Venere Travel Blog» London

Greenwich Fan Museum

Anita Choudhary — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:25 +0000

There's a museum for everything in London. There's a toy museum, a Victorian School museum (which frankly scares the berjeezers out of me) and sometimes even an insect circus museum. But there's only one fan museum. In fact, it's the only one in the world. And it's in South East London's prettiest spot: Greenwich.

Top Five Honeymoon Destinations of Europe

Anita Choudhary — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:00:57 +0000

Although it is a matter of personal choice, not every international honeymooning couple wants to visit the US. Nor does every newly married couple in the US want to visit the Caribbean or South Pacific regions that are currently so popular. Here are 5 cities in Europe that are still popular destinations and options that can’t miss for a honeymoon.

The London Festival 2012

Will Joce — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:00:18 +0000

For all practical purposes, the London Festival is the grand finale or high point of the 4-year long Cultural Olympiad which began in 2008 this year and will include the Summer Olympic games in the city of London. It begins on the first day or summer 2012, or Midsummer’s Day as it is referred to in the UK, and concludes on September 9^th which is also the last day of the London Paralympic Games. Suffice it to say

Upcoming Music Festivals in UK 2011-2012

Will Joce — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:00:43 +0000

The United Kingdom is well recognized as one of the world’s major tourist destinations. However, while so many international visitors tend to focus primarily on the city of London and its many historical landmarks and other structures, they are missing some of the best music festivals that the UK has to offer. Not only are there a large number of these music festivals, they cover just about every music genre imaginable.

Planning to Attend “Relentless Freeze Festival”?

Will Joce — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:00:09 +0000

If you are looking for a unique theme for an end of October holiday or vacation, you might want to consider the Relentless Energy Drink’s Freeze Festival held in Battersea, London during the last weekend of October. Formerly known as “London Freeze”, the Freeze Festival is the UK’s ultimate music and snow festival that is held in the Battersea Power Station of London. It is a sports competition involving the best skiers and snowboarders in the world and a line-up of musicians to match.

First-Timers Guide to the Ice-Sculpting Festival in London

Grace A. — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:00:38 +0000

The city of London, England is well known for its attractions, diverse cultures, history, many landmarks, and its pubs. However, what most visitors to the city oftentimes overlook or just miss altogether is the Ice Sculpting Festival that attracts some of the best ice artists from around the world. It is usually held every January when London’s weather is at its coldest in Canada Square Park at Canary Wharf. This coming January, 2012 will be the 4^th annual Ice Sculpting Festival.

Lesser Known Museums in England

Fiona Lapham — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:00:16 +0000

Whether you are vacationing on the Isle of Wight, exploring London for a week or two, or venturing to the northernmost point of Northumbria, there is much to see and do in England. Known for its colorful history from ancient Roman times to the present, England’s landscape is dotted with an abundance of castles and museums to display the historical past of this once magnificent world power. The following museums in the greater London area are some of the lesser known museums in England worth visiting.

Free Events at London Olympic Games 2012

Will Joce — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:57:01 +0000

London has for months now been gripped by the drama of the Olympic tickets. This has been made all the more exciting due to the inexplicable bidding system where people have paid for their tickets, often many hundreds of pounds, before they have been told which events they will be seeing. All this means that if you haven’t planned ahead you are unlikely to get tickets to the 2012 Olympics unless you are willing to pay very large amounts of money for them. However, there are several events within the competition that are free to watch and many other concerts and performances around London that visitors can take part in to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Pub theatres in London

Mhairi Dewar — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:00:18 +0000

With hordes of tourists, over-priced tickets and endless Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals, you could be forgiven for thinking that London’s theatre scene has lost its cultural edge. But there is a thriving fringe of dynamic and innovative theatre, in England's capital, taking place in hidden away venues across the city every night. Hip, happening and hugely entertaining, some of the most cutting edge drama and comedy can be found in rooms above the capital’s pubs.

Top 5 Tips When Visiting London

Will Joce — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:00:55 +0000

London, United Kingdom is a great place to visit and many millions of tourists arrive each year to experience the fantastic mix of the stately and historic with the stylish and modern. The city does have its problems, however, but ones that can be avoided or minimised by those in the know by following some simple advice.

Best Cheese Shops in London

Sian Meades — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:00:49 +0000

I caught onto the whole cheese thing a little late. Really late actually. I used to hate it. Then slowly, after some rather weak cheeses, I eased myself into it and realised just how tasty it can be. I'm powerless before a good brie. I'll fight you for it. I feel like I've missed out on so much cheese goodness, but now I get to try all of the really great cheese destinations in London.

