If you've never been to London before then you may find the thought of getting around the city somewhat daunting. With the population of Greater London estimated at more than 7 million people, this is a bustling city on a grand scale. So what's the best way to get around the British capital?
Fortunately, you do have a good number of options open to you. The London Underground, for example, is the oldest underground mass transit system in Europe and consists of some 275 stations on 12 separate lines. Generally speaking, you'll find that the stations are very close together, with central London being particularly well covered (there are 63 stations in central London alone).
You'll find Underground (or "Tube", as its known locally) maps at all stations and on platforms. Each of the Underground lines is given a different colour, making the maps easy to read so that you can find your way round.
One thing that you'll also notice is that the Underground map is also divided into Zones. This relates to the way in which journeys are priced – when you buy a ticket the price that you'll pay will be dependent upon your departure or arrival zones. If you're expecting to make a number of journeys in a day then avoid paying for numerous single tickets and opt for a One Day Travelcard – they're more cost effective. You'll need to tell the ticket office operator what zones you'll be travelling through during the day.
You can pay for all tickets at ticket offices using cash or payment cards. You'll also find that stations have automated machines where you can purchase tickets. This should also allow you to pay using the same options, although be aware that the automated payment card facilities may not always be functioning.
Aside from the Underground, you'll find that a Travelcard will also cover you for journeys on the famous red London buses. The bus network in London is extensive and they provide a great way to see the city. Indeed, you can save yourself a bit of money by avoiding the ever-present tourist buses and simply taking a journey through central London on a standard bus.
If you don't fancy the Underground or the buses then another option is to jump in a black cab. These provide a great experience in themselves, although generally will work out more expensive than the two public transport options already mentioned.
Driving in London is not something that would generally be recommended. Traffic can be heavy throughout the day in central locations, parking is not always easy to find and the London Congestion Charge means that you'll pay heavily for the privilege of driving in central London. Luckily, public transport options are generally good, so you should find that you won't need to resort to driving.

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Keith Barrett writes articles on a number of European destinations as part of his work as a travel writer.


Portsmouth City Guide, including hotels
Portsmouth is located on the south coast of the scenic county of Hampshire. The city has a long established historic naval presence. The city of Portsmouth was established in the year 1623, being a community that swears by its influence to world history. As well as being an important naval town, Portsmouth has a nostalgic feel with it's cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, museums and famous historic buildings. Boasting over one hundred restaurants, antique shops and a huge music hall called the Portsmouth Music Hall. You will fall in love with the ambience that this historic city offers as well as the coastal aspect of the place.
Places of Interest:
A place of historic significance, you can explore Lord Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory and visit Queen Victoria's battleship, HMS Warrior 1860. You could also have a look at Henry Vlll's Mary Rose and retrace the history of the Royal Navy at the Royal Naval Museum. Other attractions include Charles Dickens' birthplace, the D-Day Museum featuring the Overlord Embroidery, Southsea Castle, the Royal Marines Museum, and Portsmouth Cathedral.
Royal Marines Museum: This is a grand museum situated in a former officers' mess with sweeping stairways, chandeliers and fine paintings. There are also beautiful grounds in which you can relax and enjoy a quiet picnic with your friends. The Exhibition gallery features a talking head of Hannah Snell, audiovisual shows, interactive games, and a collection of over 7,000 medals.
Eastney Beam Engine House Industrial Archaeology: This museum contains a pair of magnificent James Watt beam engines, stationed in their original high Victorian engine house of 1887. There are also a variety of other pumping engines on display here.
Natural History Museum: In this museum you can see the geology of the Portsmouth area and a full-size reconstruction of Dinosaur "Iguanodon" and other fossil remains. You can enter here through the Riverbank scene with a fresh water aquarium and have a look at the different kinds of fish on display. You can also see the "Ice Age" displays and early mammals and birds here.
The Spinnaker Tower: This is one wonder which is absolutely breath-taking.You can experience the stunning views from this unique 170m tower, visible from miles around. This is the newest landmark which is change the skyline of Portsmouth!
Aspex Gallery: Here, tourists can experience the most creative and contemporary visual arts; locally, nationally and internationally. There are programs of solo, grouped and themed exhibitions mostly centred on the work of younger or emerging artists.
The 1642 Living History Village, Historic Site, Gosport: This is a representational Hampshire village set in the year 1642. You could go back in time and experience this replica of how it used to be with timber and thatched buildings. Occupants dress and speak in 17th century style.
