It is easy to visit London and get swept up in the tourist tide by taking the open top bus for a tour around the city. While you get to see the major sights such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster and Downing Street, you miss all the quirky streets and alleys that really show the heart of London. So, how do you make sure that you see everything and find some hidden treasure along the way? Why, take a walk. 

Easily the best way to explore London is by foot, walking through London will lead you up hidden alley ways to secret locations that you can’t get to by public transport. Walking from the Tower of London to Piccadilly Circus, which is a short walk away from Chilworth Massage Paddington, is just over 2 hours and it will take you to some fascinating spots and hidden gems along the way. 

The first famous historical point that you will come to is Pudding Lane, where the Great Fire of London started in 1666. A Monument is erected at the near the location it began, and visitors can climb all of the Monument’s 311 steps to the top to take in the beautiful views of the city. The next stop is the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral, built by Christopher Wren in the 16th century. For a small fee that helps towards the running costs of the building, you can take in the extraordinary craftsmanship and exquisite artwork that graces the cathedral’s walls and ceilings.

Strolling down Temple Avenue will take you to the legal sector of the city. It feels as if it is hidden away from the rest of the city with its own luscious garden and striking red bricked buildings which enclose the famous 12th century Temple Church built by the Knights Templar. This fascinating piece of Medieval history is a real hidden gem and it is completely worth the time it may take to find it, with its effigies and unique structure.

Taking the path up to the secret door will take you back to the hustle and bustle of London life, a complete contrast to the hidden world of the legal district, and you will find yourself outside the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand. Continuing down the Strand where you can find the best Afternoon tea in London will place you in Trafalgar Square where the famous pigeons live and home to the National Gallery. As the gallery is free entry, you can explore some of the old masters such as Holbein the Younger and Rembrandt and submerse yourself in history and artistic culture.

From Trafalgar Square you can find your way to Shaftesbury Avenue, famous worldwide and otherwise known as the West End, where many award-winning musicals and plays are held, then it is on to Leicester Square which is famous for celebrity sightings and its movie premieres. Seconds away from the square lies the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus, one of the most famous sites in the world.

The modern way of life exposes us to a lot of stress, which isn’t easy to get rid of. One of the best ways to refresh your body and your mind is to enjoy a professional massage from time to time. Since travel (especially business trips) can be very stressful, it’s no wonder that top hotels like The Montcalm London Marble Arch now provide this service for their guests. A nice massage after a long trip or a day spent sightseeing can have a miraculous impact on a person’s mood, not to mention long term health.

Despite all this, some people still resist trying a massage, even if it’s readily available. Here are some instructions that could help such individuals overcome their resistance and enjoy all the benefits of a professional massage:

Have an expert masseur do your first massage

It’s very important to get a massage from someone who knows exactly what he’s doing, especially if it’s your first. The human body is a sensitive instrument and pushing the wrong muscle in a wrong direction could actually cause harm. On the other hand, a professional masseur can find spots where muscles are too tight and relax them with carefully targeted pressure and motions. If you don’t already have a trusted personal masseur, it might be best to contact a reputable salon. For example, paying a visit to Montcalm Marble Arch Spa could be a smart way to get introduced to massage in completely safe and very comfortable surroundings.

Relax and let your body return to its natural shape

To get maximal effects from your first massage, it’s necessary to enter a calm state of mind and try relaxing your body as much as possible. The less you resist the motions of the masseur, the more effective his efforts can be. It’s perfectly normal to feel a little nervous during your first massage, although in most cases the tension dissipates as soon as the masseur starts his work and the muscle tonus changes for the better. Still, it may be best to choose the time for your massage carefully, taking into account your present mood and physical condition. Some people enjoy a massage in the morning, while others like in at the end of the day – it’s up to you to discover your preference.

Combining a massage with another wellness activity It’s a great idea to combine a session in the swimming pool or sauna with a professional massage, as this will give the body a combination of stimulation and relaxation. This can be done conveniently thanks to the fact that most wellness centres have facilities for a range of physical exercises. For example, if you are staying at Montcalm Marble Arch afternoon tea session can be an intro that you will follow up with an hour in the gym and another half an hour in the hands of a professional masseur. After that, your body will feel fantastic, and you’ll be ready to continue your stay in London while maintaining a high

For the un-pampered amongst us, a massage is just a massage. Whatever words they throw before it on the spa menu, we know that the massage will involve oils, ocean music, scented candles – and a high chance of making us feel very relaxed and sleepy. What we don’t know is that there’s a lot more to it than that – and those words on the menu actually do mean something!

