The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

UK

UK getaways: Your must-pose questions

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For obvious reasons, staycations seem to be on the rise.

There are two types of staycations; the type where that you literally stay at home, and the type where you drive off to somewhere in your own country. As so many of us have engaged in the former over the last few months, today’s topic is going to look at the type where you galivant towards a UK destination of choice.

Suffice to say, the difference in a Mediterranean break are substantial to say the least. There’s unlikely to be much sea, little sand, and perhaps an even smaller amount of sun!

This is the reason we have penned today’s guide. We’ll now take a look at some questions that you simply must pose as you prep for your UK staycation.

Is your location weather dependent?

Some might suggest that this is almost a silly question when it comes to a UK vacation. After all, the country is renowned for perhaps every rain joke and quip in the book (and arguably, for good reason!).

However, it’s something that you should most definitely be posing. When you book your hotel, whether it is in Bournemouth or at the opposite side of the country, make sure it will safeguard you against the elements. In other words, if the week turns out to be a washout, you need to rest assured that there will be sufficient activities to keep you, and probably the family entertained.

This might mean ensuring that you are located near indoor attractions, or anything else that is not going to be spoiled if the conditions take a turn for the worse.

Have you thought about the traffic?

Quite often, UK staycations are spread across long weekends with one of the big reasons to save that precious annual leave. However, when taking the plunge to travel to your destination of choice on a Friday afternoon, you are of course dicing with the dreaded rush hour traffic.

If you haven’t read the news, there are some parts of the UK that are notoriously bad for this. When we say notoriously, we mean some of the worst in the world. If you’re not careful your staycation can be consumed by the car journey itself and clearly, this isn’t the type of break that anyone is looking for.

What about the local tourists?

On the subject of the crowds, never forget the local tourists. Particularly if you have planned your getaway in the peak of the school holidays, you’ll be surprised at how busy some attractions can get.

If your circumstances dictate that you must travel during these times, at least try and hit the more popular attractions during the week. This will limit the number of local tourists somewhat, and hopefully allow you to experience the area without hustling for space.

Remember, it’s not just the local attractions that can be blighted by crowds, but the roads as well. In a similar vein to the previous point mentioned, try and travel outside of the peak rush hours – even when you are taking a simple ride to a local attraction in the region you are staying.

10 Pro Tips for Traveling to London

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About 37.9 million tourists visited the UK in 2018. In 2017, tourism reached an all-time high with 39.2 million visitors. Before you head out and start traveling to London, though, it helps to have a plan.

Charting your adventure will ensure you make the most of your trip. Otherwise, you might unintentionally miss out on an amazing opportunity.

Keep reading to discover the 10 pro tips you need to consider before traveling to the UK. With these tips, you can plan an epic adventure you’ll remember for years to come. Start charting your course with these 10 London travel tips today!

  1. Chart Your Course

Before traveling to London, try to plan as much as possible. You’ll want to consider where you’re going, when you’re leaving, and who you’re going with.

Take the time to make a list of all the places you want to visit. What type of trip are you planning? Are you hoping to see the sights, or relax?

You can chart your course based on whether or not you want to:

  • Relax at a resort
  • Ride on a road trip
  • Explore cities
  • Venture the countryside
  • Shop in the city
  • See the sides

Who are you traveling with? How do they want to spend the course of the trip?

Decide whether you want to stay in London or travel throughout the UK. If you plan on leaving London, you’ll need to plan a way to get around. You’ll also need to consider different places you’ll explore.

Don’t forget to consider the duration of your trip. How long you plan on visiting London can determine where you’ll go and when.

If you’re planning with a group, confirm everyone’s travel days. Make sure everyone is on the same page.

You might want to consider hosting a meeting. Make a list of what everyone wants to do during the trip. Then, plot your course to maximize your time.

  1. Plan How You’ll Get Around

Don’t forget: London is big! There’s a lot you’ll want to see and do.

To make the most of your London travel plans, consider getting an Oyster Card. An Oyster Card is free (though you have to pay a deposit) and will allow you to travel the tube.

Getting an Oyster Card at the beginning of your trip will help minimize travel-related expenses. You can get an Oyster Card at most tube stations, already preloaded.

Otherwise, take the time to walk between tube stops. Keep your head up and take in the view around you.

When planning your travel to London, consider flying into one of the low-cost airports. For example, you can arrive at London Stansted or London Southend. The downside, however, is that you’ll need to travel from the airport to the city center.

Don’t forget to check out these Tailwins loyalty programs to get rewarded for your flight.

If you’re traveling with a student, as a couple, or with a senior, you might receive a discount rail or tube fare.

You can also rent a bike in London! Instead of relying on the tube, you can cycle around the city and take in the sights. Biking around London is a great way to learn your way around.

