Most Popular London Attractions #3 Madame Tussauds
Above: The Legendary ‘The Beatles’
Last time, we visited lots of cultures through the artifacts of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This time, we will visit peoples – from different countries, background, and time periods! But only the famous ones, of course.
Presenting Madame Tussaud’s world famous wax museum.
#3 Madame Tussauds
Can anybody pull off bringing together all the famous personalities in the world under one roof? Marie Tussaud can.
Marie Tussaud (her real name is Marie Grosholtz) was born in Strasbourg, France in 1761. She learned her craft from Dr. Philippe Curtius, a physician who also happens to be very skilled in making wax models. Marie Grosholtz’ mother worked as a housekeeper for the kind doctor. Dr. Curtius was fond of little Marie and decided to teach her the intricate art of making wax models. The oldest wax work in Madame Tussauds is actually a work by Dr. Curtius himself – a wax work of Marie-Jeanne du Barry, a French courtesan who became the mistress of King Louis XV of France.
Tussaud’s first wax work was that of Voltaire – the famous French Enlightenment writer who supported social reform during his time and who frequently criticized the Catholic Church. Tussauds made this wax work in 1777. Also around that time, she was fond of political figures and did wax works like that of another Enlightenment mover in Jean-Jacques Rousseau. She also admired one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, and made a wax work of him during that time.
One of her first set of wax works was made during the French Revolution - she made “death masks” of the victims of the violence during that time. Marie Tussaud would personally search through piles and piles of corpses just to find a decapitated head that she liked and then she would make a replica of that severed head. These “death masks” are now being displayed in one of the museum’s more famous attractions – the Chamber of Horrors. Aside from the masks, the gallery now also exhibits past and present murderers and criminals.
When the good doctor died in 1794, his entire collection was turned over to the care of Marie Tussaud. This is where the bulk of her first ever collection would come from.
Eight years later Marie Tussaud found herself in London, traveling to exhibit her wax works, together with those of the late doctor. And because of the Franco - English war (Napoleonic Wars), she was unable to return to her homeland France. Marie Tussaud then decided against her will to go through the cities of Great Britain and Ireland to exhibit her collection. And the rest, as they would say, was history.
She put up her first permanent exhibit on Baker Street in London. This was still way back in 1835, on a place called the Baker Street Bazaar. From then came another exhibit, and another, and another - until finally the name Madame Tussauds was already associated with wax works. She became so famous and her collection so large that it had to become a museum.
Madame Tussauds did not move to its current location until 1884. In 1925, a huge fire destroyed most of the wax works of the collection. Good thing the molds survived the disaster and all those destroyed were remade.
The wax museum is now one of the major tourist attractions of London. The success has been so overwhelming that Tussauds opened branches in other parts of the globe. There are now a total of seven Madame Tussauds. With the Madame Tussauds London being the primal and therefore the principal branch, six more Madame Tussauds are found in each of these cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, New York City, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Washington DC. In two months, the newest branch in Berlin is set to open. And next year, there will be another one in Hollywood. All of the other branches have their own exclusive wax works.
The London branch, as I said earlier, is one of the biggest attractions in the city – garnering nearly 3 million visitors per year.
Arguably the most popular gallery in the museum is the Garden Party exhibit – where visitors can have their pictures taken alongside almost real wax works of world famous actors and singers. Here are a couple of visitors enjoying a photo op with their favorite stars: Justin Timberlake and Samuel L. Jackson.
Below: Pop star Justin Timeberlake
Above: Well-known actor Samuel L . Jackson
Also there is the Grand Hall – where past and present world leaders gather together. One could only imagine having their picture taken with the entire royal family – Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William and Prince Harry. And you can even pose with a quirky face!
Make sure you experience the Chamber of Horrors live. It’s like a horror leisure park attraction but with wax works and actors instead of goofy mannequins. Quite a scare! Warning: this is not suitable for children below 12, pregnant women, or anyone with any sort of heart condition. The actors will chase you out so be prepared to run!
