London, England: Pre-Departure Planning Guide

Preparing you for your trip

Event schedule: find your program dates

Pre-departure

Packing

• Packing Considerations
• Consider the Season: London has distinct seasons. Pack light, breathable fabrics for summer and warm layers for winter. Spring and fall can be chilly and a bit wet, so pack clothes that can be layered. A rain jacket will also come in handy.
• Walking Shoes: Parts of London are walkable so comfortable shoes are essential. Opt for closed-toe shoes with good tread.

• Neutral Colors: London tends to favor relaxed and muted colored clothing. Neutral pieces are easier to mix and match, allowing for more outfit combinations with less luggage.

• Luggage: Navigating the streets of London with a large suitcase is difficult, try to pack as light as possible since you will have the advantage of washing your clothes while you’re here.

• Non-Obvious Things to Pack
• Respectful Attire: For visits to churches and religious sites, pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. A light scarf can be handy for quick cover-ups.
• Travel Adapter: UK uses the plug type G - three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern ( different to Europe). Pack a travel adapter to charge your electronics.
• Small Umbrella: Rain showers can happen any time. A small, foldable umbrella can be a lifesaver.
• Medications: Pack an adequate supply of any medications you take regularly. Bring a doctor's note for prescriptions in case you need refills.

Contact information

• London Community Manager: Toby Withnell - Tel. 011 44 7368264711 or WhatsApp.

• Hours of Availability
• Our Community Manager is there to support your experience. They will be physically present at community events, and that is a great time to talk to them.
• Outside of community events, the Community Manager is available via Whatsapp from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. As they have families and other obligations, we ask that you respect these hours for regular messages.

• Emergencies
• In the event of an emergency, you may call or text the Community Manager at any time via Whatsapp.

In-country

Arrival Day

• You will receive your exact check-in instructions approximately two days before the start of your program. You are responsible for getting to your apartment from the airport.

• Heathrow Express:
• Fastest option: This is a non-stop train service that takes about 15-20 minutes to reach Paddington Station. From there, you can transfer to the Bakerloo Line (brown line) to reach King's Cross, which takes about 15 minutes.
• Cost: Around £25 one-way, but prices can vary.

• Piccadilly Line (London Underground):
• Cheapest option: The Piccadilly Line goes directly from Heathrow to King's Cross without needing to change trains. It's a bit slower, taking about 50 minutes.
• Cost: Around £5 for a one-way ticket with an Oyster card or contactless payment.

• Taxi or Private Car:
• Convenient, but expensive: A taxi from Heathrow to King's Cross can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
• Cost: Around £60-£100.

• Uber or Ride-Hailing Apps:
• More flexible than a taxi: An Uber ride might cost a bit less than a traditional taxi and could take the same amount of time (about 30-60 minutes depending on traffic).
• Cost: Typically around £40-£70.

• Thameslink Train:
• Direct: Thameslink trains run directly from Gatwick Airport to London St Pancras, which is next to King's Cross. The journey takes about 35-40 minutes.
• Cost: Around £15-£20 for a one-way ticket.

• Taxi or Private Car:
• Convenient, but expensive: A taxi will take about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic, and costs between £90-£120.
• If you're traveling with a lot of luggage or prefer a door-to-door service, this is a comfortable option.

• Uber or Ride-Hailing Apps:
• Flexible but can be expensive: Depending on traffic, this could take about 1-1.5 hours and cost around £60-£100.

Getting Around

• London Underground (The Tube)
• Best for: Fast, efficient travel across the city.
• The Tube is the backbone of London’s transport network, with 11 lines covering the city and beyond. It’s the quickest way to travel across the city.
• Tip: Always check the status updates for your line because sometimes there can be planned closures or disruptions.

• Bus
• Best for: Seeing the sights and slower travel with a view.
• Buses are a great way to get around if you want to see the city while you travel. London buses are iconic red double-deckers.
• The bus network covers all parts of London, and many of the attractions are well-served by bus routes.
• Tip: The top deck, at the front of the bus gives you a great view of the streets and attractions.

