Hadrian’s Wall is one of northern Europe’s greatest remnants of the Roman Empire. It was effectively the northernmost border of the entire empire, which in its heyday extended into three continents. Construction of the wall was initiated by Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD—the wall was more or less complete no more than six years later, a feat so impressive that it could only be done by the Romans. I ... Read Full Article
My Love Affair with Great British Food
I love British food. When people ask me what I love about the United Kingdom, what keeps me coming back, I often blurt out “food!” Some people laugh. Most think I’m joking. Britain, they note, is not exactly known for its cuisine. But I beg to differ. Perhaps it’s because I’m a Minnesotan. Midwesterners, Northerners, we like our meat and potatoes and we like them covered in gravy so thick ... Read Full Article
Best Restaurants for Late-night Dining in London
New York might be the city that never sleeps, but London follows pretty close behind. At least that’s true when it comes to its late night dining options. Now you can enjoy a meal at some of the best restaurants in London... 24 hours a day! This wasn't always the case, of course. Historically, if you were hungry after a night out, you'd have to rely on private member's casinos, ... Read Full Article
Best Wine Bars in London
Where are the best wine bars in London? London, for wine lovers, is a true Aladdin's cave. It's a city that embraces all wine from all regions and leaves none behind. Indeed, there are few other places in the world where you can find both traditional wines made in Georgian Qveris and shiraz from New Latitude regions, such as Thailand. Also read our 3 Days in London Itinerary Here's a ... Read Full Article
A Book Lover’s Tour of London
The English do love to read. And nowhere is this more evident than in London Town’s plethora of bookshops. Although I long ago tapped out London’s most noteworthy tourist sights (and many of a lesser degree) I still schedule a hedonistic day or two taking a book tour of London when I’m passing through. Also read: 3 Day London Itinerary My Book Tour of London Bookshops are ... Read Full Article
Stonehenge and Bath: Time Travel in the West Country
Time played a major role in my day trip from London to Stonehenge and Bath. It meant getting up early, for a start, an activity that has never been one of my strong points. But such is the allure of Stonehenge and Bath that I made the effort to roll out of bed in time to join the tour at Victoria Coach Station in central London for a tour that would cross the country and take us back roughly 5000 ... Read Full Article
Posh London Has a New Home: The Beaumont Hotel
London: globally significant for being a central hub of finance, culture, history – not to mention shopping. As such, there is no shortage of fabulous places to stay when hopping across the pond. However, we’ve fallen especially hard for one newly opened hotel, with a crush so intense we can only compare it to seeing Love Actually for the first time or slathering clotted cream across a scone. ... Read Full Article
Getting Nautical in Greenwich
There are many ways to reach the Royal Borough of Greenwich in southeast London. You can take the bus, or the underground, or the futuristic Docklands Light Railway. Or, in keeping with the strong naval heritage of the area, you can take a boat. Along with the profusion of tourist cruises on offer, commuter boats stop at Greenwich pier, and it is by far the best way to get an overview of the area. ... Read Full Article
Take a New Look at Arty London
London galleries and museums are more often than not an overwhelming experience - an endless parade of disoriented visitors blocking your view and usually accompanied by a busy soundtrack of camera clicks. But there’s a different and far more interesting art and design game being played in a handful of addresses, mostly a stone’s throw from the main thoroughfare. With a little effort, you can ... Read Full Article
Sampling Traditional English Fare in York
The Romans knew it as Eboracum. To the Saxons it was Eoforwick. Then the Vikings named it Jorvik. Today we know it as York. From Roman times onward, Eboracum would become such a well-established political and commercial center that people continued to live here for millennia. Due to the numerous uncovered artifacts (many of which can be seen in the town’s numerous museums), and its plethora of ... Read Full Article