Also there is the Spirit of London ride – be sure to check it out. You will be riding a traditional black London cab that goes through the different historical stages of the city, going through the Tudors, the Plague, the Great Fire, the Victorians, the war and straight into the Sixties. The ride is both educational and fun.
There are also other interactive solo wax works like playing golf with Tiger Woods, or air guitaring with rock legends.
The latest addition to the elite group of wax works is that of Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The wax works are found in the Royal Zone. The Duchess herself personally selected the blue three piece designer suit. She also donated her own LK Bennett shoes and clutch bag to make the wax work a truly deserving replica. Look at the picture below: is that the real Prince Charles or just another wax work from Madame Tussauds? I couldn’t tell, really.
Above: Prince Charles
All the Madame Tussauds branches are owned by leisure company Merlin Entertainment, who had 100% ownership of The Tussauds Group since May of last year. Merlin Entertainment is considered as the biggest leisure company in all of Europe and is currently the second largest leisure company globally, next to Disney.
Madame Tussauds is found in Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LR. You won’t get lost – it’s very easy to find! Just look for the dominant dome shaped building that used to the Planetarium and there you are. But just in case you do get lost, you can contact Madame Tussauds at 0 870 400 3000 for directions or other general info necessary for you visit. Also, you could book online (very much recommended) so as to avoid the hassle, and enormous time waste, that is getting in line.
The Madame Tussauds is open from 9.30 in the morning up until 5.50 in the afternoon – everyday except for Christmas Day (you can get inside for much cheaper of you go in at around 5.00 in the afternoon – but we find that utterly useless since most interactive attractions power off at 6pm). Although they say it would only take less than three hours to completely enjoy the Madame Tussauds, we suggest staying a wee bit longer. There are a lot of wax works to see, and not getting to see all in your visit is just purely disappointing and a total waste of hard earned cash. The works are to so real like that it would necessarily take longer to ogle at them! We also suggest getting in early (especially if you did not book online) so as to avoid time constraints and the long queue that loads up very quickly.
Madame Tussauds entry prices range from 9.00 pounds to 18.50 pounds for children and 12.50 pounds to 25.00 pounds for adults. You can also avail of a family ticket for only 72.00 pounds – the ticket acts like a combination of 2 adult tickets and 2 children tickets or 1 adult ticket and 3 children tickets.
Current promos include the combined Madame Tussauds/ London Eye ticket. The ticket is actually entry to Madame Tussauds – but it comes with a bonus London Eye ride that you can claim within a month from the date of purchase. Also there is an ongoing 2 for 1 promo that gives a free ticket for every adult ticket purchased. Just contact them ahead of time so as to inquire how to avail of this great discount!
As for payments, aside from cash and check, the museum also accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Switch and Delta. Unfortunately, they do not accept Solo and Electron credit card transactions.
If you are going to pay by check, make sure you make the check payable to Tussauds Group Ltd and not Merlin Entertainment.
You can get to Madame Tussauds through the London Underground. The nearest tube station to Madame Tussauds is Baker Street. You can get there by using Jubilee, Bakerloo, Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith and City lines.
Here is a detailed map on how to get there (especially if you are traveling by road):
The nearest car park is the one on Chiltern Street (you can contact this car park at 0 207 486 4509). It is located just off Marylebone Road and is approximately just 5 minutes away from Madame Tussauds.
Don't leave London without taking this best-selling tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath, England's most beautiful Georgian city. Your day trip includes entrance to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath's Roman Baths and Pump Rooms.
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Experience the essential introduction to London aboard the original hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. You'll see all the magical sights of London in a comfortable and secure environment, with full commentary provided.Your ticket also includes a FREE Hop-on Hop-off Thames River cruise as well as three FREE walking tours: a Changing of the Guard walk and a Cool Britannia walk exploring the hidden treasures of Trafalgar Square and central London and a Jack the Ripper walk.
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Book an exclusive private viewing of Stonehenge. Stepping inside the "inner circle of stones" is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tickets are limited and each group consists of 26 (morning) or 40 (afternoon) with your own guide. With a choice of sunrise or sunset viewings, and private access to the inner circle of stones, your visit to Stonehenge is sure to be a memory you'll cherish. As an added bonus, you'll avoid the huge crowds.