There are countless varieties of massage available, and the options can often depend on where you go and how much you’re willing to pay. Let’s start with the basics – the relaxing Swedish massage that can be found at virtually every spa, including those inside hotels in Marble Arch.  

Swedish Massage

Generally the most readily available across London (and with plenty of special offers available online!) the Swedish massage is a fantastic option for those who want to treat themselves but who may be worried about reacting sensitively to the touch of the therapist. Ideal for those new to massage, this treatment is usually quite short, most often lasting around 30 minutes, and can help release muscle knots that are making you feel tense. A great choice for those spending a few days in London who are looking for a relaxing way to end their stay.

Sports Massage

The iconic sports massage is not to be entered into lightly and is best enjoyed as part of a spa package after a strenuous day of activity, whether that be a football match or sightseeing.

Sports massages focus on the muscles engaged during physical activity and sport, and tend to be intense with deep pressure and extreme stretching. This type of massage can improve your sports performance through the encouragement of increased flexibility, and is often performed immediately after a big race or sporting event – to release tension from the muscles and promote active healing.

Hot stone massage

Hot stone massage is perfect for those with aches and pains, as it relies on heated stones placed on different areas of the body after a gentle massage from your therapist. The stones improve blood flow and relieve pain, promoting relaxation and relieving stress. As this tends to be a much longer treatment, generally around 90 minutes or so, it’s often more expensive than the Swedish massage.

Of course, the money is worth it and after this one, you’ll be relaxed and ready to retire to your flat or your luxury hotel rooms in London.

Trigger point massage

Last on our list, and not such a relaxing one, is the trigger point massage. This option is designed for those suffering from injury or chronic pain as it focuses on specific issues and uses trigger points in the body to relax problem areas. This type of massage combines gentle strokes of the body with strong deeper pressure, to relieve the trigger points of your pain and promote release.

Of course, there are a great deal more types of massage available – it all depends on where you look. However, these are four of the most popular massages available across London today, so why not treat yourself to a bit of me-time and try something new.

London’s rich cultural scene isn’t just a daytime affair. The diverse range of museums across the city also offers some great events and opportunities to visit after dark, making it an ideal alternative activity for a relaxed evening, or even a fun date.

With long, warm days when you want to make the most of your time outdoors, an evening visit to a museum is often the best time to go. Read on for a review of some of the best museums around London, to visit at night.

Tate Modern

One of the most exciting places to visit to experience a diverse range of contemporary art, the Tate Modern, located at Bankside, and easy to access from the Montcalm. It is open late every Friday and Saturday, when the museum is open until 10 pm. If you prefer a more relaxed experience where you can enjoy exploring art without having to jostle through the crowds, evenings are your best bet.

As well as their regular later hours, Tate Modern also offers Tate Lates, on the last Friday of each month. Well worth visiting if you’re about, Tate Lates will often feature a variety of special, exclusive events and activities, often centred around a current exhibition. In the past, these have included live music and DJ performances, special film screenings, silent discos and creative workshops.

The British Museum

Near to the Montcalm Royal London House, the British Museum is one of the biggest and most popular museums in London. It can often get extremely busy though – with 80,000 artefacts on display, and millions more in their collection, the British Museum has a huge number of things to discover.

To get the most out of your visit, try heading there on a Friday evening, when it is open until 8.30 pm. You’ll often be able to experience special spotlight tours that give you a closer look at some of their most prized exhibits, including the Parthenon and the Rosetta Stone.

The British Museum also offers some intriguing late events on Friday evenings which takes place throughout the year. You’ll find interesting lectures, special film screenings and music performances, themed around the various galleries on display.

