LONDON 2013/14 GREAT CITIES. GREAT STORIES. GREAT WINTERS.

Transcription

1 LONDON 2013/14 GREAT CITIES. GREAT STORIES. GREAT WINTERS.

2 INTRODUCTION Welcome to Big Bus Tours first ever Winter Brochure. We re excited to show you that London is a year-round city, and the best way to explore it is from the top of a Big Bus Tours bus. From the West End lights to the Serpentine on a frosty morning, we can be your guide to the very best London has to offer. This brochure is our guide to the most exciting events and the must-visit locations in London from December to March. Whether it s an atmospheric Ghosts by Gaslight tour or a romantic walk by the river on Valentine s night, our guide can help you to plan your own perfect adventure. GERRY PRICE COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR BIG BUS TOURS To celebrate London in winter, we are extending our 24-hour ticket to 48 hours, giving you two days of hop-on and off exploration across one of the world s greatest cities. We invite you to climb aboard a Big Bus Tours bus this winter, sit back and enjoy our expert commentary. You can take advantage of the special offers from our fantastic partners, explore London at your own pace and make the most of our superb city. Our winter itineraries and suggestions will provide great inspiration, but the only limit is your imagination.

3 KEY INFORMATION Twice voted the London & Partners Sightseeing Tour of the Year, Big Bus Tours is the ultimate London sightseeing experience. Operating a hop-on, hop-off service at more than 50 locations, the London fleet consists of 75 buses over three routes. The tours provide the option of live tour guides or recorded commentary in 13 languages. There are three separate routes, providing numerous ways to see the city: The Blue Tour is the most extensive, reaching as far east as Tower Bridge, Notting Hill Gate in the west and taking in every major location in between. The Blue Tour offers recorded commentary in a choice of 13 languages for tourists from across the world. The Red Tour shares most of the route with the Blue Tour, concentrating on central London for a condensed experience. Commentary on this route is provided by an English-speaking guide, and this route covers the vast majority of London s notable attractions. The Green Link is a northern extension running between Aldwych and King s Cross, and is fantastic for visitors who want to explore Covent Garden, the British Museum and the Transport Museum. A complimentary Hotel Return service is provided to passengers staying in Paddington, Bayswater, Notting Hill and Kensington for two hours after the last tour bus has departed. 24 HOUR - 2ND DAY FREE ADULT CHILD FAMILY WEBSITE PRICE - FIXED DATE TICKET From From From DAY WEB EXCLUSIVE* ADULT CHILD FAMILY ROYAL LONDON WALK, 10.20AM DAILY Discover London s regal history and see the famous Changing the Guard ceremony. On days when the full guard change does not take place, experience the mounted guard change at Horse Guards Parade. HARRY POTTER WALK, 1.30PM DAILY The book series may have ended, but Harry Potter is still a Christmas favourite. Take a guided walking tour of the magical London locations from the films - including a sample of Dumbledore s favourite lemon sherberts! GHOSTS BY GASLIGHT, 4:30PM NOV- FEB, 5PM MAR Visit some authentic British pubs for a traditional pint and learn about notorious murders, haunted alleyways, grave robbers and strange superstitions from London s dark and curious past. All walks start from Trafalgar Square, STOP 10 FREE 2ND DAY ** WITH 24 HOUR TICKETS UNTIL 28TH FEB WEBSITE PRICE - FIXED DATE TICKET From From From * 1 Day Web Exclusive tickets are valid for a single day, rather than a 24 hour period ** The second day must be concurrent with the first. In effect, the validity of your ticket will be extended to 48 hours, giving you an extra day to explore London on the Big Bus Tour. Tickets must be redeemed on or before the 28th February Any tickets redeemed after this date will not receive the second day free.

