London's tourism industry is predicting a major boost this spring when people from around the world flood the city to watch Prince William wed his long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton. The event could be the most expensive celebrity wedding of all time and it promises to be one heck of a party!
On April 29, the wedding service begins at 11 a.m. Onlookers hoping to catch a glimpse of Kate in her wedding dress may want to situate themselves along the route to Westminster Abbey, which includes The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and Parliament Square. After the ceremony, the newlywed couple will follow the reverse of that route in a carriage procession.
The real celebration however begins after the ceremony. Pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open longer for the royal wedding and expect street parties in and around London. Kate's favourite nightclub, London's Mahiki Club, located just off Piccadilly Circus is planning a street party on Dover Street, while nearby Club Boujis may be throwing a party inside.
Nearby counties and boroughs such as Sussex, Eastbourne, Northamptonshire and even cities like Manchester are also expected to close down streets for parties.
If you are thinking about heading across the pond, there a few things to keep in mind:
- Don't expect any bargains. The good news is that the exchange rate is at an historic low of 1.63.
- Air fares to London in the days leading up to the event have already jumped and will become more expensive as the big day gets closer, so the sooner you book the better.
- Another option is to fly into a nearby city, like Paris, and take a train into London. As of now, train ticket prices from France are about average and there is still plenty of availability.
- Consider booking accommodation outside of the city and taking the train into Central London. Charming towns like Cambridge, Reading, St Albans, Brighton and even Cardiff, Wales are all two hours or less by train from London. Airport hotels are also a potentially cheaper option. You can the subway into town from Heathrow or take the Heathrow Express in to London in 15 minutes.
- Check out a glostel. When thinking of hostels, the usual image is that of a bunch of 18-23 years olds backpacking their way through Europe. Great for young people wanting to see the world but the rest of us probably wouldn't even consider staying in a hostel. The forward-thinking Brits have put a spin on the seedy hostels of old and have come up with Glostels or glam hostels. Glam it up and check out: http://www.suite101.com/content/english-glostels-a302926 or http://www.visitlondon.com/category/accommodation/hostel/1
There are also some tour operators in Canada offering package deals. Check out:
For more tips on what to see and do, check out Visit Britain, Britain's national tourism authority, at . To celebrate the 100 days leading up to the royal nuptials, they have produced a royal-themed list of 100 things for visitors to see and do in the United Kingdom. The on-line Visit Britain Shop is a one stop shop for all British attractions, events, shows, travel and transport. Visit to save precious time from having to wait in long lines and money.
