Looking for a bike rental in London to explore the city?

These bike rental companies allow you to pick up and drop off your own bike automatically.

Bike rental in London: article summary

Bike rental in London: Santander Bikes

It's London's official bike hire scheme, and it's going from strength to strength.

More than 12,000 Santander bikes can be collected from over 800 docking stations in central London. The bike rental area extends from Brixton in the south to the Olympic Park in the east, and from Chalk Farm in the north to Hammersmith in the west.

You can rent Santander bikes by inserting your credit card into a docking station terminal.

The system charges £2 for bike rides from less than 30 minutes. For longer journeys, an additional £2 will be charged each time you exceed a 30-minute threshold.

You finish your journey by dropping your bike into another docking station, making sure it locks securely into place!

Lime Bikes

In partnership with the giant Uber, Lime Bikes is one of London's various electric bike rental companies. Its mission is to build a future where transportation is shared, affordable and carbon-free.

All you have to do is open the Uber app on your phone and follow the instructions provided to rent a bike.

You can either reserve a nearby bike, or simply walk to the electric bike to get started. Once you've scanned the QR code, the bike will unlock and you're free to go!

No docking station is required. To complete the journey, simply lock the bike using the anti-theft cable on the rear wheel.

It costs one pound to unlock the electric bike itself, then about 15 pence per minute thereafter.

Bike rental in London: Tier

Completely climate-neutral, Tier is a leader in the sustainable travel movement. Operating electric bikes, electric scooters and even electric mopeds, they are one of the leading suppliers of micro-mobility.

They focus on reducing carbon emissions as best they can around the world.

To take advantage of their services, simply download the application and register. You'll then be able to locate the electric bike closest to your departure point.

You can then choose to park in a designated parking space or simply leave the electric bike on the sidewalk, away from passers-by.

As with other suppliers, it costs a pound to unlock the bike, then about 15 pence per minute thereafter.

HumanForest

A newcomer to the city, HumanForest is all about sustainability, with the overall aim of making London a completely decarbonized place.

You'll get ten minutes free every day, and then you'll get charged at 17 pence per minute. All the bikes are electric, with a battery charged solely by renewable energy.

All you have to do to start your HumanForest adventure is download the application and register.

Bike rental in London: Swapfiets

If you're looking for a bicycle subscription service lasting more than an hour or two, then Swapfiets may be just what you're looking for.

The disruptive Dutch brand offers its members a package specially designed for frequent travelers.

You get your own electric bike, with all repairs and maintenance included. If your wheels can't be repaired, they'll exchange them for replacement in 48 hours or less.

When it comes to memberships, the Dutch brand offers two options: "Flexible" or "Regular".

Under flexible memberships, membership fees apply, but you can cancel at any time, while regular memberships have no fees and a minimum 6-month contract.

Renting a bike in London is easy. Thanks to this means of transport, you can explore the city and make your visit a unique and sporting experience.

If you want to visit London on foot, there are a few places you won't want to miss.

Let's discover England's capital.

London on foot: article summary

Walking in London: monuments not to be missed

When visiting London, there are certain sights you just can't miss. First of all, I'd advise you to head for the city's main sights.

You can see :

• Visit Buckingham Palace
• Big Ben
• L'Westminster Abbey
• Trafalgar Square
• Visit London Eye

On a walking tour, you'll spend a memorable first day in London and discover many other fascinating places.

St James's Park is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy yourself. When you arrive at the edge of the park, don't hesitate to take a look around.

Don't neglect downtown London

The original city of London was built to the east of the area most visitors see today.

The main sites you'll see are outside the original walled city, today known as the City of London.

Today, the City of London is the main business district and a major global financial center. But as London's oldest district, it's full of interest.

The main official sites for this walk are :

• Tower Bridge
• The Tower of London
• Visit St. Paul's Cathedral
• Visit Théâtre du Globe by Shakespeare

The joy of this walk for many will be to savor the non-touristy atmosphere and better understand London, past and present.

Walking in London: take a stroll in Kensington

Just west of central London lies Kensington.

Here, you can enjoy a relatively short, leisurely stroll that starts at Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens, London's largest royal park.

After a visit to Kensington Palace, walk to the Albert Hall and the museums of South Kensington.

