Make the most of your time in London when on a London theatre break and spend the day enjoying the sights before heading to the West End. The city of London is renowned for its amalgamation of tradition and history, cultural diversity and modernisation
With so many sights to experience and activities to do it is often difficult to decide how to maximise your time in London. We have compiled a list of the top attractions and when booked as part of a theatre break you can save money and skip to the front of the queue like a true VIP.
St James's Restaurant is a great place to sample traditional afternoon tea. This world-renowned restaurant has an elegant and relaxed atmosphere and offers traditional afternoon tea. You can choose from an array of teas, luxury and traditional sandwiches, pastries and not forgetting, a selection of scones with clotted cream and preserves.
The Globe Tour gives a thrilling insight into the life of William Shakespeare, his world-famous theatre for which he wrote so prolifically for and the London he called home. Explore the history of the Globe itself a building that has literally crossed the Thames and seen premieres of Shakespeare's work. Learn about how the Globe was reborn and what the original building meant to the people of Elizabethan London.
Hampton Court Palace has been home to some of Britain's most famous Kings and Queens including King Henry VIII, King James I and Queen Elizabeth I. The beautiful London palace has entertained royalty for five centuries. In modern times Hampton Court Palace is equally entertaining for visitors, with attraction such as the famous Hampton Court maze, the working Tudor kitchens complete with real Tudor cooks, Henry VIII's Great Hall, Andrea Mantegna's Triumphs of Caesar and well-maintained gardens keeping guests entertained.
Who was Jack the Ripper? Come and investigate this unsolved case for yourself!
On the first part of the tour experience a coach drive through dark London and see many famous sites including the Old Bailey, the site of numerous public hangings.
As the shadows lengthen you will commence the second part of the tour, a chilling Jack the Ripper Walk. In the Autumn of 1888 Jack the Ripper stepped out of the fog and dimly lit alleys just long enough to stalk and butcher his five victims. Walk his death trail inspecting the murder sites, deciphering the evidence and discussing his suspects.
Kensington Palace, a residence of the British Royal Family since the seventeenth century was the official home of Diana, Princess of Wales (until her death in 1997). The exquisite palace offers an insight into the elegance of court life through the displays of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection and the magnificent State Apartments.
Drive straight from the road to the Thames with London Duck Tours. These amphibious vehicles, called DUKWs, are an important part of British history and were used to take the troops ashore for the D-Day landings. The DUKWs have been rebuilt to meet the stringent safety regulations set by the road and river authorities, creating an extraordinary sightseeing experience. Not only do you get a live guided tour of the City of Westminster by road, you also get to take a trip along the river, without ever leaving the comfort of your seat.
Sit back, relax and enjoy exclusive views of The Houses of Parliament, Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the St Paul's Cathedral as you dine on board The Symphony with its impressive glass-encased interior. The international cuisine provides an excellent four course a la carté menu prepared freshly on board. There is a welcome cocktail, as well as live entertainment with a singer and accompanying band providing music for the after dinner dancing.
Glimpse at the lives of the rich and famous as you join the world's hottest celebrities. Lunch with the Obamas or perform with Beyonce, Britney and Kylie. With exciting, interactive attractions running throughout the year, there's always something different happening at Madame Tussauds!
From inside one of the Merlin Entertainment London Eye capsules you will be guided through the history of London on a 30 minute flight. From Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral and Nelson's Column to the stylish Gherkin Building, London is one of the most vibrant and constantly evolving cities in the world. Visit the London Eye after dark and you will enjoy the capital's stunning buildings all lit up.
And, if you book your ride on the London Eye with Holiday Extras ® you can jump right to the head of the queue.
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[b]Halloween River Cruise[/b], 'Tales of Two Witches Cruise'. Available 24th October - 1st November at 14:45, 15:45, 16:45, 17:45 and 18:45. The standard river cruise will not be available at these times during these dates.
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[b]Please Note:[/b] The London Eye will be closed for annual maintenance from 9th - 26th January 2010. It will re-open on 27th January 2010.
When you book the Merlin Entertainments London Eye Afternoon Tea Cruise, not only do you get a flight on the Eye, but you also get a relaxing cruise along the River Thames too, complete with a oacked tea box from Benugo.
Take in the sights from a beautifully appointed cruiser while enjoying a fascinating live commentary. Your afternoon tea includes a delicious rustic flat bread sandwich with a red pepper tapenade with avocado, rocket and shaved parmesan, a slice of hand made Benugo banana and date cake, a sultana scone with jam and cream and fresh strawberries. Your cruise will also feature a refreshment bar with inclusive mineral water and a tea or coffee, with additional drinks purchasable on board.
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[b]Halloween River Cruise[/b], 'Tales of Two Witches Cruise'. Available 24th October - 1st November at 14:45, 15:45, 16:45, 17:45 and 18:45. The standard river cruise will not be available at these times during these dates.
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[b]Please Note:[/b] The London Eye will be closed for annual maintenance from 9th - 26th January 2010. It will re-open on 27th January 2010.