The British Library

The British Library is close to one of the city’s main stations at King’s Cross, and easy to get to if you’re staying at the M by Montcalm. The Library is open until 8pm most evenings during the week anyway, but for a truly special experience, head to one of their Friday Lates, where you can take part in special workshops, listen to great speakers, and get to make new friends over fascinating subjects.

After late events, it’s always worth finishing the night in style with a great bite to eat, and one of the most stylish and laid back places to enjoy a meal is Hankies. With a tempting menu inspired by Indian street food and spicy snacks, it’s the perfect way to wrap up an evening.

We all live incredibly busy lives where we are having to put the needs of others – friends, families, colleagues, clients – ahead of our own. Is it any wonder we feel burnt out and in need of the kind of luxury pampering we never have the time to give ourselves? That’s where a trip to spa hotels in London can make all the difference, offering the opportunity to take a break from the responsibilities of life for a carefree experience where it’s all about YOU.

However, if you’ve never been to a spa hotel, you may have some questions that need answering before you can feel fully relaxed. But fear not, here’s our FAQ guide to spa etiquette:

When should I arrive?

The aim of a spa treatment is to make you feel relaxed and happy, but please don’t get so carried away that you show up late to a treatment. At the Montcalm Spa, we ask clients to arrive 30 minutes before their treatment begins, which helps us to keep everyone’s appointments running on schedule and helps you to have time to get relaxed and ready to enjoy it.

What do I need to bring?

Clearly, the most important thing to bring is yourself and a willingness to shed the cares and worries of the outside world, but there isn’t much else you need. You’ll be provided with a towel and a locker to store anything you’ve got with you, but the spa can’t take responsibility for any lost valuables you’ve brought, so please leave them behind before arriving.

Can I bring my mobile?

It’s alien for most of us to be anywhere without our mobiles to hand, but that’s not exactly a healthy situation that is conducive to wellness. Nobody can really enjoy a spa treatment if they are arguing with a stranger about politics on Twitter, can they? And the rest of our guests don’t want to hear your ringtones when they’re chilling out, so we ask you to not use your phone in the spa.

Can I bring my kids?

Children under the age of 16 are allowed in the spa at the Montcalm Hotel between the hours of 8am-10am and 6pm-8pm, but only when supervised fully by an adult. They can’t receive treatment for health and safety purposes and the best answer to the question is probably another question – how often do you feel calm and relaxed when your children are with you? Better to let them enjoy the delights of the best afternoon tea London deals while you focus on yourself.

What information do I need to give?

When arriving at the spa you’ll need to fill out a health form to make your therapist aware of any areas that need particular attention during your treatment and of anything else they might need to know to ensure your visit can personalised as much as possible.

Will everyone be naked? Certain levels of nudity may be required – but never more than you are comfortable with – for some treatments you receive at a spa, but in the UK you don’t need to worry about seeing – or showing – more than you bargained for in public areas

Did you know that Brits consumer more than 165 cm cups of tea every day? The caffeinated drink is a common drink to consume at work, it’s essentially their version of coffee! But the morning bevvy wasn’t always chugged down while getting ready. Traditionally, tea time occurred at 16:00 with cakes and savoury goods – and not without proper etiquette. Although it’s not practised today, it’s interesting to know what lies behind the age-old tradition. So next time you’re having tea at the Park Grand Hotel, you’ll know where to put your spoon and napkin.

Do call it a cup and pour it properly

Traditionally, there’s one designated tea pourer, step down from the post if you incline spilling. Pour each cup one by one, but not to the brim. Just like with coffee, leave some room for potential milk, sugar or a lemon slice, just like you would with coffee. Avoid calling it a mug, refer to it as a cup to avoid a faux-pas situation!

How to add sugar and milk

Sugar and milk are two common add-ons to British tea. Although you might want to drink it with sugar and ice cubes (and call it, iced tea), milk is a great option, as it can take the edge off the stiff bitter taste that sometimes shines through. There’s even etiquette around milk and sugar! Add the milk after the sugar, and don’t stir your cup. It’s basically how your grandparents consume coffee.

How to hold a cup of tea

Remember to use a napkin for Indian afternoon tea London! Fold it on your lap because it’s not just to soak up potential spills, it’s for preventing stains too. When sipping on your hot beverage, don’t lean over. Let the cup meet your face before taking a gulp.

