24 Hours In

London Bridge- image taken by David Phelps

By David Phelps

London; need I say more? Mere reference to the word provokes thought of a vivacious city, encapsulated with culture, and a realm of possibility for a young traveller like you. You are ready to take on the world with your ambitious thirst for adventure- and London is well-set in your sites.

 But alas, as the gracious grim of fate would have it, you are handcuffed to a strict travel itinerary, and you fear that you may only scratch the surface of this tremendous city. After all, you only have one day and it’s not possible to see London in 24 hours, right? Wrong!

 Although it may seem expensive to breathe the air, you may find yourself surprised at how easy it is to fill the day exploring, leaving no stone unturned- without spending much money. Once you arrive in London everything is accessible. The hurly-burly of the city and outer suburbs are all connected by an underground rail system, known to the world as the Tube. Once you get yourself a day pass starting from a reasonable seven pounds, you hold in your hand the key to unlocking a grand adventure!

 Adam Banks, a 21-year-old intrepid traveller, loves London so much, he has been back twice in the last two years. The kiwi-born larrikin, who now lives in Australia with his family, recently stayed at London’s Piccadilly Circus. He claims that the Tube was much like a crutch for wayfaring-travellers. “I used the tube to get absolutely everywhere, and wasn’t very expensive at all”.

 Banks eagerly states that if he had only 24-hours to take reign of London, he would visit Church, in Kentish Town. And no, Adam is not religious in the slightest. “It’s a nightclub in an old church, and there’s sometimes a stripper!” The old church oozes with the buzz and excitement of youth, unlike any other church that comes to mind. “For only ten pounds you can get three beers, which come in bags that you have to tie to your belt”. For seven pounds entry, you can take part in the merriment. It’s a dress up party, so wear whatever wish.

 During his stay Adam lodged at the Piccadilly Backpacker’s hostel. This youth-filled dwelling features over 700 beds, sprawled out over five levels. You can spend a night there for as little as 12 pounds. With Piccadilly Circus at it’s doormat, this hostel is considered the most central in London.

 Lorraine Hudson on the other hand did not visit Church during her stay in July of this year. She took no interest in the Tube either. “I used the red double-decker buses because it was a great way to see London rather than travelling underground”, she asserted. For just seven pounds the 23-year-old student got unlimited access to the buses throughout the day. This enabled her unlimited access to some of the city’s notorious locations. “It was totally worth it”, she said; her eyes vivid with excitement. “We drove through the West End, Oxford Street, and alongside the River Thames- the list goes on.”

 In just one day, this sydney-sider conquered all of these, including several other iconic hot-spots- all of which are free to experience!

 Starting with Buckingham Palace, this visionary residence exudes a quality of character that will leave you with a feeling of royalty. “Buckingham Palace is great for the changing of the guards, their hats are awesome. You just have to go there”, explained Hudson. The changing of the guards occurs at 11:30am everyday throughout summer, and varies throughout the rest of the year. For the curious minded, you can visit Buckingham palace’s state rooms, for just 14 pounds for students. Buses are easily accessible close-by the palace. The closest Tube stations are Victoria, St. James Park, Hyde Park Corner, and Green Park. Buckingham Palace is found in the Westminster district of London. 

 Next on Hudson’s list of London’s free offerings is the British Museum. She admits that if she had only 24 hours should would certainly visit it for its rich tapestry of history. “It was massive, and the best museum I have ever been to by far”, she professed. “And it’s free!”

 The museum generously offers an amazing array of historical collections, with many rooms featuring different pockets of history. There are galleries dedicated to specific periods of time including, Ancient Egypt, Rome, and Ancient Greece.

 It’s located on Great Russell Street, with the nearest Tube on Tottenham Court Road, which will only take you six minutes to get there by foot. There are several bus stops near the museum, including New Oxford Street, Tottenham Court Road (Northbound), Gower Street (Southbound), and Southampton Row. Statistics show that the British Museum was London’s leading attraction in 2008, with more than 5.9 million people popping in to check it out.

 Despite her budgetary situation, Lorraine also felt a desire to explore Harrods- a heaven for wealthy folk in need of a shopping-fix. “It was the most beautiful department store I have ever seen. I couldn’t afford to buy anything, but entry was free.” If you’re a Shop-a-holic with a credit card, consider yourself forewarned. This is the place where the Queen herself takes a visit when she’s feeling a bit frivolous. If you too are on a budget, then an innocent peep could do no harm, and gives some variation to your day.

 Travel enthusiasts, Bronte Coy, agreed, admitting to the jaw-dropping reaction she had during her visit to Harrods earlier this year. The 20-year-old, who travelled with friends from Sydney, Australia, said it was simply amazing. “I was there with my friend for about two hours, it’s like another world,” she said. “There is nothing else like Harrods.”

 The colossal store is made of seven levels, over 4.5 acres. More than 15 million customers visit each year. The nearest tube stop is Knightsbridge on the Piccadilly line. Leaving the station via the Brompton road exit will take you right outside of Harrods.

 These are but some of the destinations Lorraine paid tribute to during her 24 hours, including Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, via the Westminster Tube; and London Bridge by the London Bridge Tube Station. “I lost my breath when I saw London Bridge; I couldn’t’t believe I was there.”

 Australian girl, Jenna Bradwell, visited London during the European summer this year; and admits that if she only had 24 hours she would take a trip to the London Eye. “I love it whenever you see the eye”, said the 20-year-old. “It’s the breath taking views that get me every time”. The icon is basically a large Ferris wheel holding glass capsules rather than chairs; in which you can view some of London’s most picturesque views, including Big Ben and Parliament House.

 The Waterloo Tube Station is only a five minute walk from the London Eye. The Eye is on route for most London Sightseeing buses, along with the Tate Modern Museum and Convent Garden. The London eye is the leading paid attraction in the city, according to last year’s statistics.

 During her stay, Lorraine opted to spend the night at the Royal National Hotel, in Russell Square. This is not the ideal solution for a backpacker Lorraine admits, being 100 pounds per night. However, it remains a good option for a young traveller who has the funds for it. “It was relatively central, had a lovely park and was just around the corner from the British Museum.” Another option for accommodation in this area would ideally include the Smart Russell Square Hostel, with beds starting from $14 Australian per night. It includes a guest kitchen, bathroom, games room and 24 hour security.

 Statistics from 2008 suggest that London remains the world’s most popular city for International Tourists. This is closely followed by Hong Kong, and Bangkok.

 So what are you waiting for?

 There’s 24 hours left on the clock; and your time starts now!

London’s calling!