City Escapes: Get to Know a New Side of London with Interesting Attractions and Great Offers on Lond

When it comes to interesting city breaks, it's not hard to see why London tops destination lists. Its long history means that the city boasts an almost unlimited array of museums, monuments, churches and famous historical sites. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London rank among the city's most recognizable and well-known attractions. While you can spend your time in London visiting its famous landmarks, you can also explore many off-the-beaten-path attractions that offer an intriguing glimpse into the "real" London. Plus many of these attractions are free or offer discounted prices so combined with affordable London hotels, you can visit the UK capital for a reasonable price.



Greenwich

While famous as the area where time begins, the Greenwich area of London offers a plethora of things to see and do. Catch a City Cruise Boat from the Westminster and Tower piers for an hour-long journey to the area. Once you arrive at Canary Wharf, visit the Cutty Sark, one of the last tea clippers that sailed the tea route to China. After visiting the ship, you can shop for tea-and a multitude of other goods-at Greenwich Market. For more nautical-themed adventure, visit the Old Royal Naval College, which boats many buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren. End your day with a trip to the National Maritime Museum where you can explore a number of historical objects associated with the sea, including Nelson's naval uniform from Trafalgar. At night, check out the laser that extends along the Prime Meridian before heading back to relax in one of the comfortable London hotels.



Highgate Cemetery

This sprawling London cemetery provides a detailed look at life and death in Victorian England. The philosopher Karl Marx and the novelist George Eliot are among the famous people buried in this 1839 Victorian cemetery. The ivy-covered graves and wooded landscape give the cemetery a mysterious and quiet atmosphere. The grounds also house a variety of wildlife, including foxes and other small animals, as well as numerous birds.



Smithfields Meat Market

Visit London's last-remaining meat market in the early morning hours for a look at a real working market where tradesmen continue to trade meat as they have for centuries. Afterward, stop by one of the pubs near the market to sample one of the market's excellent cuts of meat.



Walking Tours

One of the best ways to avoid tourist traps and see the "real" London is on one of the city's many walking tours. There are tours covering virtually anything, from pubs or ghosts to architecture, authors or Jack the Ripper. Some tour operators will even allow you to customize the tour to your tastes and interests. Look for tour operators with a "Blue Badge", which means they are registered with the London Tourist Board.



Regardless of what you choose to do in London, the ample number of London hotels available ensures there is something to fit your interest and budget. Whether you want an inexpensive hostel or a luxury hotel, you can find the perfect hotel to stay in during your off-the-beaten-path tour of London.