4 THE BEST HOP-OFFS THIS WINTER SPEAKER S CORNER HYDE PARK STOP 2 Every Sunday, come rain, shine, sleet or snow, speakers come to Hyde Park s world famous Speaker s Corner to be heard. Hop-off and hear what they have to say. SERPENTINE HYDE PARK STOP 3 A winter walk through London s beautiful Hyde Park. Warm up with a hot chocolate in the cafe overlooking the Serpentine, which provides a calm haven from the bustling city. WINTER WONDERLAND HYDE PARK STOP 3 The thrills, spectacle and Christmas magic of the Winter Wonderland return to Hyde Park in 2013: offering rides, festive food and entertainment. November 22nd to January 5th, free entry, attractions extra HARD ROCK CAFE HYDE PARK CORNER STOP 3 London is the first ever Hard Rock Cafe and has the Rock n Roll collection to match: chances are, your musical icon s memorabilia is on the wall! Mon-Thur: 11.30am to 12.30am, Fri-Sat: 11.30am to 1:00am, Sun: 11:30am to 10:30pm REGENT STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS REGENT STREET STOP 7 Cosying up and riding under the lights as the smell of roasting chestnuts drifts past is one of the great undiscovered experiences in London this festive season. Multiple times daily on Big Bus Tours Blue and Red Routes HAMLEYS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING REGENT STREET STOP 7 A child s ultimate festive destination; the world s largest toy store. This year, children can share some scrumptious food with Santa and his elves, before receiving a special gift to take home. Store open daily, meals with Santa 45 per child EROS PICCADILLY CIRCUS STOP 8 Visit Eros, the God of Love, for Valentine s Day - under the neon lights of Piccadilly Circus. THE BEST OF OUR WINTER ROUTES ICE SKATING RINKS ACROSS LONDON Tower of London STOP 19 Natural History Museum STOP 36 Sommerset House STOP 20 London Eye STOP 14 Winter Wonderland STOP 3

5 THE BEST HOP-OFFS THIS WINTER FORTNUM & MASON PICCADILLY STOP 8 A British institution, Fortnum & Mason harks back to the days of glamorous shopping and living the high life. It s the perfect place to find an extravagant gift, discover haute couture or take a refined traditional afternoon tea. SCIENCE MUSEUM SOUTH KENSINGTON STOP 36 When it s cold outside, immerse yourself in the exciting, inspirational Science Museum and discover the wonder of human ingenuity. Open daily, free entry HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY MUSEUM WHITEHALL STOP 12 Discover more about the iconic Household Cavalry, famous for protecting the monarch and the Changing of the Guard. With a fantastic Christmas Shop and a soon to be must see Trafalgar exhibition opening in January 2014, the Household Cavalry Museum is one of London s most compelling attractions. Big Bus Tours customers can take advantage of a 25% discount upon presentation of their ticket. YE OLDE CHESHIRE CHEESE ST PAUL S STOP 17 There has been a pub on this site since the 13th century and the current building is over 300 years old. One of the only pubs in London to feature a roaring open fire - a guarantee of a cosy ambience during the cold winter months. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK SOUTH KENSINGTON STOP 36 Set underneath its imposing ivy-covered trees, the palatial Victorian building becomes a magical festive retreat in the heart of the city. October 31st to January 5th, Children 9.90, Adults NEW YEAR S DAY PARADE CENTRAL LONDON VARIOUS STOPS Start the New Year in style, by watching 10,000 international performers light up the streets of London on January 1st. SANTA S GROTTO HARRODS KNIGHTSBRIDGE STOP 35 The world-famous department store is still the most traditional and enchanting place to visit Father Christmas. December 6th to 24th, 10, pre-booking advised

