8 days of the United Kingdom: Day 1

8 Days of the UK Mini-Series:

To begin your holiday in the UK, I suggest starting small and working your way up to larger activities, so your excitement can grow with every passing day.  We are going to spend the first week on London.

Day One:

Head to Greenwich and see the Royal Observatory.  To get to Greenwich, you can either take the ferry from a city cruise tour (Which is also a lovely way to travel the River Thames) or you can take the DLR Underground train to Cutty Sark.  It’s a short walk from there and signs are all around to lead the way.

The Royal Observatory is home to London’s only planetarium and Greenwich Mean Time.  The prime meridian of the world runs along this line and gives you the exciting opportunity to be in two places at once by being in two hemispheres at once.  (Longitude 0, 0’, 0”)  The planetarium also offers astronomy shows that are fun for the whole family.  Tickets range from 4.50 for Concessions to 6.50 for Adults to see the shows, though the outside of the observatory (and the prime meridian line) is free.

After you are finished with the observatory, head over to the National Maritime Museum, which is the largest maritime museum in the world.  At the museum, you can explore Britain’s encounter with the world at sea from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. Steer a ship into port, learn about waves and tides, see how our lives depend on the ocean and hear the story of human exploration.

While at the Museum, make sure to check out The Queen’s House.  Originally built for Anne of Denmark, wife of James I. The House is now the art gallery for the National Maritime Museum and includes works by Van der Veldes and Canaletto.  Both The Queen’s house and The National Maritime Museum are free.

If you still have some time, head over to the Old Royal Naval College.   Located a short distance from the sea, it was here that they trained the ship captains that commanded the British fleets around the world.  Though the University of Greenwich now occupies the site, you can still get into the Painted Hall and Chapel free of charge.

For dinner, I suggest trying out Chapters, located on 43-45 Montpelier Vale, London, SE3 OTJ.  Located overlooking Blackheath Common, Chapters is open from breakfast through dinner and offers a diverse menu which welcomes those wanting a quick bite or a full-on three course meal.  Starters begin at 5 pounds and main courses are around 12.50.  No matter what you decide to order, the grilled protabello mushrooms are a must have side dish.  Try something different and get the roasted lamb rump with caramelised fennel & rich pommery mustard mash.  One of their specials – it is probably one of the finest dishes you will eat while in Britain.

To go clubbing in Greenwich, head out to Indig02.  Indigo2 is part of the multi-million pound transformation of the Millenium Dome into the lavish O2 Arena and advertises a 7 second pint fast-pour technology.  They get you the drinks fast so you can get on with your night.

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So that’s the end of day one.  Tune in tomorrow for Day two of our 8 days in the UK series.  Remember, the days and activities can be done out of order and spread out or squished together depending on how long you’re staying here. 

Obtaining a National Insurance Number

Those who want to live in the United Kingdom are required to get a National Insurance number.  NI numbers are similar to social security or tax file numbers in other countries, and having one is a necessity for anyone working in the UK.  NI numbers do have a number of benefits, like a reciprocal health agreement with the National Health Service.

BritBound has helped hundreds of people obtain National Insurance numbers as part of the ‘Hit the Ground Running’ package, available in the Relocation Store.  BritBound has established a fast-track service to help people get NI numbers quickly and easily.

During the arrival meeting hosted by BritBound, each person will receive information regarding arrangements for receiving an NI number, including appointments and applications.  By going through BritBound, those from countries outside of Europe will be spared having to go through an interview, and will only have to complete and return an application.

Within three to four weeks after arriving in the UK, BritBounders will have an NI number.  It is possible to work without an NI number if an employer is notified that the application is being arranged, so BritBounders can start working as soon as they’d like while waiting on their application to be sorted.

BritBound also offers the services of umbrella company IMS to those who need an employer.  The company acts as an employer to BritBounders who have registered with the company, helping them keep their finances in order.

Once you receive an NI number, it’s yours for life.  Let BritBound help make the process easier.  Visit our Relocation Store, or email inquiries to info@britbound.co.uk.

