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Top Travel Photography Spots in London

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Picture-Perfect Places to Capture Autumn in the Capital

Crisp air, golden leaves and soft lighting. Autumn is a magical time to explore London with your camera. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just snapping on your phone, the city’s historic landmarks and hidden corners come alive in this season.

Here are the best places to capture iconic and unexpected shots in London.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Let’s start with the classics. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are the most iconic structures in London, instantly recognisable and endlessly photogenic.

For the best view, cross Westminster Bridge and head slightly downstream along the South Bank. Capture the gothic architecture as it lights up just after sunset, reflecting off the River Thames. Bonus points if you catch a red double-decker bus in the foreground.

Tower Bridge and the Thames Path

You really cannot take a bad photo of Tower Bridge. Whether it’s sunrise, sunset or under a moody sky, this Victorian icon looks impressive from every angle.

The Queen’s Walk on the south side of the river gives you plenty of wide-angle options. Walk across the bridge itself for dynamic close-ups. On your way, don’t miss the chance to snap a classic red telephone box nearby. It is a proper London moment.

Buckingham Palace and The Guards

A visit to London isn’t complete without photographing Buckingham Palace. It’s not just about the grandeur of the royal residence. Zoom in to capture the iconic Queen’s Guard in their red tunics and bearskin hats. The contrast of colours against the pale stone façade creates a timeless image.

Early morning offers the best lighting and fewer crowds, especially during Changing of the Guard days.

The London Eye and Riverside Views

Standing tall at 135 metres, the London Eye offers dramatic photo opportunities by day or night. From Jubilee Gardens, frame it against the skyline or wait until after dusk when it glows in seasonal colours.

Fancy a challenge? Ride the Eye and capture panoramic views of the city from above. You will spot all the major landmarks, perfect for creating a series of wide-angle shots.

Hidden Photography Gems in London

Not all the best photos come from tourist hotspots. London is full of hidden treasures that offer character, contrast and colour.

  • Leadenhall Market – This ornate covered market with cobbled walkways and wrought-iron detailing feels like stepping into Diagon Alley.

  • Paddington Station – Capture the movement of Londoners in one of the city’s busiest transport hubs.

  • Leake Street Tunnel (Graffiti Tunnel) – A gritty, ever-changing canvas of street art beneath Waterloo Station.

Final Shot: Capture the Moment

Whether you’re photographing a palace or a pint, autumn in London provides the perfect backdrop for creativity. Bring your camera, wander off the beaten path and let the city’s charm surprise you. For guests staying at Georgian House Hotel, our team will happily point you to local photo-friendly spots or even recommend the best time of day for the perfect shot.

Don’t forget to tag us in your pics.

Congratulations Team GB on the Rio Olympic medals

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It’s almost all over for another four years and Team GB have come away from the Rio Olympics with unbelievable results. With 27 gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze medals, we’re ready to start the Paralympics on a high with only more medals to be grasped! Needless to say the games have kept us all entertained over August and we say congratulations to the athletes who gave a world-class performance. We’re looking back on their victories and seeing what’s next in the world of sport, including a special event happening here in London. Keep reading for more!

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London 2012 venues – The Olympic legacy?

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{{cta(‘86780b33-5e6e-4b78-ad3b-edb84785d4a0’)}}Can you believe the next Olympics is already here? It seems like the hype of the London 2012 Games was only yesterday, but it’s time again for our nation’s team to rise to the challenge and win all the shiny gold medals they can get! Controversies are still in the air as to whether holding the games in the developing city, Rio de Janeiro was a good idea. However, there is hope that this year’s event will potentially bring a similar legacy to the London 2012 Olympics. Unlike poor Athens that unfortunately could not maintain their sport venues from 2004, London has continued to bring all kinds of benefits to the East part of the city. So what’s become of the Olympic venues that once was home to sportsmen of the world? The good news is that all 560 acres of the Olympic Park is still inviting in the millions of visitors with all the venues still playing a vital role in the development of the area, whilst bringing in some positive economic effects.

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Brexit – What it means for British hospitality

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Tourism accounts for one eleventh of the UK’s GDP, with numbers of EU visitors due to top nine million this year and providing over three million jobs nationwide. 63% of the UK’s inbound tourists are from European countries; so, arguably Brexit is going to significantly impact the tourism and hospitality industry. The biggest spenders are by far the British citizens travelling around within the country, followed by the ‘big four’ (Italy, France, Germany and Spain), all of which are going to feel the effect of the vote. However, tourism is a responsive and robust industry that never fails to make the best of the changing economic environment that is always throwing challenges from every angle. Whatever the consequences, we as a hospitality business must seize the opportunities and of course, continue to give our guests enjoyable and memorable experiences. So, here’s how we will remain positive through this turbulent time.