From a private tour of the Tower of London to afternoon tea at Harrods, you'll see everything London has to offer on the London Full-Day Sightseeing Tour. Perfect if you're spending only a short time in London, this tour give you a comprehensive overview of London's famous sights, including the Tower of London, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, a cruise of the River Thames and St Paul's Cathedral.
Staying in London but want to see Paris? Travel by Eurostar to discover the "City of Lights" independently or with a guide. Whether it's the Eiffel Tower you want to climb, explore the artwork in the Louvre or stroll down the Champs Elysees, this tour can fill your Parisian dreams - all in one day.
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Travel to Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford. Our custom day trip guarantees unbeatable low prices, deluxe coaches, experienced guides and the flexibility to add walking tours or entrance tickets along the way. Explore each site independently or upgrade when you get there for a more in-depth guided visit - the choice is all yours!
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From Diagon Alley to the Leaky Cauldron take a private black taxi tour of Harry Potter sites by black taxi. Nobody knows the streets of London like a cab driver, and each taxi can hold up to five wizards and/or Muggles. This is your chance to put yourself in the shoes of Harry Potter and friends as you tour the sights of London!
See some of England's famous towns and castles on this full day trip from London. Visiting Oxford, you'll enjoy a private tour of Christ Church College and see many locations from the Harry Potter films including the Hogwarts dining hall. Tour medieval Warwick Castle with waxwork displays from Madame Tussauds and see Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.
On the London in One Day Sightseeing Tour, you will explore the very best of London on a fully-guided tour. You'll take a scenic drive through the West End and City past famous sights such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and cruise on the River Thames. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral and visit the Tower of London.
Take a trip through the English countryside on a day trip from London to Stonehenge, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds. You'll combine vibrant history, gorgeous scenery and sightseeing at some of Britain's most popular attractions. Your tour includes an exclusive visit to Shakespeare's birthplace, with champagne and strawberry scones served in his picturesque garden.
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Take a small group day trip from London and visit three of England's most famous attractions - Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 33 people on this small group day trip, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide. By booking ahead, you won't waste any time waiting in line!
Take a romantic day trip to Paris on the Eurostar and see the sights including Notre Dame, Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a Champagne lunch at the Eiffel Tower, ending with a leisurely cruise along the River Seine.
See where Her Majesty the Queen lives and take a tour of Buckingham Palace. Booking your tour ahead of time and you'll jump the queue - don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation. Open for a limited time from August 01 to September 27, 2009, combine your tour with a typically English afternoon tea at either Fortnum&Mason or Grosvenor House.
Roll up, roll up. Get your combined tickets to two of London's top
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Take a London Eye River Cruise and see London from a different perspective. Highlights of the 40-minute circular cruise include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge.
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Wicked, a spectacular hit on Broadway, tells the untold story of the legendary witches from Frank L Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy famously triumphed in Oz, only one side if the story was told. Now, Wicked brings to life the captivating and surprising story of how misunderstood, green girl named Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West.
Explore the best of London and the surrounding countryside on the Leeds Castle, Cantebury and Dover day trip. Starting in Greenwich, you'll see the Royal Observatory, home to the Prime Meridian, where east meets west and time is set. Then it's off to Leeds Castle for a guided tour before continuing to the birthplace of English Christianity, Canterbury. Travel the 'garden on England', the Kent countryside before arriving at the coast and the towering white cliffs of Dover.
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Explore Paris at your own pace on this value for money, unescorted day trip from London. Your Paris package includes Eurostar tickets and a Visite Paris Metro Pass to enable you to see all the sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Coeur, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and, for all the Da Vinci Code fans out there, the Louvre. You will receive maps, information on the metro system and an information pack to set you on your way.
Immerse yourself in England's beauty and history on a day trip to Oxford, Stratford and Warwick Castle. You'll travel through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, an area filled with picturesque English villages, and visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare on this culturally rich excursion.