Take in the sights of London from the Merlin Entertainments London Eye and from the river while enjoying a luxury picnic-style lunch accompanied by a fascinating live commentary, pointing out spectacular landmarks and the history surrounding the Thames.
While taking in the sights from the beautifully- appointed cruiser, the lunch is provided by Benugo in an eco-friendly jute bag and includes a delicious Greek salad box, a rustic flat bread sandwich with either a red pepper tapenade with avocado, rocket and shaved parmesan or chicken breast with avocado and rocket, a fruit salad and a handmade Benugo chocolate brownie. Mineral water and tea or coffee is inclusive. The cruise will also feature a refreshment bar offering additional drinks for purchase on board.
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[b]Halloween River Cruise[/b], 'Tales of Two Witches Cruise'. Available 24th October - 1st November at 14:45, 15:45, 16:45, 17:45 and 18:45. The standard river cruise will not be available at these times during these dates.
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[b]Please Note:[/b] The London Eye will be closed for annual maintenance from 9th - 26th January 2010. It will re-open on 27th January 2010.
The London Eye River Cruise Experience is a fantastic package combining two of London's top attractions. Take a relaxing flight on the London Eye and see wonderful panoramic views of the captital city before cruising down the River Thames.
The River Cruise departs conveniently from a pier next to the London Eye and provides commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Russian and Japanese. T-loop systems available.
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[b]Halloween River Cruise[/b], 'Tales of Two Witches Cruise'. Available 24th October - 1st November at 2.45p.m, 3.45p.m, 4.45p.m, 5.45p.m and 6.45p.m. The standard river cruise will not be available at these times during these dates
Tour a world full of astonishing and unusual findings inspired by the fantastical adventures and discoveries of Robert L. Ripley, adventurer, cartoonist, explorer, reporter, collector of the odd and the unusual, this amazing museum contains over 500 bizarre artefacts from all over the world. Located at the Pleasure Beach, this attraction has 8 themed galleries and intriguing exhibits across 2 floors.
The River Thames is possibly the best way to get around London as most of London's principal sights are situated near the river. Enjoy unlimited one-day use of Catamaran's Cruisers sightseeing cruises, between Embankment, Waterloo, Bankside, Tower and Greenwich piers to suit your needs for the day. During the cruise an insightful commentary is provided offering new facts and information to even London's most regular visitors.
Get up close and personal with marine life in London at the Sea Life London Aquarium, an exciting and educational experience that is suitable for all. Including amazing features like the shark walk, a floating glass floor enables guests to stand inches above sharks and Europe's largest collection of poisonous and venemous animals, the Aquarium is without a doubt an experience you won't want to miss. Have a whale of a time this February at SEA LIFE London Aquarium: half term whale week is from 13 — 21 February 2010 and for Valentine's the SEA LIFE London Aquarium offers a quirky proposal service for Valentine's Day.
The cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked London City since 640AD, reminding us of the spiritual importance of life. Designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren it was built between 1675 and 1710 after the loss of his predecessor in the Great fire of London. This masterpiece has become not only a place of worship but of celebration, mourning and commemorating. More and more decoration has been added over time making the Cathedral a breathtaking masterpiece.
The London Dungeon invites you to delve into the capital's most blood-curdling history. Live actors, two hair-raising rides, shows and special effects transport you back to those black, bleak times...are you brave enough? New for 2010 — Bloody Mary: Killer Queen. Bloody Mary, daughter of the infamous Henry VIII is ruthlessly ridding the country of heretics. In her eyes there is only one faith and all those who believe otherwise must be punished. No one is safe from persecution — men, women and children are all under suspicion. Feel the force of her wrath, the heat of the flames and the intensity of Mary's obsession! Please note: the Boat Ride to Hell will be closed 8 — 20 March as well as 22, 23 and 24 March 2010.
Extremis will be shut from 1 — 4 March and Trommel will be shut 4 — 5 March 2010.
The Original Tour, founded in 1951 at the time of The Festival of Britain, is a wonderful way to travel around and discover the city of London. It is now the largest, most popular sightseeing operator in the world. The Hop-on Hop-off service allows you to board any of our famous London sightseeing buses along all of our tour routes at over 90 different stops with an entertaining 'live-guided' commentary in English or a wide choice of other languages. Our Kids' Club provides an educational but fun alternative for 5-12 year olds. Our services are frequent and reliable with tours running daily, every 15-20 minutes.
World Heritage Site, The Tower of London, spans over 900 years of history and is home to the spectacular Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders and legendary ravens; a must on any itinerary to London. Since Easter 2006 the represented Medieval Palace will allow visitors to explore the Tower as a royal residence, taking visitors back to the 13thcentury and the reigns of Henry III and Edward I.
London Zoo has two fantastic exhibits which opened earlier this year. Check out the Gorilla Kingdom and the Clore Rainforest Lookout.
Get first hand experience of over 600 species of amazing animals and enjoy the ultimate back to nature experience at London Zoo. Discover more about the zoo's involvement in many ongoing conservation programmes. A trip to London Zoo is a great day out for all the family.