Expert: Michael - 11/19/2005

Question
Hello Michael,   We will be traveling to London in March.  Have found 2 apartments to rent.  One is in Bloomsbury.  The other is close to the London Bridge Underground Station in a conservation area.  Are you familiar with this neighborhood?  Would you recommend it as safe and convenient to the main attractions?  I cannot find out much on this location.  We want something that we can walk freely and will be close to transportation.  Also, which would be easier to get to from Gatwick, and how would you get there?  We were not wanting to do a taxi.  Any advice will be appreciated as I have to make a deposit very soon.  Thank you , Lisa

PS  Is it still quite cold in March?  

Answer
Hello Lisa,

I'm pleased to hear you're planning to visit London next year. It really is a great City, and I'm certain you'll have a great time.
Firstly, let me assure you that London is one of the safest cities in the world. In a World survey this year, only two US cities came higher in the safety charts than London, and one of those was Honolulu on Hawaii! So, wherever you stay, I shouldn't worry too much. There aren't many cities that still have a Police force who don't carry any weapons.
Naturally, like any big city, it makes sense to take usual precautions during your stay, particularly against petty crime such as pickpockets. Lots of American tourists wear Bum-bags over here I notice, and that's not a bad idea. (Incidentally, I think you call them 'fanny packs', but probably best to use the British term while you're here; if you're not already aware of what 'fanny' means to a Brit, then do look it up online)

As for Bloomsbury & London Bridge, both are safe areas. Indeed, any of the central city areas are fairly secure.
With regards to the conservation area at London Bridge, it's hard for me to know exactly where you're talking about. In the Borough of Southwark (which is the council for that area), there are 1/4 million people, and 32 Conservation areas! It's an area particularly rich in architecture, and is one of the oldest areas of the city.

Both areas are convenient for visiting the sites in London. I would recommend purchasing London Visitor Cards from your travel agency in the US which will allow you full use of the tube (subway), buses, and trains in the city area for a reasonable cost. They also often give discounts on entry to museums and palaces.

Travel from Gatwick is easiest to London Bridge. There are direct train services from the airport to London Bridge station every 15 minutes during the day, and services run right through the night if your flight leaves or arrives late. Certainly, it is more economical than a taxi. Train tickets cost around £20 (US$35) per person return as opposed to a taxi which would cost about £160($275) return. Also, if there are several adults travelling then you may get a group discount if you travel by train.

The weather in March. I wish I could tell you with some certainty. Sadly, spring is a little unpredictable here in Britain. Average temperatures in London in March are around 9 degrees C (48F), but that masks a multitude of variations. This March we had snow in the south in early March but had temperatures of 21 degrees C (70F) by the late end of the month.

Well, I feel like I've talked at length now, so I hope I haven't lost you somewhere along the way. I have listed a few websites at the foot of my message which I have referred to, and a few more which you might find useful. I really hope you enjoy your stay in London, and do feel free to ask any more questions you have.

Regards
Michael

www.southwark.gov.uk/DiscoverSouthwark/
www.thameslink.co.uk/main.php?page_id=64 (Trains)
www.ticket-on-line.com (City transport passes)
www.weather.co.uk

www.visitlondon.com
www.londontown.com
www.londonpass.com