• Overground Trains
• Best for: Connecting areas outside the main Tube lines.
• The London Overground connects suburban areas to central London, and it’s a good option for getting around neighborhoods that aren’t well-served by the Tube. It’s a simple and reliable service.
• Tip: Make sure you travel outside the rush hour.

• Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
• Best for: Traveling around East London and the Docklands area.
• The DLR is an automated train system that serves East London, including areas like Canary Wharf, Greenwich, and London City Airport. The DLR offers a unique experience, as the trains are driverless and have fantastic views of the city.
• Tip: If you're going to Greenwich, it’s an easy way to get there, and you’ll pass some interesting landmarks along the way.

• Trains (National Rail)
• Best for: Longer journeys to/from London and nearby towns.
• London has several major train stations (like Victoria, Paddington, Euston, and King’s Cross) that connect the city with the rest of the UK. You’ll mainly use the trains if you're coming in from or out to the suburbs or other cities, but some destinations are easier to reach by rail (like Hampton Court Palace, Windsor or Cambridge).
• Tip: Make sure you travel outside the rush hour.

• River Bus (Thames Clippers)
• Best for: Scenic views of the Thames and travel between key riverside attractions.
• The River Bus service offers a more scenic way to travel along the Thames, with boats running from Putney to Woolwich, stopping at various riverside stations including Tate Modern, London Eye, and Greenwich.
• Tip: If you’re visiting Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, or The Tower of London, a boat ride on the Thames is a lovely way to see London from the water.

• London Taxi (Black Cabs)
• Best for: Convenience and door-to-door service.
• London’s famous black cabs are available all over the city. While they are the most expensive option, they can be very convenient, especially if you have luggage or are traveling with a group.
• Tip: London’s taxis are licensed and safe. However, they can be pricey.

• Bicycle - Santander Cycles or Electric Bikes ( Lime/Forest)
• Best for: Exploring the city at your own pace.
• London has various bike-sharing schemes. They’re available at docking stations throughout central London. You can rent them for short trips and return them to another station.
• Tip: If you’re comfortable cycling, it’s a fun and active way to see London. There are also dedicated cycle lanes on some streets, but always be cautious of traffic.

• Best for: Simple, cost-effective travel.

• The easiest and cheapest way to pay for public transport in London is to use an Oyster card or contactless payment (like a debit or credit card). Both give you access to the Tube, buses, DLR, Overground, and even river services.

• Tip: With an Oyster card or contactless payment, you'll automatically get the best fares and the daily cap, meaning you won’t pay more than a certain amount for travel in a day.

• Best for: Visitors staying for a few days.

• If you’re planning to use public transport extensively during your visit, a Visitor Oyster card can be a great deal. It’s a pay-as-you-go smartcard, but as a tourist, you also get discounts on many attractions, restaurants, and shops around the city.

• Tip: You can buy it online before your trip or at the airport upon arrival.

• Zone system: London transport operates on a zone system, with central London generally being Zone 1, and further out areas being higher-numbered zones.

• Walking: London is walkable, and you’ll often find that it’s quicker to walk between close attractions than to take public transport.

• Traveling at peak hours: The Tube and buses get very crowded during rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM). If you’re not in a rush, it’s best to avoid these times.

• Timetables: Public transport generally runs from 5 AM to midnight, though the Tube operates later on weekends (until around 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays).

Car rental

• Car Rental Agencies in London:
• Major international chains like Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Europcar have rental locations in central London and at airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, etc.).
• Local options like Sixt and Green Motion also offer good deals.
• You can also find online platforms like Zipcar if you're looking for something more flexible on a daily basis

• Documents Needed:
• A valid driver’s license from your home country (check if you need an International Driving Permit).
• A credit card for the deposit.
• Be prepared for a passport check as well.

• Driving Tips for Visitors:
• Driving on the left side of the road (and the steering wheel is on the right in most cars).
• Parking can be expensive and hard to find, so plan ahead for places to leave your car.

• Best Places to Drive in and Around London:
• Stonehenge (about 2 hours from London)
• Oxford or Cambridge for a day trip
• The Cotswolds or Brighton for scenic routes.
• Windsor Castle is a good option for a day trip close to London.

