Affordable Walking Tours of London

You want to tour London but all you worry about is the fact that the Pound is worth so much more than the Dollar and that guided tour you were looking at costs 50 Pounds! No worries, here are some walking tours of London that are much more affordable at 6 Pounds per person (children under 12 are free)!

Below are the different tours offered by the City of London for this price:

FLEET STREET AND ITS ALLEYWAYS: Fleet Street is the original home of the newspaper industry. Dr Johnson, Samuel Pepys and Sweeney Todd are among the colourful characters you will find out about on this walk.

SMITHFIELD – PAST AND PRESENT: Site of London’s oldest hospital,the place for public executions,the site of rebellion and home to John Betjeman, Smithfield is now famous for its meat market and a magnificent Norman church.

DISCOVERING WREN CHURCHES: This walk will show you the amazing variety of Wren’s churches with their glorious steeples, beautiful interiors and connections with great historical events and famous people.

EXPLORING THE HEART OF THE CITY: This takes you past the mediaeval Guildhall, the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange and the Lord Mayor’s home, the Mansion House,
before ending up in the City’s historic alleyways, featured in many of Dickens’s novels.

For more information, go here. Learn about London with the Londoners while taking these walking tours!

The Scottish Highland Games

Remember that scene in Braveheart where Wallace and his giant, red-haired friend compete in throwing various objects such as large boulders? Those games are from deep within the Scottish culture and are still played (in one form or another) today. In fact, there's a huge festival that is built around them, called the Scottish Highland Games.

These games aren't just about tossing around giant weights (seen below) and telephone pole-like timber around the field. They also have other contests, such as best kilts, best Highland dances and best bagpiping. These games truly have it all when thinking about the heritage of Scotland and the Celts.

This festival is actually named the Cowal Highland Gathering or Cowal Games (thanks Wikipedia) and attracts upwards of twenty thousand spectators and competitors from around the world. While doing some "research" the other night, I saw these games highlighted on HDTV on the Festivals Around the World program, so watch that when it is on again. Many people use this as an excuse to visit Scotland every August, why don't you?

Check out our trips to Scotland or have a gander at trips to the UK!

European Festivals in November

Throughout Europe, there are many festivals and celebrations of every sort all year 'round. Here are some of the more interesting ones in November:

On November 1st will be the Veteran Car Run in the UK (specifically London to Brighton). All the cars involved were made before 1905! While we could make this trip in minutes with no traffic, these cars take hours to do so. It's a long route, so plan where you can watch the show in advance! Click here for more:
http://www.vccofgb.co.uk/lontobri/



Le Feste de Tartufo is the Italian Festival for Truffles! It is celebrated every weekend in November starting the 14th in San Miniato. Click here for more: http://www.sanminiatotartufo.it/inglese/homeing.htm

The Santa Claus World Championships? Yes, it's true! On November 27-28th, go to Samnuan, Switzerland and watch the best Santas in the world compete in events such as skiing! Click here for more: http://www.clauwau.com/index_en.php

Crossing Borders is a giant tribute to all things artistic. "Crossing Borders is the festival where literature, music, film and the visual arts combine to take central stage. 18 - 21 November 2009, writers, poets, musicians, filmmakers and artists will reign over The Hague's cultural centre." This is one of Europe's giant festivals. Click here for more: http://www.crossingborder.nl/index.php?ID=1&lang=uk

There's so much more to sample so look around for a festival that appeals to you! Also, share with us your stories about festivals throughout Europe, November or not.