How long does it actually take to get to London?
Great question! And I’ve got some answers for you. Let’s talk about flights.
The flight time from New York to London is about 7.5 hours. The return flight time from London to New York is about 8.5 hours. The flight time from the west coast, specifically Los Angeles is approximately 11.5 hours, and 10 hours from Vancouver. In general, flights from Europe to the US take longer than flights from the US to Europe due to differences in tailwinds and headwinds. Supersonic planes once only took 3.5 hours to cross the pond but since the end of the Concorde era there have been no more. We hope to see them again soon though! Imagine deciding to go to London at lunch time and being there by dinner!
How long should you spend in London?
For travelers who are passing through town for a good time not a long time, try to stay in the area you want to explore (or at least close by). This will save you time and money traveling across the city every day. If you’re not sure what you’ll be doing or seeing in London I can help. Together we can figure out the types of places and activities that will be of interest to you and using my travel industry experience I can present you with accommodation options to suit your style, budget and location.
London Weather
London (and England) is stunning at any time of year. Of course there are things that you can only see and do in certain seasons for example winter might be colder but the crowds are smaller, the lines shorter and the Christmas spirit is high. Summer of course allows you to swim, enjoy more of the outdoors and try different foods. No matter which season you choose to visit, the climate is relatively temperate and, in general, doesn't experience extremes during either summer or winter. Overall, spring (late March to early June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, when it's usually warm and dry.
Climate
The climate is influenced by the ocean, and is therefore cool, humid and rainy, with Atlantic fronts passing one after the other throughout the year, and bringing variable weather, with cloudiness, rains and showers, which alternate, at least in spring and summer, with a few hours of sunshine.
The best time to visit London is the summer, or more generally from mid-May to mid-September: temperatures are generally good for outdoors activities, although it's better to bring an umbrella, and a sweatshirt or sweater for the evening or for cool days. In summer you can hope to find a period of good weather, with warm days, in which the maximum temperature is above 25 °C (77 °F), or can even approach 30 °C (86 °F), and in which you can remove the outer layers of clothing, stroll in the numerous parks of the city and even sunbathe.
Language
The largest number of community languages in Europe can be found in the United Kingdom. Over 300 languages are currently spoken in London schools. The official language of the United Kingdom is English, which is spoken by approximately 59.8 million residents, or 98% of the population, over the age of three.
Brits and Americans might speak the same language, but there are plenty of British words, phrases, and slang that mean something totally different in America. Different words, different pronunciations, and different spellings have created two distinct separations in the English language: British English and American English. Here are a few tips to keep you out of trouble...Don't ask a British person about their pants. You'll get a very funny look, and maybe even a slap round the face, because you'll be inquiring about their underwear and not their trousers. When British people refer to an anorak in conversation, there's a good chance they're not talking about a coat you wear in the rain.
Romance is in the Air!
London is honestly one of the most romantic cities in the world.
The steady bustle but without all the noise of New York, the excitement, the history, the beautiful architecture… and no matter where you end up, there’s always something exciting and new to see or do. There’s hints of all its 2000 year history everywhere you look, whether it be the London Wall, Whitechapel, Westminster Palace, the Docklands and Canary Wharf, or the grungy vibe in Camden Town. You don’t have to be a newlywed although it’s a wonderful honeymoon destination. You don’t have to be celebrating an anniversary, but that’s a good idea too. London is just a perfect city for any couple wanting to reconnect.
Wanting to learn more about London or start planning your trip? Check out our destination guide and sample itinerary!
London
London