London tours and excursions

London tours

Street Art Tours

The areas of Shoreditch and Hackney are home to some of the world’s most iconic street art and graffiti. Shoreditch Street Art Tours runs two tours daily, lasting three and a half hours each and led by respected graffiti blogger NoLionsInEngland (real name: ‘Dave’). Street Art London also run tours on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, and you’ll see work by over 40 artists adorning East London walls and shop shutters.

Tel: +44 7834 088533
Website: http://shoreditchstreetarttours.co.uk

Boat tours

London looks best from the water, so see famous London landmarks while gliding down the Thames on a London boat tour. If you want to cruise in style, you can dine and sup cocktails cruises with Bateaux London. For a truly unique experience, London Duck Tours runs tours of London on an amphibious craft, which rumbles through the streets before plunging into the Thames for a cruise.

London excursions

Oxford

Harbouring one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, Oxford is steeped in historic architecture and traditions. Take a university tour, go for a punt along the river and delve into the centre's comprehensive network of shops. Found 97 km (60 miles) northwest of central London, it's the perfect escape to find a spot of tranquillity and summertime romance.

Tel: +44 1865 686 430.
Website: http://experienceoxfordshire.org

Brighton

For those who crave the creative ambience of London in a smaller setting, take a trip to the seaside resort of Brighton. Located 97 km (60 miles) from London, on the south coast, it’s an hour’s train ride from Victoria or London Bridge stations and bears its alternative, hipster-ish credentials proudly; expect vintage shops, vegan restaurants, craft beers pubs, dirty burger joints and little dogs everywhere.

Tel: +44 1273 290 337.
Website: https://www.visitbrighton.com

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

The Soho Hotel

Rooms at this trendy hotel are sumptuously appointed in a modern, eclectic style, not forgetting flatscreen TVs, huge, ultra-comfortable beds, and sleek bathrooms kitted out in grey granite, glass and oak. Befitting a hotel nestled in the heart of London’s entertainment district, there is a swish private event space and two private screening rooms. Onsite restaurant Refuel has an attractive dinner menu, as well as serving afternoon tea and an extensive selection of breakfast dishes.

The Dorchester

Sat beside Hyde Park, the glamorous Dorchester is a stately cavern of old-school British class. Dining includes high-end Asian restaurant China Tang and purveyors of modern British cuisine The Grill at The Dorchester, while the extensive spa in the basement is an exceptional pampering space. For all-out luxury, there’s the baroque and rococo Oliver Messel Suite, perched a-top the hotel, with a terrace offering prime views across the London rooftops.

Point A Hotel Westminster

This no-frills Asian hotel chain in the heart of Westminster is a fantastic option for those seeking value for money in the capital. The concept is simple: by stripping out costly extras, such as room service or windows, you can enjoy staying in a clean room with an ensuite bathroom for very little money. If you want extras, such as towels, toiletries, an in-room safe or a window, you simply pay for them. There are four hotels in the capital but this one in the centre is excellent if you want to be close to heart of the action.

Pavilion Hotel

This fun 30-room hotel in London is a great value option for those wanting their London stay served with a funky twist. Each room has its own theme – including Chinese-themed room Enter the Dragon, 1970s infused chamber Honky Tonk Afro, and Moorish-inspired Casablanca Nights – and the hotel claims have housed many celebs and fashion photography shoots over the years. Paddington Station is but a few minutes’ walk away.

The Ritz

Since 1906, The Ritz has been providing exemplary service to its well-heeled guests. The interior of this elegant building is fastidiously decorated in Louis XVI style with marble columns, rich fabrics and antique furniture. The rooms are furnished in soothing pastel colours, and the chandelier-filled restaurant is offers classic glamour for formal meals, and the famous Ritz afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court at 1530 or 1700.

The Savoy

A haunt of London’s moneyed elite since the late 1800s, London’s Savoy re-opened its grand doors in 2010 following a three-year overhaul. Costing around £220 million, the spangly improvements have been enticing high-profile clientele from across the world, with revamped areas including the lavish guest rooms, the American Bar, and the famous Savoy Grill, which is overseen by TV kitchen king Gordon Ramsey. One thing that’s not changed is the stunning view across the Thames.

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