6 facts about London Transport that you may not know

London is famous for its transport all over the world!

It houses the oldest underground service in the world which dates back to 1863, a whopping 152 years since it was first established.  Its home to one of the most iconic transport systems in the world with its red double-decker busses and black cab taxis. Has a wide variety of other transportation methods including city wide bikes for hire courtesy of Santander; or the emirates air line cable cars which cross the river Thames.

Summer internships in London: best investment ever!

There are plenty of jobs on offer in the financial capital of the world - London. Many people every year apply for internships or part time jobs over the summer holidays in order to gain job experience whilst simultaneously earning a hefty sum of money and making friends along the way. Many more people find exactly what they are looking for - jobs in the financial sector with plenty of potential prospects and open doors, and understandably so as London offers an immense array of opportunities to people from all walks of life. You could be one of those people and make a name for yourself this summer with no better place to stay than with ShortLet-London, the most convenient vendor offering fully serviced apartments at one of the cheapest and most affordable rates in London.

Easter Holiday ideas in London: things to do

Easter Holiday in London

With St. Patricks day coming to an end and Easter just around the corner, London is inviting you to join us for a short stay, a family vacation or even a business trip (our motto has always been work hard but play harder) in the fantastic city of London - the financial and cultural capital of the world!

Easter has traditionally been a family period, with many deciding to spend the holiday with their loves ones. Admittedly this is still true, however more opportunities have become available to those who would like to spend the weekend otherwise, this is especially true due to the fact that the easter period has diversified from simply being a religious holiday to now including a plethora of different activities, festivals and celebrations during the same time frame.

Before we discuss the new possibilities, lets not forget about traditional easter celebrations such  as egg painting, easter pastry baking, egg box and hat crafting, and of course - easter egg hunting (followed promptly by stuffing your face with as many chocolate easter eggs as you can find), a simple google search along the lines of “easter egg hunts in London” should just about do the trick so get your diary ready and start planning.

Spring is coming! Things to do in London in March and April

Spring is a season of re-emerging beauty, fresh smells and vibrant colours – all of which can be witnessed across London’s many parks and gardens. The world renowned Royal Botanic Gardens Kew; the highly acclaimed Chelsea Physic Gardens (one of the world’s oldest apothecaries’ gardens); and the outstanding Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park, are only a few of the excellent parks across London, all of which are culturally significant and have great facilities which include fantastic picture opportunities: catering perfectly to all nature lovers which are considering a vacation in London over the spring period.

St Patrick’s Day in London

If you have not decided yet when to arrange your holiday stay in London, Short let London suggest using St Patrick’s Day as an excuse to visit this incredible city.  This St Patrick’s Day promises a lot of fun with the biggest parade and free festivals. So, don’t let the fun pass by. If anyone knows how to throw a party, it’s the Irish.

If you are not sure what is this day all about, let us give you some insight into what is planned for St Patrick’s Day 2015.

First of all for St Patrick’s Day is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Ireland. People usually wear something green as it is symbolic to Ireland. You will be able to see a lot of people with green face paint, hats and shamrocks attached to their clothes.

Easter Holidays in London

London is always full of different events and activities, especially at Easter 2015.
Therefore, Short let London created a list of the best things to do for Easter 2015.

Short let London invites you to enjoy family Easter activities, which promise to be exciting and entertaining for people of all ages as Easter is not just for children, grown-ups will have some fun too. Events will take place all over London, so regardless where you reserve our holiday apartment you will be able to enjoy arts workshops, live shows and exhibitions for kids.

Short let London also created some Easter packages for holiday apartments you can rent out for a short time. The apartments are very well located to give you the best and the quickest access to London activities this Easter.

Now, let’s see what a great fun will happen in London this Easter...

Things to do on Valentines Day in London

Red roses, gifts, paper hearts and romance.
Do you think that is what St Valentine’s all about?
Maybe not.

Why not to impress and pamper your best half to a fabulous time away from home. 

Would you go to Paris? Perhaps not. It is so trivial.  

Amaze your lover with a comfortable stay in London this St Valentine’s day. 

