LONDON’S WEST END

London is famous for its musicals which all take place in the renowned West End. However the area isn’t just well known for the stunning stage performances but also the eclectic range of shops, hotels and tourist attractions. It is one of the capital city’s most vibrant areas and should be visited for the wonderful atmosphere alone.

When people refer to London’s West End, most non-residents immediately think about the entertainment district of theatres which are situated around Leicester Square and Covent Garden but it also covers the shopping along Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street as well as the west of the City of London proper.

Travelling to and from London’s West End should be fairly straightforward and simple, especially if you are staying in a central hotel such as the Park Grand London Lancaster Gate Hotel. There are many public transport routes which pass through the area including bus, tube and of course you can always grab a taxi. The closest tube stations to the West End are Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden and Leicester Square. Depending on why you are visiting will determine which tube station is the most practical for you to travel to.

An Oyster Card is the most cost-effective way of paying for your travel around the city and Transport for London have even created a Visitor Oyster Card which can be ordered in advance of your arrival and will be delivered to your home address. The Oyster Card is a prepaid card which offers you the best rates for your journey. If you are planning to order an Oyster Card we would also recommend taking a quick look on the TfL website for their top tips on using London’s public transport. They also have a great route planner which can help you in working out the best routes from the various attractions you wish to visit whilst in the city.

Although there are many other things to do in London’s West End it is fair to say that the majority of tourists who come are coming for the theatre scene. As theatre districts go it is one of the best in the world, standing alongside the likes of Broadway in New York. With over 40 theatres, each showing their own variety of musicals, classical plays and comedies there is sure to be something which catches your interest.

  If you know which show you would like to see then it may be

worth booking your tickets well in advance to ensure that you aren’t left disappointed during your visit if it happens to be sold out. You may even wish to take advantage of the theatre break packages which can often offer good value for money. If your decision to see a show is last minute or you aren’t particularly bothered about what you see then you may wish to simply buy your tickets on the day of the performance; discount ticket booths can be found in Leicester Square and occasionally the ticket prices can be reduced by as much as 50%.

The shows in London’s West End have featured, and continue to feature, many well known international actors and these are the shows which undoubtedly sell out the quickest so be sure to check online well in advance of your visit if there is a particular show you wish to see.

For those with a real interest in the history of the West End then there are a number of guided walking tours which take place around the area, taking you back step by step through the ages right up to the present day. These tours can be very worthwhile for discovering interesting pieces of trivia which you might otherwise have missed or hidden gems which didn’t feature in your tourist guide. If you are travelling on a break with someone who is interested in the theatre then this could be a lovely surprise addition to your trip and one we are sure will be loved and appreciated.

Other top attractions in London’s West End include:-

The National Portrait Gallery; The National Gallery; Covent Garden; The Royal Academy of Arts; and London Transport Museum When it comes to shopping in the West End you will

find that you are spoiled for choice. Whether you love high street bargains or want designer tags, there is something for everyone. Oxford and Regent Street are both very well known in their own right and you will find brands such as Ralph Lauren, Topshop and Selfridges all have their flagship stores in this part of the capital city.

If you are more interested by boutique and independent stores then you will still be able to get your fill in the West End. Head to Soho and Berwick Street or why not visit the well known Liberty’s which is housed in a wonderful mock Tudor building.

For food and drink you will find a great selection, whatever budget you are working to. Soho has a great bar scene and the West End is also home to Chinatown, the Opera Quarter and more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the city. Whether you want an all you can eat buffet or fine dining, you will strike lucky in this part of London.

  As well as all of the above, the other great thing about

London’s West End is the variety of special events which take place throughout the year. Many of these events are aimed at families although the real treat has got to be at Christmas when the streets are lined with lights and festive decorations.

With so much going on in London’s West End why would you want to visit anywhere else? It has ease of access, plenty of attractions to fill your time, lovely restaurants and bars and lots of shops in which to spend your hard earned money. It’s no wonder that it is reputed to have one of the best atmosphere’s out of all London’s varied and diverse areas. Why not visit and see for yourself? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed by what you discover.

CONTACT US PARK GRAND LONDON LANCASTER GATE 14-16 Craven Hill, Lancaster Gate, London, W2 3DU,

United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7262 0111Fax: +44 (0) 20 7262 7772

For any Customer Related Enquires, please contact on info@parkgrandlancastergate.co.uk