15% off London Marathon Accommodation

The London Marathon, one of the biggest races in the world has a lot to be proud of; it gives all its participants a sense of pride and accomplishment as they combat a mentally challenging and physically gruelling task of completing a 26.2 mile run. It has also  established British heroes such as Paula Radcliffe;  but 2013 will not only see Paula aim to beat her personal best, double-Olympic champion, Mo Farah will also be joining in the challenge. The long-distance runner aims to make his full London Marathon debut in 2014, and will only compete in half of the marathon this year.

It isn’t just about rising stars and catching a glimpse of the immensely talented Mo Farah and Paula Radcliffe. It’s also about the participants completing their goals and ambitions, whilst raising money for charities of their choosing – this is what makes the London Marathon such a phenomenal event.

Since the race began in 1981, runners have raised a staggering £500 million for good causes, and this year fundraisers hope that we will see yet another record-breaking event. 100,000 people were expected to register to this year’s marathon despite there only being 30,000 places, which have been assigned through a ballot. With each applicant charged a £35 admin fee, the event would have already raised £1,050,000, although this money may go towards the running of the event; water supplies, closing of London roads and possibly the employment of staff and security.

If you will be running this year’s marathon or will be coming to London to support a friend or family member, you’re sure to be looking for a place to stay. We here at Refresh Accommodation are offering those participating and observing the London Marathon a special 15% off published rates at Astons Apartments during the time period! Astons Apartments in South Kensington, is situated a short distance away from the finishing line, making it an ideal place to return to, to put your feet up and gain that much needed and deserved rest. Once you arrive at Astons Apartments you will be greeted with a warm friendly face, many congratulations in your accomplishment, a fresh towel and refreshments.

Other accommodating apartments you may wish to stay at include:

• City Docklands, Docklands (nearest underground: Limehouse DLR)
• Stratford Bellhaven, Docklands (nearest underground: Stratford)
• Ramada Suites, Docklands (nearest underground: Prince Regent (DLR)
• Marlin Apartments Aldgate, The City (nearest underground: Aldgate East)

All of the above apartments are situated near the starting line of the marathon.

• 190 Bermondsey Street - London Bridge (nearest underground: London Bridge)
• Think London Bridge, London Bridge (nearest station: London Bridge)
• SACO Waterloo, Westminster (nearest underground: Waterloo)

Above apartments are placed close-by to the marathon venue.

However, if you want to reward yourself by staying in the height of luxury after the race we would recommend that you stay at the Dolphin House in Victoria. Here you can choose to relax in the swimming pool or sauna, or choose to unwind with a well deserved Moroccan spa – all under one roof!

After the marathon run of 26.2 miles you’re sure to feel like a good night’s rest in a comfortable and lavish bedroom followed by a relaxing pampering session, and this is where we can help you recover. Take a look at our 15% off offer and full portfolio of apartments near the finishing line to discover an apartment that fits your needs and requirements.

London Underground Infographic - Celebrating 150 years!

The people of London are celebrating the 150th anniversary of its city’s underground rail network today, with the world’s first underground train carriage pulling out of Paddington station on the 9th January 1963, on a passenger journey to Farringdon beneath the bustling streets of the capital.

In order to mark this special occasion we have unveiled our very own London Underground infographic detailing some of the many interesting facts and figures about the Tube and the role it plays in the lives of Londoners and tourists alike.

Explore the Tube’s history below and here’s to many more years of great service across London!

 

Prior to the birth of the London Underground, the capital was a sea of horse-drawn carts, pedestrians and animals. Getting around the city was slow and frustrating and a quicker solution was needed to encourage growth and make the lives of residents that much easier.

Sam Mullins, director of the London Transport Museum, said: "The Metropolitan Railway was a conventional steam-powered railway that was just built underground.

"Essentially, we’re looking at a railway to join up the termini of the main line railways which had all arrived in London in the 1830s and 40s, and were for the most part around the edge of the city.

"Initially the idea was to build a railway that joined up Paddington and Euston and King’s Cross."

But 150 years on the London Underground now spans 11 different lines, serving 270 different stations with an approximate total of 3.66 million weekday users!

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The Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2013

Let’s start the New Year with a bang. The Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2013 is coming once again to the capital’s ExCel Centre, and this year promises more powerboats, sailing yachts, canoes and motor boats than ever before. Thousands of marine fanatics will flock to the doors of the ExCel Centre to catch a glimpse of the latest equipment and talk with field experts.

