The Best of London
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An Introduction to
London
London is a world-class city and the heart of British politics, culture and commerce. Its history stretches back thousands of years, and remnants of this fascinating past can still be found across the capital – from the Tower of London, a gruesome site of Medieval torture, to the majestic Buckingham Palace.
A captivating mix of old and new, London is also renowned for its creativity, innovation and originality in art, theatre, music, design and cuisine. It is home to countless art galleries and museums, including the Tate Modern, National Gallery and British Museum, which possesses some of the world's finest treasures. And best of all, entry to most of these museums and galleries is free!
To catch all the 'big-hitters' in one go, you can't beat a walk along the River Thames. Strolling from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament you'll pass the Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, the London Eye, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium and London Dungeon. In addition to these world-famous attractions, there are many more to discover during your stay.
The West End is the place to go to see London's top theatre shows and musicals. Alongside classics including Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and The Woman in Black, you will find hit contemporary shows, such as Billy Elliot, The Lion King and Thriller – Live. Don't forget to explore the many off-West End venues too, such as the National Theatre, The Old Vic and (during the summer months) Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
In the West End you will also find some of London's top shopping destinations, from Oxford Street to Seven Dials. Different neighbourhoods are known for other unique opportunities for shopping: Notting Hill is renowned for its antiques and Portobello Market, Greenwich has an excellent arts and crafts markets, while Westfield London City and Westfield Stratford are the city's most famous malls.
If you would rather save money than spend it, the eight Royal Parks are well worth a visit – and a great spot for a picnic. Visit Greenwich Park to drop in on the Royal Observatory, walk through Kensington Gardens to see Kensington Palace, take a paddle on the Hyde Park boating lake, see Buckingham Palace from scenic St James's Park, spot deer at Richmond Park and Bushy Park, and meet the animals at London Zoo, which lies within Regent's Park.
Along the way indulge your taste buds with delicious food at one of London's many restaurants, gastropubs and pop-up eateries. You can eat food prepared by a celebrity chef, discover modern British cuisine, or eat food from anywhere in the world – be it Indian, Chinese, Persian, Greek, Italian or Lebanese. Top off your perfect day with a fancy cocktail, excellent wine or locally brewed beer at a top London pub or bar – and maybe a boogie at one of the capital's buzzing nightspots and clubs.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Ticket Options
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This ticket allows you to see all of London’s top sights and attractions in a day. Ride the open top double decker bus for one day, hopping on and off at over 50 stops on three different routes located conveniently close to famous landmarks and attractions.
Hop-on, hop-off for one day (24-hours from time of redemption) on various routes in London, daily walking tour during the validity of ticket, single river cruise from Westminster to the Tower of London (or vice versa). -
This ticket allows you to see all of London’s top sights and attractions across two days. Ride the open top double decker bus for two days, hopping on and off at over 50 stops on three different routes located conveniently close to famous landmarks and attractions. You can hop off the bus to explore as often as you wish, and re-join the tour once you're ready or use your first day to experience a panoramic tour around the city and your second to revisit your ultimate favorites.
Enjoy a daily free walking tour allowing you to find out more about British Royalty and politics and jump on board a river cruise for a return journey from Westminster to Greenwich via Tower of London.
Hop-on, hop-off for two days (48-hours from time of redemption) on various routes in London, daily walking tour during the validity of ticket, hop-on, hop-off river cruise between Westminster and Greenwich during the validity of ticket. -
This ticket allows you to see all of London’s top sights and attractions across three days. Ride the open top double decker bus for three days, hopping on and off at over 50 stops on three different routes located conveniently close to famous landmarks and attractions. You can hop off the bus to explore as often as you wish, and re-join the tour once you're ready or use your first day to experience a panoramic tour around the city and your second and third to revisit your favorites. Enjoy a daily free walking tour allowing you to find out more about British Royalty and politics and jump on board a river cruise for a return journey from Westminster to Greenwich via Tower of London.
Day 1
Welcome to London
London - Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour
Begin your introduction to London with hop-on hop-off tour. It is hard to beat the flexibility and convenience of this tour! And it's a favorite of kids!
You won’t miss a beat on this tour! On top of that, there are three terrific tickets to pick from!
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Hop-on and hop-off at more than 50 specially located bus stops
- Set sail on the River Thames on the river cruise
- See London up front and personal on the free walking tour
Welcome aboard the open top double decker bus sightseeing tour of London. Your open-topped double-decker bus will take you around London’s most famous attractions as you learn about the 2,000 years of history of this fascinating city. All the trips on the red route are led by expert guides who will keep you entertained with fun facts and such as they point out the main attractions and share their many tips and tricks.