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Travel to Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bath. Our custom day trip guarantees unbeatable low prices, deluxe coaches, experienced guides and the flexibility to add walking tours or entrance tickets along the way. Explore each site independently or upgrade when you get there for a more in-depth guided visit - the choice is all yours!
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This is one of the only day trips visiting Stonehenge departing after 10am, giving you plenty of time for a leisurely morning in London before heading off. Board your luxury air-conditioned coach and visit Stonehenge late morning and the lovely city of Bath in the afternoon.
Take time out to see one of England's most famous attractions - Stonehenge, Windsor and Bath. This overnight excursion from London combines a guided full-day trip with an independent overnight stay in Bath. Stonehenge and Bath are proud members of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Bath is a spectacular hidden gem just 90-minutes from London.
Leave the hurly-burly of London for the day and tour the highlights of Kent. You'll have an exclusive private viewing of Leeds Castle, dubbed the loveliest castle in the world. You'll also tour the famous cathedral city of Canterbury, have lunch overlooking the famous White Cliffs of Dover, visit historic Greenwich, then cruise back to London in the early evening.
Take a journey back in time at the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Tower of London. The 'skip the line' entrance ticket includes viewing the White Tower and the fabulous Crown Jewels as well as a free Yeoman Warder 'Beefeater' tour. Booking your ticket ahead of time you'll jump the queue at no extra cost. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation.
See Queen's home at Windsor Castle, where Druids once worshiped at Stonehenge and Oxford scholars study, on a day trip from London. Traveling by luxury coach, your comprehensive tour takes you to three of England's most popular attractions in one day. Tour Windsor Castle and Stonehenge and finish in Oxford with a walking tour that includes an English afternoon tea.
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Escape London's crowds for a day trip to the picture-perfect Cotswolds for lunch. You'll visit a region that is forever England, seemingly unchanged by the modern world and famous for its beautiful villages and rolling hills. There will be time to visit the quaint villages of Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold before enjoying a fabulous two-course lunch in a traditional English restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon.
From famous Salisbury and Stonehenge to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, you'll see it all on a cultural day trip from London. The tour includes travel by luxury coach and guided tours of Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge and the Roman Baths. There is also free time to explore Bath at your own pace.
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Experience the glittering world of fame for a day with skip the line entry to Madame Tussaud's interactive waxworks. Even better, by purchasing your ticket ahead of time you'll jump the queue. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation!
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Get your tickets now for two of London's most popular activities:
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Breathtaking river views, relaxing atmosphere, a four-course meal and
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Combine great value and great sightseeing with the Great British Heritage Pass. Giving you free entry to nearly 600 attractions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the multi-day heritage pass takes you on an amazing journey through Britain's rich cultural heritage.
Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields - visit these famous Liverpool sights your own way on an independent day trip from London. Everything's arranged for you: return rail tickets, entry to the Beatles Story, a Magical Mystery Tour and a Liverpool city map and information booklet. The rest is up to you!
Tour Edinburgh your own way on an independent day trip from London. Everything is arranged for you: return rail tickets, Hop-on Hop-off City Tour, entry to Edinburgh Castle, and an Edinburgh city map and guide. The rest is up to you!
Enjoy a four course meal and cabaret show on the London Dinner Cruise on the River Thames. You'll glide past some of London's landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral and under Tower Bridge, as you cruise from the center of London to the Thames River barrier and return.
On the London Duck tour, you'll tour London's sights in a way you never imagined possible, on an exciting road and river adventure aboard a yellow amphibious vehicle. It's 80 minutes of fun, laughter and interesting sightseeing in fantastic London. Aboard a unique amphibious craft, first used in the D-Day landings in World War Two, you will pass famous London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Big Ben, the House of Parliament and Trafalgar Square. You'll then make a dramatic launch into the Thames River (20 minutes) for the waterborne part of your tour.
Tour London's most important sights on a morning tour that's perfect if you're spending only a short time in England's capital. You'll gain a comprehensive overview of London's attractions, take a walking tour around Westminster Abbey and see the famous Changing of the Guard, then have the afternoon free to explore London at your leisure.