Things to do:
Portsmouth is also called the Waterfront city. It has a fantastic range of restaurants, bars and cafés to soothe your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. Of course, it will suit your budget too. As far as shops are concerned, the choice is huge.
Shopping: The Southsea, this major shopping complex has two department stores as well as a range of boutique shops. There are florists, diamond merchants and antique dealers; even interior decorators to cater to your every shopping need. Of course, the cafes, restaurants and bars are numerous too. There is Gunwharf Quays with 80 outlets that sell big brand names for a discount prices. It is open seven days a week. The City Centre is famous for it's branded and trendy stores. The shopping precinct on Commercial Road, the indoor mall at Cascades, and the street markets on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are very popular and well worth a visit.
Eating and drinking: There are restaurants and small bistro's that offer cuisine ranging from Indian to Italian, Turkish to Thai. If you want to meet with friends or enjoy your weekend, there is always a themed location to drink and socialize.
Special Events: Two of Portsmouth's most renowned personalities have events to commemorate their lives in 2006. "Brunel 200 Portsmouth" will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was born in Portsmouth on 9th of April 1806.The famous author Richard Lancelyn Green will be releasing his wonderful collection of Conan Doyle-related books, papers and assorted memorabilia in the later half of 2006.
Transport: Portsmouth has regular bus routes connecting the main visitor areas. In fact, a new pilot bus service for all you night owls has been inaugurated and is operational on Friday and Saturday nights. The Nightrunner will start services from South Parade Pier at 1.25am and 2.25 am and at Winston Churchill Avenue at 1.30am and 2.30am. There are currently 234 licensed taxis working in the city providing 24-hour service.
Food and Drink:
Indian Palace: Indian Palace in Gunwharf Quays is famous for authentic and traditional spicy and tasty Indian and moghlai dishes.
Arbuckles: This small and friendly restaurant is famous for chicken and vegetarian burgers. Booking is required.
A fistful of Tacos: This place at South Sea serves authentic sea food and vegeterian dishes as well.
Café Citrus is a popular café bar in Albert Road, Southsea. It is perfect for a romantic rendevous or a friendly get-together.
Hotels and Accomodation:
Whether you are looking for a short stay or a longer holiday, Portsmouth offers a comprehensive range of accommodation from small, private bed and breakfasts to the plusher four-star hotels. It is always better if you reserve your accommodation in advance. The tarrif's for hotels, accomodations and guest houses are generally quoted as per person, based on a couple sharing, and include VAT (17.5%). All prices for self-catering units are quoted as per unit per week inclusive of VAT (17.5%).
Inn Lodge Portsmouth
Royal Beach Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Portsmouth
Tulip Inn Portsmouth
Beaufort Hotel
Best Western Queens Hotel
Seacrest Hotel
Entertainment:
The city of Portsmouth is abuzz with entertainment and activity around the clock. Catering for all diverse tastes such as comedy, film, football, live music, bowling, literature and arts. At Gunwharf Quays there is a bowling arena and a state of the art 12 screen cinema, with a further 9 screen cinema at Port Solent. The Kings Theatre Trust Limited at Albert Road, Portsmouth is famous for live music and theatrical events. No 6 Independent Cinema and Vue Cinemas are two of the 4 major cinema houses here.
All in all, Portsmouth is a city on the sea packed with a beautiful mix of history and heritage. Add to it the variety on offer with it's bars and restaurants as well as a comprehensive program of events, you know that you have discovered the right city to spend your holiday or short stay. Being situated on the coast is a huge bonus too!.


Scarborough City Guide, including hotels
Scarborough is one of Britain's favourite seaside resorts and has been for more than four centuries. Located on the east coast of Yorkshire, Scarborough has always attracted visitors thanks to its beautiful and lengthy sandy beaches, picturesque cliff tops and family-oriented attractions. The location offers spectacular views of the North Sea but is also far more than just another seaside town; there are numerous things to see and do, making it an ideal place to take a break.
When you arrive in Scarborough, you'll discover a whole treasure trove of things to see and do during your stay. Whatever your interest, be it history, heritage, sport, nature or art, you'll find that Scarborough has it covered. Here are just a few of the places you can visit:
The Rotunda Museum. Suitable for all the family, including young children, this museum has Scarborough's past completely covered. Come here to find out about the Victorian spa, the fishing port and prehistoric burial sites.
Eden Camp at Malton. It's worth taking the short journey from Scarborough to visit this exciting recreation of wartime Britain. Scenes from the past are reconstructed through a combination of sound, smell, movement and lighting.
