A city of infinite colour and variety, London is both richly historic, tracing its roots back over 2000 years, and unceasingly modern, at the forefront of fashion, music and the arts. There is a fantastic amount to interest and entertain the visitor here: a selection of the best of the best is explored here.
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If you are fascinated by macaroons - the small, round cakes, crispy on the outside, soft inside with smooth and rich ganache fillings in the middle, Laduree is a must-go shopping place for you. One of the two outlets in London, but the only one where you can sit and enjoy the well known creation from Laduree while watching the busy street as a side-dish.
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Hidden away if you are not paying attention, the Lamb & Flag is great for an early evening drink.
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Private viewing of Leeds Castle plus exclusive cruise on the River Thames with tea and scones
Return: Westminster Pier at 6.45pm where the tour finishes
Highlights:
Private viewing of Leeds castle - The loveliest castle in the world.
Lunch in Dover (food and drinks not included)
Entrance to Canterbury Cathedral
Walking tour of historic Greenwich
Tea/sparkling wine and scones served on the cruise along the River Thames
The Tour:
LEEDS CASTLE
Described as the "loveliest castle in the world", Leeds Castle was once a Royal residence for six of Englands medieval queens, a palace of Henry VIII, and a retreat for the rich and powerful. The setting is simply idyllic. The Norman castle was built on two small islands, in the middle of a lake, and is surrounded by a vast estate. Our day begins with a private viewing prior to the castle opening to the public. We will explore the chapel, galleries, courtyards and banqueting hall before taking time to enjoy the setting and wildlife, which includes wildfowl, black swans and the birds of the aviary.
DOVER
Youve heard of the famous white cliffs of Dover? This is your chance to see them. Following our scenic drive along the old coastal road, we take lunch* in Dover, with a chance to see the historic white cliffs. On a clear day you can even see France. Dover itself is an historic port with a magnificent 12th century castle. *(Food and drinks not included in the price).
CANTERBURY
The ancient city of Canterbury has been the centre of Christian worship for almost 1,700 years. Its greatest treasure is the cathedral, infamous as the setting for the brutal murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170. When Henry II snapped "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?", four of his knights rode to the Cathedral and sliced Becketts head off. Canterbury became the centre of one of the most important medieval pilgrimages in Europe, immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. Your ticket includes entrance to the Cathedral and also allows some free time to explore the atmospheric old town.
GREENWICH AND THAMES CRUISE
Packed with exquisite parks, gardens, and architecture, Greenwich has strong connections with the sea, science, sovereigns and time. We will have time to take a look at the Cutty Sark, the fastest sailing ship of its time. As the early evening approaches we enjoy an exclusive reception of tea/sparkling wine and scones, as we gently cruise back to the centre of London. We will pass by historic sights such as the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before arriving at Westminster pier where our tour ends
Price: £69 adults | £65 child (up to 16 years)
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Located in St Martin-in-the-Fields, the London Brass Rubbing Centre provides the opportunity for visitors to try brass rubbings on a selection of replica brasses, including medieval knights, ladies, saints, and other historical and mythological figures. The centre provides all the specialist papers and metallic waxes that you need to create a superb artwork for a gift for someone special or as a unique memory of your visit to St Martin's.
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The best way to see London by far. It costs around £13 (2006) and lasts approx 40 mins. From here you can see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Wembley Stadium, Buckingham Palace, Horseguards Parade and so on. On a clear day the view is spectacular, you hardly know that your moving at all.....perfect for those afraid of heights. there is a underground station close by and you can walk from there to other attractions in minutes!!
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London Walks is a fantastic company that offers a huge array of guided walks around London for only £6. As any Londoner knows, NOTHING in this city costs only £6, so this is not only a bargain, but a really different, interesting and fun way to spend 2 hours.
There are so many different types of walks that cover all areas and all aspects of London’s history (and present) from ‘Ghosts of the Old City’ to ‘Shakespeare’s London’ to walks that take you through locations used in the movies. Personally I have gone on the Law Courts walk, the ‘Jack the Ripper’s London’ walk and the ‘Spies & Spycatchers’ walk. Each was incredibly interesting and informative, and they show you sides and places of London you never knew were there. The guides often also work as actors, so are great at public speaking and keeping things entertaining. The timetable varies and the walks run every day of the week, all through the day. They also offer seasonal special walks, like ‘The Charles Dickens Christmas’. With no need to book, I would 100{'dkimages': '/dkimages'}ecommend this to anyone, as a filler for a couple of hours in the city, or as an activity on a sunny day. A fantastic way to see so many of the London highlights! -
The Reptile House in London Zoo was first opened in 1849 and houses a huge collection of snakes and lizards. Discover all there is to know about these cold-blooded creatures and on Fridays you can even feed the snakes! This is a definite must see for any Harry Potter fans out there- part of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' was filmed here!
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Delicious cocktail bar, funky interior, its pricey but the drinks are worth it. Gets crowded on the weekend so book ahead. Crowd can be a bit stuffy, so recommend stopping by at a not so busy time. Food is good too!
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The two lion sculptures at the front door set the scene for a gloriously over-the-top cocktail bar. Inside, there are ceiling-high vases, an open-mouthed hippo's head on the wall, red-gem studed antlers, and much, much more. The service is friendly, the long cocktail list is imaginative and on some Sunday nights there is great soul-style live music to accompany your drinks and Japanese food.
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Luigi's on Wardour Street offers delicious Italian food. Whenever I've been there I've had a great time, be it a work outing, a romantic dinner for two or a riotous evening with friends.
The service is on the right side of attentive - you're left alone to enjoy your meal and they're always around when you need them.
Thoroughly recommended
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