All aboard the Edinburgh Express on a three-day tour from London! You'll tour Edinburgh at your own pace on this partially guided rail tour, and take a drive north to Loch Ness and the Highlands.
Visit two of England's most royal attractions on this day trip combining Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. You'll gain fast-track access of Buckingham Palace and be one of the first to enter Windsor Castle. Even better, by booking your tour ahead of time you'll jump the queue. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation!
This London walking tour will show you the sinister and ghostly side of London, follow the blood-soaked footsteps of murderer Jack the Ripper down narrow, gas-lit alleyways on a walking tour of London that will have you trembling with fear! You'll visit all four murder sites in Whitechapel, accompanied by an expert "Ripperologist" who will provide all the clues to this real-life Victorian Whodunit.
Book in advance and jump the queue at the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Kensington Palace. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation! Your pass is valid for one visit to each attraction and is valid for two years. You'll have plenty of time to explore the stories and intrigues at each site at your leisure, as part of your own itinerary. Tower of London Home to the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London reverberates with dark secrets, where priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and pampered ravens strut the grounds. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. Discover its 900-year history as royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.
With France situated only a few miles across the English channel, a little over 2.5 hours away on the Eurostar, you won't want to miss this opportunity to spend a night in the City of Lights.
Feast with your host Henry VIII and other colorful characters from Merrie England at a medieval banquet straight from the pages of history! Minstrels and strolling players will entertain you as you dine on a four-course traditional English meal, accompanied by unlimited wine and beer.
Travel through the Chiltern Hills and Cotswolds on a day trip to Oxford, Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon. You'll tour Oxford, "City of Dreaming Spires", pass scenic English villages and visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare on this picturesque excursion.
We Will Rock You features 31 of Queen's greatest songs, including Killer Queen, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Are The Champions, It's A Kind Of Magic, Radio Ga Ga, Somebody To Love, Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You.
Get your tickets for one of the most popular West End musicals of all time - "Billy Elliot"! With music by legendary songwriter Sir Elton John, this brilliant musical is an adaptation of one of the most adored British films of the last decade.
What could be better than a tour of London by black taxi? With your own personal driver guide, you'll see London at your own pace. You can stop whenever you like to take photos, decide how long you want to spend at each attraction, and you can even plan your own customized itinerary!
Visit Kensington Palace the royal home of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Even better, by booking your ticket ahead of time you'll jump the queue at no extra cost! Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation!
Combine a visit to the Tower of London and a Thames River sightseeing
cruise with this convenient one-day pass. You'll experience two of
London's most popular highlights, with the freedom to plan your day of
sightseeing how you please.
Skip the line for a perfect London Eye experience! With fast track entry for your standard flight in a shared capsule, you get to skip the majority of the queue. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation! London Eye offers spectacular views of the capital of England from high above the River Thames. The famous landmarks to be seen include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
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Be fast-track transported to the darkest moments in London's history at the creepiest attraction in town, the London Dungeon. Even better, by purchasing your ticket ahead of time you'll jump the queue. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation!
Spend the morning in London how you please, then take an afternoon tour to Windsor and Runnymede. You'll be back in London in time for dinner, after touring the home of the Royal Family and visiting one of the foundation stones of democracy.
Beloved coming of age film, Dirty Dancing comes to the West End stage to take you back to 1963 " when everybody called me Baby and it didn't occur to me to mind. That was before President Kennedy got shot, before the Beatles came, when I couldn't wait to join the Peace Corps and I thought I'd never find a guy as great as my dad. That was the summer we went to Kellerman's."
Visiting London on a budget? See London's West End highlights on this morning tour - and save money by choosing your own lunch, giving you the freedom to work to your own budget. This tour is a combination of coach travel and walking tours and highlights include visiting Westminster Abbey and viewing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
Take a guide tour of St Paul's Cathedral with a special visit to the Whispering Gallery. Next, take off to Harrods for a delicious cream tea and shopping. There's no better way to spend an afternoon in London!
