Changing seasons: Autumnal walks in London

By Vanessa Teo

Come autumn, as the leaves turn and an earthy hue spreads over the city, temperatures drop and London becomes a new city. It is many Londoners’ favourite season and it’s not surprising, as the months of October through November and into December, see stunning sunsets and cool sunny days – perfect for sightseeing in London and enjoying the city at (arguably) its finest. We thought you’d want to enjoy the new season with a walk through London for a true sense of the changing landscape. Here are some of our favourite places to go to really experience autumn in the city: Kew Gardens One of West London’s leafiest retreats, Kew Gardens is a wonderful place to go to experience autumnal London. As London’s Royal Botanical Gardens, it is home to the world’s largest range of species within in 121 hectares and is the perfect sanctuary to experience the changing season. The tree top walk will give you an unparalleled aspect of the browning leaves and winter plants; and you can also explore the vast arboretum with its changing trees. If you’ve got kids, Kew is a great place to go conker hunting and stock up for the winter season. Bring wellies and splash around the fallen leaves for some innocent autumn fun. The lake comes into its own in autumn as the ducks, dragonflies and swans enjoy the still, flat water and cooler temperatures. Even if it’s raining there are plenty of glasshouses and cafes to seek shelter in - plus, the cakes they make are pretty good, too! River Thames Our winding River Thames is a great place to go for a quiet stroll and a spot of sightseeing. As it spans the whole width of London, you can be sure to get a unique perspective of the city from any every. Starting at Battersea you can even walk all the way to Greenwich (if you have the stamina!) but one of our favourite walks is along the Southbank, where you can walk from Tate Britain and Mi5 offices near Vauxhall Bridge, along past the Houses of Parliament to see Big Ben in all its glory. A little further down the river you’ll come to the main hub of activity as street performers and entertainers are vying for your attention; here you can enjoy the smell of roasted chestnuts and wrap up warm against the backdrop of Westminster (a great place for a selfie). Past Southbank, up towards Bankside, you’ll pass the beach and independent quay where you can warm up with a steaming mug of coffee or even some mulled wine in the really cold months. If you’re after some more culture, carry on to the Tate Modern for some contemporary and modern art – one of London’s finest galleries and great for expanding your mind. Greenwich One of East London’s most popular boroughs, especially in the autumn, Greenwich is a haven for Londoners and tourists alike who want to explore local London. Greenwich Park, on the hill, is great for a verdant stroll and a hit with joggers and dog walkers. One of the least crowded parks, it’s a great option for a bit of peace and quiet, out of the city. Head to the river where you can see the Cutty Sark and marvel at the old naval ship, as well as other Old Royal Naval College and Gardens and National Maritime Museum. With a past steeped in maritime history it’s great for those who want to learn about this 19th century tea clipper and to walk among the cobbled streets of this quaint area. We recommend you stop off at the best pub in Greenwich, the Gipsy Moth pub, too, for one of their special home brews (potato vodka!) to warm up and indulge in a Sunday Roast at the weekend. With a view overlooking the historic ship, you can’t beat it as a place to rest up and fill up. Enjoy London with The London Pass and make huge savings and discounts from the outset. Add on a Travelcard to make life even easier - find out more, here.

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The Royal Naval College in Greenwich, South London.
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South London Attractions