Finding Fun for Free

London is undoubtedly one of the greatest cities in the world, but living here can get expensive. Finding entertainment can get pricey, but luckily there are plenty of ways to have fun without spending your savings.  On the days when cash seems scarce, try these free thrills and spend an evening out for nothing.

• Covent Garden Market is home to a variety of street performers who will put on a show for free.  Performers are out every day of the year except Christmas, and often there’s more than one act to choose from.  Those with spare change can hop over to the market between shows to pick up affordable snacks and goods for almost nothing.

 

• Westminster Abbey is a popular tourist attraction that many people pay to see, but it is possible to visit the iconic church for free.  Those who wish to worship at the Abbey are not charged an admittance fee.  Click here for worship times and information on the Abbey.

 

• Strolling along London’s South Bank is a great way to see a number of the city’s greatest landmarks for nothing.  The walk offers views of the London Eye, Parliament, Big Ben, the Royal Festival Hall, the Hayward art gallery and the Royal National Theatre. 

 

• Many of London’s greatest museums have no admittance fee, including the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Imperial War Museum.  Head to the Bank of England Museum and hold a bar of solid gold, or go to the British Museum to see a vast collection of items from the Parthenon.

 

• Those interested in the practice of law can find excitement at the Old Bailey, which was built in the late 1500s.  The public galleries are open daily, and trial times are listed on the Court service website.

 

• For a lazy day out, try visiting one of London’s green spaces for a day or relaxation.  For a taste of royalty try St. James Park, which offers great views of Buckingham Palace, or Regent’s Park, which features Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens.  Those looking for a busier atmosphere should try Hyde Park, which boasts a free speech corner and many shows throughout the summer.

 

• Head to the Greenwich Royal Observatory and stand in two hemispheres at once.  Home of the Prime Meridian, the Observatory is free to explore and even features some stunning architecture by Christopher Wren.

 

• You can watch a piece of history by attending a Changing of the Guard ceremony.  These take place almost daily at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace, but show up early if you expect to get a good seat.

 

• London hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, many of which are free.  The Shoreditch Festival offers fireworks shows and plenty of delicious food, while the iTunes Festival is a music lover’s dream.  Click here for a list of free London festivals.

 

• Looking to escape city life for a day?  Visit the Hackney City Farm, which features a range of farmyard animals both kids and adults can get close to.  If you’ve got a few pounds to spare, you can pick up some fresh produce that’s grown right at the farm.

Getting a UK Bank Account

Opening a bank account in the United Kingdom can be a difficult process, especially for newcomers.  Although it seems like a tough task, it is vital for everyone living here to have a bank account in order to be employed in the UK.

BritBound has helped hundreds get through the process of setting up a bank account with ease thanks to an exclusive agreement with Barclay’s bank.  The two companies have worked together to ease the process of getting an international debit card by changing requirements and creating a faster way for BritBounders to set up accounts.

When a ”Hit the Ground Running” package is purchased from BritBound, the proper paperwork to set up a bank account is sent to the customer by email.  By filling out that paperwork at least six weeks prior to moving to the UK, BritBounders will have a running account the minute they arrive.  Representatives from Barclay’s come to each orientation session armed with the necessary paperwork to have each BritBounder’s account set-up completed within five days of his or her orientation meeting, a short amount of time compared to the weeks most people have to wait for an account.  BritBound also offers a free money transfer for those who wish to set up their UK bank account while still in their home countries.

Some of the usual requirements for opening an account include depositing £5,000 within the first six weeks or working a job that pays at least £24,000 per year.  With BritBound, newcomers only have to deposit £1,000 when opening an account, and there is no minimum salary requirement.  Barclay’s also works with BritBounders who need U.S. or Euro Visa Debit Cards in order to avoid international fees.  The bank even allows BritBounders to create joint accounts if they wish to do so.

Although UK citizens are normally required to hold a job when applying for a bank account, BritBounders do not have to be employed.  When setting up a UK bank account, BritBounders simply have to tell where they’ve previously worked and state what area of employment they are looking for in the UK.

By setting up a UK bank account through BritBound, many newcomers ease their transition to life in the United Kingdom.  For more information on receiving assistance with a UK bank account, visit our website.  To review our UK Visa Packages and see what other services BritBound offers, visit our Relocation Store.