You can hop on and hop off as many times as you want at more than 50 stops at the main attractions, you will have plenty of time to explore all the sights of London. You can pick either the classic, premium or deluxe ticket. As you can imagine there is an awful lot to see in this fascinatingly lively city! So, if you have more time you can take the time to hop-off and get to know each spot a little better rather than just cruising on past. Each ticket gives you the chance to check out London at a different pace - on foot with a free walking tour which has the same duration as the ticket that you’ve purchased.
One of the most impressive sights on the open top double decker bus tour is the view of St. Paul’s Cathedral from Ludgate Hill. The following spots are also not to be missed: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace - the Queen’s official residence in the capital is without doubt one of the highlights of the tour.
The trip also comes with river cruise down the River Thames, three guided walks and a book of Big Bus discount vouchers, which give you great savings at some of the main attractions as well as various shops and restaurants.
Hop-on, hop-off for three days (72-hours from time of redemption) on various routes in London, daily walking tour during the validity of ticket, hop-on, hop-off river cruise between Westminster and Greenwich during the validity of ticket.
This ticket lets you choose between three different departures on our panoramic night tour with pick-ups and drop-offs at the London Eye, Victoria Station and Marble Arch. See London by dusk with a live guide to excite you about the city's glorious past and present. Taking in sights including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. The night tour is a great way to round off a day in London and offers an excellent opportunity to loop the city non-stop and get a different perspective than that of the city during the day.
Day 2, Part 1
London Pass with Oyster Travel Card - Day 1
Leave no stone unturned as you mosey around every nook and cranny uncovering many a tale and many a secret. More than 70 tourist attractions available from tours to museums and from classic monuments to exclusive offers!
HIGHLIGHTS:
- More than 70 attractions and tours included, such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge Experience, River Thames cruise and many more
- Skip the line access to dozens of top museums and attractions such as Windsor Castle or Kensington Palace
- Special offers and exclusive discounts in many restaurants and shops
- Includes an Oyster Card with credit depending on the number of days purchased
- Flexibility with 1, 2, 3, 6 or 10 consecutive days of use
- Invaluable guide with over 160 pages of maps, reviews, addresses and opening hours
Cruise around the big smoke like the Londoners with an Oyster Card. The city with a thousand different faces is waiting for you! Decide how many days you want to enjoy the British capital for: 1, 2, 3, 6 or 10 days. London Pass is valid only for consecutive days, starting from the first day of use.
There’s no other place in the world quite like London. The city is no longer so much of a capital but a thriving metropolis with its own unique personality, formed over centuries of history. Down the years London has undoubtedly left its fingerprint on the global stage from art to fashion, business to food. And without a doubt the best way to discover all these aspects of the city is with the London Pass, an exclusive package that gives you access to 70 of the best tourist attractions of the city. Make the most of your visit to this ultra-diverse city and never waste time in endless queues thanks to priority access to attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and Kensington palace.
Forget about changing foreign currency, carrying too much cash or working out how much each ticket costs, with the London Pass in your hand everything is already paid for. What’s more, you will receive a fantastic guide with over 160 pages of maps, reviews, addresses and directions, opening hours, websites and much more. This way you can easily find what you are looking for and plan your perfect itinerary without being caught up in the bewitching labyrinth of the city.
London’s public transport system is amongst the largest in the world and at times can seem intimidating to new visitors. Having to take buses, trams, trains, and the famous London Underground in order to get around for the day can end up being very expensive. So with the Oyster Card, your tourist experience is now even more economical as you get an amount of credit included to cover your travel needs for the number of days purchased.
So whether you want to visit the museums or the zoo, The Royal Albert Hall or Chelsea Football Club, there is an attraction on the London Pass for you. As Samuel Johnson said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”. Make the most of life and enjoy all that London has to offer!
London Pass holders receive 50% off the ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition’ at the Natural History Museum including fast track into the Museum itself. To take up this offer London Pass holders just need to show their London Pass at the Cromwell Road or Exhibition Road entrances to gain fast track entry to the Museum, and then at the Exhibition ticket desk to receive the special offer when purchasing their tickets.
On top of all that, the London Pass now includes a 1 calendar day hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket.
From the 1st of April, you can now make your way to St Pauls Cathedral and go on a fantastic film set tour. Fast track entrance to a wide range of top attractions such as the Tower of London, the London Bridge Experience, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Zoo and Kew Gardens.
Day 2, Part 2
Explore the city on your own and finish with an evening of London Showboat dinner cruise
Come for the best night out on the River Thames with an evening that promises good food, entertainment and fabulous views.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- See London’s landmarks glittering by night
- Sensational four course meal in surroundings that change every minute
- Entertainment to top off your evening out
Spend an evening without spending too much thanks to a romantic London Showboat dinner cruise. Enjoy great views of the glittering lights of London's famous landmarks while savouring a glass of fizz as you board followed by a four course meal, half bottle of wine per guest, live entertainment and dancing until we dock. What better way to enjoy London at night?
