Traveling to London
For those traveling in from outside the UK, here are some suggestions for getting ready for travel to and around London.
UK Visa Requirements
A UK Travel Authorization is required if you are flying into London from outside the UK. For our family and friends in the EU and US this is an easy electronic process that can be accomplished via the UK ETA app. All the info you need can be found here.
For family coming from Jamaica, please find visa details here, and for family coming from Ghana please see here.
Flying into London
We recommend that you fly into LHR (Heathrow), however LGW (Gatwick) is also a good option. If you fly into LHR, the Elizabeth Line or Piccadilly line can take you into the city. If you want a faster and calmer route from Heathrow airport, we highly recommend the Heathrow Express (Book in advance). If you fly into LGW, the Thameslink can take you into central London in about an hour.
Getting around London
The London tube is great and can get you around the city easily. The buses in London are also very reliable and allow you to see the city while you commute (ride a double decker, and sit on the top level).
Staying in London
London has many great neighborhoods for your stay. If you’d like to stay close to the wedding venue, we recommend that you find accommodations in West London. Our recommended neighborhoods near West London are South Kensington, Richmond, Chiswick, Chelsea and Notting Hill. There are many wonderful Airbnb and hotel options in each neighborhood.
South Kensington - South Kensington is perfect for exploring museums, performing arts institutions, public gardens, plenty of cafes, and boutique shops. This is Crystal’s old neighborhood, so you can’t go wrong here.
Tube Station - South Kensington/Gloucester Road station
Richmond - Richmond is a peaceful getaway. It’s filled with vast parklands including the beloved Richmond Park, Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, charming riverside pubs, and a village-like atmosphere. This is one of our favorite London neighborhoods. If you want a relaxed version of London this is where you should stay! It’s close to the wedding venue, but a bit of a hike to central London.
Tube Station - Richmond
Chiswick - Chiswick is a leafy, down to earth neighborhood brimming with independent restaurants, artisan shops, and beautiful green spaces along the River Thames. This is another relatively quiet neighborhood that is near our wedding venue, and it’s an ideal spot for fast transit to central London as well as Heathrow airport (LHR).
Tube Station - Turnham Green
Chelsea - Chelsea is a lively neighborhood known for its art galleries, boutiques along King's Road, scenic walks along the Thames, and a very lively dining and café scene. It’s a very self contained neighborhood that has everything you would need for a long stay.
Tube Station - Sloan Square
Notting Hill - Notting Hill is a popular neighborhood celebrated for its pastel townhouses, the famous Portobello Road Market, and a wonderful mix of independent cafés, galleries, and boutiques.
Tube Station - Notting Hill Gate