  1. Find Free Attractions

Americans spent about $782.4 billion on leisure trips in 2019. Before traveling to London, make a budget for your journey. Consider how much you’ll spend on travel, hotels, entertainment, and food.

If you don’t make a budget beforehand, however, you might not realize you’ve overspent until after your trip.

There are plenty of free attractions you might consider during your trip. For example, many of the museums are free. These museums include the:

  • Tate Modern
  • British Museum
  • Science Museum
  • Natural History Museum
  • National Portrait Gallery

Take in the city’s rich heritage and history by exploring one of these museums.

You can also visit Big Ben for free! Big Ben is the bell located in Queen Elizabeth II Tower.

  1. Schedule a Show

Consider watching a show in the west-end during your visit, too. The TKTS booth in Leicester Square sells unsold tickets for each day at a discount. You can take in the theatre at a discounted price and add a little entertainment to your trip.

  1. Take a Tour

Before traveling to London, consider scheduling a tour. There are plenty of hop-on-hop-off buses that will carry you around the city. If you want to save money, hop onto one of the red London buses and head upstairs.

From there, you can see sighs like the Houses of Parliament, Leicester Square, The London Eye, and Big Ben. Then, hop off and explore on foot!

  1. Try the Cuisine

Don’t forget to get a taste of London while you’re there! Consider trying one of London’s favorites such as fish and chips.

You can also visit the markets in London, including Borough Market, which is full of tasty treats. Don’t forget to visit the dessert stalls while you’re at it!

  1. Head Inside Buckingham Palace

During the summer, consider scheduling a tour of Buckingham Palace.

Make sure to purchase your tickets online before you travel to London. Otherwise, you might find all the tours booked! Touring the palace can give you a better sense of what it’s like to live like royalty.

  1. Carry an Umbrella

While you’re out and about on foot, don’t forget to take an umbrella with you. London’s weather is often unpredictable, so you never know when it might rain.

Otherwise, make sure to wear your favorite pair of comfy shoes as you start walking around the city.

  1. Notice Notting Hill

If you’re visiting London’s East-End, don’t forget to explore Nottingham Hill. Stop by for brunch before exploring the area on foot.

While it’s a great stop for the foodies in your group, Notting Hill is also known for its annual carnival, high-end shops, and Victorian townhouses!

  1. Meet the Locals

Take the time to learn from the locals, too. Londoners are friendly and ready to aid your travels. Ask them about local hot-spots or restaurant suggestions.

You never know where you might end up based on their recommendations!

Plan It Right: 10 Key Tips for Traveling to London

Ready to plan a trip you’ll never forget? Keep these 10 tips for traveling to London in mind. With these tips, you can chart a course for an amazing adventure!

Searching for more seasoned advice for your trip? Explore the Europe section of our blog for more helpful travel guides!

Choosing the Right Hotel in London

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If you are planning a trip to the vibrant and exciting city of London, you can look forward to a host of attractions. This is a city that boasts a rich and long history, diverse culture, and some world-famous landmarks and attractions. One thing you can be certain of when you visit this city is that you will benefit from a full itinerary, so you can enjoy plenty of excitement and adventure.

Of course, you need to ensure you find the right accommodations for your stay in London, and this can be tricky. Not only do you have to consider the cost of hotels but also the location, as there are so many distinct areas of London. Fortunately, if you are visiting central London, there are plenty of hotels that offer access to all the main attractions within walking distance, so you may be better to choose a central hotel such as those in Piccadilly Circus or the West End.

What You Should Consider

There are online tools that allow you to do everything from an address lookup to a people search free, so you can use the address lookup facility to try and learn more about the area where you are considering staying. When it comes to choosing the right hotels, there are various factors you have to take into consideration. Some of the main ones include:

The Overall Cost of the Stay

The cost of London hotels can be high, but there are some deals to be had if you do your research. You should make sure you look at the overall cost of your stay rather than the average per night, as this will then enable you to see exactly how much you will pay for your hotel. Also, consider whether anything is included in the price, such as breakfast, free wifi, and other amenities and services. You can then determine whether the cost offers value for money.

The Location of the Hotel

There are many desirable places to stay in London, from the bustling West End and upmarket Mayfair to the political heart of the city in Westminster or the grungy music hub of Camden in North London. In order to choose the best location, work out which attractions and sights you are most interested in seeing, as you can then choose a hotel that offers easy access to them. However, no matter where you choose a hotel, you can reach attractions with ease via the bus and train services as well as on foot.

Facilities and Amenities

You also need to check the facilities and amenities in the hotel to ensure it is suited to your needs. If you plan on doing some work while in the city, check if there are business facilities and free wifi available. Also, look at facilities such as a fitness center, restaurants, bars, and other amenities that you are interested in.

Looking at these factors will make it easier to choose the ideal hotel for your needs when you visit London.

