World video travel guide

News • London • Great Britain • 2013-03-22

Partner Offers and News

Riviera revealed at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

As the Championships draw ever closer and anticipation builds, visitors will be pleased to hear they can indulge their passion for all things tennis with the arrival of Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum’s latest exhibition - ‘Tennis On The Riviera’ – from this April. The exclusive exhibition will feature fascinating French memorabilia, dating from the early 1890s to the late 1930s; treating visitors to a visual insight into the rich history of tennis culture on the Riviera.

More information: www.wimbledon.com/museum or call +44 (0)20 8946 6131

The Barbican reveals programme for spring and summer season 2013

The Barbican unveiled a compelling array of theatre, dance, art and music presented in the Centre and beyond, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Michael Clark Company, David Tennant, a weekend of community arts events to celebrate the opening of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and major exhibition Pop Art Design head up the unmissable projects this 2013/2014 season.

More information: www.barbican.org.uk

Carnaby launches live music festival

A one day music festival ‘Carnaby Sounds’ will be held in Carnaby, on Saturday 6 July from 12 – 7pm as part of the area’s year-long celebrations of music heritage.This FREE consumer event will feature live music from musicians, artists and bands covering a range of music genres that have been playing in Carnaby over the last 10 decades, from Jazz and Blues to Mod, Urban and Rock. In addition to live music there will be alfresco dining, complimentary drinks, shopping offers and promotions from the shops, bars and restaurants in the area.

More information: www.carnaby.co.uk

New routes in Theatreland

Official London Theatre presents its 2013 tours led by esteemed Blue Badge Guide Diane Burstein. The popular History of Theatreland tour returns with a new route for 2013. Weave your way through the heart of the West End and learn about some of London\'s best loved theatres or discover some of the capital\'s most haunted theatres and uncover their ghostly secrets along the cobbled streets and gas-lit back alleys between Covent Garden and St. James\'s on the Haunted Theatreland tour. Tours cost £9.50 per person.

More information: enquiries@solttma.co.uk / www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Tickets now on sale for Summer Opening of the Houses of Parliament

Tickets for one of London’s most popular summer activities, Summer opening of the Houses of Parliament, are now available to book online or by phone. The 75 minute ‘Blue Badge’ guided tours enable visitors to discover the fascinating blend of history, politics, art and architecture within one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in the world. Now offering free child places with each paying adult as well as tours available in Russian, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

More information: Opening times and ticket prices from Ticketmaster on +44 (0)844 847 1672 or +44 (0)844 847 2498 for groups; or online www.parliament.uk/visiting

Ametsa with Arzak Instruction – opening at The Halkin by COMO, London this March

The highly anticipated Ametsa with Arzak Instruction opened at The Halkin by COMO on 8th March. This is the first outpost of the original three Michelin-starred Arzak restaurant in San Sebastian run by a team of five including Elena Arzak, voted Veuve Clicquot World’s Best Female Chef. Ametsa’s approach is rooted in the traditions of ‘New Basque Cuisine’, pairing earthy flavours and Basque techniques with a modern twist. Interiors will reflect Basque heritage and embrace COMO’s tradition of contemporary design. Ametsa will seat up to 70 guests and can be hired with the adjoining Private Dining Room for private dinners and events.

More information: call +44 (0)20 7333 1234 or visit the COMO website.

Theatre & Entertainment

Now previewing: Once at the Phoenix Theatre

Excitement is building in the West End as the eight-time Tony award-winning production of Once comes to London. Previewing from 16 March at the Phoenix Theatre, and currently booking till 30 November, Once is based on the 2007 motion picture, and is a celebration of love, friendship and music. Telling the story of an Irish busker and a young Czech mother, and their meeting through a shared love of music, a deep connection and tender longing romance sparks from their love of songwriting.

More Information: www.oncemusical.co.uk

Before the Party opens this March

Before The Party will preview at the Almeida Theatre from 21 March. Telling the story of the Skinner family who try to return to a normal life after the war, dealing with government rations and social status, Before The Party is based on the short story by Somerset Maugham.

More Information: www.almeida.co.uk

Ghosts to run at the Almedia Theatre

Ghosts will run from 26 September – 23 November 2013, at the Almeida Theatre. Members of the production team and cast will be announced shortly. Priority booking for Ghosts for Almeida Theatre members opens on 9 April 2013, with public booking opening on 23 April.

More Information: www.almeida.co.uk

Creative Group Experiences in London

City Academy is the central London based Performing & Creative Arts Academy specialising in singing, dancing, acting, musical theatre, comedy, filmmaking, writing and life skills classes. With a wealth of experience in designing fun and engaging classes to suit all levels, they also offer tailor-made packages for groups and tour parties visiting London. For a truly memorable experience City Academy also runs its classes at some of the West End’s most prestigious and famous theatres.

More information: email mike@city-academy.com or visit www.city-academy.com

Theatre Workout Academy in the West End

Do you love to act, sing and dance? Have you ever wanted to perform on the West End stage? If so, Theatre Workout’s Academy courses are for you! With either a weekly Saturday class (from April 2013) or a week long-summer course (August 2013) to choose from, you get to experience the West End in a whole new light and have the opportunity to perform in a West End theatre as the star of your own show!

More information: Discounts are available for advance bookings at www.academy.theatreworkout.com

Attractions, Exhibitions & Tours

Bespoke Tours at the National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is home to the largest collection of portraits in the world and, with over 1,000 portraits on display, your group can come face to face with the people who have shaped British history and culture. The Gallery offers Bespoke Tours on your specialist subject, a menu of popular Collection Tours and Exhibition Lectures.

