Flights to London

The Best Time to Visit

You’ll find cheap flights to London between December and February. The chilly winter weather keeps the crowds away, and you'll have a much easier time finding cheap return flights to London. If you can handle the cold, you can book budget-friendly flights to London, and be in time for all the Christmas festivities. The department stores are known for over the top decorating, and the Christmas markets are a must visit.

From March to August, the number of tourists travelling on flights to London starts to pick up. The warmer weather means you'll need to book your accommodation well in advance as well as your return flights to London. But if you don't mind spend spending a few extra pounds, you'll get to witness the royal parks and gardens in full bloom. However, you'll still need to pack an umbrella and brace yourself for long lines at the city's top attractions.

Neighbourhood Overview

The area of London is made up of 33 boroughs and a number of neighbourhoods. Once you've booked your flights to London, it's a good idea to get your bearings so you can choose the right area for your interests. Here are some of the best spots to stay if you want to be close to the city's top attractions and public transportation.

The City

The City of London is located along the Thames River. Along the river banks is where you'll find the 17th-century St. Paul's Cathedral, the Bank of England and the London Stock Exchange. It takes about an hour to get from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to the city of London.

East End

East End is where the notorious Jack the Ripper carried out his crimes. A lot of travellers buy their tickets to London to go on a walking tour of the area and learn about the fascinating history of the East End.

Soho

Soho is an area of London where you can find theatres, bars, restaurants and dozens of boutiques. It's the best place to stay if you're after a thriving nightlife scene and cheap accommodation to complement great-value flights to London. However, Soho does have a red-light district, and it's not the best choice for travelling families.

South Bank

The South Bank district is located across from Westminster Bridge. It boasts London's famous ferris wheel - The London Eye - and Shakespeare's Globe theatre. If you're a foodie head to the UK on flights to London, don't miss out on the opportunity to visit the Borough Market and Butler's Wharf.

Public Transport and How to Get Around

The London Underground

The best way to get around London is with the city's rapid transit system, known colloquially as the Tube. It connects the city to Heathrow Airport (LHR) as well as to most of London’s neighbourhoods. If you're going to use the underground a lot during your visit, it's best to buy an Oyster Card. You'll get discounts on fares, skip the lines at the ticket machines and get unlimited trips in Zone 1 and 2 where most of the city's attractions are based.

Bus

Another affordable way to get around London is with the local bus service. The fares are cheap, with rates starting at £1.50 ($2.75 AUD) for a single ride. The bus drivers don't accept cash, so you'll need an Oyster Card to use the service. There are also many routes that operate 24 hours a day, making it an excellent option for travellers exploring the city's nightlife.

Taxi

Taxis aren't the cheapest transportation option but are useful if you're arriving at Heathrow Airport (LHR) with large bags or you're in a rush upon touching down on flights to London. The metered cabs have a base fare rate of £ 6 ($10,99), and you can pay with cash or credit card. A one-way trip from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) will cost on average £50 ($91.56 AUD). Another option is the ride-sharing app Uber which operates throughout the city. And while London’s famous black cabs may not be the most economical options, a trip in one of these emblematic rides is a must-do on the agenda for many travellers with flights to London.

Top Things to Do and See

Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

The Making of Harry Potter attracts thousands of Potter fans from around the world and is one of the main reasons people decide to book flights to London. Set inside the Warner Bros. lot, fans can explore the various sets from the films, see the actual props used by the cast and get to experience Harry Potter's world by sipping on Butterbeer and eating Chocolate Frogs.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is famous around the world for its association with British royalty. It's where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married as well as Prince William and Kate. People have booked flights to London from all over the world to watch the royals arrive to say their vows inside one of the oldest churches in the city.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of London's most iconic structures. Time your trip here right and you'll get to watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. After you book your airfare to London, make a reservation to have afternoon tea at the palace and get a glimpse into the lives of the British monarchy. You can only book this activity when the Queen is at her summer palace in Scotland.