For first-time Tube riders a number of emotions may creep over them before embarking on their first underground pursuit; excitement at riding on London’s iconic transport infrastructure, anticipation at the thought of being underground and general confusion at trying to navigate the system. The fact is; there’s a sort of unwritten code of conduct on the Tube that savvy commuters always adhere to which ensures safety and efficiency for travellers using the underground. The best thing you can do as a newbie is read this simple guide so you don’t have “lost tourist” written across your forehead.

Underground Fares and Ticket Debunking
The London Underground can be a confusing concept to grasp in terms of fares and tickets. Firstly, you need to establish which zones you will be travelling in; Tube tickets are priced according to how many zones you will cross and how many single journeys you will make in a day.

For example, a daily travel card for zones 1-3 (off-peak) costs £7.70 and enables you to make unlimited journeys within those zones, whereas a single journey within those zones costs £4.30. So if you intend to make more than one trip within those zones you may be best purchasing a travel card.

Alternatively, you can purchase an Oyster Card which basically entitles you to cheaper fares on any mode of public transport in zoned London areas. For example, the regular zone 1-3 single fare would £4.30 as mentioned before, but with an Oyster Card would only be £2.60. If you made various journeys within zones 1-3 your Oyster Card would stop charging you once it hits the daily cap (which is the equivalent price of the daily travel card). It also allows you to top up Pay as You Go style in Tube and train stations as well as at a large number of off licences.

You can also load railcards onto your Oyster Card for further savings; you get an extra 34% off single and daily price caps so it’s definitely worth utilising! You can load a railcard onto your Oyster by visiting any train or Tube, London Overground and certain national rail ticket offices.

Navigating the System
Before even thinking about getting on the Tube it’s highly recommended that you have a look at the Tube map and plan your journey as best you can before setting out. Certain lines only run through certain stations, so you may be required to change lines at particular stations to reach your intended destination.

If you have a smartphone then it’s definitely worth downloading the Tube Map App, not only is it convenient to have on your person at all times but it also calculates your journeys for you! If you put your starting point and intended destination it will pick the most efficient route, informing you of any changes required and providing you with an estimated journey time. Of course if you do get lost there are plenty of Underground staff on hand to help you find your way.

If you’re planning to travel via Tube at the weekend then allow extra time for your journey. The Underground often suffers from partial line closures at the weekend for planned engineering work, so you may have to take an alternate route or endure delays. This is due to the Underground track being rather ancient and needing a refurbishment.

If you’re intrigued by the transport system that is, in its own right a major tourist attraction, then why not watch the BBC documentary series The Tube? It delves into the daily life of Underground staff filling various roles and provides an interesting insight into how it all runs. It also gives Tube novices a fairly good idea of what to expect when travelling on the Underground!

About the author: Stephanie Staszko writes for MF Airport Parking who provide cheap London Heathrow Airport Parking for those visiting the Capital by air.

More than 1 in 3 people said they would choose to live near our B+B – but admitted that they probably couldn’t afford it! So we’re still an aspirational nation, which is comforting. 75% of people said that London was “too expensive”, but what was especially interesting was the differences between generations.

Most young people wanted to live in Canary Wharf, while middle aged people tended to aspire to live in trendy Islington – especially middle-age women. It was actually the over-55s who voted en masse for Belgravia as their choice of abode.

When you think about it, this is probably quite natural – young people want jobs and money, and Canary Wharf has both, as well as a growing number of trendy (but expensive) apartments. Islington has bars and restaurants, and a certain relaxed atmosphere that would be perfect for young families who want to bring their children up in the city itself, without having to move to the suburbs.

Belgravia is known for its upmarket chic, with many famous residents such as Roman Abramovich, Michael Caine and Sean Connery pushing up the value of housing way beyond the million mark. It’s also known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, so if you want a bit of the high-life, it’s the perfect place.

Dramatisations of his works have appeared across the TV network, books have featured in prominent displays in bookstores across London – and the rest of the UK – and new biographies have been released to mark the bicentenary.

Dickens 2012 is an ongoing international celebration of the life and works of the great man and a wide range of organisations have come together to deliver a varied programme of events in his honour.