South London is the catch-all term employed for much of the area ‘sarf’ of the River Thames, a mystical zone where West End cabbies fear to tread and where the cool kids hang out at trendy Peckham and Brixton cocktail bars. It’s also where you’ll find fab London landmarks like the Crystal Palace Park dinosaurs, Brockwell Lido, and the fascinating Horniman Museum with its famously overstuffed walrus mascot. Read on for our pick of the South London attractions you should go out of your way to see. Greenwich There are a great many attractions to tempt day trippers to ultra-hip Greenwich, the historic village that sits on a sharp bend of the Thames’s south bank. Chief among these are the Cutty Sark, Royal Museums and Royal Observatory, but there’s loads more to enjoy here. Shop the cute Greenwich Market (and sample some of the wonderful street food here while you’re at it); take in fine city views from Greenwich Park; and check out the latest contemporary art, fashion and photography from local artists at the NOW Gallery. But, most of all, don’t miss the chance to take a stroll beneath the Thames itself, via the awesome Greenwich Foot Tunnel. This marvel of early 20th-century engineering is 1,215 feet of cast-iron, concrete and white-glazed tiles, set 50 feet beneath the surface of the river. Emerge at the southern tip of the Isle of Dogs for spellbinding views back across the Thames to the Royal Observatory. The Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs Named for the huge glass structure that was relocated here from Hyde Park following the Great Exhibition in 1851 (but sadly now long gone), Crystal Palace Park is a typical Victorian pleasure garden that retains many of its playful original features and quirks. Case in point: the much-loved crumbling dinosaur sculptures that bask in and around the lake. What these beautiful beasts lack in realism they more than make up for in charm, with the high camp of the megalosaurus proving a particular highlight. Fill your boots with fun selfies then stroll the park’s curvaceous lanes, taking in replica sphinxes, haunted statues, a cool maze, and Crystal Palace Bowl, the legendary outdoor venue where Bob Marley played his last ever UK gig. Horniman Museum and Gardens It’s a truth universally acknowledged that London’s smaller museums are often its most interesting. The Horniman proves the theory by way of a fascinating collection of some 350,000 anthropological artifacts that includes Asian puppets, European wind instruments, Navajo textiles and more. Equally eye-popping is the natural history section, where the menagerie of taxidermy beasts of yore includes the overstuffed walrus that is the museum’s emblem. He’s been around since 1901– that's as long as the museum itself. Look out too for the ‘Horniman merman’ – truly the stuff of nightmares. Brockwell Lido Swimming outdoors at all times of year is a peculiar pastime of South Londoners, with the hardiest of swimmers frequenting the iconic Brockwell Lido right through the depths of winter. Let’s be clear: this art-deco South London landmark is a) open-air and b) unheated, so you might want to consider visiting in the somewhat sultrier summer months, rather than during a January blizzard. Though, boy, nothing will earn you the right to that post-dip hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows) faster than a 40°F dip in your smalls. Brixton Village Brixton’s bright lights and eye-candy street art will have your camera popping the second you step off the Tube. Pay homage at the shrine to Brixton boy David Bowie, then follow the huge neon sign down Electric Avenue to Brixton Village, humming the classic Eddy Grant hit as you go. Inside this covered foodie mecca, trains thunder overhead and the heady aromas of jerk chicken and freshly roasted coffee intermingle. Roll the dice and take your pick from – deep breath – artisan pizza, belly-busting burritos, dirty burgers, Vietnamese street food and more. But the smart money here goes on colorful modern Caribbean cuisine: curried mutton roti, cod fish fritters, fried plantain and spicy rice for the win. Dulwich Picture Gallery Housed in a Grade II-listed early 19th-century building designed by Regency architect Sir John Soane, Dulwich Picture Gallery packs a quite extraordinary punch for its relatively diminutive size. For inside this South London gem is where you’ll find one of the country’s finest collections of Old Masters, some 600 pieces with a focus on French, Italian and Spanish Baroque art and British portraits from the Tudor era to the 19th Century. Rembrandt, Canaletto, Gainsborough, Rubens and Constable provide some of the best wow moments. Nunhead Cemetery The second-largest and arguably most impressive of London’s Magnificent Seven Victorian cemeteries, Nunhead promises 52 acres of haunting landscape for tombstone tourists to explore. Think grand, vine-clad memorials to the great and good of 19th and 20th Century London, including inventors, engineers, MPs and music hall legends of the Victorian era. As woodland has encroached on the cemetery over the years, so too has the native wildlife. Arrive at just the right twilight hour for spooky sightings of tawny owls, pipistrelle bats and urban foxes. Maltby Street Market One of London’s cooler but lesser-known markets, Bermondsey’s Maltby Street is the kind of place to arrive hungry and leave with a great big sourdough cheese toastie-induced smile across your face. There are cool street food stalls galore at this weekend market, which takes place beneath soaring Victorian railway arches, providing the perfect backdrop to your next set of IG food shots. Try waffles with fried buttermilk chicken, Venezuelan rainbow arepas and black pudding scotch eggs for the win, then hit up Bermondsey’s nearby ‘beer mile’ to sample some of the coolest craft ales in town, fresh from the brewery taprooms. Streatham Rookery South London attractions don’t come much more manicured than Streatham Rookery. Set within Streatham Common, this hidden gem is one of the city’s finest formal gardens, its cascading terraces crammed with ornamental hedges, lily-covered ponds, stone sundials and vibrant beds of wildflowers and herbaceous plants. Grab a mini picnic from the café and find yourself a quiet nook to watch the birds, bees and butterflies flitting among the plants and trees. You might even be lucky enough to catch an open-air theatrical performance here in summer. Save on Activities and Attractions in London Save on admission to London attractions with The London Pass. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
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How to Be An Eco-Friendly Tourist in London

