Where to stay
To minimise your travel time to and from the Games, the Premier Inn Stratford is a stone’s throw away from the Olympic Park. It also benefits from being situated directly above Westfield Stratford should you fancy a spot retail therapy. Rooms start from £172.
A cheaper option is a bed and breakfast. The Kings Head Guest House on Church Street is also a short distance from the site. Basic rooms (all equipped with Wi-Fi) start from £59.99. These are likely to be full while the Games are on, so you’re advised to book as early as possible.
If you’re happy to stay elsewhere in London, the Avonmore is conveniently located near King’s Cross station. Rooms are comfortable if simple, starting from £95 a night for a double, with breakfast included.
For something a little quirkier try the Church Street Hotel in Camberwell, south London. The hotel has been modelled on a Mexican villa, and rooms are colourful and cosy. A luxurious Superior King Room is £145 a night, alternatively a double room with shared bathroom is £90. Breakfast is included.
Transport and getting around
There’ll be heaps of security and queues to get through at the Olympic Park, therefore you’re advised to arrive two and half hours before your session starts. It’s also a good idea to allow extra time as London’s transport system is going to be very busy.
The station serving the Olympic Park is Stratford, which is 15 minutes’ walk away. You can arrive at Stratford via the London Overground, National rail, Docklands Light Railway, the underground (Jubilee and Central lines) and by bus. Book rail tickets in advance if you’re travelling from outside of London to ensure you travel at the desired time. First are also operating coaches from all over the UK.
Alternatively hop on a Boris bike and follow the cycle route, which stops at Eton Manor Gate, the western entrance to the Park. A boat service will run via the River Lea, stopping just 70 metres away from the Olympic Stadium. Walking is also recommended wherever possible to avoid the crowded trains, plus you’ll get to see more of the city.
For more travel info, see our London Tube and Travel section >>>
Safety tips
The Olympic Park will have similar rules to airport security; you must not take liquids in quantities greater than 100 ml, alcohol or large amounts of food. Generally speaking you’re advised to take as little as possible; the more you carry the longer the security check will take, causing delays. If you take a bag it should be small enough to fit on your lap.
In terms of your personal security, follow the same precautions that would apply to any big city. Carry bags close to your body and ensure they are zipped or closed shut, and be particularly vigilant in crowded places where pickpockets may operate. Try not to carry large amounts of cash, but if you do, make sure it’s not visible at any time. Never leave bags unattended, as this can cause a security alert as well as resulting in you losing your possessions. Overall London is not any more dangerous than other capital cities, therefore use common sense and you’ll avoid any mishaps.
\n\nEating out
You’re spoilt for choice in terms of eating out in London. For cheap eats, head to Soho where you can try Indian tapas at Imli, Lebanese food at Yalla Yalla, or homely food like shepherd’s pie and scampi at The Stockpot. Alternatively check out our guide to the best cheap eateries here.
If it’s fine dining you’re after, the hottest restaurant in town is Dabbous, which is so hot in fact it’s unlikely you’ll get a table for dinner, although lunch is a possibility. Also recommended are The Ledbury in Notting Hill, the classic British dishes at Dinner by Heston, and the two Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley.
But you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat gourmet food. The recently opened Karpo opposite King’s Cross station takes American dishes like shrimp and grits and Southern fried quail to new levels of refinement. Morgan M in the Barbican area has innovative French cuisine and some very affordable (and exquisite) tasting menus.
For pubs with great food, The Rookery in Clapham has a faithfully British menu prepared by a chef with Michelin star credentials. The cosy restaurant above The Rising Sun pub near Blackfriars is a relatively unknown gem, serving French cuisine with British influences. Also worth a try are The Anchor & Hope and The Garrison, both near London Bridge.
\n\nDrinking
The main hotbeds of night time activity are Soho and Shoreditch, where you will find bars and pubs aplenty, however there are swish cocktail bars and old fashioned pubs dotted all over London. For cocktails try Nightjar in Shoreditch which has a speakeasy vibe and a large selection of absinthe. Other sophisticated options are at The Langham, Dean Street Townhouse and Café Boheme.
For pubs with a bit of history, The George Inn on Borough High Street is London’s only remaining coaching inn, while The Angel on Bermondsey Wall has a more gruesome past. It is believed this was the preferred pub for punters to gather round to watch executions take place on the other side of the river. The most affordable pubs are run by Samuel Smiths, where you will get change from a fiver for two pints. There are dozens of them around, but Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street is one of London’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1538.
Entertainment
While you’re in London, use your days off from the Olympic Games to sightsee. Walk around landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben, visit the Science Museum and the British Museum, and stroll through Hyde Park and Regent’s Park.
To get a bird’s eye view of London, you can either traipse up the spiral staircase of St. Paul’s Cathedral, or visit the London Eye, which is a rather less exhausting experience. Go shopping on Oxford Street for high street brands or head to Sloane Street and/or Bond Street for designer gear. Culture vultures can wander through the Tate Modern and Tate Britain for contemporary art, or the National Gallery for older works. Be aware that these are likely to be very crowded while the Games are on, so pick less busy times like early mornings or evenings if you can.
