Coronation countdown: Plan the ultimate trip to London

Simon Calder's Travel Week

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE: £1 FOR 3 MONTHS April 09, 2023 View in browser SIMON CALDER'S TRAVEL WEEK With only a month to go until King Charles III's coronation, now's a great time to treat yourself to a stay in the UK capital. Fit for a king: stay at a London hotel in the heart of the action London always has a buzz about it, but the crowning of a new monarch for the first time in 70 years is even more reason to stay a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace. Enjoy a right royal sleepover with our pick of the best luxury hotels in London, or book a more wallet-friendly night in the Big Smoke with this selection of affordable hotels. See sights for less London has many double-deck sightseeing buses, but the budget version is simply to board route 11 between Westminster and St Paul's Cathedral – taking in Whitehall, Trafalgar Square and Fleet Street. The fare is £1.75. BUS SUPERLOOP  Star station Blackfriars station is unique. It straddles the Thames between North and South Bank, with glass walls to allow light to flood in and visitors to look out. Trains serve Gatwick and Luton airports. Platform tickets cost 10p READ MORE Question of the week   Question of the week When in London I always stay in a Premier Inn,  but prices have soared for early May. What do you suggest? London hoteliers can hardly believe the intense demand for decent, city-centre properties around the Coronation. The cheapest double-room rate at the very central Premier Inn at County Haul in London SE1 for the night of 5/6 May is a non-refundable £246. Therefore I propose you choose a budget option in an easy-to-access location by public transport for the West End and Westminster. The cheapest I could find was £73 for the Premier Inn beside the M4 in Brentford, west London – a location I would not wish upon anyone, and with dismal links to central London. But looking in the opposite direction, I found the Woolwich Royal Arsenal Premier Inn at just £93. The location is adjacent to the new Elizabeth Line station, whisking you to central London in minutes. It is also close to Greenwich for the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory. These rates will rise further as the event approaches.   Why the Elizabeth Line is a blessing for London – and visitors to the capital 20% off last-minute London stays  The luxury Ampersand Hotel in Kensington and Chelsea is a top pick for afternoon tea Save on a five-star London hotel Enjoy two nights near Buckingham Palace from just £550 with a dinner and afternoon tea Receive a £15 National Trust gift card The offer applies when buying selected annual memberships and can be used at shops and cafes Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our welcome offer when you join today. City break The ultimate London guide Whether you're a royalist or a republican, the capital remains one of the most exciting cities in the world to explore. PLAN A TRIP Attractions Palaces you can visit Check out these awe-inspiring residences of kings, queens and emperors around the world that are open to the public. GET INSPIRED 'A real-life Londoner will likely start by pointing you away from the West End and central shopping area, and towards their own charming neighbourhood' Lucy Thackray London local Hotels London spa breaks Give yourself the royal treatment with a truly relaxing stay at one of the capital's best spa hotels. BOOK NOW Eat and drink Best afternoon teas The easiest way to replicate the regal lifestyle? Embrace finger sandwiches, dainty cakes and Earl Grey at a top London hotel.  READ MORE PICK OF THE WEEK: JET2HOLIDAYS Jet2holidays offers package holidays to more than 50 sun and city destinations across Europe. Enjoy a seven-night stay at Haydarpasha Palace, Antalya, Turkey for £569pp*, and you'll get return flights, transfers and 22kg baggage included. *Based on a seven-night stay for two adults and 1 child (aged 4) sharing, All Inclusive, return flights from Birmingham on 19.04.23. Price correct on 31.03.23 Find a country hotel near London: The best rural stays just outside the city Places you won't believe are in England: 12 beautiful backdrops Get away from it all: Why the Snowdon Mountain Railway should be on your UK bucket list - and what to expect from the journey Royal memorabilia to celebrate King Charles III's coronation – from biscuit tins to teapots              SHOP NOW               11 gorgeous spring dresses to pack in your suitcase for UK staycations and holidays abroad           FIND OUT MORE         We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle Join now IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs Join now Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle Join now IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs Join now If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. 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