A trip to the Philippine Embassy can be less stressful if you come prepared. It can also be a chance to go around the lovely capital if you are staying for a night at the capital.
In photo is the Philippine Embassy in UK.
Getting to the Philippine Embassy at London
Since a lot of us have an idea of Heathrow because most flights from Philippines go to Heathrow, I opted to use Heathrow airport as the starting point. There are a few options you can take and which route you choose have its own advantages over the other.
By train
Piccadilly line from Heathrow to Picadilly circus
Heathrow express to Paddington station then change platforms to Bakerloo line getting off at Picadilly circus.
Quite easy and fast going into central London, but Heathrow express will be the more expensive option.
By Bus
National express to Victoria Coach then take a bus or tube from Victoria Underground station. ( take note that the Coach station is around a 5 minute walk to Victoria Underground and/or Bus Station.
I find the bus option to be the better choice if you have a buggy with you and a toddler or someone less able to cope with rush hour as there are less steps to avoid and less lifts to find. Plus there is no time pressure on catching the closing doors and minding the gap.
Where to stay?
Depending on your priorities and budget, where to stay can be overwhelming. Whilst I have no specific hotel or AirBnB to endorse, it will be more helpful to you if I share some areas where there is a good mix of close proximity to the embassy and few London tourist landmarks.
For sure, the Piccadilly area is a good bet because it is within walking distance to the embassy and Chinatown but the downside would be it's noise and business. Next to consider would be the Embankment station area as it will have better views of top London attractions while it is close enough to the embassy but not so loud as Piccadilly.
Lastly is Earl's court. It might be a train or longish bus ride away from the Philippine embassy itself but it can be a budget friendly place considering major London attractions are not too far off. It has good underground connections to the airports specially to Heathrow via Piccadilly line. Plus, when you crave for some authentic sisig or chicharon bulaklak, Filipino stores and restaurants are in abundance.
Nearby places to visit after your appointment
Piccadilly circus
Trafalgar square
Chinatown
maybe Buckingham Palace and St James Park if you are up for a lovely walk or short bus ride
Bonus tip, there are a few apps that can be downloaded to help you go around London. They are really helpful because the information given includes which bus or train too take, when the next bus service comes, the estimated time of arrival to your destination and even how much the trip would cost! Check out the following:
Whichever route you take, I hope you enjoy London while official business to the embassy is also accomplished.
Disclaimer: I have no links to any of the mentioned third party companies or institutions. My posts are purely for general purposes only and should not be treated as legal or professional advice. Please do your own due diligence and research. Salamat!
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