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, with around 30 million visitors every year. But whether you’re coming from afar to experience all the city has to offer, or you’re one of the 8 million people who call it home, it’s worth being mindful of waste and the environment. (We already have enough pigeons. We don’t need any more). That’s why we’ve come up with some easy ways on how to be an eco-friendly tourist in London. 6 Ways to Be An Eco-Friendly Tourist in London Hotels can be green too When looking for a place to stay, keep an eye out for eco-minded hotels. So that even when you’re maxing out your fun of the city, you can be sure you’re minimising your impact on the planet, without even lifting a finger. But really, wherever you’re staying, ward off nosy neighbours and save the world by switching lights off. And if you’re lucky enough to have air con, make sure to turn it before you go exploring. Finally, don't use a different towel to dry every limb, one is quite enough, and avoid having long showers. Shorter showers are better for power. Black bin, green bin We all know that recycling can be a bit of a minefield. So many bins, so many possibilities. Never fear, we’re here to tell you that green is good. That’s the recycling bin, and handily, most packaging in the UK has numbers on them to let you know if they can be recycled. Look out for the numbers 1 and 2 on the underside of the packaging. These mean you can safely and confidently throw them in the green bin. Just don’t forget to rinse them out before you do. There’s nothing worse than finding a stray baked bean nestled in your recycled coffee cup. Again. Be thirsty for the environment With so much to explore in England’s capital, you’ll need to quench your thirst at some point. If you want to stay hydrated on the move, be sure to pack a reusable bottle and coffee cup for those ice-cold lattes. Trust us, it gets pretty warm on the tube. And if you’ve thought ahead and brought your own lunch, pack some cutlery too. Single-use knives and forks are notoriously bad for the environment, and they’re frankly pretty rubbish at picking up anything besides a slice of cucumber. Strength in (smaller) numbers If you’re looking to tour any number of the cultural delights London has to offer, we wouldn’t blame you. When you're looking at how to be an eco-friendly tourist in London, be mindful that before you join a tour, group size matters. Why? Not because people are the worst, but because smaller groups tend to have a smaller impact on the environment. So always ask what the size of the group is before joining, and if the groups are too big, just wait for a smaller group to come along. Remember - be wise. Downsize. Let’s get digital With so much to do and see, you’re going to need lots of tickets, passes and wristbands. But juggling all of these every day will be an absolute nightmare. The ancient proverb states that if the wind blows your ticket away, it’ll ruin your whole day. It does! But fear not - it’s 2019. Who needs tickets, when you have a phone? And with The London Pass’ mobile sightseeing pass, you can visit over 80 of London’s top attractions like the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey, all with a quick flash of your phone. Totes fantastic And when your day of fun is at an end, you’ll likely be lugging around your fair share of Big Ben statues, British flags and Spice Girls memorabilia. That’s an awful lot to carry in your two human hands now, isn’t it? But wait! Don’t reach for the evil plastic bag. Go tote-ally plastic-free with a tote bag. They’ve got enough room to carry around all your essentials like water (in a reusable bottle, remember) and some sweet sunglasses, with more than enough room for all that pride you’ll feel for staying sustainable. And for the fashion-conscious, there are even some with inspiring messages on them like ‘Don’t Look At Me’. Very cool. These are just some of the ways you can go green while sightseeing in London. Are there any we missed? We'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments below. And if you want to know all the places you can be a conscientious tourist AT, check out the best places to go this summer.
Dom Bewley
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World Bicycle Day: Best Mountain Bike Trails & Bike Trails

