Beckham's guide to Britain: David draws up top ten hotspots tourists should visit during London Olympics
By DAVID WILKES
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He has drawn up his top ten hot spots for visitors heading to Britain for the London 2012 games, including locations he enjoys visiting with wife Victoria and their children.
The couple are worth over £160 million, but fear not: for you too can 'wend it like Beckham' from as little as £3.50 each.
Top tips: David Beckham has listed his top ten recommendations for things to do in London during the Olympics. The idol is pictured here with the games torch
That is the cost of a basic meal at the former England soccer captain's preferred pie and mash shop, included among his 'exclusive' suggestions for visitors from across the globe.
Beckham, who grew up in Essex but whose family members had previously lived in the East End, recommends the traditional Cockney grub as 'an insider's tip for a real East London food experience' and exhorts one and all 'you've got to try pie and mash.'
He singles out Tony Lane's pie and mash shop in Waltham Abbey, Essex, as 'a favourite'.
Despite being based in Los Angeles since 2007 when he moved there to play for LA Galaxy, Beckham has remained a frequent visitor to that particular eatery on his visits to these shores.
Family fun: Beckham recommends Alton Towers, pictured and Thorpe Park as popular places to visit
Only last month he took his mother Sandra there as they got in the Diamond Jubilee spirit and he has posted photographs of himself tucking in to its down to earth fare on his Facebook page.
Today the family-run business' boss Tony Lane said: 'He's been a regular for eight years. Pie and mash is pretty simple but it's good filling food and the best of British.
But then I would say that, wouldn't I?' Beckham's other insights into Britain's culture, history and attractions are slightly more predictable.
'Kids can't get enough of theme parks as I know being a father of four,' he wisely confides drawing on his experience raising sons Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, 9, Cruz, 7, and 11-month-old daughter Harper Seven.
'You're never far away from one in Britain,' he adds, helpfully noting that 'Alton Towers is close to Stoke' and Thorpe Park 'just outside London'.
Royal rumble: Buckingham Palace is also singled out as a highlight by Beckham whose own home was dubbed 'Beckingham Palace'
Impressive sight: The footballer's original club home of Old Trafford and his international home of Wembley are put forward as good places to take tours
One for shopaholics: Camden market, which features more than 1,000 stalls, is on the list as are Portobello and Spitalfields markets
BECKHAM'S TOP TEN HOTSPOTS
1. Take a tour of Buckingham Palace
2. Experience some real East London food at Tony Lane’s Pie & Mash shop
3. Go on a stadium tour of Old Trafford and the new Wembley
4. Grab some fresh air at one of the Royal Parks like Hyde, The Regent’s or Richmond
5. Play a round of golf at St Andrews
6. Go shopping at Manchester’s Northern Quarter, or markets like Camden, Portobello or Spitalfields
7. Take the kids to Thorpe Park or on the Harry Potter tour
8. Don’t miss London’s theatre scene and plays like War Horse or Jersey Boys
9. Eat at Ceconnis or NOPI in London
10. Go for a walk in the countryside and stop off at a pub along the way
Elsewhere in the guide for the national tourism agency VisitBritain, Beckham, 37, notes that 'Britain is famous for its countryside' and suggests a 'bracing walk' followed by a rest next to a log fire in a country pub.
Families can also 'get out in the fresh air at one of London's Royal Parks.'
He admits to being a fan of the Royal Family and recommends a visit to Buckingham Palace (not, of course, to be confused with 'Beckingham Palace', the £18 million mansion in Hertfordshire which he and Victoria, 38, the former Posh Spice, were recently reported to be putting up for sale).
'Buckingham Palace is in the heart of London and it's been the scene of so many great moments in British history - none of us will ever forget the amazing wedding last year,' he said, alluding to the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
'Best of all, it's open for visitors during the summer so you can have a look around the state apartments.'
Sport, inevitably, is firmly in his thoughts.
He suggests going to a Premier League soccer match if you can as 'you can't beat the atmosphere' or a guided tour around a stadium like Old Trafford, his old stamping ground from his Manchester United days.
Night out: For evening entertainment Beckham suggests taking in a London show such as the hit West End musical Jersey Boys
Alternatively, you could play a round of golf at St Andrews in Scotland 'where the game was invented'.
Suggestions perhaps more likely to appeal to Victoria include shopping in designer stores or at London markets like Camden, Portobello and Spitalfields, and eating out at exclusive restaurants like the Ivy or Nobu on a 'special night'.
In the list, compiled for a smartphone 'app', Beckham also describes London's theatre land as the 'one thing you can't miss' when you are in the capital.
'I love going out with the family to a show,' he said, insightfully recommending the Lion King as something 'young and old will love'.
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