Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community – and Happy Halloween! 🎃 This newsletter is a treat, not a trick 🙂
I have some news about London! I attended an event hosted by Hyatt Hotels last week and won 4 nights in London! I was there less than a year ago in December, but you can never visit too many times. I’ll be splitting my stay between an historic hotel (with keys to a private park) and modern property adjacent to the hip Shoreditch area. Expect a trip report sometime next year after I stay at both properties. I may even add on Scotland time permitting.
I loved my trip to London during the holiday season last year, but it was crowded. For fewer tourists, consider going in low or shoulder season (winter or early spring). Once summer comes, you will be traveling with many other tourists. If this is the only time you can go, then I always suggest booking 3-4+ months in advance. Actually, this guideline applies to any popular destination in Europe these days.
Read on for the scoop that will inspire you to consider a trip to London and/or the UK next year. Perhaps I’ll see you there!
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Did you know what I also have connections to special experiences and hotels with perks in NYC? Whether you’re a local (and perhaps have a special celebration coming up or people coming for a visit) or live afar, reach out!
Home Away From Home
My home-away-from-home hotel in London is pulling out the stops from November 23, 2024 (holiday season) through March 31, 2025.
Tucked away in the heart of St James’s, and minutes from London’s iconic landmarks, this special hotel is the epitome of traditional British luxury, steeped in history and character. Choose from three buildings, each with its own identity: Main House; the Mews Suites; and the renovated Carriage House, which includes a luxurious two-bedroom, three-story suite..
Stay 4 nights when you pay for 3 this holiday season. Starting Nov 23, the hotel transforms into a winter wonderland with 100 glittering Christmas trees. Featuring cozy rooms, elegant decor, and elevated amenities, you’re guaranteed a jolly good time. Generous Virtuoso benefits apply including:
For 2024:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (it’s delish!)
• Complimentary lunch or dinner for two people/room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (minimum 3-courses & value of $100USD)
• Complimentary bottle of Champagne
• Stays of 5+ nights will also receive:
• An additional complimentary lunch or dinner for two guests/room, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (for a total of two complimentary meals during the stay)
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
Special Experiences
Beyond the typical London tours and tickets, there’s a plethora of special experiences accessible via Hidden Gem Travel. When we talk about your vision and wish list for the trip, I’ll suggest these types of experiences. For example…
Why just watch the Changing of the Guard when you can experience the preparations behind the scenes? This experience is ideal for Anglophiles and families. You will meet the King’s personal guard as the suited and booted gather for inspection before their duties begin. You will have the chance to learn about the ceremony from the Guardsmen, as well as opportunities for memorable photos with the serving military officers at your side. When the time comes for the parade, you will watch from inside the Parade Ground, separated from the tourists crowding the railings who get a much less satisfactory glimpse of the proceedings. After your special access experience, you will visit the Guards Museum, where you can try on the Guards’ tunic uniforms and bearskin hats. This experience is enriched, by your insider guide’s tales about London’s most important sites nearby, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and St James’s Park.
Go behind the scenes at The Royal Albert Hall which was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 is one of London’s most iconic music venues. You will go through the stage door and behind the curtain of this much-loved Grade I listed building. See parts of the Hall that are usually off limits to the public. Your exclusive visit will be tailored to your specific interests and could include a visit to the Royal box, views from the Hall of the Albert Memorial, a private view of Dutch originals and a visit to the archives. You may even get the chance to walk onto the stage where so many artists have performed; The Beatles, Adele, One Direction and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
London’s Environs
If you’ve been to London previously and would like to explore beyond the city, consider the quaint towns of the Cotswolds, historic Bath, University towns Cambridge and Oxford, York and/or not far beyond the city you’ll find the town of Windsor, St. George’s Cathedral where the Queen is buried, and Windsor Castle. Of course, there are more options which we can discuss.
The Cotswolds are very popular. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Cotswolds in south central and southwest England are a stunning range of hills and meadows sprinkled with quaint villages, perfect for an escape from the big city. The location makes the Cotswolds combinable with a trip to Bath or Stonehenge, or Stratford-upon-Avon, but I recommend taking your time for a full day of village-hopping, tea, and shopping or better yet an overnight stay or two. As the Cotswolds covers a wide area, you’ll want to travel around between several of the villages; some standouts include: Lacock (used in a Harry Potter film), Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Snowshill.
Distance from London: Roughly 85 miles, but the Cotswolds covers a wide area, you’ll need a driver or your own car. Note that it can be challenging to park in peak season so a driver or tour with transportation may be preferable.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: On a daytrip outside of London last year, I visited Stonehenge and was underwhelmed. We will discuss whether it’s worth fitting into your itinerary on your trip consultation.
Ready to begin planning? Respond to this email to get started!
Wishing you amazing travel adventures,
Susan
NEW Section: Travel News You Can Use
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: ETA Now Required For UK Travel
IMPORTANT NOTE: In 2025, as an American citizen, you’ll need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to travel to the UK. Details at the link here:
The cost £10 to apply. Everyone traveling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children.
The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA app (download on the App store).
Although many are approved quickly, it’s always best to apply with plenty of time to spare.
Here is an overview video: https://youtu.be/EQVvTTbHIu4
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