Dolphins in London: What you need to know
By Brian Miller
The football game on Sunday may be the reason you are in the U.K. but let’s be real here, you want to experience the U.K. as well. So get out and see what all the talk is about. From historical landmarks to English taverns you can’t go wrong!
Grab a pint!
If you are going to go to the U.K. you have to stop at one of the local pubs. And there are hundreds of them. Renowned for its dark beers and raucous atmospheres, English pubs are a mecca for beer drinkers everywhere, like Octoberfest in Germany. While pubs are plentiful don’t think you can simply cruise to one after a long day and late evening of seeing the town. London pubs tend to close earlier than in the states but the good news is they open far earlier as well. If the late night is your bag of chips then try the Smithfield neighborhood where the local pubs are open until 11:30 during the week. No worries though if you don’t have the time until the weekend. The pubs never close on Friday and Saturday night and you may need that extra ale for the game on Sunday.
The London Eye
One of the most iconic figures in the world, the London Eye is a featured attraction in London. The 30 minutes it takes to make one turn allows for a sweeping vista of London. Each glass walled capsule holds up to 25 people and travels a mere .06 miles per hour. The wheel has been a staple of motion pictures filmed in the London area and has been seen on the Amazing Race as well.
Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park
Kings, Queens, and all fashions of royalty claimed Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park as their playground. Taking your kids and wife? There is a Peter Pan statue for the kids and the wife will likely enjoy the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk and fountain. The water is cool and it’s encouraged to dip your toes into the waters so take off your shoes and have at it! Traffic here is non-existent and the park is free to the public. Located just west of central London, there is plenty to do if relaxation is your goal. Take in the white swans of the Serpentine Lido and rent a paddle boat to casually traverse the waters of the park. All told it’s a free and easy way to experience some of the British history.