Are you planning a special occasion and considering hiring your very own private London Eye capsule? This is a private London Eye flight offering you the chance to soar above London, taste champagne and admire spectacular views stretching 25 miles (40 kilometers) in every direction.
Special Offer -
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Travel to Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds. Our custom day trip guarantees unbeatable low prices, deluxe coaches, experienced guides and the flexibility to add walking tours or entrance tickets along the way. Explore each site independently or upgrade when you get there for a more in-depth guided visit - the choice is all yours!
Afternoon tea was invented by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting. In her day, the upper crust ate a huge breakfast, little lunch, and a very late dinner. Every afternoon, the duchess experienced a "sinking feeling." One afternoon she instructed her servants to serve tea and little cakes in her boudoir. The experience was so delightful that Anna repeated it every afternoon thereafter. Soon others followed the Duchess' lead, and in just a few decades the custom of "taking tea" in the afternoon had become well established.
Take the Eurostar to the continent on an independent day trip in Belgium. Use your ticket on the Hop on Hop off bus service to explore the cosmopolitan city of Brussels. Brussels is a beautiful medieval city ideally suited to a one day visit from London.
The best way to see London's sights and splendor is from the deck of a
boat. With this hop-on hop-off pass you can cruise up and down the
Thames, alighting at your leisure, for a whole day.
Take a rail tour to the beautiful Lake District, and visit Hill Top where Beatrix Potter was inspired to create Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten and the Flopsie Bunnies.
Begin the day traveling across the Chiltern Hills to Oxford, the "City of Dreaming Spires", whose hushed courtyards and elegant, dignified timeworn buildings have inspired generations of scholars (including Bill Clinton in the 1970s) and writers, including Lewis Carroll who wrote "Alice in Wonderland" here.
Explore London's wealth of history in style on a private walking tour of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, with an expert to guide you. Accompanied by your own private guide who specializes in art history, you'll enjoy personalized attention on your special private tour of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
London's Hyde Park Riding School at Rotten Row in Hyde Park has been the most famous equestrian venue in England for 300 years. There are five miles of bridle ways for riding around Hyde Park and beside the Serpentine Lake, in the most beautiful setting for horse riding in a Capital City anywhere in the world.
Want to tour the back roads of the Cotswolds and Shakespeare's land but don't want to join a large coach group? Looking for a little flexibility and spontaneity in your itinerary? Do you have a few days to really get deep into the English countryside?
Take a poignant day trip from London to visit the World War One battlefields of the Somme. If you have an interest in history or genealogy, visiting the Great War battle sites is something you will remember forever. This small group tour ensures you will have an enriching experience, and receive personal attention from your knowledgeable guide.
Charles Darwin was a fellow of London Zoo and visited regularly. Now you can follow in his footsteps with skip-the-line entry to London Zoo. Even better, by purchasing your ticket ahead of time you'll jump the queue. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation!
Escape London's hustle and bustle, and combine lunch with a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames. You'll cruise in style and enjoy a three-course lunch, freshly prepared onboard by a talented team of chefs
Grease, the world's No.1 greatest musical and the perfect feel-good family show, returns to the West End this summer, bringing with it the unforgettable hit songs from the movie including "You're the One That I Want", "Grease is the Word", "Summer Nights", "Hopelessly Devoted to You", "Sandy" and "Grease Lightnin'".
Come and experience London's most exciting new attraction - The London Bridge Experience - in the vault of the world's most famous bridge. Expect the unexpected as a thrilling combination of special effects, real characters and animation take you from the bridge's creation in Roman times, through to the opening of the modern day bridge. Descend deeper into the bridge and visit the London Tombs for an adrenalin-pumping experience - definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Discover historic York at your own pace on an independent rail tour to the north of England. Make the most of the day with a river cruise, city sightseeing bus tour and entrance to the Yorvik Viking Centre.
"Murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery--all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts." So begins the musical "Chicago", and creators John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse never back off from their bold and sinister promise.
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition is the world's largest exhibition devoted to Shakespeare and the London in which he lived and worked. Housed beneath the reconstructed Globe Theatre on London's Bankside, the exhibition explores the remarkable story of the Globe, and brings Shakespeare's world to life using a range of interactive displays and live demonstrations.