London has an ideal mixture of cool, sweet and outstanding events. Short let London handpicked some of the best options for you to choose from. Even if you cannot take your eyes from each other even for more than a minute, Short let London suggests killing a bird with one stone and combine a romantic, unforgettably dinner with a magnificent view over London.

Several London restaurants take advantage of being located on the river Thames. To honest, London is full of romantic places, take for example Hyde Park. This is an ideal spot for a romantic walk among 4000 trees, a lake and rose gardens. It is so easy to forget that you are in Central London.

If you wish to raise your cultural level and impress your lover with a touch of sophistication, then see an opera or a ballet in London’s Royal Opera House. Commence the evening with a romantic dinner on a board of RS Hispaniola bar and restaurant, which opens great views of the London Eye.
But enough with a small talk.

Short Let London suggestions and ideas: romantic journey from 9th to 16th February 2015

Short Let London is ready to present a holiday plan for a romantic St Valentine’s gateway to London. We propose to set the journey from the 9th of February to the 16th of February, so you can enjoy London to the fullest and relax for a romance in the middle.

Things to visit in London: Camden Town

Camden Town is well known and popular area in London for its busy life style, colourful markets, alternative fashion, hectic night life, art scene, rock-n-roll and other live music events. It is a home for goths, and punks and there are various shops and markets where they can get alternative cloth and accessories, like Chaos, Darkside and Cyber Market, tattoo and piercing saloons. At night time Camden Town attracts locals, people from neighbouring areas and tourists from around the world as it offers numerous bars, restaurants and pubs, clubs and music/performances venues. Visit the pubs Buck's Head, Oxford Arms, Camden Bar and Kitchen, these places are serving good meals. Electra Theatre and Camden Head also host open mic sessions and live music events, Hawley Arms is famous for rock-n-roll bands plying live. The highlight here is Camden Lock Tavern, which has DJs bar and a lovely roof top garden. Opposite the Mornington Crescent tube station is KOKO club, a former theatre now is a host to big club nights.

Things to visit in London: the Tower of London

Our series of not so traditional walks and tours around London sights and famous locations continue with a visit to the Tower of London and majestic Tower Bridge. Short Let London would like to talk more in details about this legendary place and its history.

4 tips for renting a vacation apartment

In today's article Short Let London would like to share a few tips for people who are planning to short let and are looking for a holiday rental apartment in London:

A tour around London South Bank

When you are coming just for a short stay or holidays in London, it is essentials to plan your time effectively, as in short term you want to manage to see favourite iconic places and locations of London. Short Let London would like to help you to plan some routes, which cover the main sights and attractions, but with a fresh look on it to avoid tourists' pits.

Ideas for a perfect romantic date: London for couples

Despite the dull weather outside we are already feeling the summer mood and our hearts have the urge for love and sweet bird songs. Would you like to impress your date with unusual and astonishing experience? Then London is the right place for you to be, read on for a pick of some romantic ideas from Short Let London.

One of the most romantic place of London: Little Venice

If you think that the only place to go on a canal boat trip is Venice in Italy, think again – there is this hidden and not spoiled place in London called Little Venice, located in a beautiful area of Maida Vale through where Regents Canal is stretching towards Camden (Short Let London holds London apartments near Maida Vale: short let apartments in Kilburn Park).

The best London Rooftop Gardens

Since the weather has finally improved and we can feel the summer vibes, it is time to open the season of the rooftop bars and gardens. There are plenty of rooftop terraces in London, but how to know which one has got the best atmosphere? Short Let London is here to help as always, so please read on.

Dalston Roof Park, an urban utopian oasis over looking London's skyline

Our favourite place is Dalston Roof Park in Print House, which has opened this week. Apart from the stunning views of the city the rooftop will make you feel like in the fairytale with its green grass and spring blooms, brick chimney and yellow bright chairs, the wooden shack is a pop-up bar and offers frozen margaritas to the guests. During the summer there are some events scheduled in collaboration with Arcola Theatre, outdoor film screenings and gigs, barbeques and other foodie evenings. Another great rooftop bar and kitchen with appetising menu soon opens at the Queen of Hoxton, it also boasts with Rooftop Film Club. Visit Rooftop Cinema at Queen of Hoxton for screenings of some mainstream movies, the curious thing is everyone is issued with headphone so you do not need to worry about making noise.

