting dogs, which can often be seen as the boat passes their canal-side enclosure.

Travel past the homes of well-known musicians, actors, and celebrities. You will also be able to see the expansive and landscaped back gardens of grand houses used by ambassadors and visiting international diplomats. Arrive in the heart of Camden Market, home to a vast array of world-class traders and international cuisines.

Little Venice Regent’s Canal Waterbus Boat
Little Venice Regent’s Canal Waterbus Boat

What’s included in the Boat ride:

  • Boat trip from Little Venice to Camden Town
  • Guided commentary
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (Not Included)
  • Food and drinks (Not Included)
  • Tips (Not Included)

Book this Tour

Meeting Points for your Boat ride to Camden Town:

The boats are moored on the north side of Browning’s pool opposite the Warwick crescent and the Waterside café boat, on the towpath directly below Blomfield Road (Check out the map shown below). If getting a taxi, ask for The Bridge House, postcode W2 6ND. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow for check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 5 minutes before each scheduled departure time.

In case you reach early there are nice cafes and restaurants nearby which you can enjoy before hopping onto the boat. Some of the noticeable ones are:

  • Waterside café – Website
  • Kateh, Persian Restaurant – Website
  • The Summer House, Chic seafood restaurant – Website

waterbus boat in regents canal
Waterbus boat in Regents canal

Little Venice: Regent’s Canal Waterbus Boat Trip to Camden Town Route Map:

Know before you go:

  •  The cruise will depart from Little Venice and end at Camden Lock
  •  A ratio of one adult for every child under the age of 4 is required due to regulations on the river. If this does not adhere you will not be able to board the boat.

The following items are not allowed inside the boat:

  • Luggage or large bags
  • Mobility scooters
  • Smoking
  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Vaping
  • Bikes
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Non-folding wheelchairs
  • Non-folding strollers
  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Bare feet

Hope you enjoy your Little Venice: Regent’s Canal Waterbus Boat Trip to Camden Tour with us :). You can book your two-way boat ride with us here.

Book this Tour

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Doha to London Tour Package

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Planning your next trip from Doha to London? We have got it covered. Doha is the capital city of Qatar. The city is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. It is Qatar’s fastest-growing country and people are eager to travel and see the world. This posting on how people of Doha can travel and enjoy their time in London makes perfect sense. This post is created keeping in mind the informative guide for the Doha citizens to travel to London. What all information and visas they will need and the most popular London Tours they can avail from our website.

The distance between Doha and London is a whopping 5,212 KM by air and 6,615 KM by road. And only the most adventurous would travel to London from Doha via Road. We suggest that you take the air route and there are many direct flights operating between the two cities. Air tickets for Economy class prices can vary from  600 QAR (Qatari Riyal) to 900 QAR. Business-class and first-class tickets can vary from 9,000 QAR to 15,000 QAR depending on the airline to airline.

The best Airline to travel from Doha to London is Qatar Airways

The best service, most efficient and certified 5 Star Airline is Qatar Airlines. The staff, seats, amenities, food and beverages are absolutely flawless. And Qatar Airways is one of the first-ever airlines to be aware of the 5 Star airline award. So flying with Qatar Airways is not only safe but also the best in class. No matter whether you travel in Economy, Business or First class. It is the only airline that goes direct from Doha to London. You also have a choice of Etihad Airways, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines and Oman Air to name a few.

To get the latest offers on flights from Doha to London you can check below:

  1. Qatar (www.Qatar.com)
  2. Etihad Airways (www.Etihad.com/en/)
  3. Egypt Air
  4. Turkish Airline
  5. Oman Air
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways

Visa for London from Doha

For travel from Doha to London, it is mandatory for people to get a Visa. However, if you are a Qatari citizen, you can apply for the Waiver, which is also called the EVW program. Under this program, Qatari citizens can enter the United Kingdom without having to apply for a traditional Visa. This process saves time for both UK authorities and Qatari travellers. In case you are travelling for Tourism, Business, studying, or short-term medical treatment you can avail of this visa from the EVW government website. And if you are travelling to the UK for work or marriage you will need to apply for another type of visa.

Visa application for Qatari Citizens

All you need to do is:

  • Fill out the EVW application form online here: “Apply EVW for Qataris”
  • Check all the information is filled in and that all fields are filled
  • Receive the EVW authorisation for travel to London/Britain via email
  • Print the EVW to show at the arrival immigration gates.

You will need to have the following documents with you to apply for the EVW UK entry permit.

  • Qatari Passport
  • Credit Card or Debit Card

Visa application for non-Qatari Citizens travelling from Doha

All you need to do is:

  • Book your Visa from the VFS Global website here: “VFS Global Doha”
  • You can also go in person to apply for a UK tourist visa at the Doha VFS centre which is:

     UK Visa Application Centre:

     Level – 1, Al Nuaimi Building,

     Oqba Ibn Nafie Street,

     Airport Road, Doha, Qatar

     Opening Hours – Sunday – Thursday  – 9 AM – 4 PM (Except public holidays)

  • You can apply online as well for the UK visa by clicking here: “UK Visa application from Doha“
  • The following documents must be taken to the application centre:

      1. Print out the appointment confirmation letter confirming the details of your visa appointment.

      2. Valid passport or travel document

      3. Supporting Documents – If you are not uploaded your documents online, you will need to bring them to the visa centre. You may also need to bring one recent photograph and any other documents depending on the visa application.

You can also apply for the UK Visa from our partner iVisa by clicking below: 

Apply for UK Visa

Best London tour packages for tourists travelling from Doha to London:

Even if you have travelled to London multiple times from Doha, there are exciting London tour packages for everyone. We have mentioned below the best London tour packages for tourists travelling from Doha:

1. London Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Discover the joy of sightseeing with the London Pass, and enjoy free entry to 60 of its world-class sites like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.

The London Pass
The London Pass

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2. Big Bus Hop On Hop Off London Tour

See the sights of London aboard an open-top, double-decker Big Bus as you admire 360-degree views of top attractions and listen to the captivating commentary.

big bus London hop on hop off tour of London
Big Bus London hop on hop off tour of London

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3. London Eye Ticket with skip-the-line Tour

Skip the line for a perfect Last Minute London Eye experience! With fast-track entry for your standard flight in a shared capsule, you get to skip the majority of the queue. Don’t waste time waiting in lines on vacation! The London Eye offers spectacular views of the capital of England from high above the River Thames.

the london eye is a giant ferris wheel on the south bank of the River thames near westminster bridge
London Eye ticket with skip the link tour

BOOK NOW

In case you are unable to find the right tour package for yourself you can browse our tours section to see more existing London tour packages.

SEE ALL LONDON TOURS

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