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Guide to What's on in London During 2012 Olympics

Emma-Louise's picture
Fri, 04/05/2012 - 09:18 — Emma-Louise

The Olympics are days away, the clock is ticking and the hype is heightening. For those who may not have been lucky enough to get tickets for any of the events, you can still get involved, join the party and have a good time in London.

The city has been making extra effort to ensure that the Summer of 2012 is enjoyed by all and runs as smoothly as possible. London was recently named the best city in the World by Trip Advisor coming in ahead of second and third place winners New York and Rome. There are numerous things to do in London and even more during this Summer of 2012.

Over 20% of Londoners plan to escape the city during the Games but we think they should stay and enjoy the fun. Feast your eyes on this short guide on how you can be invovled in London 2012 even if you don't have tickets for any of the Olympic events.

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Neil Duerden

Party in the Park

Starting off with the opening ceremony, a big party in Hyde Park, along with a huge screen to watch it from. See Snow Patrol, Stereophonics and Duran Duran all of which are listed to play at the opening ceremony. Her Majesty the Queen will also be attending to officially open the Olympics.

Have a Sleep Over

I know it sounds silly! But you can have a family sleepover in one of 5 major London attractions. They include the Natural History Museum, ZSL London Zoo, Science Museum, Golden Hinde and the Chelsea Football Club. How great is that! If you don't have children then you may have to go and borrow one.

See some Street Art

I know what your going to say, Graffiti! Yes exactly just that. I know there is a load of rubbish out there and those are the ones which should be stopped from making a mess on urban walls, but when it is done right by someone who is artistic enough to pull it off, there is something quite nice about seeing a bit of colourful art in all that cement. Take a look around the city and there will be some that will astound you.

Go on a Harry Potter Tour

Go and visit the Warner Brothers studio tour. Go behind the scenes of one of the biggest movies of all time. Step inside and discover Harry Potter. See the actual Great Hall, explore Dumbledore’s office and feast your eyes on the hand sculpted 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts. A trip both adults and kids can enjoy.

Join a Street Party

Throughout the Olympic Games, street parties are been held all over the country and what better place than London itself. Also when your out and about, keep a look out for the full scale bouncy Stonehenge which will be at various locations, also comedy with Stephen Fry, amazing acrobatics in and around the London landmarks and Wallace and Gromit will show their faces at the proms.

Visit Stonehenge

One of the greatest and most historic sights of Britain, what better time to take a day out of the city to head for Stonehenge. A quiet, peaceful place where you can get a good view of the English countryside and explore the unexplained stones of the henge.

Watch the Events from Potters Fields Park

Soak up some sun (hopefully) and take in the atmosphere at Potters Fields Park, situated beside Tower Bridge and City Hall where throughout the Olympics a live site will be set up with big screens for the whole city to enjoy. Perfect place to be if you want to watch the sports and be in with the crowds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Team London Bridge

Get a Burger at McDonalds

I know what you are thinking, McDonalds! What is she on about? But McDonalds is going to be opening the Worlds biggest branch for the Olympics. A two story building with seating for 15,000, it will only be open throughout the 6 weeks of the Olympic and Paralympic games. That will be one big party in Macky Ds.

Equestrian at Greenwich Park

Greenwich park is going to be the main area for the Equestrian sports at the Olympics. Whether you like horses or not, the 183 acres of wide open space, numerous stalls, bars and food halls will be at the park and makes a good family day out. The cross country jumps for these events are massive and you can take a walk around the course to really see the size of jumps the horses will encounter. Tickets cost between £55 - £150.

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe

You cannot go to London without having a meal in the World famous Hard Rock Cafe. An experience in itself, an interesting place to enjoy food and good company. Don't forget to look out for Eric Clapton's guitar, Madonna's Iconic pink bustier and John Lennon's military jacket.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit
 
Good old Boris Johnson, launched a design competition for the construction of a structure for the Olympics and what he got was the ArcelorMittal Orbit. Just opened in time for the big event, it is acting as a visitor attraction. Tickets will be available in May through the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games & Paralympic Games.
 
Ice Cream at the Chin Chin Labs
 
Unique to it's own, the best place for an authentic ice cream. Located on "Camden Lock Place" you are guaranteed an ice cream like never before. Using liquid nitrogen, it is a first in Europe. They offer weekly specials and a wide range of flavors, toppings and sauces. One not to be missed! 
 
Paul Cummins English Flower Garden
 
Set eyes on this spectacular collection of 15,000 hand thrown ceramics to celebrate the British love of flowers which is currently on display until the 17th September at Chiswick House.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo by Eleanor Ford
 
Pop up cinema Screens
 
There will be pop up screens in different London borough's showcasing some of the best British films. So if you get stuck waiting for a bus or the underground then feast your eyes on one of these screens to ease the wait.
 
Story of the Games Exhibition 
 
At the Royal Opera House is a free Olympic museum that will showcase the story of the Olympic games starting from Ancient Greece through to the modern day games, see medals, torches and the inspiring tales behind the Worlds biggest event. Free entry and runs the length of the games.
 
Free Sporting Events
 
There is however some of the Olympic sporting events that you can be a part of for FREE. The Road Cycling, Race Walk, the Triathlon and the Olympic and Paralympic Marathon can all be viewed from roads sides along the routes.
 
Major attractions, monuments and Not to be Missed
 
If it is your first time to London or you have never had the time to go and explore the major attractions in London consider taking a bit of time out to go and explore some of the best on offer, many of which are free. These could include some of the following:
 
  • Big Ben
  • British Museum
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Changing the Guard
  • Grant Museum of Zoology
  • Houses of Parliament 
  • Kensington Gardens
  • Madame Tussauds
  • National Gallery
  • Natural History Museum
  • Newham City Farm
  • London Zoo
  • Science Museum
  • Sherlock Holmes Museum
  • Tate Modern
  • The Cartoon Museum
  • The Tower of London
  • Windsor Castle
 
Ride on the London Eye
 
You can not go to London and avoid going up in one of the capsules of the London Eye. With some of the best views of the city from some 135m in height. Choose from sharing a 30 min ride on the eye or you can hire a whole capsule to yourself for group bookings. Advised to book well in advance due to high numbers expected July and August. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
The BBC's Hackney Weekend
 
Exciting stuff if you are going to be in London for the weekend of the 23rd - 24th June, join in one of the biggest FREE live music events ever. A good line up includes Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Jay-Z, Tinie Tempah, Plan B, Florence and the Machine, David Guetta, Flo Rida, Jessie J and Lana del Rey. Pretty cool to say it's free.

What happens if it rains?

As typical British weather goes and throughout the time of the Olympic games, you are likely to see some rain at some point. That doesn't put the British people off from having a good time and nor should it you. Get yourself a decent umbrella or head for some of the indoor attractions until the rains pass.

You Cannot Go to London?
 
That's a shame, unfortunately we will not all be able to go to London and have fun throughout the 2012 Summer long festival, but you still may be interested in watching the many sporting events offered. Fans from all over the World will be able to watch every event live, as it happens over the internet at the NBCOlympics.com website. The BBC and other major television companies will also be airing top events throughout the duration of the games.

 

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