London, England Spring Break Packages
Book what you need for your London trip! »
Great Britain is already my favorite location for the thrifty student traveler: As of December 2001 all national museums and art galleries are free admission. That is right, now you have no excuse not to get a full dose of art while on vacation.
Although this is a great money-saver, the city as a whole is quite spendy. You can save your money on going to museums and spend those pounds instead on the excellent bars around the city.
England also offers a great money-saving pass called the Great British Heritage Pass that you can buy for a very small amount and get into places of historical importance all over the country. For about $70 per person you can get this two-week pass that has admission to castles, manors, abbeys, gardens and Britain’s top historical sites all over the country. There is also a one-week pass offered for $48, estimating a savings of over $140. Some of these sites include Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, York, Blenheim Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London, to name a few. Many more places are included in this list and there are ‘heaps’ of places to go with the Great British Heritage Pass.
On a quick tour of London and more museums and art galleries that can’t be missed, make sure you stop by all if not some of these locations:
- Downtown London in Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery that hosts one of the world’s best collections of Western European paintings.
- There is also the Natural History Museum where you can check out some prehistoric animals that roamed the earth; we like to call them dinosaurs.
- The Science Museum can’t be missed because who doesn’t like a mad scientist and the crazy stuff they came up with?
- Don’t forget the Tate Modern Art Museum on the bank of the Thames (river that is). This gallery contains some great pieces from Modernists like Picasso, Dali, Hockney and many more.
- If gold is your thing and you want to see how the royals lived, the Museum of London is the host of the Lord Mayor’s golden coach.
- To get the true British music invasion art experience go to the Walker Art Gallery where former Beatle rocker Paul McCartney has an exhibition of paintings.
So many things, so little time. One of England’s favorite pastimes is to watch football on TV. How great does that sound? Well for the uneducated American, “football” is actually “soccer” and is the most popular sport in the world. England loves its soccer team, and the country nearly comes to a stop when there is a game on. The best way to meet and greet with locals is to travel outside of the city and stop by a local pub and get drunk watching a soccer game. The busy London world slows down when drinking begins, and you can experience a whole other side of London through its pubs.
Navigating London is great. The Tube, (the London Underground or subway) is extremely fast and easy. Plan on buying a Tube pass, because this is the best way to travel in the city. Tourists beware, stay away from the mini cab, it’s a scam waiting to happen to an innocent student like yourself. The famous black taxis are also fun but a little pricey. If that is your thing do it, just don’t plan your trip around traveling by taxi.
What else is there to say about London? For the super tourist sights go downtown. Don’t forget Big Ben, the Tower of London, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace and so many more sights that are easily found and visited by the average tourist.
There is so much to see and plenty of double-decker busses to ride, Beefeaters to take your picture with and cool phone boxes. For those who want to have a great party atmosphere there are bars, pubs and clubs all over town. To drink or not to drink, that is the question. Though must also visit thy past of the poet Shakespeare and the Globe Theater. It is a reproduction of the original, and if you can catch a show there don’t miss it! But I know you won’t want to miss visiting London on your next Spring Break, so get going!