Weekend in London in the open air

Since the weather in London has become truly summery and sunny the Londoners are trying to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air, and you can hardly find any spare space in a park or square during the lunch break. When it comes to planning your weekend, think no further and read Short Let London blog for some captivating events happening in London this week, still in the open space so you can grab precious sun beams.

Kew Gardens are organising Kew`s Summer Festival: Plantasia, which is dedicated to edible plants and will be fun and wonderful experience. Discover a fantastical world of botanical wonders and sensory experiences to excite your eyes, enchant your ears, make your toes tingle and your spirits soar. From the Barefoot Walk and Tai Chi sessions to the Gin and Tonics Garden, Plant Family Croquet and, of course, spectacular horticultural displays. Look no further for perfect summer holiday fun for all the family. Children aged 16 and under enter free!

Remarkable London Fashion

Visitors from all over the world must definitely notice the remarkable look of Londoners. The thing is that London is a very multi-cultural city and many its international inhabitants influence the current fashion trends. Though it is hard to identify the typical way Londoners dress, but it is definitely in sophisticated and urbane manner. 

Ramadan Mubarak in London

Ramadan Mubarak in London

Today is the finish of an important religious time in Muslim countries and cultures around the world. It is a Generous Month of the year – Ramadan (“Ramadan Kareem”). We would like to dedicate this article to all our Muslim friends and to wish them a very happy and glorious Ramadan!

Short Let London would like to get an insight into the traditions and meaning of this religious holiday. Ramadan takes its origin from the holly book Quran, according to which this is when the prophet Muhammad first received the revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. It is a ninth month in Islamic calendar and starts after the astronomical new moon, as it usually marks the beginning of a new month. Ramadan is the sacred month of the year and also the time of fasting, which is obligatory among all adult Muslims, as long as they are not ill, pregnant or travelling. From dawn until sunset people should restrain themselves from consuming food, drinking, smoking and having sexual relations or swearing.

London has no bad weather, every weather is fun!

Speaking about typical London weather many of us would picture foggy streets with dull and grey sky above the Big Ben. Well, it may be just partly true, rarely you experience foggy weather in London nowadays. The weather in London has temperate oceanic climate and distinguishes four classical seasons.  London is beautiful and attractive in any season. It is nice and exciting to visit its sights and events at any time of the year. 

Gumtree: useful tools if you are looking for a short let apartments

Gumtree Short Let London

Looking for a flat to rent, searching a job, selling an old car or wanting to advertise guitar lessons – every Londoner checks Gumtree website first. Gumtree London is a large and popular advertisement website, where you can find all sorts of offers and deals. The main categories there are Cars, Vans & Motorbikes; Jobs; Flats & Houses; Services; For Sale; Competitions; Pets and Community. Each of these categories consists of a group of lists. For example, if you look at Flats & Houses, you have a choice of properties for rent, for sale or share. Accordingly, these groups subdivide into listings that are more particular to your need. You can manage the search on Gumtree different ways for your interest, price rate, location, etc.  

A manual to surviving the heat-wave in London

We have been waiting for this for so long and now when summer has properly landed into town, everyone starts complaining about the scorching weather, overcrowded parks and hot sweaty transport. To help you to avoid the discomfort and enjoy summer in London, Short Let London has prepared a manual for you on surviving the heat wave.

To get that feeling of being on a holiday you do not need to be on a fancy resort, just go to the seaside, as we know England is surrounded and washed by the sea waters. Brighton is the most popular town on the coast and it is situated not far from London, but bear in mind that it gets too crowded over the weekend so you will hardly find a comfortable spot on the beach. If you want more relaxing weekend away then head to some other coast towns, there are many of them, which are not less beautiful or remote: Southend-on-Sea, Newhaven, Eastbourne, Hastings, Portsmouth, Bournemouth to name just a few. If you have more time for visiting England then we would recommend going to the Cornwall also known as “The World`s End” and is known for its outstanding nature beauty.