Why BritBound?

Why should you rely on BritBound for the best advice when coming to the United Kingdom?  Because BritBound helps you take the necessary steps to live in the UK, like setting up a bank account and obtaining a National Insurance number.  We’ll help you put your resume in UK format and tell you about possible job opportunities.  We provide the tools to help you successfully navigate around the United Kingdom, and we host social events so that you can meet other newcomers just like you.

Our on-going advice and support has helped hundreds of people transition to life in the United Kingdom problem free.  For more information on how you can become a BritBounder, go to our website, follow us on Twitter or visit us on Facebook.

Free Activity: Science Museum Lates

The Science Museum in London is a great place to see historical collections and interactive exhibits on subjects ranging from cars to DNA.  With no admission fee, the museum is a great place for families to have a good time for little to no price. 

But the museum also offers alternatives for the days when adults want a day away from the kids.  Held on the last Wednesday of each month, Science Museum Lates offers a night of adults-only free entertainment.  The program gives the public a chance to view the most popular exhibits after hours, away from children and large tour groups.  Along with over 50 interactive exhibits to view, Lates has a variety of entertainment planned for each month’s event.  In the past, the museum has offered drinks and hosted a Silent Disco, among other things.

Lates is a great, affordable way to spend a fun evening out in London.  Click here for more information on Lates, or go to http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/.

Top 10 Historic Pubs

People living in the United Kingdom are at no shortage for pubs.  In major cities they can be found on almost every corner, packed with locals and tourists alike.  Though chains seem like they are taking over, there are still a few classic pubs serving the public a good brew and a bit of history.  Here are our picks for the 10 best old pubs in the U.K.

• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, located on Fleet Street in London, was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666 destroyed the original building.  Charles Dickens often visited the pub and was such a fan he mentioned the location in A Tale of Two Cities.

 

• The George Inn is one of London’s oldest pubs, located in Southwark near London Bridge.  Established during the medieval period, the pub had to be rebuilt in 1676 after being destroyed by a serious fire that overtook Southwark.  William Shakespeare often visited the spot, which is London’s only surviving coaching inn.

 

• Those up for a day trip to Oxford can stop in The Eagle & Child for a pint and a meal.  Writers C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien once frequented the pub, regularly meeting in the Rabbit Room.  Mementos of the writers decorate the walls of the pub, which is often referred to as the ‘Bird and the Baby.’

 

• The Spaniards Inn, which lies on the edge of Hampstead Heath, has had such historic visitors as Charles Dickens, John Keats, Mary Shelley and Lord Byron.  The pub is notorious for housing famous highwaymen, including Dick Turpin, who is said to be one of the many ghosts who haunt the place. 

 

• The Hole in the Wall, a quaint pub more formally known as Queensbury Arms, can be found in Brighton.  According to a plaque near the front door, the Hole claims to be the area’s smallest pub.

 

• The Ten Bells pub, located in Spitalfields, is famous for being the site were several of Jack the Ripper’s victims visited before they were murdered.  The back wall of the pub is covered in painted tiles and is said to date back to the 19^th century.

 

• Travellers to Cambridge should stop in The Eagle, a large pub where scientist Francis Crick first announced that he and his colleague James Watson had come up with “the secret of life” after coming up with a proposal for the structure of DNA.  The pub sits across the street from the oldest building in Cambridge, St. Bene’t’s Church.

 

• The Blind Beggar, located on Whitechapel Road in London, is most famous for being a haven for gangsters in the 1960s, including the notorious Kray twins.  Ronnie Kray murdered rival gang member George Cornell at the pub, which is also the place where the Salvation Army was created.

 

• Travel to Bankside to visit The Anchor, located near Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern Art Gallery.  Samuel Pepys went to this pub to view the Great Fire of 1666 that overtook many other establishments in the area.

 

• Hidden away on Ely Place off Chancery Lane, Ye Olde Mitre Tavern is hard to find but well worth the search.  The pub’s bar preserves a tree trunk that is said to have been part of a maypole Queen Elizabeth I danced around.  The tavern is closed on the weekends but makes a great place for a pint and a snack during the week.