More information: www.npg.org.uk/grouptours or, to discuss your group’s interest call +44 (0)20 7312 2483 or e-mail education@npg.org.uk

Estuary at the Museum of London Docklands, 17 May – 27 October 2013

2013 is a special year for the Museum of London Docklands as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. A decade after launching in a Georgian warehouse on West India Quay, the museum is bringing together film, paintings, photography and screen prints by fourteen renowned and up-and-coming artists in a new exhibition which explores the outer limits of the Thames, where the river becomes the sea. Free entry.

More information: Groups of 10 or more people can book an exclusive talk with the exhibition curator on +44 (0)20 7001 9844 / www.museumoflondon.org.uk/estuary

Limited mobility tours at Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Liberty Drives is a free transportation service for individuals with disabilities and limited mobility who wish to visit Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. The service operates May through October, Monday - Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and advance booking is recommended. Each Liberty Drives electric buggy, has seating for five passengers plus one in a wheelchair so family members and/or caregivers may accompany if desired. Volunteer drivers provide tours lasting 30 to 50 minutes with pick-up at any number of easily identified locations in the park.

More information: www.hydeparkappeal.org or call +44 (0)7767 498 096.

Shopping

Carnaby Style Night in association with GQ

Thursday 12 September 2013, 5 – 9pm

Look forward to a night full of special free experiences, as well as a 20% discount in over 100 shops, restaurants and bars in the capital’s coolest destination as well as live music, complimentary drinks and giveaways. Worth a trip to find independent boutiques, heritage brands, unique concept stores and global fashion labels in Carnaby’s iconic 13 streets. And although the focus is on men’s fashion, there are womenswear brands participating too.

More information: Register for a free ticket at www.carnaby.co.uk

Pankhurst London - Opening on Newburgh Street

Sinatra in the background, McQueen on the walls, and the great and the good passing on the stairs, Brent Pankhurst’s barbershop is part speakeasy, part flagship store for the luxury London skincare, haircare and barbershop brand. Leather barbers’ chairs, drinks cabinets and classic films onscreen, it reflects Brent’s own style: suits, style and a place you can talk freely as you lie back for a shave and trim. Coming to 10 Newburgh Street in the Newburgh Quarter early March

More information: www.carnaby.co.uk

Gant Rugger – Opening at 47 Beak Street

Gant Rugger located opening on Beak Street in early March is all about creating modern fashionable clothes with a distinct vintage edge. Digging deep into the archives, Gant Rugger delivers authentic pieces with a broken preppy vibe.

More information: www.carnaby.co.uk

Spring/Summer Collections at Westfield

This month sees the launch of the spring/summer fashion collection at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City. Their looks for this season include – bold, linear monochrome patterns; prints and florals from muted hues to flamboyant patterns; futuristic metallics and pastel colours; and finally bold brights such a cobalt blue and hot pink. With over 250 shops ranging from luxury to high street fashion at each centre, Westfield is London\'s essential shopping experience.

More information: www.westfield.com/uk

Accommodation

London Group Accommodation Rates from £99*

Looking for an ideal location for your group requirements of 10 rooms or more? Choose from a selection of IHG hotels below; where 1 in every 25 rooms booked is free! Group Check-in time: 2pm, Group Check-out time: 11am. Hospitality desk arranged upon request. Terms and Conditions apply.

More information: Call +44 (0)845 604 6045 to speak to the team.

Introducing The Savoy Suite Welcome

A suite stay at The Savoy is an experience from arrival to departure from London. Book a One Bedroom Suite or above at The Savoy and receive:

Complimentary round trip transfer from all London airports and rail station

Complimentary courtesy car drop off within a 3 miles radius, subject to availability

Complimentary refreshments from the Private Bar en suite

Complimentary pressing of a garment per person on arrival

Dedicated 24 Hr Butler Service

Complimentary WIFI

Complimentary Welcome Amenity

Rates from £1,095 + VAT

More information: For reservations call +44(0) 20 7836 4343 or email savoy@fairmont.com

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, 9-13 July 2013

Looking for an ideal location for your group requirements of 10 rooms or more? Choose from a selection of IHG hGuests will receive a one-day ticket per person to The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and a £2.00 discount voucher for the Turks boat to the show, when booking a two-night stay package at The Lensbury including bed and breakfast and use of the leisure facilities. Available Thursday 11– Sunday 13 July.

More information: call +44 (0)20 8614 6444 or email reservations@lensbury.com

General Information

Follow us on LinkedIn!

We regularly talk to the travel trade via our LinkedIn group, ‘London & Partners - Travel Trade’, so if you would like to start a discussion or share something that will be of interest to London’s Travel Trade network, please join our group.

Travel Trade Website

Our travel trade website is designed to help you sell London to your clients, check it out now!

Post Office - Bureaux de Change

Visiting London or any other part of the UK and need to buy Pound Sterling, you should visit the Post Office. They have the largest network of bureaux de change in the UK, including 360 bureaux in London alone – so you’re never far from a Post Office. As the UK’s No 1 bureaux de change they offer competitive exchange rates and also offer helpful advice on mailing postcards and souvenirs!

Transport Disruptions

A list of planned station closures and track closures for the next six months is available in PDF format. For this and further information ontravel in London go to www.tfl.gov.uk

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

www.changing-the-guard.com provides information on Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace andpublishes and distributes guide books including \'Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Coach Parking

For Details of coach parking facilities and other useful information for coach drivers in London, visit www.tfl.gov.uk

RSS • All news