A Weekend in Scarborough: 5 Reasons to Visit this Charming Coastal Town

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When searching for a coastal break in England, you’re spoilt for choice. From picturesque Cornwall to fun-filled Blackpool, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Among the best coastal experiences in the country is Scarborough.

Located adjacent to the North Sea in North Yorkshire, Scarborough boasts a dramatic landscape of cliffs, history, colourful attractions, and traditional seaside fun. Popular with young and old alike, this charming town received the distinction in 2018 of being England’s most visited holiday destination outside of London.

Do you need further convincing? If so, read on for five reasons to visit Scarborough for a memorable weekend:

1. The seafront

When first arriving in Scarborough, most will head directly for the seafront. This is a hub of activity complete with colourful beach chalets, amusement arcades, trinket shops, and ice cream parlours.

The beach itself is the focal point. This long stretch of sand is a great spot to relax, top-up on your suntan – when the British weather allows for it – and take in the beautiful views across the bays.

2. Peasholm Park

There’s a reason why Peasholm Park is often judged as the shining jewel of Scarborough. This is much more than a standard park. With a unique and distinctive Oriental theme, Peasholm boasts a vast array of trees and flowers, some of which are rare and unusual for England.

In the summer, the park’s tranquil lake allows people to take to the waters by hiring a boat, paddleboat, or canoe. The bandstand is also the stage for many different free music concerts during the summer months.

3. Scarborough Castle

Formerly a medieval Royal fortress, Scarborough Castle is a stunning slice of 12th-century history. The castle played a part in many battles throughout the years, and now you have the chance to roam the structure. An audio tour will supply all the insight you could need as you explore the medieval chapel, Roman signal station, and Iron Age settlements.

While the castle structure is the main course, it’s not the only reason to visit this attraction. Along with an exhibition displaying artefacts that span the castle’s history, the lofty vantage point delivers stunning panoramic views of the town.

4. Take a trip to Whitby

Okay, it’s not a direct reason to visit Scarborough. However, the enchanting seaside town of Whitby is too good to pass on if you’re in the area. Recognized as an inspiration for the iconic novel Dracula, Whitby is known for its harbour, sprawling streets full of character and boutique stores, and award-winning fish and chips.

When searching for hotels in Scarborough, consider selecting one which is positioned between Scarborough and Whitby. That way, you have the best of both worlds within a 20-minute drive either side.

5. Alpamare

For a fun-filled family day in Scarborough, Alpamare is an ideal choice. This waterpark combines exhilarating thrills with relaxation, ensuring everyone can enjoy the facility. Alpamare features multiple pools, four exciting slides, a wave pool, and a wellness centre.

The Best Things to Do in Chelmsford

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Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Thanks to a certain television programme, we are all familiar with the county of Essex, but how much do you know about Chelmsford? The only city in the county, Chelmsford has a great deal to offer – Stage Security have compiled a list of some of the best things you can do there.

Just a 35-minute train ride from London, there’s plenty to explore in Chelmsford, and if it’s events you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed.

Go Green

For lovers of nature, the Grade II listed neo-classical Hylands Estate will be a big hit, with its stunning landscaped gardens, fairs, festivals, café, ancient woodlands and Adventure Playground.

Place Your Bets

Race-goers can attend Chelmsford City Racecourse, one of the country’s newest racecourses and one of only three to be floodlit. Whatever the weather, there’s always an exciting race on, and you can enjoy a lively atmosphere at two on-site restaurants and many bars. The city’s annual beer festival also takes place here – cheers!

Family Fun

Jump Street (not associated with the films) is a large indoor activity centre guaranteed to entertain the whole family. With more than 300 trampolines, 4000 sq ft of soft play area and the world’s largest Clip and Climb centre, expect little ones to be tired out! Great family fun for when it’s wet outside!

Spend Spend Spend

If you’re looking for some retail therapy, High Chelmer is the place for you. The largest shopping centre in the city, High Chelmer is home to more than 80 high-street favourites including Topshop, Pandora and SuperDry. When you’re all shopped out, grab a bite to eat at Turtle Bay, Carluccios or Cote Brasserie.

Catch a Show

If you’re a fan of the theatre, you’re in for a treat! The Civic Theatre offers fabulous views from every seat and provides an incredibly immersive experience. It’s the city’s largest theatre, with audiences of more than 500 and an array of productions. With everything from drama and comedy to musicals and talks about famous figures, there’s something for everyone. The city’s oldest theatre is the Old Court Theatre, which provides a more cosy, intimate atmosphere with shows the whole family can enjoy at a reasonable price.

Stroll Back in Time

Why not enjoy a stroll around Chelmsford Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic buildings? With over 800 years of rich history, the cathedral is the third smallest in the country and provides a picturesque backdrop for an autumnal walk.

At Stage Security, we’re big fans of this city and all it has to offer. If you are interested in the Chelmsford security services we can provide in the area, visit our website for more information.