The museums here will keep you busy for a whole day, and each one is free.

Just before arriving at the Albert Hall, you'll see the impressive Albert Memorial.

End your stroll with a visit to some of the high-end boutiques in Knightsbridge, where you'll find Harrodsjust a 10-minute walk from the museums.

Shopping in London

Shopping is also considered a walk in the heart of London. On site, you'll discover the sights of Oxford Street, Harrods toy store and Hamleys.

Electronics on Tottenham Court Road, the music scene on Denmark Street and books on Charing Cross Road are also places not to be missed.

Chinatown and Jermyn Street are also worth exploring on your walking tour of the English capital.

And of course, don't miss out on the must-sees like :

• Oxford Street
• Regent Street
• Carnaby Street
• Harrods
• Harvey Nichols

There are many ways to get around London on foot. During your visit, I'd advise you to make the most of the various monuments and museums in the area. will tell you all about London's past.

The visit of London by night by bus is a must-see experience for anyone visiting the city.

Today, let's take a closer look at this atypical business.

London by night by bus: article summary

Why choose a bus tour of London by night?

The tour has a significant advantage over other night tours. What sets it apart is that their tour takes you on a delightful journey through the whole of London, adding a touch of elegance to your London nightlife adventure.

What's more, all their tours are accompanied by a live guide. So you can be sure of knowing everything about the monuments you've passed.

Is it worth the detour?

For a small fee, you get an open-top bus experience, a fantastic live guide and one of the best ways to spend your evening.

It's the perfect alternative if you don't want to spend the whole day on a hop-on hop-off bus.

Just be sure to arrive early and take the open seats. It's the ideal way to take full advantage of the open-air atmosphere and enchanting views.

London by night by bus: what you'll see from this bus

As you cruise through the city, you'll pass iconic London landmarks such as:

• Tower Bridge
• Visit Tower of London
• Visit Saint Paul's Cathedral
• Visit Shard
• Trafalgar Square
• Piccadilly Circus
• Visit London Eye

The tour offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the city's illuminated monuments, creating memorable snapshots that will last a lifetime. highlight the magic and splendor of London by night.

Enjoy the best photos of the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London, opt for a seat on the left side of the bus.

How long does the tour last?

This night-time mode of transport has been a must for some time, and these experiences offer a unique, meticulously designed itinerary that takes you to all the city's major attractions and points of interest. It's a thoughtful journey into the heart of London's nightlife.

Visits last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and are all guided live in English.

Buses depart daily in winter at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and in summer between 7:30 pm and 10:15 pm.

Checking the time of sunset and booking your bus tour accordingly can enhance your experience, allowing you to enjoy both the fascinating sunset and the captivating night views of the city.

London by night by bus: a few more tips

Before embarking on your nocturnal tour, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast or dress accordingly.

London nights can be chilly and quite windy, so be prepared for the following enjoy a comfortable and pleasant experience throughout the visit.

As the tour is incredibly popular, it tends to be very crowded. To avoid any potential disappointment, we strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance and arriving early at the departure point.

How much does it cost to visit London by night?

Depending on the company, prices can vary considerably. On average, however, you should expect to pay :

• 30 £ per adult
• 15 £ per child

Visiting London by night by bus is a unique way to see life from another angle. From the comfort of your seat, you can discover the city's most important monuments and enjoy an incredible view of London.

From National Gallery Award to its location, this article tells you everything you need to know about this London landmark.

Here we go!

National Gallery Award: article summary

National Gallery Awards: in brief

The National Gallery is one of the world's most famous museums. In addition to its magnificent architecture, it's packed with incredible works of art ranging from the medieval period to the French Impressionists and the Italian Renaissance.

When you visit London, I recommend you discover the many works of art and architecture to be found here.

What is the entrance fee?

Admission to the gallery is free. Although special exhibitions are subject to a charge, you can enjoy the permanent collection for free.

However, if you would like to discover the temporary exhibitions and events, you'll have to pay a certain amount.

This rate depends on the exhibition or event organized on the day of your visit. For more information, please visit their website.

National Gallery prices: where is this museum?

Have you ever wondered what that grand old building with all its columns on the edge of Trafalgar Square is all about?