The event is scheduled to take place over the course of nine days, kicking off the show on 12^th January. An endless parade of experts will be taking to the knowledge box, numerous boats will be lined in a row along the marina and attendees will be able to test their knowledge in the interactive pools. All of this and more is found in one exhibition.

To keep the enthusiasm and excitement alive the show organisers have made changes to the way the 2013’s exhibition takes place. All the crafts, products and brands, along with many boats will be showcased in one room. The South Hall will be overrun by all things nautical with exhibitors also making use of the marina to showcase their beautiful masterpieces. If you’re a boat lover there is only one place to be.

When is the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2013?

Europe’s first boat show takes place between 12^th and 20^th January.

Where do I go?

ExCeL London
Docklands
London
E16 1XL

What transport can I use?

Closest Airport: City airport (0.5 miles)

Closest DLR Station: Custom House or Prince Regent 

What can I expect from the show?

The Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2013 will consist of sailboats, powerboats, canoes, sailing yachts, RIBs, dinghies and motor boats, taking up 40% of the total of the exhibition. The remainder will be exhibits that include accessories, equipment, engines, and services.

Three interactive pools will also be present at the show allowing visitors to test their marine knowledge. One pool will allow visitors to take control of on-water model racing yachts, another will host the 'make & create' activity where children can have a go building a watercraft and then testing it on the water, and the last one will have visitors  canoeing and kayaking.

What are the prices?

Normal day

• Adults: £20 at the gate or £16 advance
• Concessions: £15 at the gate or £13 in advance
• Under-16s: free (TBC)
• Trade Entrance fees (exhibitors or BMF members): £7.50 plus VAT each
• Catalogue: £5

Where can I stay?

At Refresh Accommodation we are pleased to offer you luxury apartments that are situated close to the ExCel Centre. Our London Boat Show apartments are located in Canary Wharf, the Docklands and London Bridge. What’s more, these apartments are available for you to rent from a little as £108 per night. Take a look at our special Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2013 promotion and give us a call today on 08458 053 405.

BBC Proms

The BBC Proms is one of the best music events in the world, so if you can visit London only once this year, make sure you go during the Proms. In its 118^th year, the Proms promote a wide range of musical talents  performed to the highest of standards. Once more it’s hosted in the walls of the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, which was purposely built to house the vision of Prince Albert (Queen Victoria's consort), to create a central hub to promote the Arts and Sciences.

View the schedule for the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall website.

Dates

13^th July – 8^th September 2012

Tickets

Prom tickets are available on the day of each concert and remain at the affordable price of £5 for the seventh year running.  Half price tickets for under-18s will also be available for the first time. Book your Prom tickets through the BBC.

Venue

Royal Albert Hall,

Kensington Gore,

London,

SW7 2AP

Telephone Number: 0845 401 5045

Travel (http://www.tfl.gov.uk)

South Kensington is a marvellous place that is filled with art, culture and history. It is a prime location for travellers to visit, which also means that it’s easy to travel to. Below you will find all the transportation available to you.

Tube

If the tube is your preferred form of transportation, you will need to jump off at stations High Street Kensington (Circle and District Lines) or Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line).

Overground

London Victoria is the closest train station to the Royal Albert Hall, but it’s still quite a distance away from the venue. We would recommend that you jump onto a tube or bus to get closer to your destination.

Buses

If a bus is your favoured approach to travelling around London you’ll be pleased to know that Knightsbridge is serviced by multiple bus routes.  Jump onto bus number 70, 360, 9, 52, 10, 452 or 49 to get to the Proms.

Nearby bars and restaurants

With an average of two concerts a day being held at the Royal Albert Hall, you’re sure to have some time to spare in-between the shows and have worked up quite an appetite. Luckily enough we have discovered some gems for you to visit. Whether it’s for a spot of lunch or you would like to enjoy a refreshing drink, we’ve found the best places for you to visit  in close proximity to the Royal Albert Hall.

•    Le Bistrot (17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DT)
Cuisine: French
Telephone Number: 020 7838 2144

•    Pascha (1 Gloucester Road, London SW7)
Cuisine: North African
Telephone Number: 020 7589 7969

•    The Enterprise (35 Walton Street, London SW3)
Type: Bar
Telephone Number: 020 7584 3148

•    The Churchill Arms (119 Kensington Church Street, London SW8)
Type: Pub
Telephone Number: 020 7792 1246

Accommodation

After an exhilarating concert and talking a walk down the picturesque streets of South Kensington, why not rest your head on a bed in a luxurious serviced apartment? Refresh Accommodation have some incredible Kensington apartments for you to book for the night or for longer. With so much to do and see in this London area, why not make a weekend of it and visit Harrods, Victoria and Albert Museum and the National History Museum? You’ll never be disappointed when you stay in South Kensington for the BBC Proms.

