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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Colorful houses in the Portobello Road area of Notting Hill, West London.
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West London Attractions

Ah, West London. So good the Pet Shop Boys wrote a song about its neon-lit nightlife. So nebulous that even long-term West Londoners will squabble about where it actually begins and ends. Some say it’s pretentious and aloof; others would argue that’s in fact West London is the city’s coolest, most laid back quarter. Whichever way you shake it, something most Londoners will grudgingly agree is that West London’s attractions are among the very best in town. Our whistlestop guide counts down 10 of the must-visits, including historic theaters, upmarket department stores, epic palaces and some of the city’s finest green spaces. Dive in! The West End Move over Broadway, London’s West End is the finest theater district on the planet and no mistake! Just south of Soho, the iconic Shaftesbury Avenue snakes from Piccadilly Circus to Cambridge Circus and boasts several theaters on and around it. Theater-goers scurry expectantly beneath the neon lights, off for an evening of world-class entertainment at historic playhouses including the Apollo, Lyric, Gielgud and Palace. Here’s where you can catch Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, or thrill to relative newcomers like Wicked, Matilda and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. You can experience the world’s longest continuously running show just off the main drag, opposite the legendary Ivy restaurant. Agatha Christie’s evergreen whodunnit The Mousetrap has been playing here at St. Martin’s Theatre for half a century of its epic 70-something year run. South Kensington Museums South Ken’s ‘big three’ have enough eye-popping exhibits to keep even the most jaded museum-goer entertained for hours at a time. We’re talking the Natural History Museum, where no fewer than 80 million objects – including ancient ammonites, dino skeletons and meteorites – chart the entire history of our planet. Hop just next door to the wonderful Science Museum to have your mind blown by the wonders of modern technology (Apollo 10 command module, anyone?) and don’t miss the eye-popping V&A if it’s art, design and fashion through the ages that float your particular boat. Hyde Park One of West London’s most popular green spaces, Hyde Park is a fine choice if you’re in the market for a picnic or gentle stroll. There’s plenty to admire on a perambulation of its 350 acres, too. Pay homage at the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and feast your eyes on cutting-edge contemporary art at the Serpentine Galleries either side of the lake that ssssnakes through the park. You can ogle the manicured gardens at Kensington Palace at the park’s westernmost point while, between November and January, the enormous Winter Wonderland event occupies the southeast corner, all thrill rides, craft stalls and the festive scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifting on the air. Harrods Not just a department store but a landmark in its own right, the hallowed halls of Harrods in swanky Knightsbridge are a mecca for shopaholics and IG addicts alike. Sure, the price of that snakeskin handbag would make an heiress’s eyes water, but there’s nothing stopping you indulging in a little window shopping, right? A traditional English afternoon tea complete with cucumber sandwiches, scones and Earl Grey is available in the lavish tea rooms upstairs for the princely sum of £70 per person. Pinkies at the ready... Kew Gardens West London attractions don’t come much more relaxing than the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, where rainbows of wildflowers and gentle strolls among towering trees are the order of the day. Admire exotic tropical plants and endangered species in the soaring Victorian glasshouses, tour the Great Broad Walk’s swoonsome borders and let the kids go wild on the Treetop Walkway. Head for heights? Experience a natural high atop the 18th-century Great Pagoda, a Chinoiserie confection with epic views across the gardens to London beyond. Royal Albert Hall Only one of the most iconic concert halls on the planet, the Royal Albert Hall has played host to more legends than you can shake a conductor’s baton at since its opening (by Queen Victoria, no less) in 1871. We’re talking some of the most powerful voices of the last century, among them Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra and Liza Minelli. Muhammed Ali fought here, Winston Churchill gave speeches here, Albert Einstein campaigned here. And the list goes on. Take a tour or, better still, book a seat to see some of today’s biggest stars strut their stuff inside this West London landmark. Richmond Park The largest Royal Park in London, Richmond is also one of the wildest, its herds of some 650 free-roaming deer being one of this vast green space's main attractions. As well as saying hey to the abundant wildlife, you can explore ancient woodlands, fill your IG feed with color thanks to the Isabella Plantation’s dazzling display of pink, mauve and purple azaleas, and take in views as far as St Paul’s Cathedral from atop King Henry’s Mound, a prehistoric burial chamber that dates back to the Bronze Age. Portobello Road Notting Hill's buzzy bric-a-brac market is manna for trinket-hunters – and photographers. Snap selfies in front of the candy-colored houses and traditional storefronts that line the street before getting down to some good old-fashioned rummaging. Market stall wares run the gamut from souvenir tat like replica London street signs and miniature red phone boxes to one-off retro fashions, antique silverware and boxes of vintage vinyl records. Pause for refueling (and to survey the spoils of your spree) at any one of dozens of fine brunch spots along this vibrant stretch. Hogarth’s House This unassuming country house in Chiswick was once home to a titan of English painting and engraving. Yep, the clue’s in the name. Perhaps best known for his moralizing Pilgrim’s Progress, Rake’s Progress and Gin Lane pieces, William Hogarth lived here in West London during his twilight years in the mid-18th Century. Inside, you can wander through the rooms he lived and worked in and explore a large selection of his work. Don’t miss the mulberry tree in the garden, which has stood here since Hogarth’s time. Hampton Court Palace In spite of its somewhat bloody history (particularly under Henry VIII), Hampton Court presents as very much the fairytale palace, all crenelated Tudor towers and storybook brick chimneys. There’s stacks to see and do here at this most westerly of West London attractions. See the world’s oldest grapevine (250 years and counting, fact fans!) and get lost in the epic yew-hedge maze, which has been bamboozling visitors (and palace staff) for centuries. Inside, there’s an extraordinary medieval feasting hall, and a gallery said to be haunted by the screaming (and presumably headless) ghost of one Catherine Howard. Don’t miss the ostentatious Astronomical Clock, a 15-foot-tall mechanical marvel built at the behest of (who else?) Henry VIII, and the Chapel Royal, an extraordinary example of 16th-century baroque architecture, complete with fine Tudor timber ceiling. 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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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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London Holiday Checklist for Families