It is, of course, the very famous National Gallery. However, Trafalgar Square does not have a metro.

To get there, you'll have to get off the Bakerloo line or Northern at Charing Cross. Leicester Square is also just a few minutes' walk away.

What are the opening hours?

The gallery opens :

• Every day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You could probably spend all day there, but three hours will give you a pretty complete picture.

Of course, since it's free, you can always go there quickly. to contemplate your favorite painting.

National Gallery prizes: the must-have works

A breathtaking number of famous artists have graced the walls of the National Gallery and currently inhabit the National Gallery.

Among the best-known are :

• Leonardo da Vinci
• Vincent Van Gogh
• Sandro Botticelli
• Claude Monet
• Rembrandt

The part of the building known as the Galeries Wohl is packed with impressive Impressionist works, from Georges Seurat's vivid Baigneuses à Asnières to Van Gogh's famous Sunflowers.

Room 34 in particular is a room you won't want to visit for its artwork alone. The wing is one of the oldest parts of the gallery and boasts magnificent panelled walls and comfortable, upholstered benches to sit on.

Some hidden gems

Francesco del Cossa's portrait of Saint Vincent Ferrer in Room 54 is the compelling element of Ali Smith's 2014 book "How to Be Both". In this book, the character often goes to sit at the National Gallery to admire it.

Do the same, or, while everyone's crowding around the Sunflowers, slip into small room 42, where you'll find, among other things secret jewels, one of Degas' famous ballerina paintings.

There are only 21 paintings of women in the gallery's 2,300-piece collection. Discover the work of Artemisia Gentileschi, Rachel Ruysch, Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun and Rosa Bonheur if you want to bring a little balance to your visit.

National Gallery prizes: take part in special events

During the week, there is a free daily guided tour of the gallery by experts, between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.and a quick ten-minute preview of a painting in the gallery at 5 pm.

There are also often shows, such as :

• The music
• Dancing
• Poetry
• Educational conferences

There's a lot going on at the National Gallery, so keep an eye on this establishment. The National Gallery is a must-see on your trip to London. To find out more about the National Gallery, please visit the article I wrote on this subject.

If you are considering a visit to Oxfordit's a good choice.

A stroll along its cobbled streets reveals an array of wonders.

Today, I'd like to tell you about the main sights you can see here.

Visit to Oxford: article summary

Visit Oxford: a tour of the castle and prison

Oxford Castle and Prison is an iconic and historic monument. The castle was built in 1071 by Robert D'Oyly, a Norman baron, and has been used as a prison since 1222.

It has since become part of Oxford's history, used as a royal fortress, prison, court, military garrison and even university.

Today, the château is open to the public and offers tours, events and educational programs.

Visitors can explore the castle's dungeons and discover its history, as well as that of the prison's most famous inmates.

Climbing the Carfax Tower

The Carfax Tower is the most emblematic element of the town's skyline, and is a listed building. Originally part of the Saint-Martin church, it rises to a height of 22 m.

The tower is open to the public, and visitors can climb the 100 steps to the top and admire the view over the city.

Taste the products of Oxford's artisan distillery

Oxford Artisan Distillery is an independent distillery located in Oxfordshire. Founded in 2017, the distillery produces a range of artisanal spirits and liqueurs from natural, locally-sourced ingredients.

Their range of spirits includes :

• Gin
• Vodka
• Whisky
• Brandy

Oxford Artisan Distillery also offers distillery tours and masterclasses in the art of distillation.

Visit Oxford: relax in Waterperry Gardens

For years, Waterperry Gardens has been delighting tourists with its 8 hectares of inspiring and historic gardens. nestled in the Oxfordshire countrysidejust 11 km from Oxford city center.

In addition to formal gardens, a water-lily canal and a riverside promenade, the gardens feature a superb 60 m herbaceous border.

Enjoy a boat trip on the Oxford Canal

The Oxford Canal links Oxford to Coventry via Banbury and Rugby. It is one of the oldest canals in the UK, built in 1790. It is 125 km long and includes 87 locks.

It is a popular leisure route, with a large number of barges and other pleasure craft using the canal. The canal is administered by the Canal & River Trust, formerly British Waterways.

