WHAT TO DO DURING THE LONDON OLYMPICS?

Posted on 2 March 2012

Come July this year, London is going to be overflowing with an influx of people from all around the world here in the capitol to enjoy and cheer for their country in the 30th or XXX Olympic Games.  Whether you are a local resident or a visitor from abroad, everyone will be asking the question, " what to do during the London Olympics ? "

If you are a big fan of sport and can't wait to watch the events, why not get involved? Up to 70,000 volunteers or "Games Makers"  as they are being called, will make this huge event happen.  Applicants have been attending interviews since February last year and will continue into March this year before being offered their roles. Volunteers are such an important part of the Olympic Games and without them, it simply wouldn’t happen.

If you're not so into sport and dreading the tube ride to and from work during the games, the busy streets full of tourists and the many road closures, then another way to help would be to do the exact opposite, stay home or better yet, get out of London. Businesses in central London have been warned of the train delays and extra congestion, estimating at least 30 minutes lining up in a tube station just to get onto the train.  They have advised that if their employees can work from home, then keep them home for the duration of the games. This could also be a great time to take your summer holiday away from the madness of London.

This will also be a time to celebrate Britain and everything British. After a long day cheering on your country why not go out and enjoy the town, and what better way than to visit one of London's West End theatres and see one of the classics like The Mousetrap, which is celebrating its 60th year this year making it the longest running play in the world.  Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre is another favourite and is now commonly regarded as one of the all time great British Musicals.  Blood Brothers tells the story of twin boys separated at birth and growing up on opposite sides of the track only to be reunited again as young men under tragic circumstances.

If you missed out on Olympic tickets and have the day free, then take the children along to see Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain at the Garrick Theatre. Its described as a quirky yet horrible history of London with all the bad bits left in!

If it's too crowded on the street then why not rise above it all and take a ride on the London Eye.  At 135 meters high it was the world's tallest Ferris Wheel, that was until they made bigger ones in China and Singapore.  Yet being the third tallest in the world it offers breathtaking panoramic views of London and up to 40km in the distance on a clear day. An experience on the London Eye takes 30 minutes for one rotation reaching a maximum height of 135 meters. Book online in advance to avoid long queues on the day and try to steer clear of the busiest times between 11am and 3pm.

London has so much to offer everyone of all ages and nationalities. From the huge selection of international restaurants to the historic buildings and free galleries and museums, there will be so much on in London you won't have enough time to fit it all in. So plan in advance and get online to find out more about what to do during the London Olympics.