Eco Info For London & Berlin

Pick up an Oyster for eco-friendly London travel

Given the size of London, visitors may be forgiven for thinking that travelling around the capital is likely to have a sizeable impact on the environment.

However, for those willing to forgo the experience of getting from A to B in a black cab on a regular basis, it is possible to explore London’s attractions without overly damaging your eco credentials.

London has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world and making use of it during a stay will save not only the planet, but also time and money.

Those making regular trips are advised to buy an Oyster Card, which is used to gain access to the bus and tube network at a reduced rate.

These are available from tube stations and London Travel Information Centres, while it is also possible to order them online if you live elsewhere in the UK or some other countries – meaning you don’t have to go through the hassle of applying once you arrive.

Oyster was the first smartcard ticketing system in the world to give users daily price capping, which was introduced in February 2005. Learn more about Oyster

Become a fitness fanatic on a London trip

The range of fitness facilities available in London means those wanting to keep fit during a stay in the capital will not be short of options.

Besides the attraction of going for a morning jog around Hyde Park or taking part in the annual London Marathon, there are a number of more niche options on offer to those who don’t fancy packing their training shoes and pounding the city streets.

According to All in London, Covent Garden’s Pineapple Dance Studios offers more classes than anywhere else in Europe, with lessons in ballet, ballroom and street jazz among those available.

Alternatively, it is possible to try your hand at horse riding, with Wimbledon Village Stables offering lessons to complete beginners who have never ridden before.

There are plenty of indoor activities available too, with London’s numerous climbing walls offering a chance to scale a cliff face without having to brave the elements.

Get on your bike on a trip to London

Those looking to head off exploring during a stay in London may wish to consider hiring a bicycle to get around the city.

The capital offers a wide variety of cycle routes for those of all abilities, ranging from quiet rides through parks to trips through the very centre of the city.

Here is a Free map put together by Transport for London and the London Cycling Campaign Click here – London Cycling also showing detailed advice on finding the best way around the capital, as well as the location of off-road tracks for those in search of mud and puddles.

Visitors who have travelled to the capital without their bike will still be able be able to enjoy the opportunities London has to offer, as there are countless places where cycles are available to rent.

Those in London during July could be interested in the annual London Bikeathon, which takes place on Sunday 19th and provides the opportunity to explore the city on two wheels. London Bikeathon

Sample the sounds of Berlin this summer

Travellers who are visiting Berlin over the summer months and want to catch some live music during their stay will find themselves spoilt for choice.

For those looking for the festival experience while in the capital there is the Berlin Festival, which takes place on the site of the former Tempelhof Airport between August 13th and 16th.

Acts confirmed to perform at this year’s event include Digitalism, Jose Gonzalez, Jarvis Cocker and the Rifles, with around 10,000 people expected to check out the music, which is spread across two stages.

Alternatively, visitors may wish to check out Popdeurope which is held in the Glashaus at Arena Berlin and features European artists that are influenced by non-European sounds.

Genres such as triphop, house and chillout will be showcased at various concerts, which run from July 12th to August 8th.

Finally, U2 will be performing at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium as part of their 360-degree tour on July 18th, playing a number of their hits as well as new material from their current album.

Take to two wheels when exploring Berlin

Hiring a bicycle during a trip to Berlin may be an ideal option for those looking to explore the city during their stay.

The German capital offers a range of bike-friendly facilities for riders getting around the city on two wheels and since 2000 the city’s senate department for urban development has been working to improve the cycle routes on the roads.

However, it is not just the tarmac where cyclists can opt to use pedal power, as routes along waterways and through parks and woodlands have also been developed.

Deciding on a two-wheeled trip through Berlin": and for those that need to rent a bike, there are a number of companies offering such a service located throughout the capital.

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