The Museum of London is hosting Dickens and London until June this year. It recreates the sounds of Dickensian London which inspired his greatest writing with photographs, costumes and other objects on display to capture the Capital as Dickens lived and breathed it. It is also fascinating to see original manuscripts for Bleak House and David Copperfield. A film shows compares for visitors the night time of 21^st Century London with that of Victorian times showing what inspired Dickens to write more than 150 years ago.

Walks are also being arranged to commemorate the great man who spent days and nights strolling around his beloved city. Landmarks which inspired his novels or where he worked feature prominently. It is known he had a virtually photographic memory and his endless walking and soaking up of the atmosphere are captured in many of his best known books.

A series of talks are also being held, primarily this month and are recommended for his ever-growing band of followers.

Further details are available at www.dickens2012.org

Mark Hix

Belgravia is set to welcome a new restaurant – Hix Belgravia, run by internationally renowned chef Mark Hix. The restaurant will be in the Thompson Belgraves Hotel just off Sloane Street, and will include a “Mark’s Bar” like the equivalent in Soho.

Mark Hix is famous for his original take on traditional British dishes, but promises that Hix Belgravia will take on more of an international flavor. Hix says he has had “fun” with the menu and is going ‘off-piste’ this time, promising his loyal gourmet followers that if they are expecting his signature British style, they can think again.

Belgravia is known for its impressive restaurants, from the authentically French La Poule au Pot and the Michelin-starred Rousillon. Even Marcus Wareing, famous for his partnership and arguments with Gordon Ramsey, is now a Belgravia local, having established himself at The Berkeley.

Hix Belgravia

B+B Belgravia and Studios@82 guests can get a 10% discount on lunch at three local Belgravia restaurants – The Thomas Cubitt, the Pantechnicon and The Orange. The offer is available Monday through to Friday in the First Floor Dining Rooms from 12 till 3pm.

Hix Belgravia will bring something new to the area, something eclectic and adventurous, and will be welcomed with open arms! Mark Hix is famous for his oyster bars and his innovative restaurants in London and Dorset, but it won’t be long before he’s famous for being in Belgravia!

Every year Hyde Park plays host to one of the most spectacular Christmas events in the UK. Perfect for all ages, Winter Wonderland is the place to find all things merry and joyful. With markets, an ice rink, shows, attractions, activities, rides and plenty of food to go around, this is a day out that will be remembered forever. Visitors can even take a trip to Santa Land where they can tour the workshop, talk to the elves, ride the Santa Express and of course meet the man himself.

If you find yourself near Covent Garden on a Saturday why not head to the Piazza for a spot of Reindeer petting? Alternatively, up until Christmas Eve London Zoo will have their very own Reindeer Lodge. Santa’s furry friends will be taking a daily walk around the zoo and visitors will even be able to pet them while they are in their enclosure.

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Santa’s Grotto and Kew Gardens is one of the top places to do this according to critics. With the chance to meet Santa, ride a carousel, get their face painted, go on mini vintage car rides and take seasonal walks, there is lots to keep the young ones happy.

Of course there is plenty of festive entertainment around London for adults too. With comedy shows, gigs, cabaret and Christmas markets aplenty, even the biggest scrooge would find it hard not to feel merry at this special time of year.

The famous Zippo's Circus

Each year Winter Wonderland attracts more than a million visitors to Hyde Park. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland can be enjoyed by everyone – it is absolutely FREE to enter Hyde Park and visit Santa Land. Experience the wonderment of the festive season with an array of magical activities, rides and attractions to explore! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or enjoy the more tranquil experiences – there is something for all.

Soar 60 meters into the London sky in the comfort of enclosed pods and experience spectacular views. See the famous Zippos Christmas Circus, in an awe-inspiring extravaganza for the whole family or skate on the Samsung Galaxy Ice Rink. Winter Wonderland would not be complete without rides like the famous Power Tower, the Snow Jet and the Winter Wonderland Express!

The opening times including Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve are 10am until 10pm, from 19 November 2011 to 3 January 2012. (Christmas Day the event is closed).

