about london
how to arrive
by plane
London is very easy to reach from all over the world thanks to its vast number of airports.
The most important are listed below.
All airports are well connected with the city centre by train and bus, starting
from £5.
Visit the websites linked for more info.
Heathrow Airport - 32km (20 miles) to the west of central London. 15-20 minutes by Heathrow Express train. 50 minutes by Tube: Piccadilly line.
80 minutes by National Express bus.
Stansted Airport - 64km (40 miles) to the north-east of London.
50 minutes by Stansted Express train.
1 to 1.5 hours by National Express bus.
Gatwick Airport - 45km (28 miles) to the south of London. 30 minutes to Victoria Station by Gatwick Express train.1 to 1.5 hour by National Express bus.
Luton Airport - 56km (35 miles) to the north-west of London. 21 minutes by East Midlands train. 40 minutes by Thameslink train. 1 to 1.5 hours by National Express bus.
by train
Coming to London by train could be cheaper and faster than flying or driving, with the main train stations located in the heart of the city.
The most important that you could find useful are:
-
St Pancras International, which directly connects the city with Paris in only 2 hours, and with many other European capitals, by Eurostar trains.
Useful websites to book your trains are:
Trains are significantly cheaper if booked in advance and with a return option.
by bus
While taking a bus is slower than flying or taking the train, it is significantly cheaper. Coaches are a good option for cheap travel to London from almost anywhere in the UK or Europe.
Today's coaches are modern, comfortable and reliable.
For travellers from the UK we advise:
If you are travelling from Europe:
For more details see:
www.visitlondon.com
Janet’s top
vintage picks
E Pelicci
Ready yourself for a full days shopping with a classic english breakfast in this classic art deco cafe that opened in 1900, and was last spotted on screen in Tom Hardy’s film The Krays- be prepared to queue.
332 Bethnal Green Rd,
E2 0AG
Blackout II
Affordable, great selection from 20s-60s, and the best shop assistants in London- knowledgeable and incredibly well dressed!
51 Endell St, Covent Garden, WC2H 9AJ
Portobello Market
On friday or saturday, for the true west london experience and lots of vintage dealers- but beware high prices.
Portobello Road, 72 Tavistock Road, W11 1AN
Vivien of Holloway
Not vintage as such and more widely known for big 50’s dresses and petticoats, but it’s best kept secret is the extensive stock of 40’s style wide leg trousers- perfect for winter days and great for dancing in.
294 Holloway Rd,
N7 6NJ
Grays
If Jewellery is your thing, head downstairs at Grays to a treasure trove of bakelite and costume jewellery
58 Davies Street,
W1K 5LP
Brasserie Zedel
Finish your day shopping with a celebratory cocktail in Bar Americain at Brasserie Zedel, and treat yourself to the great value prix fixe 3 course menu in the huge art deco restaurant.
20 Sherwood St, Soho,
W1F 7ED
Dreamtime
Only open Wednesdays and weekends, this tiny shop houses the best collection of plastic/bakelite jewellery in London, plus hats, bags and 40’s-60s clothes. Owner Lynette loves novelty prints .
6 Pierrepoint Arcade,
N1 8EF
Alfies antiques
Head to Alfies antiques market to browse beautiful art deco and mid century homewares
13-25 Church St, Marylebone,
NW8 8DT
Annie’s
Beautiful 20’s beaded dresses.
*Camden passage has a vintage market every saturday, well worth browsing through, and numerous other quirky shops.
12 Islington High St,
N1 8ED
The MotherKutter
Pop across the road for a retro quiff or the perfect vintage waves or updo, courtesy of husband and wife hairdressing dream team Mr Ducktail and Miss Betty. Email for appointments.
48 Church Street,
NW8 8EP
robert's top record shops
Sounds That Swing
Super-friendly service from the super-knowledgeable owners, Neil and Martin. A mouth-watering emporium of new and second-hand LPs & 45s: R&R, R&B, C&W, RAB, Garage, Soul; my favourite shop!
88 Parkway, Camden Town
NW1 7AN
Sister Ray
Vast selection of new and second-hand LPs: R&R, R&B, Soul, Reggae
75 Berwick Street,
W1F 8TG
Music & Video Exchange
Three floors of second-hand LPs: Jazz, R&R, C&W, Blues, Soul
38 Notting Hill Gate
W11 3HX
Reckless Records
Second-hand LPs: Jazz, R&R, C&W, Blues, Soul