Euro-bargains for travel to London

Travellers to the UK can now save more than €100 during the course of a two-night weekend break, compared to 12 months ago.
As the Euro has gained strength against the pound, the British tourist industry is experiencing increased demand from European visitors attracted by the buzzing culture, fantastic shopping and world famous attractions of UK cities – all now available at a much lower rate.
A pound sterling was worth €1.34 in January 2008, but twelve months on and many exchange bureaus are offering £1 for €1.13, suggesting that visitors to the UK in 2009 can expect to enjoy significantly more for their money.
According to British Airways, two adults visiting London for a two-night weekend break would spend about €734 for accommodation, entry to the Tower of London and London Eye, dinner and travel cards for two days and tickets for a show. Due to the strength of the Euro, visitors can save save more than €100 with the same itinerary costing just €620 in January 2009.
British Airways Country Commercial Manager Marianna Trokoudes said the airline’s early 2009 economy bookings to London from Europe are almost 30% up on last year, with return fares to London starting from €309 including taxes for travellers from Larnaca on the daily flights to Heathrow.
Price comparison between 2008 and 2009 prices for London’s most popular ‘paid-for’ tourist attractions (adult ticket):

Attraction GBP £ EUR 2008 EUR 2009
London Eye 15.17 20.25 17.10
Madame Tussauds 22.50 30.04 25.36
Tower of London 16.50 22.03 18.60
St Paul’s Cathedral 10.00 13.35 11.273
Kew Gardens 13.00 17.36 14.65
London Zoo 13.90 18.56 15.67
Westminster Abbey 12.00 16.02 13.53
Hampton Court 13.30 17.76 14.99

The British Museum, Tate Modern National Gallery, Science Museum, V&A Museum, Natural Maritime Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, British Library, Houses of Parliament, Royal Academy of Arts and Imperial War Museum have free entry.