Moreover, avoid cradling the cup. It’s everything you would do with a hot mug of coffee, but the opposite. According to British etiquette, two cups are an appropriate amount to drink, but if you’re on vacation, remember that splurging is an etiquette during the holidays.

Eating during tea

No high-end tea would worth the name without something delicious to nibble on! The Jane Austen novels did not steer you wrong. Brits do indeed eat cucumber sandwiches sans crust, scones and cakes with their tea. Unsurprisingly, eat your delicious delights in small bites, as is tea time etiquette. Crust-free sandwiches at the park grand London Heathrow is is a delight that makes the rules of tea worth the hassle.

Tea terminology

Afternoon tea, high tea, cream tea, royal tea – what’s the difference? Not an awful lot, but with one you get Champagne! Cream tea means scones are in the mix. Afternoon tea would be nothing without sandwiches, scones and cake, in the afternoon. High tea is a heartier more savoury meal, and royal tea includes a glass of champagne. There’s tea for every occasion! It’s the equivalent of hotels to book now and pay later, customizable and personalized.

One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting Vancouver is that it offers tourists the chance to discover both city life and nature, and is a wonderful place to visit for a long weekend trip. There are many superb day trips and activities travellers can do when they head to this part of the world. A top way to get around the city is by bike and there are many destinations in Vancouver where tourists can rent a bicycle. Visitors can take a guided tour if they want to or go to a destination such as Stanley Park for a ride along the seawall. A top place to venture to for skiing in the winter and hiking trails in the summer is the brilliant Grouse Mountain.

Tourists can try out the superb Skyride Gondola, which is one of the best tourist attractions in Vancouver that takes them quickly to the top, where they can marvel at the views of the city below. An excellent place to take a trip is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions to head to in Vancouver. There is a great Cliffwalk that follows the Capilano River where tourists will encounter many narrow bridges and stairs that venture towards stunning evergreen trees. This is a very unique experience that visitors will adore trying out, as it provides a lovely destination to discover a beautiful slice of nature. 

There is an array of amazing cultural points of interest such as the Museum of Anthropology. This top venue is family-friendly and based at the University of British Columbia with objects from around the world that consider the human existence. This destination allows travellers to spend time having fun and being educated and is perfect for a day out. The Museum of Vancouver is a fabulous place to head that is home to permanent displays and exhibitions about the region’s natural, cultural and human history. One of the best boutique hotels in Vancouver is found at the centre of the city close to all the main attractions and landmarks.

The L’Hermitage Hotel Vancouver BC is brilliant for all types of guests and will suit both first-time and seasoned visitors. Found at the city centre this great luxury hotel has incredible rooms and suites with an iPod docking station, Nespresso coffee maker and a large plasma television. This superb property has high-speed internet for the chance to check emails, and a first-class business centre that is absolutely perfect for working travellers on vacation in the city of Vancouver. Travellers will have a delicious breakfast at L’Orangerie Dining Room and Lounge that is found on the fifth floor offering incredible views of the surrounding area.

The eaterie provides a mouth-watering afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, raisin scones and French preserves. The top Vancouver Aquarium is a great indoor destination ideal for a long weekend visit, where there is a wide range of sealife and the opportunity to learn about the underwater environment. Heading to the Burnaby Village Museum is also a fantastic idea for an indoor activity, as tourists can wander through this historic destination filled with pretty lights and sculptures, and lovely live performances of choirs and musicians.

Travellers will find there is plenty to do when heading to the amazing city of Buena Park in the area of Los Angeles. It is famous for having a number of interesting attractions that are perfect for all ages. A great place to visit is The Ralph B Regional Park that is an urban park found in the city, but that also extends into the West Coyote Hills. It provides visitors with a fossil house, sports fields and a superb place to go fishing in the city with trout and catfish in the waters. Brea Creek is also a stunning destination to visit that offers incredible scenery.

Hiking is a popular pursuit along the creek and there is also a brilliant golf course called Brea Creek Golf Course, which is ideal for tourists who enjoy the game. One of the most popular attractions in the city of Buena Park is amusement park Knott’s Berry Farm. This destination opened in 1940 and across its 160 acres there are many rides and themed areas. Knott’s also has a seasonal water park with water-based attractions, as well as a popular annual Halloween event by the name of Knott’s Halloween Haunt. There are many amazing hotels to stay in when in this area including the top Good Nite Inn West Los Angeles residence.