Hyde Park London W2 2UH

Christmas Shopping at Buckingham Palace

For one evening only! The Queen’s Gallery Shop at Buckingham Palace is offering free entry and 20% discount on a wide range of exquisitely designed exclusive gifts for the whole family this Christmas. From luxury foods, wine, and ceramics (including a specially commissioned bone china service commemorating The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 2012), to beautifully crafted jewellery and children’s gifts – these gifts are only available from this shop and you can buy them with 20% discount for this evening only!

FREE ENTRY TO EXHIBITION!

To coincide with this special evening the Royal Collection you can see the exhibition, The Heart of the Great Alone: Scott, Shackleton and Antarctic Photography marking the centenary of Captain Scott’s expedition to the South Pole.

To reserve your place by sending an email to Rozanne Shipman on rozanne.shipman@insw1.com

Thursday 8 December from 5.30pm to 8pm

The Queen’s Gallery and Shop, Buckingham Palace Road, SW1A 1AA

The London Christmas lights are amongst the most famous in the world and attract massive crowds every year during the holiday season. Whilst some have already been turned on, there are still plenty of places to go throughout November to see the special occasion taking place.

Oxford Street, St Christopher’s Place and Westfield Stratford City have already turned their lights on but they can still be enjoyed until the 5th January 2012. All of them boast a colourful array of lights which decorate the streets and shopping centres and some even have a grotto where young children can go and visit Santa.

Visitors to the brand new Westfield shopping centre can even go ice skating on one of the newest rinks to arrive in London for Christmas 2011.  Alternatively, St Christopher’s Place is known for having some of the most beautiful collection of lights and this year is no exception. Having been created by James Glancy Design, they include giant, reflective spheres which have been suspended above the streets and provide a magical experience for Christmas shoppers from all over the world.

The Balham Christmas lights are due to be turned on by the Mayor of Wandsworth on the 26^th November 2011. The event will take place between 4 and 5pm on Hildreth Street and there will be plenty of seasonal refreshments available, entertainment for children and Christmas Carols which will be performed by the Balham Ukulele Society, Chestnut Grove Steel Band and the South London Choir.

The 30^th November will see the Christmas lights being turned on in Greenwhich. Between 4pm and 7pm at Greenwich Market, visitors can enjoy a lantern procession, Santa’s Grotto and the famous Christmas market which will be full of festive foods, drinks and gifts to buy for friends and family.

There is going to be a very special event taking place on Motcomb Street in Belgravia on the 1^st December 2011 because it will be the very first switching on of the Christmas lights here. From 6pm until 8:30pm, visitors will be treated to a host of live acts who will be entertaining the crowds with traditional carols and live music.

Going to see the London Christmas lights is a truly special occasion and is bound to fill everyone with festive cheer during the cold winter months. Click here to find out more information about events taking place and where some of the best and most impressive displays can be seen.

• Known for its bustling shops and offices, Victoria Street straddles the site of the notorious 17th century Tothill Fields Prison, within one of the oldest districts in London, Westminster.
• Visit some of the dark passageways dotted across the SW1 area towards the walk’s climax; an exceptionally rare opportunity to explore the secret underground rooms and vaults of the old Army & Navy building beneath House of Fraser. Today, the building lies unused and empty, apart from a few ghostly sounds in the dead of night…
• We’ll bring you back to present reality by inviting you to join your fellow haunted walk guests and guide for a complimentary cup of steaming hot chocolate, courtesy of Victoria BID, before we send you off into the night.

• Thursday 27 October starting at 6.00 – 7.30pm
• Friday 28 October starting at 6.00 – 7.30pm
• Tuesday 1 November starting at 6.00 – 7.30pm

The starting place for all these walks is outside the Victoria Palace Theatre. The walks have been arranged by bespoke experience company Urban Gentry, with thanks to House of Fraser for granting Victoria BID permission to enter former Army & Navy Store.

• Please wear comfortable shoes (no heels) and warm casual clothes!
• All participants will need to sign a disclaimer and personal liability waiver form before they depart.
• For further info, please contact Rozanne Shipman on email rozanne.shipman@insw1.com