See where King Henry VIII wooed his many wives with fast-track entry to Hampton Court Palace. Even better, by purchasing your ticket ahead of time you'll jump the queue. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation!
Tate Britain, where your tour starts, contains the main collection of British Art from the 16c. to the present day. It is a splendid 19c. home for the British collection. Updated recently it has all modern facilities and is endowed with some beautiful space for large sculpture in the Duveen Galleries. In the Clore Galleries you will find a continuous but frequently changing display of paintings by Turner, from the bequest he made to the Nation of over 300 works. They are a must for all lovers of this great artist.
Loos, Arras, Vimy Ridge, Fromelles ... explore the poignant history of these WWI battlefield sites on a day trip from London you'll never forget. This small group tour ensures you will have an enriching experience, and receive personal attention from your knowledgeable guide.
Explore London by Bike, and enjoy the city in a different and highly entertaining way. Centuries of history, a story around every corner, tales of the good, the bad and the ugly.
All aboard the magic bus to see where rock legends have played and died in London, the greatest rock 'n' roll city in the world! On this small group numbers are limited to a maximum of 16 people, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide. This tour by minivan will visit London's famous clubs, rock hotels, record labels, management offices and studios.
Relax, indulge and soak up the laidback atmosphere on a Thames River lunch cruise with live jazz entertainment. You'll receive a welcome cocktail, enjoy a three-course meal, and kick back to live jazz performed by a band of acclaimed musicians.
Whether you're visiting London for the first time or live in the city, there is no better way to experience the attractions of the capital than with a Thames Clippers River Roamer ticket on the River Thames.
Discover London's wealth of history and culture in style on a private walking tour of the British Museum and Sir John Soane's Museum, with an expert to guide you. Accompanied by your own private guide who specializes in art history, you'll enjoy personalized attention on your special private tour of two of London's most famous museums.
If you'd like to visit Stonehenge without a guide, pre-book now for a fast, hassle-free independent day trip. It's the best way to arrange a do-it-yourself tour if you have limited time. Collect your Stonehenge entrance tickets (included in the tour price!) and free audio-guide before exploring at your own pace. Great value for money.
This is the ideal way to discover London's Rock Music history. Choose either the morning or afternoon tour or book them both for a comprehensive London Rock Music tour. These small group tours (maximum 16 people) cover everything from rock 'n' roll landmarks in bohemian Soho to the north London neighborhoods of Camden Town, Hampstead Village and Heath, Muswell Hill, Archway and Islington.
Special Offer - Book and travel before July 30, 2009 and receive a 10% discount off the recommended retail price on the Full Day Option - BOOK NOW!
At just under two and half hours, why not take the opportunity whilst in London to take a day trip by Eurostar over to the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Brussels!
Accompanied by ex-army personnel or battlefield guides with postgraduate qualifications, you will gain a fascinating insight into the Western Battlefields of Belgium on this small group tour from London which combines travel by Eurostar with a local minivan at a reasonable price.
You don't just visit Britain's Greatest Medieval Experience, you live it! A visit to Warwick Castle is a great day trip from London or Birmingham that the whole family can enjoy.
Special Offer - Book online and save up to 10% off the price in London - BOOK NOW!
A "must do" on the list of most travelers to London is a show in the famous West End. Names including Michael Crawford, Sir Alec Guinness and even Madonna have performed on the stages of the famous theater district.
For an authentic slice of London life, set off on a private walking tour of London's Saturday morning markets. Along the way, connect with London's unique energy as you visit three different markets.
Your tour begins at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London's Victorian center of art and crafts dedicated to the royal couple. Now a museum of arts from all countries, styles and periods. Apart from the main collection of oil paintings and watercolours (with emphasis on the British ones and a collection of Constable's oil sketches), sculpture and architectural examples, the museum contains the world's finest collection of applied arts such as weapons and armours, bronzes and carpets etc. Visit the famous Cartoons for tapestries which Raphael created for Pope Leo X and the sculpture gallery collection where are some of the best examples of Donatello.