If you are an avid bike lover, World Bicycle Day is the perfect day to get out and find the best mountain bike trails in London, New York and Paris. And the benefits of getting out on the trails are vast. Not only does it allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and weather around you, cycling encourages: A cognitive boost - Researchers at Illinois University found a 15% improvement in mental testing from a a 5% increase in fitness from cycling. What's more, it boosts blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which activates and regenerates receptors. This explains how exercise helps ward off Alzheimer’s. Stress and anxiety reduction - Exercising boosts serotonin. This neurotransmitter helps prevent depression and anxiety. While the vigorous demands of mountain biking stimulate natural endorphins - a feel-good chemical. A better physique - We all know that defined leg muscles and tighter glutes are a benefit of cycling. But mountain biking also strengthens your abs and core through the effort it takes to stay upright. Climbing and manoeuvring also strengthens your arms. As biking is also a low impact sport it puts less stress on your joints than other popular aerobic exercises activities such as running. Sleep - cycling decreases cortisol, the stress hormone. Doing it outdoors, instead of in a gym exposes you to daylight, which helps to maintain the body’s natural circadian cycle. Just make sure you avoid riding too late. As cycling promotes the release of endorphins, you may be over-stimulated if you ride in the evening. But where should you go if you're looking for something a bit out of the ordinary? There are thousands of mountain bike trails and bike trails throughout the world. And if you live in a major city like London, New York, or Paris, head out of the city to experience the beauty of one of these top tier bike trails. Each of these trails provides something unique and exciting for all skill levels. Trail blazers - bike trails Sunrise Ride at Grand Army Plaza - US Yes, you can take this ride at any time of the day, but it truly becomes something spectacular if you head out to take in the sunrise. It begins in Grand Army Plaza (Brooklyn) right at the northern tip of Prospect Park, passing Fort Tilden. Take this to Bedford Avenue and ride through some of the most beautiful, and often under-experienced neighbourhoods in Brooklyn. Along the way, you'll pass Brooklyn College and arrive at Sheepshead Bay. Time it right and you'll be able to see the morning boats departing the dock. Riding over Jamaican Bay in the morning is stunning and allows you to lean into the cooling breeze. This ride is longer at 27 miles, but it's not hilly, which makes for a comfortable ride. Plus, it isn't as busy as some of the other trails and parks throughout New York, which gifts you a sunrise to enjoy, virtually undisturbed. Ocean Parkway - US Ocean Parkway makes the list of top bike tours in New York City because it was the first actual bike path in the entire United States. Created in 1894, it is seven miles long and travels down Ocean Parkway, beginning (again) at Prospect Park and heading out to Coney Island Beach. This path is away from pedestrians and a shorter route. Plus, it ends at Coney Island, so make sure to stop off for a hot dog or a ride. Tamsin Trail - US Fancy an easy trail in London? The Tamsin Trail is perfect as it is 12km and an easier trail that has plenty of built-in stops. There are also a lot of ice cream shops, so if you want to go on a leisurely bike ride in the summer heat, this is the place to be. The Tamsin Trail is London's largest royal park, so you'll be riding through a stunning spectacle of nature, so enjoy the fawn (yes, you may spot a deer or two) and flora. If this path is too easy, hop off and take the National Cycle Route 4's hill climb. This will really work your legs, and is one of the most recognised bike paths in all of London. Westminster Bridge to Box Hill - UK This is a longer path of 42km. It's also more of a challenge, so only tackle this bike path if you've been riding road bikes for a while now. In fact, the "Zig Zag Road" portion of the path was part of the 2012 Olympic road cycling route. However, if you do take this longer trail it is well worth it for the views. The trail heads out of London along Richmond Park. You can take the hill, but with this path there's no need to. You'll hit plenty of hills during the path and it's best to not expend your energy at the beginning, as beyond Richmond Park you'll pass Hampton Court Palace and ride into Surrey. When you hit Box Hill you'll climb 120 meters over about the next 2 kilometres. Stop at the base of Box Hill and grab some refreshments at National Trust Cafe - a nice little spot to relax before you set off home. Stalingrad to Bois de Vincennes - France There are plenty of fantastic bicycle paths in and around Paris, so you'll have your pick. However, one of the best is Stalingrad to Bois de Vincennes. You'll start off at Canal Saint-Martin and head past Bastille as you take a left just after Opera Bastille. You'll take this until you hit Viaduc de Arts. You will need to carry your bike up the Promenade Plantee stairs, which gives you a fantastic view from the overpass. You'll then take your bike and finish at Bois de Vincennes. Thankfully, there will be plenty of chocolate shops along the way if you're feeling like rewarding yourself for this bike ride. Rough riders - mountain bike trails Lippman Park - US A proud community asset to the Town of Wawarsing with a name that means "where the stream bends". Lippman Park is a well-maintained mountain bike trail for intermediate to advanced riders, with a singletrack of 14 miles and 301 ft elevation. This beautiful area features a park that plays host to both open and woodland areas, so be sure to stop off to relax once you're done. And look out for the brewery near the park's entrance. Jura Mountains - France The Jura Mountains, with its cool green pine forests, secret landscapes and immutable topography. It's the perfect place to get your adrenaline and your Zen, all in one go. The well-marked and maintained routes feature challenging and varied terrain to suit all levels. Find flatter terrain further south if you're a fledgling rider. Follow the trail out of the trees, to the Grande Traversée du Jura to enjoy stunning meadow-scapes, or if technical difficulty is your thing, the northern section skirts the Doubs gorge. Epping Forest - UK Just outside of London, Epping Forest is known for its varied and, let's be honest, muddy, mountain bike trails. The route is 95 per cent off-road and 90 per cent singletrack. The highest point is located at Pole Hill, at 91 metres. But be wary: navigation can be difficult due to the trail being largely unmapped. But you’ll never be far from a road or a landmark. The trail is never more than 4km wide and 19km long. Epping Forest is near several car parks located at the edge of the woods. Look out for the free weekend parking on the residential streets. These are just some of the few bike tours to consider for World Bicycle Day if you live in London, New York or Paris. Don't fancy leaving the city? No problem. Celebrate World Bicycle Day by taking a London bike tour! That and a number of other top London attractions are free with The London Pass.
Suz Pathmanathan

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