Here are just a few of the apartments you could be staying in:

Astons Apartments, South Kensington (nearest underground: Gloucester Road)

1 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington (nearest underground: Gloucester Road)

Manson Place, Maykenbel, South Kensington (nearest underground: South Kensington)

Collingham, South Kensington (nearest underground: Gloucester Road)

Fraser Place Queens Gate, South Kensington (nearest underground Gloucester Road)

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is one of the greatest tennis tournaments in the world and a place where all the stars come to battle it out for the title, seed number and trophy. No open can beat the atmosphere at Wimbledon, nor can you see such skill and grit determination anywhere else.  Wimbledon is home to the only used lawn court in the world ensuring that tennis pros have to use new tactics after playing on clay and hard courts, which are slower. This year we can expect a nail biting battle against the top three, Nadal, Federer and the reigning champion Djokovic. However, we also have our hopeful Murray to cheer on during the two week tournament.

Dates

25^th June – 8^th July 2012

Tickets

Many tickets are still available for the tournament and range from £26 – £95. More information about show court prices and ground admission prices can be found on the Official Wimbledon website. Currently there are no tickets at Ticketmaster, but there will be shortly.

If you want to get your tickets at the stadium, The Queue for The Championships starts at 8am on Sunday 24 June 2012 at Gate 3 turnstiles.

Venue

All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club,  

Church Road,

Wimbledon,

London,

SW19 5AE
Telephone Number: 020 8946 6131

Travel (http://www.tfl.gov.uk)

Travelling to the Wimbledon Championships couldn’t be easier whether you’re travelling in the car, catching a bus or getting the tube or train to the courts. Below you’ll find all the information that’s required to book a car park space, organise prices for the Park and Ride and discover what tube station to get off at.

Tube

There are three tube stations close by, Wimbledon (District Line), Wimbledon Park (District Line) and Southfields (District Line).

Overground

The closest train station is Wimbledon, but it’s still quite a distance away from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. It’s advisable to catch a bus or similar transport from the station.

Bus

The buses available that will take you to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club include numbers 493, 39 and 639.

Park and Ride

The Park and Ride is available between 6.30am-11pm at Morden Park, which can be accessed from the A3 at Tolworth and via the A240 and A24. The last public bus from the AELTC to the Park and Ride is at 10pm (unless the Centre Court has a late play) leaving from Somerset Road.

Cost: £15 per car or £20 per minibus

Car Park

There is a car park just off Somerset Road in Gate 20 of the venue. To book phone the AA on 01256 492110. You have until the 22^nd June to book your space; otherwise you will have pay on the day.

Bicycle

If you will be cycling to the venue, you can secure your bike at the bicycle racks in Car Park 8 for free, but at your own risk.

Nearby bars and restaurants

If you’ve had your fill of strawberries and cream, there is a great selection of bars and restaurants for you to choose from. Suited to all tastes you can talk about the day’s events over a pub lunch or bistro dinner. Here are our recommended bars and restaurants:

•    The Fire Stables (27 Church Rd, Greater London, SW19 5DQ)
Type: Gastro Pub
Telephone Number: 020 8946 3197

•    The Lawn Bistro (66 High Street, London, SW19)
Type: Bistro
Telephone Number: 020 8947 8278

•    Half Moon (93 Lower Richmond Road, London, SW15)
Type: Pub
Telephone Number: 020 8780 9383

•    Hand in Hand (6 Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common, London, SW19)
Type: Pub
Telephone Number: N/A

Accommodation

Wimbledon is a beautiful part of the capital filled with luscious green house, medieval history and wondrous architecture. There are some ace Wimbledon serviced apartments at Refresh Accommodation suitable for a party of friends or family. Comfortable surroundings, a fully fitted kitchen and in close proximity to the tennis tournament is what you can expect from our selection of apartments. Here are just a few of the places you could be staying in during the Wimbledon tournament:

The Courtyard, Wimbledon (nearest station: Wimbledon Rail Station)

Cascades, Wimbledon (nearest station: Wimbledon)

Chorus Apartments, Wimbledon (nearest underground: Wimbledon)

Think Earls Court, Earls Court (nearest station: Earls Court)

Templeton Place, Earls Court (nearest underground: Earls Court)