The music starts as you sit down for the first course and the sights of London glide passed the panoramic windows. Shortly after we’ve passed under Tower Bridge, your main course will be served and maybe you’ll be enjoying another glass of wine. No stuffy waiters, just friendly service from the on-board team whose sole aim is for you to have a good time!
The cruise then heads downriver, passing Canary Wharf and Greenwich, arriving at the Thames Barrier in time for dessert and coffee. As the London Showboat turns back to head home, the singer starts the second set and then it’s time to hit the dance floor. Or maybe enjoy an after-dinner drink from the bar. Head upstairs to the open-air deck and enjoy the best views of all. Romantic for sure and definitely dazzling – it doesn’t get any better.
Good food, great entertainment and fabulous views. That’s the London Showboat, the best night out on the Thames. Don’t miss the excitement, come along for fun!
Day 3
London Pass with Oyster Travel Card - Day 2
Events Not To Be Missed
London has a full calendar of events, covering many different interests. This guide highlights the must-see events that take place in London throughout the year.
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The Barclaycard British Summer Time music festival takes place every year in Central London's Hyde Park. The week-long event covers many musical tastes, from pop to rock to dance and hip hop.
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Changing the Guard or Guard Mounting involves an exchange of guard duties at Buckingham Palace. Watch the ceremony as each set of guards dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats takes over from their brothers-in-arms. You can also see the process at Horse Guards Arch on Horse Guards Parade.
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The world's greatest flower show takes place in West London over a four-day period in May. Each year is different from the last but the vibrant small gardens and horticultural displays bring a splash of colour and scent to London's events calendar. Booking in advance in advisable.
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To celebrate The Queen’s official birthday in June each year, the tradition of Trooping the Colour takes place on Horse Guards Parade and The Mall near Buckingham Palace. The ceremony of military pomp and pageantry includes a flypast by the Royal Air Force and a procession lead by Her Majesty.
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In September, London’s Totally Thames Festival celebrates the city’s famous river over 30 days, spreading 42 miles, and more than 100 separate arts and cultural events. In 2014 the festival was filled with walks, tours, tall ship regattas, theatre, cinema, and many other exciting ways to enjoy London, all taking place on or next to the River Thames.
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Europe's biggest street festival takes place every August Bank Holiday weekend in West London. The huge Caribbean theme party takes place over three days with the main parade held on the Monday. Expect colourful floats, costumed performers and lots of music.
Day 4
For the fans of Harry Potter! Warner Bros Studios: The Making of Harry Potter Tour
Take a peek behind the scenes at the studios that created your favourite Harry Potter films. See everything from models, sketches and even ride your own broom. Every Muggle is guaranteed a magical time!
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Magical behind the scenes tour
- Pre-production sketches on show
- Sensational scale model of Hogwart’s castle
- Sniff out all the Harry Potter secrets
Uncover the magic behind the special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter films with this spellbinding Warner Brother Studio tour of The Making of Harry Potter. Walk the original stone floor of the Hogwarts Great Hall, visit Dumbledore's office, wander down Diagon Alley, see the model of Hogwarts Castle and taste the legendary ButterbeerTM. This is the ultimate adventure for any fan of the young wizard.
All eight movies were produced at the Studios and you will be able to relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers who brought Harry Potter to life. See the Backlot, where the Knight Bus and Hagrid’s motorbike are. Take a lesson in the Potion’s Classroom, visit the Weasel family in The Burrow and ride a broom in front of the Green Screen.
In the Art Department, admire the detailed sketches that were used during pre-production and learn how pencil drawings were turned into beautiful paintings with a digital brush, while the Model Room will bowl you over. See the sensational scale model of Hogwarts Castle - the level of detail is breathtaking. Real plants are used for landscaping as well as miniature birds housed in the Owlery, and with more than 2,500 fibre optic lights that simulate lanterns and torches, you’ll be flabbergasted.
At the Studio Shop you’ll find reminders of the films everywhere; the cash desk display cabinet is inspired by the Gringott's Bank set and you can check out items such Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs as well as Hogwarts robes, school ties and much more.
Step Into the Forbidden Forest– New!
The Forbidden Forest may be strictly off-limits to Hogwarts students, but for the first time this March, visitors are invited to defy Professor Dumbledore’s orders and follow the footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Home to an abundance of creatures, it offers shelter and protection to Hippogriffs and Acromantula among many others. See one of Rubeus Hagrid’s original costumes on display, lantern in hand, to welcome visitors through the Hogwarts Gates deep into the forest. Filled with 19 trees each with a diameter of over 12 feet, walk beneath the giant entwined roots and control the weather using the same techniques created by filmmakers.
