Video:Tips for Visiting the 2012 Olympic Viewing Sites in London
with Nadia ChapmanVisiting the 2012 Olympic viewing sites in London can be an exhilarating experience. Watch this video from About.com to learn how to handle the crowds and visit the 2012 Olympic viewing sites in London.See Transcript
Transcript:Tips for Visiting the 2012 Olympic Viewing Sites in London
Hi, I'm Nadia Chapman for About.com. Visiting the Olympic viewing sites is an exciting thing to do. Here's a few tips to help you prepare for your visit at the Olympic Park.
What to Bring When Visiting the 2012 Olympic Viewing Sites in London
If you are coming to view an event, bring as little as possible with you. You will have to go through security check, and will get your bags searched. Make sure you check the list of prohibited and restricted items on the official 2012 Olympics website before you attend an event. Some of those prohibited items include liquids, firearms, alcohol, bikes and animals, just to name a few.
Traveling to Visit the 2012 Olympic Viewing Sites in London
The number of parking spaces are limited around the Olympic Park, with the exception of some Blue Badge Spaces that people can book in advance. Public transportation is highly recommended, but give yourself plenty of time to travel to your venue since transportation in and around London will be extremely busy.
Useful Online Tools for Visiting the 2012 Olympic Viewing Sites in London
You can use the Journey Planner, a great tool offered by Transport of London or the Spectator Journey Planner on the official 2012 Olympics website. Both of those searching tools help you plan what transportation you can use to get to the event you are attending. On the official London Olympics website, you can filter by location or sport to find important information on where your event is located and how you can get there, what time you should arrive, services and facilities available on site, information on the sport and much more.
Visiting the 2012 Olympic Viewing Sites in London for Free
Don't have tickets? Don't worry! The Olympic marathon will run near some major London attractions such as The Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, the Road Cycling event will start on the Mall. The south shore of the lake in Hyde Park will be open to spectators without tickets for the Swimming Marathon event. Check online for more free events, and keep in mind that you will be able to watch live events on giant screens put up all around the Olympic Park, London and the around the country.
Additional Tips for Visiting the 2012 Olympic Viewing Sites in London
Try wearing comfortable shoes and clothes, you will have a lot walking to do and lots of standing up too. London is famous for its rainy days, so don't forget a waterproof jacket and a travel size umbrella. For more information about London and the 2012 Olympics, please visit us at About.com.