Top 5 Fairytale Castles in England

Lisa Fantino — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:00:46 +0000

You will find that every king prefers his own realm and every princess her own version of a fairytale castle. Yet, in a country where knights and ladies of the realm are a rich part of the nation’s tapestry, it’s often difficult to select favorites. However, here’s a list of the Top 5 Fairytale Castles of England.

London Camden Crawl

Sian Meades — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 17:00:39 +0000

The London Borough of Camden is one of several that comprise the central part of the city. In addition to the borough, there is also Camden Town which is an inner city district of it and the central neighborhood as well. Always a popular destination for both locals and vacationers, the borough and Camden Town are rich in history as well as entertainment venues worth attending. This is especially the case if you’re a fan of music as it is the site of London’s Camden Crawl.

Camden Passage in London

Sian Meades — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:00:25 +0000

Angel, a district in London, is full of little secret places, but by far the most interesting part of the area is Camden Passage. A higgledy-piggledy haven of market stalls, independent shops and cute little bars. Things change quickly around here. One minute there's a guy selling vintage shoes, the next he's moved on a there's lots of vintage crockery in his place. But there are a few permanent features that deserve a mention. Here's a little rundown of my favourite places:

The Elk in the Woods is a stunning little wine bar. A little bit rustic (expect your food to be served on a wooden chopping board) but if you can get yourself a seat outside, you'll be very lucky. Grab a bottle and watch the world go by. Frae is a tasty frozen yogurt place. Everything is organic and under about 200 calories - even with the chocolate sprinkles. It almost tastes like ice cream. Looking for something with more calories? Paul A Young is the place in the area to buy your chocolates. It's often regarded as the best chocolate shop in London, so pop in and check it out.

3 Daytrips from London with Kids

Satu Rommi — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:00:23 +0000

Three easy, family-friendly daytrips from London: Legoland in Windsor, the Leeds Castle and seaside fun in Brighton.

The Legoland in Windsor

The Legoland in Windsor is a 150-acre theme park, aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 12. There are more than 50 interactive rides including the Vikings’ River Splash and the Pirate Falls Dynamite Drench, and dozens of attractions.

The Perfect Way to Spend Valentine’s Day in London

Will Joce — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:00:08 +0000

London’s reputation as a city of global prominence doesn’t usually include romance. However, in recent years visitors have been discovering a city that can offer as much atmosphere and charm as young couples are willing to find under its many layers. Here is a guide on how to get the most out of a romantic day in London.

Start with a relaxing brunch either in your hotel in London or one of the many riverside cafes.

How to get to central London from Gatwick Airport

Paul Crompton — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:00:49 +0000

Getting from the airport terminals of Gatwick Airport to central London may seem like a daunting task, especially for first-time travelers. But it is a lot easier than you think. There are a few different options for transportation – Gatwick Express (the quickest way), private hire transfer, easyBus, First Capital Connect trains, National Express Coach, Southern trains, or taxi.

Ice Skating in London

Satu Rommi — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:00:58 +0000

London has lots of ice skating rinks, many of them right in the heart of the city. Here are some of the best places to go ice skating in London.

Ice Skating in Hyde Park

The Winter Wonderland theme park comes to London’s Hyde Park every year before Christmas with lots of seasonal activities and a very popular ice skating rink. Hyde Park is a nice setting for skating and you can also browse the German Christmas Market, check out the Christmas Circus and enjoy a hot drink in the bar.

Speciality-Food Restaurants in London

Sian Meades — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:00:19 +0000

London's restaurants are well known for being diverse. But there are some eateries that stick to what they do best. Here are my picks for the best specialist restaurants. You just need to pick your favourite food and go.

Photo: Getty Images, Corbis

St. John

Like your meat, but want something a little bit more interesting. Then head here. They do unusual cuts and interesting parts of the pig that you wouldn't think of trying at home. Never tried duck hearts or chitterlings? Now is your chance. This is fine British food at it's best.

How to Spend Christmas in London

Sian Meades — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:00:33 +0000

Christmas in London isn't all about mayhem on Oxford Street and teenage shoppers with angry elbows. There's some great places to go for your festivities. Here's my run down of the best Christmas spots for 2010. If you're lucky, you might even get some snow.

The markets

Markets at Christmas are so much fun. You can legitimately walk around drinking booze for a start (as long as it's mulled or spiced, no one will judge you). The Christmas market along South Bank is my favourite, but Covent Garden and Greenwich Indoor Market are also lovely at this time of year. They exude Christmas spirit, and if you don't see some carol singers, you're unlucky indeed. Make sure you head to the Slow Food market as well. It starts on the 19th December at Southbank.