However, if you prefer to stay in the city of London we are happy to give you the list of the best outdoor swimming pools and lidos in London. Luckily, there are some good places to seek a rescue from the high temperature and have a nice dip, Hampstead Heath Ponds are just on the doorstep of Short Let London apartments and flats for rent in London. There are three ponds in Hampstead – for men, for women and a mixed pond, you can enjoy the marvellous scenery, unchlorinated waters and wild nature, including swans and ducks. Another favourite is Tooting Bec Lido – the largest open-air swimming pool in the UK and it has been around since 1906. On the south from Hampstead Heath is Parliament Hill Lido (you can get there from Gospel Oak Overgorund), it is famous for its cold and shimmery water, created by stainless steel liner (the only one in the UK), there is also a cafe if you need to get a chilling drink. In Central London we love Oasis Sports Centre – a real oasis near Covent Garden and Holborn with outdoor terrace, heated swimming pool and a cafe; and Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park – a swimming area in the main pond of the park. It doesn’t get any more central than this and when you are in Hyde Park, why not to visit a Serpentine Gallery, where a new installation Serpentine Pavilion is designed by Japanese artist Sou Fujimoto. The other outdoor swimming pools are Pools on the Parks Richmond, Park Road Leisure Centre, Brockwell Lido (Dulwich), Finchley Lido Leisure Centre, London Fields Lido, Hampton Lido and The Berkley Hotel stylish outdoor pool in Knightsbridge (as well as very pricey).

To stay cool and well in the heat just follow some simple rules and tips: always have a bottle of water with you in case you feel dizzy, wear the shades and protect yourself with a stylish hat, wearing comfortable clothing is also crucial, choose cotton and linen fabrics, avoid the synthetics, cool yourself with your favourite iced coffee, frappuccino, ice-cream and healthy smoothies. This is a perfect weather to embrace the sunny beams so try to spend as much time outdoor as you can – some ideas are parks, rooftop bars and gardens, open air theatres and cinemas, Short Let London will be happy to assist you during your short stay in London. Please contact our team if you need an apartment in London to let: www.shortlet-london.com

5 advantages of renting a private apartment for your holiday in London

Rent a private apartment for your holiday in London

Renting a private apartment or flat for short stay in London is a very attractive and favourable option for visitors, who are coming to London for holidays, in business trips, students and interns, or UK citizens in between homes. Holidays apartments and short term rentals have several advantages against staying in the hotel; here is a brief recapitulation from Short Let London.

Apartment for your holiday in London:

1. First of all, vacation homes and rentals are significantly cheaper than hotel prices; this is a perfect solution for budget travellers and a way to save money for your entertainment and leisure time. Especially prices in Central London hotels are extortionate, and it is possible to find affordable apartment for rent in good location.
    
2. Secondly, you can enjoy your privacy in the flat, where only you have access to, without no one (e.g. room service) disturbing you. Unlike shared accommodation or hostels, which are only slightly cheaper, you won`t have to share any of the facilities with other tenants, the bathroom is en-suite and the fitted kitchen is for your own use.
    
3. You will have a privilege to feel the comfort of home in your privately rented apartment, as here you have freedom to carry out every day activity.
    
4. Self-catering flat means you can cook your favourite meals or even have breakfast and coffee in bed. This is cheaper than eating out each day, and you will not be bored of the same breakfast menu served in hotels every morning.
    
5. Security is another advantage of a rented home. Short let apartments are usually safer than public hotels, where cleaning staff have access to your room. For Short Let London the safety of its customers is among priorities. You will have private keys to your apartment and a security lock, so always remember to double lock the doors and your belonging will be safe. Rental agency is also responsible for fixing any damages and maintaining the properties in working living conditions to high standards.

Short Let London will help you to find a perfect and comfortable place that will be your short term home during your holiday in London.