One day in London

Any one living abroad will know the feeling, of missing that one item that you cannot get where you are – or have the need to complete some form of administration – or just to catch up with the London beat.  Our day started at a reasonable time, with the first flight to the UK leaving at 8:35, we got to the airport by 7:00 and boarded our flight on time.  Arriving into Luton, without baggage was extremely easy, with the airport being one of the better airports for getting through.  We caught the bus, our selection for this trip, on the ground of cost, and the fact that the bus runs frequently 24/7, meaning we would not be constrained by the agenda killing last train. 

Arriving in London Just after 9 am, we were able to get to the bus stop in under 20 mins (traveling without luggage) and were in the center of London hour and a bit later.

The Bus from Luton dropped us at Marble Arch, conveniently located for the center of town.  With the main shopping areas of Oxford and Regent streets just a few minuets walk away.  We had already decided not to opt for the use of the Underground or public transport, as from Marble arch we were able to get to most of the areas we regularly would frequent.

Having left the bus at Marble arch we were desperately in search of a place to stretch our legs, before tackling the London crush.  This was easy – with Hyde park across the road from us, giving us the ideal spot to spend a few minuets have a coffee and a sandwich and catch ones breath, before hitting the London Streets.

The Center of London provides a concentration of virtually all the major services needed, from the post office, through to the main high street banks, and the other major considerations of Boots, M&S and the rest of the UK high street. 

Lunch was a restaurant in China Town, a short walk away, followed by a stroll through Leister Square, Trafalgar Square, and then through Admiralty Arch to St James Park, to meet family with young children, St James park providing the ideal mix of Ducks and Geese to watch, space to run, as well as a tea room to chat in.

The evening was spent with other friends wondering the pubs and clubs, before heading back to the airport after 1 am, to catch our flight at 6:30. 

Overall I would say that a Day run, with an early morning flight the next day is an achievable options that presents few problems, and with its late opening hours, London presents many alternative options to pick up a show, or take in a gallery or museum. 

On the down side, we do find the fact that London Airports close overnight to be particularly disappointing, resulting in many passengers left sleeping out on floors around the various check in areas.  This seemed particularly strange when you consider that the last flights leave after 1 am, and start to leave from 05:30 am, and security only opened after 4 am – with airlines demanding passenger turn up 2 hours in advance, and then not having the airport open seems a bit strange.  Luton seems better served though with overnight options with M&S Food, and a coffee shop open, Gatwick seems to be limited to a coffee shop – and no food options, beyond a stale muffin.