Particularly in London and other major cities across the country, the tourism supply chain owes a lot to its European workforce, we couldn’t survive without them! In hospitality, it’s all about the people. We know that the visitor experience is more than just a basic service and that right from the beginning when our guests arrive, our staff will do what comes naturally to them and will make them feel right at home. We are dependent on our highly talented European workforce and we appreciate their hard-work and dedication that they bring to our business every day. From management, to reception, housekeeping and breakfast, we have staff from all over Europe who have moved to the UK and devoted their time to growing our hotel. What we can guarantee is that whatever the weather, it’s business as usual at the Georgian House and you’ll always be welcomed with a smile!

The significant pound drop isn’t all doom and gloom either. The weaker pound could grow tourism and leisure and we should seize the opportunity according to hospitality experts. When the pound was strong, greater numbers of UK holidaymakers would go abroad. Whereas now, with Brits potentially more reluctant to travel abroad, the UK economy could start seeing a notable rise in income from domestic tourism as people will start exploring more of the nation. Once all the uncertainty has toned down and Britain restores its confidence, we’re confident that European visitors will be more likely to come back to visit too.

Hospitality overall has reacted with indecision to Brexit, as we now face both positive and negative impacts. But what we do know, is that our view of the UK, London and what the future holds for the destination is positive. We also know that London remains one of the most popular destinations in the world for travellers from Europe and around the globe. There will always be endless reasons to visit the capital, including its fascinating heritage, vibrant energy and goings-on around every corner! What’s more is that wherever you are travelling from, London is soon going to be offering much more value for your money than it has for a long time, with cheaper accommodation than lots of other UK locations. All of us at the Georgian House are looking on the bright side of the situation. We’ll happily continue to accommodate our guests as usual and encourage them to make the most of their visit to the beautiful city, because all that matters to us is your experience!

Stress-Free Travel Tips Every Holidaymaker Should Know

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Going on holiday should feel like a break, not a battle. Yet for many, preparing for a trip can be more stressful than the trip itself. Between packing, airports, managing kids or finding your passport last minute, it’s no wonder people arrive at hotels feeling frazzled. At Georgian House Hotel, we welcome guests from across the world, and we’ve picked up a few helpful tips along the way. These practical, tried-and-tested tips will help you enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable holiday from the moment you click ‘book’.

Pack Light and Pack Smart

One of the most common travel mistakes is overpacking. Carrying a heavy suitcase through busy streets or train stations only adds unnecessary stress. Try to pack only what you’ll realistically use. Choose versatile clothing that can be worn in different settings. Remember that most hotels, including Georgian House, offer amenities like hairdryers and irons so you don’t need to bring your own. Packing light saves space, reduces baggage fees and gives you room for souvenirs or duty-free treats on the way home.

Learn a Few Local Phrases

While English is widely spoken around the world, learning a few local phrases can make your trip more rewarding. Even a simple “hello,” “thank you” or “where is the station” in the local language can go a long way in making connections and showing respect. Don’t worry if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. Locals generally appreciate the effort and will often be more willing to help. If you find yourself stuck in conversation, body language is universal. Smile, gesture politely and be patient.

Ask Hotel Staff for Local Recommendations

Guidebooks are useful, but nothing beats local knowledge. At Georgian House, our team loves sharing personal recommendations for restaurants, attractions and hidden gems in London. Asking your hotel staff can lead you to experiences you won’t find on major travel sites. From the best place to get coffee in Pimlico to walking routes that avoid the crowds, a quick chat at reception could completely change your itinerary for the better.

Keep Cables Organised with a Glasses Case

Tangled charger cables are an annoyance for every traveller. To avoid rummaging through your bag, store your phone chargers, earphones and USB leads in a spare glasses case. It keeps everything neatly contained and easy to access when you need it. You’ll wonder why you never did it sooner.

Capture Memories, But Be Present

Taking photos is a great way to preserve your travel memories. Just remember not to see the entire trip through your phone screen. Snap a few meaningful photos each day, but don’t forget to look up and enjoy the sights in real time. Be mindful, soak in your surroundings and you’ll come home with more than just pictures.

