Landmarks and Monuments You Can’t Miss with an Airfare to London
Tower of London
Take a step back in history when you land in the UK on an airfare to London by visiting the Tower of London. Construction on this fortress began in 1066, after being commissioned by William the Conqueror. The Tower of London has held several roles throughout history, acting as a prison, a defensive fortress and a royal residence. Visitors with cheap flights to London can tour the Tower to learn all about its fascinating history. Landmarks and artefacts that can be seen within the Tower of London include the White Tower, the Royal Mint, the Medieval Palace, and the glittering British Crown Jewels. Use your flights to United Kingdom to visit this world-famous attraction, uncover its often gruesome legacy, and learn about the historical figures that have walked its famous courtyards and halls.
London Eye
Located on the banks of the River Thames, the London Eye has become one of the most iconic attractions in London. The London Eye stands at 135 metres, making it the tallest observation wheel in Europe. When you plan organise your flights to UK, head to the London Eye for incredible views over central London and the River Thames. Tickets to London Eye include a trip around the wheel and entry to the London Eye 4D Cinema Experience.
Buckingham Palace
For visitors with flights to London, learning more about the British Royal Family is just one of the things they can experience while away. And no sight in London is as emblematic of the British royals than Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Within the palace, there are 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms that are open to the public. For 10 weeks every summer, the palaces opens its doors to visitors. And curious holidaymakers can get a taste of royal life by seeing the Throne Room, the White Drawing Room, the Palace Gardens, and the Ballroom. Another must-see attraction at Buckingham Palace is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is held every morning at 10:45am.
Cafes and Restaurants
STK
STK is one of the premier steakhouses in London. The restaurant has a chic atmosphere, combining modern fine dining with the ambience of a traditional steakhouse. Naturally, STK specialises in stellars cuts of beef, serving the likes of grain-fed fillets, New York strips, and dry-aged varieties with your choice of toppings - garlic butter, pepper crust, duck egg - or sauce, such as classic Bernaise or barbecue. a variety with different sauces. Those in the UK with cheap flights to London and who don’t feel like red meat can instead choose plates such as twice-cooked suckling pork belly, North Sea cod, roasted lamb saddle, and more.
Dishoom
Dishoom has won several awards for its modern spin on traditional South Asian dishes, and the restaurant's profile has risen rapidly with foodies booking airfares to UK who are keen to experience Dishoom's acclaimed cuisine. The culinary offerings are inspired by the Irani cafes that were popular in Bombay (known today as Mumbai) in the 1960s. Dishoom serves a variety of food and drink, offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon chai, and dinner. The restaurant has become somewhat of an institution in London and now has five locations around the city, making it easy to visit when you have return flights to London. Some of the dishes to try upon your visit to Dishoom include Parsi omelette, paneer pineapple tikka, lamb boti kebab, and gulab jamun. There are a variety of options that cater to particular dietary requirements - vegan, dairy-free, allergens - too.
Sticks and Sushi
Sticks and Sushi is a good place to go for those craving the flavours of Japanese cuisine upon landing on flights to London. The restaurant is a casual take on higher-end dining and offers creative takes on classic Japanese tastes. Find options for beef tataki with smoked cheese, tuna tartare with yuzu and ginger, fried cauliflower, bites of tempura prawn, and more on the menu.
39 Steps Coffee Haus
39 Steps Coffee Haus is named for the 39-step process it takes for coffee to go from humble bean to final brew. The cafe sources the highest-quality coffee beans and roast them at one of their three London locations. In addition to fresh and great-tasting coffee, visitors with tickets to London and flights to UK can head to 39 Steps Coffee Haus for a bite to eat too, with sandwiches, egg dishes and even pancakes all on offer.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
Travellers booking plane tickets to UK with the hopes of fitting in some fine-dining into their holiday might be tempted into making a reservation at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, the flagship diner from the namesake British chef. This is sophisticated dining at its highest and most polished, and even the most seasoned of gourmands will find it hard to fault the refined French cuisine, flawless service and sumptuous surroundings of this Michelin-starred institutions.
The Cost of Visiting London with Airfares to United Kingdom
The currency in London is the pound sterling. £1 is equivalent to about $1.90 NZD. Most businesses around London accept cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash as well. Exchange some money once you arrive into London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), or London Stansted Airport (STN). You can also load up a travel card with pounds before departing New Zealand on your flights to the United Kingdom.
Once you have flights to London booked and dates confirmed, you can also lock in your hotel through Webjet. A variety of London hotels are available through Webjet, with options for travellers on a budget to those happy to spend a little bit more on a boutique bolthole. The average price of a mid-range London hotel is about $350 NZD per night.
London is a large city and while parts of it are definitely walkable, you will likely need to take public transport as you make the most of cheap return flights to London. Public transport fares can be paid through contactless payment or Oyster card. A one-way Underground fare in zones 1-2 costs £2.40 (about $4.50 NZD). Each day, payment is capped once you reach £12.70 (about $24 NZD).
When you go out to eat after arriving in the UK on cheap flights to London, you’ll find everything from casual food trucks to high-end restaurants. The average price you’ll pay for a meal in a sit-down restaurant is about £15 (about $28.30 NZD). Pub culture is big in the UK, and a pint of beer or cider costs about £4 (about $7.55 NZD).