Money

• Inform Your Bank: Let your bank know you'll be traveling to the UK to avoid any issues with using your card abroad.

• Cash vs. Credit Card: While credit cards are widely accepted in London, it's always a good idea to carry some Sterling in cash for smaller purchases or emergencies.

• Using your Credit Card: When paying by credit card, the machine may ask if you would like to pay in local currency. The answer is Yes. The next question will be whether you Accept or Reject the conversion rate. Always select “Reject”. This will prevent you from being charged any hidden fees. You will also be asked these questions at most ATMs.

• ATMs: They are widely available throughout London, especially near tourist areas and banks.

• Look for Major Banks: Opt for ATMs affiliated with major international banks. These might offer better exchange rates and lower fees compared to independent ATM providers.

• Avoid Euronet ATMs: While convenient, Euronet ATMs are known for higher fees and potentially less favorable exchange rates. Try to avoid them if possible.

• Check Fees Before Withdrawing: Always check the ATM screen for any withdrawal fees before you confirm the transaction it is advised to Reject the conversion rate. Your home bank may also charge additional foreign transaction fees.

• Carry Some Sterling: It's always a good idea to carry some euros in cash before you arrive in Paris. This will help you cover any immediate expenses in case you have trouble finding an ATM or your card doesn't work.

Communication

• We recommend using Truely eSIM which allows you to easily and cheaply connect to the local cell network wherever you travel - and avoid roaming charges. Truely specifically offers an option that includes all of Europe and the UK, and only costs about $10.  Click here to see how it works. 

• Messaging
• We require you to use Whatsapp for text messaging, this is what people in the UK use commonly. You can also use it for making calls on wifi.

• Wi-Fi
• Public wifi: Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free wifi. This is a great option for basic tasks such as email and text messaging.
• Apartment wifi: Your apartment will have high speed wifi that you can use for FaceTime and other messaging apps such as Whatsapp, iMessage, Zoom.
• Download Offline Maps and Apps: Having offline maps and apps like Google Translate downloaded can be helpful if you lose signal or wifi access.Cell phone

• Local calls
• You may need to call local businesses or people. We recommend that you use Whatsapp to make local calls, and to avoid incurring international calling charges.

Dining Out

• Tipping
Not Mandatory: Unlike the US, tipping 20% in London is not expected or mandatory. However, 10% is common for travelers visiting London
Small Gestures: If you had a great experience, a small tip of a few pounds or rounding up the bill is perfectly acceptable.
Check for Service Charge: Some restaurants might include a service charge of 10% on the bill. Look for this before leaving an additional tip.

• Restaurant Reservations
Fine Dining & Popular Spots: For Michelin-starred restaurants or highly-rated establishments, reservations are strongly recommended long in advance of your intended dining date, especially for dinner. These places can fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist season (March-November).
Casual Eateries: Reservations are highly advisable. London restaurants tend to be busy and any group larger than 4 usually requires prior notice.
Making Reservations: The most common apps for making reservations are Open Table TheFork, however, many restaurants still take reservations the old fashioned way - with a phone call!
Most restaurants in London have websites where you can book a table online.
For tips on where to eat, you can check out the following website’s, https://londontheinside.com/map/exhibitions-2/

Fitness & Health

• Gyms & Yoga
TenHealthand Fitness - Reformer and classical pilates classes. A 5 min. walk from Fenman House
The Wellbeing Project - Yoga Classes: Offering various styles of yoga, including Vinyasa, Hatha, and Restorative Yoga. Gym Classes: While their focus is more on wellness and mind-body practices, they do have some fitness-oriented sessions like Pilates and core-strengthening classes. Vibe: Holistic, calming, and focused on mental well-being as much as physical fitness. 10 min walk from Fenman house
ClassPass - Is an app that allows you to book classes and experiences anywhere in London.
You are able to book a HIIT class, unwind with a massage in a gym or stream a yoga class to your apartment .https://classpass.com/about
 

Pharmacies and Hospital

Optional Tours

• Big Ben to St Pauls Cathedral

• Buckingham Palace and the Royal Park Tours

• Windsor Palace day trip from London