Last-Minute Gift Solution

If you forget to buy a gift for someone back home, don’t panic. Duty-free shops always stock classic favourites like Toblerone, which remains one of the most universally appreciated travel souvenirs. It’s affordable, easy to carry and available in most airports worldwide.

Final Thought

Travel doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple strategies, you can make your next holiday more relaxing, more enjoyable and far less stressful. Whether you’re visiting London or heading further afield, the team at Georgian House is here to help you feel right at home the moment you arrive.

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2016: The year of theatre!

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There’s nothing quite like London’s West End. It’s iconic, it’s exciting and there’s always something happening. It is particularly well-known for its excellent shopping, buzzing night-life and fascinating museums and galleries, but the most famous feature about this part of the city is the theatre scene. In ‘Theatreland’ there are around 40 stages ready to entertain audiences with musicals, comedies, plays and dance performances and this year has to be one of the most dynamic years yet! With the huge range of shows ready to raise the roof every day and night, there’s something for everyone and you are guaranteed a memorable experience. So let’s get to it, what are this year’s hottest tickets you need to get?

“The eighth story. Nineteen years later.” Yes, we’re going to kick this off with simply THE most anticipated theatre performance of the year and a must for all the Hogwarts-heads out there. Your favourite characters from the wizarding world are back for another adventure as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is ready to take you on a magical journey, years on from the last epic story Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Currently at the Palace Theatre, the show is being previewed before it officially opens on the eve of The Boy Who Lived’s birthday and we just can’t wait to hear more about the show, as it’s all being kept very secret until the big day! The new story follows Harry Potter and his son, Albus, as they both struggle to live a normal wizard life with such a significant family history, after Harry battled and defeated the Dark Lord Voldemort when he was just a teenager. The official synopsis of the play leaves us guessing, as we expect Harry’s dark past to return to haunt his family. The performance will be shown in two parts either to be seen one after the other or on two consecutive nights, so prepare yourself for a hefty dose of magic madness that you will never forget! The cast has been announced and news about the previews is starting to emerge, leaving us gasping to know more but if you cannot wait, tickets are available via the official site. If you followed Harry through his exciting and daring adventure right from the beginning, you won’t want to miss this.

Another fabulous new entry everyone’s talking about is a Disney classic that we all remember and love from the 90s for its lovable characters and colourful story. At the Prince Edward Theatre, be transported into ‘A Whole New World’ with the award-nominated production, Aladdin. The popular tale of lovebirds Aladdin and Princess Jasmine takes a form you’ve never seen before and is set to be an absolute delight; with all of your sing-along songs performed with fantastic costume, setting design and special effects. Aladdin lives a difficult life on the streets scavenging around for scraps of food and Princess Jasmine is desperate to break away from the suffocating high walls of the palace. When the two meet and Aladdin saves Jasmine’s life, they instantly fall in love and of course, there are dangerous consequences ahead of the couple. Also featuring the famous shape-shifting Genie, it could be time to ask him for your three wishes… one of course being tickets to arrive at your doorstep on a magic carpet.

Now it’s time to add a bit of ‘sass’ to this blog and give mention to one of the quirkiest, heart-warming and feel-good shows in the West End. Described as dazzling, uplifting and glamorous, Kinky Boots is yet another new production that’s bringing endless glitter to the stage with bright costumes, excellent choreography and a good laugh. Set in Northampton, the story follows Charlie who takes on the family ‘Price & Son’ shoe factory business that’s unfortunately on the verge of bankruptcy and with a dis-heartened workforce. Charlie meets Lola, a drag queen who helps him to convince his employees that there is a strong need for high-heeled boots worn by drag performers. With the ultimate goal of a fashion show in Milan, Kinky Boots goes on to entertain you as the all-new shoe factory faces up to its dreams and is saved from ruin. The musical is not only bursting with energy, comedy and fun, it also demonstrates the importance of acceptance, solidarity and friendship, offering an all-round feel-good experience and leaving you wanting a pair of high-heeled red boots!

Lastly, we cannot forget the long-time-running performances that are still bringing us joy to this day. Across the West End you’ll see Mamma Mia, Wicked, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera plus so many more that are guaranteed not to disappoint you and should certainly not be missed! 2016 really is the year of theatre and we cannot wait to see what else is waiting in the wings.