Starting at 4 a.m. on Monday, October 4, 2021, the rules for international travel to England will change from the system of red, amber and green lights to a single red list of countries and simplified travel metrics for arrivals from the rest of the world.

The rules for traveling from countries and territories not on the red list will depend on your immunization status.

Due to the impending changes, UK hotels, restaurants and attractions, especially in London, are gearing up for a return in overseas tourism.

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The capital is easily accessible by train or taxi from Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport and there are fantastic places to visit, both famous places and hidden gems.

From the famous five-star Dorchester hotel and the London Eye, to secret Radio Rooftop and celebrity hotspot The Gate vegan cafe, SurreyLive has listed some of our favorite places below.

Masks are not required at any of the listed locations, but staff wear them often and hand sanitizing stations are available.

The following travel rules will take effect from October 4th and are also listed on the UK government website, gov.uk.

Traveling to England if you are fully vaccinated:

• You must have received a full course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to your arrival in England with digital or paper proof (CDC card for Americans and EU DCC for Europeans).
• You will need to book and pay for a second day COVID-19 test to be taken after you arrive in England.
• You will need to complete your passenger tracking form – at any time within 48 hours of your arrival in England.
• You will need to take a COVID-19 test no later than the second day after arriving in England.

Under the new rules, you will NOT need to: take a pre-departure test, take an eighth-day COVID-19 test, or quarantine at home or where you are staying for 10 days after your arrival in England.

Traveling to England if you are not fully vaccinated:

Before traveling to England you must:

• Take a pre-departure COVID-19 test – to be done within three days before your trip to England.
• Book and pay for the second and eighth day COVID-19 tests – to be taken after you arrive in England.
• Complete your passenger tracing form – any time within 48 hours of your arrival in England.

After arriving in England, you must:

• Quarantine at home or in the place where you are staying for 10 days.
• Take a COVID-19 test no later than day 2 and on or after day 8.
• You may be able to end the quarantine sooner if you pay for a private COVID-19 test through the Test to Release program.

Traveling to england of the Red List countries:

Before traveling to England you must:

• Take a pre-departure COVID-19 test – to be done within three days before your trip to England.
• Book a quarantine hotel package, including two COVID-19 tests.
• Complete your passenger tracing form – any time within 48 hours of your arrival in England.
• When you arrive in England you must quarantine in a managed hotel, including 2 COVID-19 tests.

The Red List will be reviewed every three weeks and whenever evidence is needed we may need to act faster to protect public health.

Where to stay in London

The Dorchester

It is not only one of the most iconic hotels in London, but it is also one of the most famous in the world and a true example of classic British style.

Located in the heart of the city, the five-star luxury hotel Mayfair has it all, from exquisite suites and award-winning restaurants, spa facilities and exclusive services.

Expect a go-to concierge, their own florist, pet-friendly accommodations, Rolls-Royce drivers, and even a butler.

The hotel’s traditional afternoon teas are exceptional, but it is the hospitality of the hotel that is extraordinary and the staff can’t wait for international guests to return.

Since the time the famous Dorchester doors opened in 1931, it has attracted high profile guests and those with a taste for the finer things in life.

The Dorchester is not just a place to go to sleep, it is a place to satisfy the senses, whether in the dream spa, the three Michelin stars Alain Ducasse or on the roof with a glass of champagne overlooking the magnificent city.

Address: Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA.

Delivered: Book a room or a table online on dorchestercollection.com/en/london/the-dorchester.

Where to eat in London

The door

Located a short walk from the Dorchester, this is a hidden gem for vegans and vegetarians.

Open every day from 12 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., the chef of the vegetal restaurant is incredibly smart at creating meatless dishes that will blow your mind.

The original venue in Hammersmith, opened over 30 years ago and is set in a stunning former artist studio with a beautiful secret garden.

The flagship restaurant has been visited by notable names such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Stella McCartney and Madonna.

Three decades and three more restaurants later, the group has remained true to their vision of truly tasty cuisine.

The Marylebone Restaurant is the ideal destination to escape the busy streets of London and enjoy a refined herbal offer.

Menu highlights include mango, avocado and Shimeji mushroom veviche with tomato and pickled red onion salsa, miso glazed eggplant with toasted cashews, ponzu sauce, micro coriander and sesame seeds and zucchini flower stuffed with sweet potato. , goat cheese, pine nuts and basil, with tarragon aioli.

Founder Michael Daniel said: “At this time last year, I didn’t even think we would still be in business. It has been horrible, but thanks to our dedicated staff, great suppliers, and the continued loyalty of our consistently amazing customers, we are back with three out of four locations open and commercial. “

Address: Seymour Place, London, W1H 7NL.

Delivered: Reserve a table online at thegaterestaurants.com/marylebone

Where to drink in London

Rooftop radio

The capital is known for its trendy rooftop bars, and this one is especially special.

The Secret Gem is located on the 10th floor of ME London near Covent Garden.

Just a 15 minute walk from Waterloo, you don’t have to take the metro to get there, plus it’s hidden from public view so not everyone is in the know.

The Radio Rooftop is a fabulous rooftop restaurant and lounge bar with stunning views over the River Thames and the enviable London skyline.

From sunrise to sunset, guests can enjoy the ever-changing views of the capital stretching from the Shard and St Paul’s downstream, to the London Eye and Big Ben in the west.

Open every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., guests can have breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course specially designed cocktails with a view of London.

Address: Strand, London, WC2R 1HA.

Delivered: Reserve a table online at melondonhotel.com/eat-drink/radio-rooftop.

What to visit in London

No trip to London would be complete without the London Eye.

The popular attraction is located on the banks of the River Thames and is perfect for all ages.

Soaring 135m above the capital, guests will enjoy 360-degree views of major London landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Shard, Tower Bridge and Saint Paul’s Cathedral.

The scenic tour lasts around half an hour and it is best to book tickets in advance for an assigned time slot.

It is open every day of the year (except December 25 and 31) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (9 p.m. in July and August).

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

Delivered: Buy your tickets online at londoneye.com.

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