Visit Oxford: take a bike ride to the Martyrs' Memorial

The Magdalen Memorial commemorates the Oxford martyrs burned alive in 1555. Erected in 1843, it consists of an octagonal base and plinth, with a central column at the top. a bronze figure of the Virgin Mary surrounded by four angels.

The base of the column features figures of the three martyrs:

• Thomas Cranmer
• Hugh Latimer
• Nicholas Ridley

Discover the history of Oxford University

Oxford University is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. Founded in 1096, it is the second largest the world's oldest university after the University of Bologna.

It consists of over forty colleges and six permanent private halls. The university has a strong research tradition and has trained many leading alumni, including 27 Nobel Prize winners and numerous heads of state.

The university is also home to the renowned Oxford University Press and many colleges not mentioned below, including:

• Balliol College
• Merton College
• Wadham College
• Trinity College.

Visit the Museum of Art and Archaeology

The world's first university museum was founded in 1683 and houses a collection of art and antiquities from the Middle Ages to the present day. world-renowned cultural heritage.

For many tourists looking for something to see in Oxford, this is the most popular place.

The museum boasts extensive collections of works from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, as well as a vast collection of Chinese, Japanese and Indian art.

It also houses a wide range of European and North American paintings, engravings and drawings, as well as a number of other works of art. an important collection of 19th-century photographs.

When is the best time to visit Oxford?

Personally, I think the best time to visit Oxford is in spring and autumn, with pleasant weather for explore the city on foot and visit the various attractions.

Even if a cool winter's day is also ideal, you're counting on avoid the many cold, rainy days that make walking and cycling difficult.

It's always advisable to avoid school vacations, and summer can be overcrowded with tourists, spoiling photos and making any spontaneous decision much more difficult.

A visit to Oxford is almost a must when you arrive in London on vacation. If you have a little time and have seen the main sights of the English capital, I suggest you take the train to Oxford.

What better way to save money than to park your car on one of the parking lots on the outskirts of London?

If you're planning to visit London by car, you need to know where to park.

Today, I offer you a complete guide to the subject.

Parking on the outskirts of London: article summary

Parking on the outskirts of London: parking in the city center

Although there are some parking restrictions in the city, parking is available in zones 1 and 2.

Depending on the area you wish to visit, you can find many safe parking lots to leave your vehicle. Some of the most popular places where parking is available are :

• Knightsbridge
• Canary Wharf
• Oxford Street
• Covent Garden

Park outside the congestion zone

As in any busy city, parking away from the busiest areas can often save you time and money.

There are a number of park-and-ride services available that will enable you to give you the option of parking in a secure parking lot.

Many of these parking lots are ideally located close to popular metro stations to make your journey easier, such as :

• Park Lane
• Tower Bridge
• Queensway

Choosing one of these options is generally less expensive than more central parking lots. You'll also avoid the stress and hassle of traffic, in particular at certain times of the day.

Parking on the outskirts of London: parking your car in specific locations

If you're attending an event such as a concert, play, sports match or any other type of performance, you'll be pleased to know that most of London's major venues have dedicated parking solutions.

Some of the most popular places to park include :

• The O2 Arena
• Wembley Stadium
• Barbican Centre
• Royal Albert Hall
• Twickenham Stadium

Check out the website of the place you're planning to visit. It should be easy for you to find out what options are available and choose the one that's right for you.

Parking outside London for major events

In addition to numerous tourist attractions and entertainment events, London also hosts a wide range of special events.

During these events, you may notice parking restrictions or modifications to the usual parking facilities.

If you are hoping to attend a special event such as a the London Marathon or London PrideIf you're planning to attend, I'd advise you to park your car outside London to make sure you can get to the event on time without any problems.

Parking on the outskirts of London: leaving your car at the airport

There are a total of 6 main airports in the city of London, as well as several others in the immediate vicinity, and each has a variety of parking lots to choose from.

These generally include long- and short-term parking, reception services and park-and-ride facilities.

If you're heading to a London airport, it's a good idea to choose and pre-book the parking service that's right for you so that you can save money and control your travel budget.

As you can see, there are plenty of parking options available, depending on where and when you want to travel in and around the city.

London is also famous for its unique subway system and many people, especially tourists, prefer to use the metro of London rather than driving.