Day 5
Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford
See three of the most iconic landmarks of England: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- See the oldest inhabited castle
- Experience British culture and learn its history
- Be amazed at the fascinating Stonehenge
- Explore the wonderful city of Oxford
A friendly welcome from your Guide and Driver and then a short drive to Windsor, home to the royal family for 900 years. Windsor is the oldest inhabited castle in the world and is still an official residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Optional: Purchase a ticket for an interior visit to Windsor Castle to see the magnificent State Apartments, still used today for royal receptions and State occasions. See the 14th century St Georges Chapel.
The great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world, cloaked forever in intense debate over its purpose. It is the focal point in a landscape filled with prehistoric ceremonial structures, now a World Heritage Site. Optional: Purchase admission ticket and benefit from an audio-guide tour of Stonehenge. You'll learn about the spiritual importance of the stones and early legends of King Arthur and Merlin.
Known as 'The City of Dreaming Spires', Oxford has been a seat of learning since 1249. Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of the city, passing Trinity College, the Sheldonian Theatre, the newly renovated Ashmolean Museum and the Martyr's Memorial. See Divinity School, made famous in the Harry Potter films, and learn why this magical city inspired so many writers, including Lewis Carroll, JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis.
Day 6
Visit the extravagant home of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace
Explore the grand halls, the breath-taking gardens, get lost in the maze and learn about life as a Tudor! Bundles of fun and education for the whole family.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Learn all about the dramatic life of Henry VIII
- Be amazed at the traditional architecture and stunning gardens
- Get lost in the famous maze
The flamboyant Henry VIII is most associated with this majestic palace, which he extended and developed in grand style after acquiring it from Cardinal Wolsey in the 1520s. He lavished money on fabulous tapestries and paintings which you will be able to see in the Great Hall. Next explore Henry VIII’s Tudor Kitchens, as this palace housed and fed a huge court. These kitchens were built to feed over 600 people and on some days you will still be able to see chefs preparing meals in the traditional Tudor way. Annually this kitchen would use 1,240 oxen, 8,200 sheep, 2,330 deer and over 600,000 gallons of beer! The Tudors knew how to banquet well.
The Tudor Buildings which remain are among the most important in existence, but the elegance and romance of Hampton Court Palace owes much to the elegant Baroque buildings commissioned by William and Mary at the end of the 17th century. A prime example of the beautiful architecture can be seen in The Chapel Royal, which has been in use for over 450 years. In the Royal Pew you will be able to see an accurate replica of the crown worn by Henry VIII.
The palace is set in 60 acres of gardens, which include the famous maze and the awe-inspiring Great Vine. Lose yourself in the oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK and conquer its twists, turns and dead-ends.
Day 7
Full Day Tour of the Cotswolds with Lunch
Travel back in time to a simpler life full of beautiful countryside landscapes and quaint little cottages. The Cotswolds are a magical set of villages and the perfect backdrop for lunch and a spot of tea
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Visit Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-water and Stow-on-the-Wold
* Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Swan Hotel
* Learn about the fascinating history and local culture
Our full day tour begins in Burford, a beautiful medieval town regarded by many as 'the gateway to the Cotswolds'. You'll have time to stroll down the magnificent high street, with buildings featuring every variety of Cotswold stone. There will be time to visit the tea houses and shops before we head south to Bibury, described as the ‘prettiest village in the Cotswolds’, by William Morris. Admire the cottages built in the late 1300s, which are also featured on the inside of all United Kingdom passports. You may also recognize this location from the popular movie “Bridget Jones Diary.”
Lunch beckons and what better way to satisfy your hunger than with a fabulous two course lunch at a hotel, situated in the centre of Bibury overlooking the River Coln. The 17th century former coaching Inn serves a fabulous range of traditional cooking, ales and fine wines. Relax and rewind, in comfy armchairs in quirky styled warm rooms. Perhaps if you’re lucky you will indeed see a mother swan with her signets, as they drift past on the river.
In the afternoon we take a leisurely drive passing through charming villages before visiting Bourton-on-the-water and Stow-on-the Wold, two of the most picturesque parts of the northern Cotswolds. Your guide will take you on a short walk in each village explaining their history, and there's time to pop in to some of the many boutiques and tearooms, before re-joining the coach and returning to London.
Day 8
Depart Back Home
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Enjoy breakfast and meet your transfer representative in the lobby of your hotel. He or she will help you with your luggage and escort you to the airport for your flight. Relax and let our professional driver take you to your destination, in a safe and comfortable way.
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