Scarborough Light House. Located on Vincent Pier, this lighthouse has been guarding the coast for two hundred years and is known and loved by visitors and town-dwellers alike.
Church of St. Martin-on-the-Hill. This beautiful Victorian church boasts splendid, pre-Raphaelite stained glass, colourful interior decoration and extravagant architecture.
North Bay Miniature Railway. Enjoy the whimsical British phenomenon of the miniature railway as you explore this one from the 1930s, which has tracks of almost a mile in length.
As well as all the places of interest to visit in Scarborough, there are also many different types of things you can do. Scarborough is host to a whole selection of special events and activities all the year round, so you never know what might be on when you come and visit. Some of the things you might choose to do include:
Go shopping! At the Brunswick Shopping Centre, you'll discover shops selling many different kinds of goods and products, whether you're looking for children's clothing or the ideal wedding present.
Take a trip along the coast with Scarborough Pleasure Steamers. Enjoy the finest views of the picturesque Yorkshire coast by travelling on the Regal Lady and Coronia. Trips run whatever the weather.
Enjoy the spectacle of the Water Ski Circus. You'd be cruel to deny your kids the pleasure of a trip to this exhibit, which sees your favourite TV & film characters performing on water skis. Watch out for Batman, Bart Simpson, the Tellytubbies and more.
Go boating at Peasholm Park & Island. Choose from canoes, pedalos or boat trips and enjoy this beautiful park on a relaxing afternoon. Also choose from mini golf, tree walks, and a water ski circus.
Scarborough offers a wide variety of places to eat, each serving its own type of distinctive food. Venues range from that ever-popular Yorkshire speciality, fish and chip shops, to high-class restaurants, plus all the cafes you could wish for. Here is just a selection of some of Scarborough's quality eateries:
The Red Lea Hotel. Located on the Prince of Wales Terrace, this hotel has a five-star restaurant offering three course meals that change every day. Take your pick from beef, salmon or vegetarian platters, or try something refined like the roast pheasant.
The Magpie Café. This café offers a variety of tasty meals, but is especially renowned for its fish and chips. The reason? The fish is always straight from the harbour at Scarborough, meaning you'll be in for a fresh-tasting treat.
Mother Hubbard's Restaurant. A family-owned eatery for many years, this restaurant also serves up its own special brand of fish and chips, earning it the title of 'Fish and Chip Shop of the Year' on several occasions.
The Hungry Horse. A wide choice of dishes is on offer here, ranging from delicious steaks to bulging burgers, light bites and yummy desserts. You also have the opportunity to wash down your food down with an ice-cold Greene King beer.
The Pizza Place. If you're looking for takeaway food, then this is the place to come. Choose from a variety of pizzas, all served with your own choice of toppings.
If you're looking for somewhere to stay, then you'll find yourself spoiled for choice when you come to Scarborough. Every type of accommodation is available in the town, whether you're looking for bed and breakfasts, hotels, inns, or guest houses; there are also many caravans and campsites available for booking. Finally, there are even holiday cottages up for rent if you want total privacy, peace and quiet. Many of the hotels in the town are located on cliff-tops, offering views of the sandy beaches and open sea; others come complete with their own golf courses. Additionally, many of the hotels and guesthouses offer facilities such as swimming pools, television, bars and in-house restaurants.
The Gresham Hotel
The Victoria Hotel
Hotel St Nicholas
Royal Classic Hotel
Granville Lodge Hotel
Chatsworth Hotel
The Crown Spa Hotel
Ashburton Hotel
The Lincoln Hotel
The Skikero Hotel
The Grand Scarborough
Mansion House Hotel
Scarborough has plenty of entertainment up on offer, most of it geared towards the family. One of the town's biggest venues is the Olympia Leisure Family Entertainment Centre, which has everything from fruit machines to children's adventure play areas, laser dodgems, simulators and the ever-favourite 2p machines. If you're stuck for something to do in an evening, then Scarborough Spa Theatre provides a variety of family entertainment. Alternatively, if you're looking for something that little bit different, Cotton Dale Shooting Ground is on hand if you've always fancied having a go at clay pigeon shooting. Finally, if you're a movie fan, then a trip to the Hollywood Plaza Cinema is a must, as it shows all the latest blockbusters.
As one of Britain's best-loved seaside towns, Scarborough has plenty to offer the visitor and tourist. With plenty of attractions and things to do, no matter what the weather, Scarborough is the perfect holiday destination all year round.