No visit to London is complete without a trip on the London Eye! Indulge yourself with this breathtaking experience. Book a flight and add a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne as you absorb beautiful views of London. Champagne will be served by your host who can also answer questions. You'll also enjoy skip the line access, priority boarding and souvenir mini-guide.
Special Offer - Book online and save up to 10% off the price in London - BOOK NOW!
Every in-the-know Londoner has an address in their little black book drawn from the cutting edge of art, fashion and design located in Londons East End.
Hit the bohemian neighborhoods of London including Soho and Camden Town as you delve into the city's rock 'n' roll past on a this small group London Rock Music Tour. With names like The Beatles, Madness, The Clash and Jimmy Page this tour offers something for all music fans. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 16 people, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.
Your tour starts from Westminster Abbey, perhaps the most beautiful early Gothic building in Great Britain and still used for daily worship and royal functions. The Abbey was a royal mausoleum for many centuries and from 1066 when William I was crowned in the Abbey. The Abbey was rebuilt in 1220 in the then new Gothic style and the Henry VII Chapel (1503-19) is one of the most beautiful examples of the perpendicular Gothic.
The imposing Dome of St. Paul's Cathedral has been a symbol of London not least during the blitz of the second world war when it stood framed by the fires raging in the city. A church has stood on the site since the 7c. and the present building, a masterpiece of Christopher Wren, was completed in 1708 after 32 years of work. The impressive interior contains mementos and monuments to many of Britain's heroes including Nelson, Wellington and Churchill. The famous Whispering Gallery is well worth the climb and the Golden Gallery (530 steps) provides a wonderful view of the City.
The award winning musical (winning "Best Musical" awards from Society of West End Theaters, Drama Magazine, Ivor Novello and Play and Players) Blood Brothers, tells the story of two twins who are separated at birth, but whose paths cross again when they are older. The musical is set in Liverpool and contains the song "Tell Me It's Not True".
Do you want to add some fizz to your London Eye experience? How about a private capsule to turn your London Eye day into a real flight of fancy? Great savings with a set price for up to 24 people per capsule. And by booking ahead, you won't waste any time waiting in line!
Special Offer -
Book online and save up to 10% off the price in London - BOOK NOW!
Travel to Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Runnymede and Eton. Our custom day trip guarantees unbeatable low prices, deluxe coaches, experienced guides and the flexibility to add walking tours or entrance tickets along the way. Explore each site independently or upgrade when you get there for a more in-depth guided visit - the choice is all yours!
Special Offer - Buy both entrance tickets from your guide and save over 5%. £27.50 per adult for both tickets - BOOK NOW!
Travel to Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and White Cliffs of Dover. Our custom day trip guarantees unbeatable low prices, deluxe coaches, experienced guides and the flexibility to add walking tours or entrance tickets along the way. Explore each site independently or upgrade when you get there for a more in-depth guided visit - the choice is all yours!
Special Offer - Buy both entrance tickets from your guide and save 10%. £20.00 per adult for both tickets - BOOK NOW!
Travel to Warwick Castle, The Cotswolds and Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. Our custom day trip guarantees unbeatable low prices, deluxe coaches, experienced guides and the flexibility to add walking tours or entrance tickets along the way. Explore each site independently or upgrade when you get there for a more in-depth guided visit - the choice is all yours!
Special Offer - Buy both entrance tickets from your guide and save 10%. £21.20 per adult for both tickets - BOOK NOW! - BOOK NOW!
Travel from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton or City Airport to your London City Hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Travel from your London City Hotel to London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton or City Airport. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Travel from London Heathrow airport to any hotel in central London or Canary Wharf in a 10 seat luxury shuttle. London Gatwick airport is also served in conjunction with the Gatwick Express rail service to Victoria where your shuttle will meet you and take you to your doorstep. The cost of the rail ticket is included in your fare.
Travel from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton Airport to your London City Hotel in style. Executive Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and all cars come with fresh bottled water, newspapers and wet wipes.
Travel from your London City Hotel to London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton Airport in style. Executive Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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