Where to go, what to see & what to bring - plan ahead with our comprehensive holiday checklist for families when visiting London. London is a great city to visit as a family, with things to do for both adults and kids. There are plenty of fun attractions to keep children entertained - and adults are sure to enjoy themselves too. The London Pass has created a guide just for families, from which attractions to visit to how to navigate London’s public transport with kids in tow. Top tips for families Travel Travelling in London can be quite intimidating at first but there are tips and tricks to help get you from A to B - with no hassle. Downloading public transport information apps is very useful - enter where you want to go and let your phone do your work for you. Transport apps are convenient for when you’re not sure if you should walk, take the bus, underground or taxi. The apps will let you know the quickest, cheapest and most convenient way of travelling. To use the bus and underground, you will need an Oyster Card. Top up at the start of the trip and pay as you go. If you have any credit left over at the end of your holiday, you can get a refund - for credit under £10 use any machine, for more than £10 visit a Travel Information desk at larger stations. And remember: kids under 11 travel for free, and up to four children can travel with one adult for free. If you are travelling by underground, try to avoid rush hour between 7:30am - 9:30am and 5:00pm - 7:00pm. If you have to travel during these times, the buses should be less crowded. If you’re travelling with a pushchair, check which stations have step-free access for hassle-free travel. For more in-depth travel advice, check out The London Pass’ travel tips. Packing On a day out in London, it is crucial to pack the essentials - nobody wants to trek back to the hotel to get something forgotten. A simple checklist would include gear to combat London’s weather, and depending on the season you should bring along: an umbrella, raincoat, gloves, hat, scarf, suncream, sunhat and sunglasses. Pack jumpers to layer up and always carry a spare pair of socks in case you’re caught in the rain or someone is tempted to jump in puddles. A must-pack item has to be a London map. If your phone runs out of battery or you’re stuck without WiFi, use an old school map to figure out how to get where you need to be. On that note, packing a small digital camera means that you won’t be stuck without any holiday snaps should your phone let you down. It might be worth bringing along a portable charger and making sure you can use your mobile in the UK to avoid any phone-related problems. When you’re out and about in the city, try to split your items into a couple of bags rather than carrying one big bag - some attractions and museums don’t let bigger bags in, and there might not always be a cloakroom. It’s important to stay hydrated when travelling, especially during the summer - the underground can get hot. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and ask to fill it at any cafe or restaurant, and keep an eye out for London’s public water fountains. Top 10 places to visit with kids in London The theatre When in London, you have to see a West End show. An evening at the theatre isn’t just for grown-ups - there are plenty of kid-friendly musicals showing in London right now. Take the kids to see Lion King, Aladdin or Matilda - you’ll be singing and dancing all the way home. Use The London Pass to get discounted tickets. The zoo If Lion King inspires you to see some real big cats, head to London Zoo. Kids will love getting up close to the penguins, walking through the monkey enclosure and standing among hundreds of butterflies. There is so much to see and do in London Zoo, the only question is which animal are you going to see first? Museums Who said museums are boring? At The Science Museum kids will learn all about space and engineering, in a fun and interactive way. Entry to the museum is free, but if you use The London Pass, you will have entry to their IMAX cinema included. While you’re in the area, go next door to the free Natural History Museum. Experience what an earthquake feels like, visit the world’s largest collection of coloured diamonds, and see a dinosaur up close. Historical buildings Kids will love discovering the gory history of the Tower of London. Unravel the mystery of the missing princes, gaze down at the infamous Traitor’s Gate and see the extraordinary crown jewels. After the Tower of London, head next door to the Tower Bridge Exhibition. Challenge yourself to walk across the glass floor - are you brave enough to look down? Interactive walkthrough experiences Children will love meeting the beloved characters from Shrek as they try to save the ogre himself in Shrek’s Adventure. Travel to Far Far Away on a 4D bus, meet Puss in Boots and rescue Pinocchio - all in a day’s work. For older kids, the London Bridge Experience might be more up their street. Discover the dark history of London - from witches to Jack the Ripper - before heading through The Tombs - an interactive scare maze. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but don’t worry - ask for a Guardian Angel tour for children under 11. Go up high See the city from a new perspective on the London Eye. Visit one of the most iconic London landmarks to get a view of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Thames and Southbank. For another view, head up 800 feet at The Shard. Kids will love looking down at the city from so high up - London won’t seem so big! Learn more about the Shard with our travel guide.
Seren Morris

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