As I mentioned before, London’s Theatreland will take approximately 40 to 50 minutes to walk through (I am not including the theatres in the Victoria area as they are a couple of tube stops away in their own separate area). The main streets of The Strand, Charing Cross Road, Shaftesbury Avenue, Oxford Street and Regents Street will get you close enough to all West End theatres. It can get a bit complicated around Covent Garden or Soho but you really can ask a policeman if stuck. I do all the time, it makes them feel wanted!
The SOLT web site has a series of pictures showing the way to get to the major theatres. It is a lovely idea but it is rather a work in progress. Personally I love walking round London at any time of day but do remember it is a big city with big city problems. Stay out of dark allies, especially late at night, keep your belongings close and don’t flash the cash or your expensive camera.
Next on the evolutionary scale after walking, is cycling. This has become a much more enjoyable thing in the last few years. As more normal people take to the saddle so drivers of cars and lorries and taxis and buses have had to become more aware. Plus there are more cycle lanes to keep us safe.
Then in 2010 4,000 hire bikes were put into racks all over London for hire from as little as £2 for unlimited journeys of less than 30 minutes in a 24 hour period. Even more are available now. They are heavy and cumbersome and they do not come with helmets, but they do have lights and are comfortable and a great way to discover a bit more of the city.
Even if you are staying in London for just a couple of days it should be worthwhile getting an Oyster card or a Visitor Oyster Card. There are a few differences but both give you cheap tickets on the bus, the underground, the ferries and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
The visitor Oyster card can only be bought online before you arrive or you can buy a standard Oyster Card at London Underground stations and a variety of shops and stalls around the capital once you arrive.
The differences are that the Visitors Oyster Card will give you discounts on shops and restaurants too wheereas the standard card is only a travel card. The other main difference is that the activation fee for a Visitor Oyster Card is non-refundable whereas the fee for the standard card is a deposit and you get that back when you return it. Ultimately, if you think you are going to eat out or shop then get the Visitor card before you arrive!
Generally £10 worth of credit will do you for two days. You can always top it up as you go. To use it, just pass your card over the yellow disc on the bus or at the underground station gates at the beginning and the end of each journey.
The London double-decker bus, big and bright and red is one of London’s greatest icons. A bus was even London’s contribution to the closing ceremony at the Beijing Olympic Games. To come to London and not take the bus is like having cornflakes without milk. If you just want to “have a go” look out for a Number 15 and head up to the top deck. It will take you past all the major sites and is a lot cheaper than a Sightseeing Tour.
Much maligned but by gosh is it useful. Here are some top tips.
To come to London and not take a ride in a taxi is like having cornflakes without sugar… it really is up to you. If you like to travel privately or if you really can’t be bothered to find out where you are going, then by all means hop in a cab. Make sure it is big and black and has a license: don’t ever get into an unmarked car offering services. And make sure that the meter is on – although they always are!
It can be quick but, if the traffic is against you then you just have to sit and watch the meter go round.
I’ve often had to get a taxi but, whilst they have always got me to my destination, I have never once got out thinking that the ride was worth it! It is not that they are ripping you off – there are no villains in Black Cabs these days – but I’ve always thought that a taxi should be ones last resort.
As you leave the theatre you will no doubt be harangued by a crowd of three-wheeled centaurs, with the torso of a man and the body of a tricycle. There is a lot of contradictory information about whether you should take a ride in one and it is hard to make a positive recommendation here. There is a voluntary code of practice and the major companies adhere to this, however it is not clear that their riders do!
Those cycling for a company do have public liability insurance, do have lights provided, do have a code of conduct and a set price code (if not set prices) and their machines are checked regularly, but they do not all work for companies, they do not all use their lights, they are not CRB checked and, until their activities are properly legislated for and they are accepted by other road users in London, you are taking your own life in your hands if you step on board.
Yes it looks fun, well maybe not on a cold night, but my advice is don’t risk it. I know I am being a kill-joy, but if I said “go for it” and then there was an incident I would never forgive myself.