Intellectuals, high-flyers, Bankers – London have always been a place of deep thoughts and great action, excellent traditions, and big business. The pessimistic views from London conference venues notwithstanding, this city is undoubtedly worth exploring. So put on your walking shoes (the cobblestones might hurt, just a tad) and explore a town, so old Romans once roamed its streets.
The capital is renowned for its walking tours. Easy distances, marvelous sights, and fantastic tour guides make this a not-so-hidden secret and a fabulous way to wind down or start the day. It is also a great way to keep the kids busy or work off some of that jet lag while you conduct your work.
If you have a penchant for vintage delights and strange things, you might get a kick out of the Darkest Victorian London Tour. Shake off the cobwebs (this tour begins promptly at 10:45 A.M.) by traversing the creepy, the forgotten, and what remains of Charles Dicken’s London. If you fancy, take the Hidden London Tour, a top-rated, strange walk that begins from the same street but at 11 A.M.
Looking for something which is engulfed in silence before you re-enter the hustle and bustle of London, busy meetings with the bosses, or before you open that laptop? Take a load off and spread your calves with the Inns of Court Tour. This tour takes you to the city’s quietest spots and gives you the possibility to walk through some of the most stunning gardens. It’s also a fantastic chance for the novice photographer to capture a side of the city that is not usually seen.
If your work does not allow you to get away until the evenings, why not give yourself a bit of a fright and join a West End Ghost Walk and traverse the haunted and ancient areas the city is renowned for? Don’t get lost doing anything in the pub or fretting over what happens in London- get out and savor your evenings. Whatever you choose to do, there is a walk with your name on it. From macabre tours that follow Jack the Ripper’s footsteps to foodie walks for the connoisseur who just needs to encounter the best of English cuisine, this capital has it all for you.
If you are not keen on heading off with a bunch of strangers you barely know, London Walks has a choice for you. If you so choose, you can head off for a private walk with your friends (or family) or even alone. Hire a guide for a couple of hours for a more personalized experience.
If you can manage the time away from your business in London conference venues, try to make sure you set at least two hours aside if you want to join a walking tour. Be early, wear your most comfortable shoes, and pick a light jacket, as the city is famous for its steady drizzle. Many, if not all, guided city walks are near a train (called a tube) stop for easy access. Also, ask your escort about nearby restaurants you can pop into for an early dinner or late lunch when the tour is over. After all that cardio, you are sure to be ravenous. Unless, of course, you chose to do the foodies walk, and by then, you should hike back down to your hotel for a well-deserved break!