The Good Night Inn Buena Park is a brilliant residence that is the perfect spot for exploring Los Angeles, as it is centrally located between motorway I-5 and I-91. It is ideal for tourists heading there for business or leisure, and has first-class staff members who will help with every possible request. The large rooms have excellent amenities including a flatscreen television, iron and board and hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi to check emails. There is free tea and coffee available in the lobby area, and travellers will appreciate the complimentary parking. There are also spacious accessible rooms available on the ground floor for guests.

This is one of the best Good Nite Inns for tourists to book when they head to this part of the United States. The residence has an outdoor pool, and is known for being close to a number of top attractions. Medieval Times is a fantastic attraction that allows visitors to experience a historic period with actors playing jousting knights, amazing falconry displays and food from the period in this fun, immersive experience. If travellers are fans of gaming them Buena Park is definitely the place for them to visit, as it offers the fabulous Howie’s Game Shack.

The center is the largest interactive gaming center in North America and offers more than 800 PC and Xbox gaming stations for travellers to try out. The venue is usually open from midday to midnight, and it is a popular destination for tourists of all ages. When travellers first get to Buena Park they should head to the Welcome Centre, which is a brilliant place to pick up travel guides, maps and discount vouchers for attractions in the region. Travellers will adore heading to this part of Los Angeles as there is just so much to see and do there.

There are a huge range of beautiful islands found near the city of Vancouver, which provide brilliant holiday destinations. One of the best and well-known is Vancouver Island that offers stunning landscapes just off the coast of the state of British Columbia. This lovely place has pretty, fishing villages along the coastline and plenty of gorgeous, historic landmarks. This is a top destination to spend time with fellow travellers, and provides a wonderful mix of sights and activities. Travellers can arrive at this lovely island by seaplane or take a ferry from the mainland, and as soon as they get there visitors will definitely appreciate the superb views.

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Strathcona Park is a lovely place to visit that has alpine lakes and snow-capped mountains, and is an ideal location for a hike or to stay overnight for camping. Buttle Lake and Ralph River campgrounds are also great sites open from April through October for tourists. In the winter months visitors can venture to the Mount Washington Alpine Resort, which offers downhill skiing with Pacific Ocean Strathcona Park mountain views. The trails range from beginner to advanced, and in the summer months the resort is perfect for tourists who want to head to the top through the chair lift ride to admire the panoramic views. There are many excellent boutique hotels Vancouver has to offer found at the centre of the vibrant city.

The amazing L’Hermitage Hotel Vancouver is near plenty of entertainment and shopping destinations. This property has high-speed internet in rooms and public areas, as well as a top fitness studio and business centre. There are great bikes available for hire to tour the city, as well as an outdoor heated saltwater pool and Jacuzzi offering stunning views of the area. The lovely rooms and suites feature a plasma television, iPod docking station and a Nespresso coffee machine for travellers to feel right at home. The on-site eaterie is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver as the L’Orangerie Dining Room and Lounge has a top breakfast, and fantastic afternoon tea with delicious raisin scones and French preserves.

The best hotels in Vancouver are found close to a range of sights and landmarks, and this accommodation is ideal for its location. On Vancouver Island travellers can also go hiking and visitors will be pleased to find there are many amazing places to venture ranging from short walks to longer excursions. One of the most famous is the 47-mile West Coast Trail that is found along the coastal area. If travellers wish to stay overnight on this trail, permits need to be acquired. There are many beautiful routes to head out on when in this region.

If tourists want to relax they must spend a day in the Cowichan Valley, which has a great artisanal culinary scene. The island is perfect for a trip to vineyards as there are more than 100 different types of grapes grown in the region. The capital of Vancouver Island is called Victoria, and tourists will adore its streets lined with many cafes and restaurants that lead to the city’s pretty harbour area. They can also discover two of Victoria’s most popular sights that include the popular Royal British Columbia Museum and the Parliament Buildings.