6 THE THAMES AT DUSK OUR FAVOURITE WINTER ITINERARIES 2013/14 As the sun sets over London, the city takes on a wintery charm as the sights are bathed in the fading light. Why not jump on a Big Bus at 2pm at Trafalgar Square (STOP 10) and head towards the river? This route takes you over five of the most famous Bridges in London and as dusk descends you ll see the Thames as never before. You will cross Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, back over Westminster Bridge and finally Lambeth Bridge. SUGGESTED PLACES TO JUMP OFF ALONG THE ROUTE INCLUDE: STOP 15 (Covent Garden) take a short walk to Somerset House for a spin on the ice at this magnificent Grade 1 listed setting. STOP 18 (London Bridge) take a short walk to Borough Market and sample some of the delicious food on offer from the numerous stalls or warm up with a hot chocolate from some of the best cafes in London. STOP 20 (Embankment Pier) Walk along Villiers Street and stop off at Gordon s Wine Bar, set in cellars along the Embankment. This is a favourite for both locals and visitors alike with a vast selection of wines to choose from. Jump back on the bus and enjoy the great views of Big Ben by night whilst heading north over Lambeth Bridge and round to Westminster Abbey. KEY PARTNER DETAILS THIS WINTER STOP NO 2 Hop-off at the original Hard Rock Cafe, London and enjoy a Free Hot Fudge Sundae when you show your Big Bus Tours ticket. For the festive season, Hard Rock Cafe houses London s second highest Christmas Tree. Mon-Thur: 11.30am to 12.30am, Fri-Sat: 11.30am to 1:00am, Sun: 11:30am to 10:30pm STOP 5 Hop-off at Baker Street and take a stroll through Regents Park to ZSL London Zoo. Big Bus customers receive 20% discount. STOP 9 During December, feast your eyes on Ripley s Believe It or Not! This year, a Festive Foodscapes gallery is built from fresh vegetables, fruit, and even deli meats. There is a great late entry offer for 15 and you can purchase this from any Big Bus staff member at our stops. Mon-Sun 10:00am midnight open 365 days a year. Last admission 10:30pm STOP 9 Planet Hollywood has some great winter warmer meals to offer over the winter period and Big Bus Tour customers can take advantage of the 20% off food and soft drinks with the rewards voucher.

7 24 HOURS IN LONDON OUR FAVOURITE WINTER ITINERARIES 2013/14 MORNING Start at Trafalgar Square Hop-on at STOP 10 Hop-off at St Paul s (STOP 17), explore Christopher Wren s masterpiece Hop back on, ride through the City of London, past the Shard and over Tower Bridge Hop-off at Tower of London (STOP 19), visit the Crown Jewels Hop back on, ride along the Victoria Embankment AFTERNOON Hop-on a Thames River cruise to Royal Greenwich with City Cruises (STOP 19) Your 48 hour ticket includes a return trip to this World Heritage Site. You can explore the Old Royal Naval College which includes the breathtaking Painted Hall, the newly refurbished Cutty Sark, stroll around Greenwich Market or place a foot in each Hemisphere at the Royal Observatory. Round your visit off with a trip to Goddards, one of the best pie and mash shops in London, a real East End tradition! Hop-off at Parliament Square (STOP 24), see Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey Hop back on, ride up through Victoria Hop-off at Buckingham Palace; go to the Royal Mews Experience (STOP 26) Hop back on, via Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace and Marble Arch Hop-off at Regent Street, (STOP 6) walk down to Trafalgar Square, Nelson s Column (STOP 10)

8 A ROMANTIC TRIP FOR TWO OUR FAVOURITE WINTER ITINERARIES 2013/14 DAY 1 Start at the Tate Gallery (STOP 10), one of the world s finest art collections Hop back on, ride past Horse Guards and Downing Street, across Westminster Bridge Hop-off at the London Eye (STOP 14) and view London s sights from above Hop back on, ride through the City of London Hop-off at Borough Market (STOP 18), sample the produce and take in the atmosphere Hop back on, drive across Tower Bridge and past the Tower of London Hop-off for the River Cruises (STOP 19), see London s most iconic buildings from the Thames Hop back on, ride along the Victoria Embankment to central London DAY 2 Start at Parliament Square (STOP 24), surrounded by the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey Hop back on, ride past St James s Park, Buckingham Palace and Marble Arch Hop-off at Hyde Park (STOP 3) - walk around the Serpentine and back to Hyde Park Corner (STOP 34) Hop back on, ride through Knightsbridge and past Harrods Hop-off on Cromwell Road (STOP 36) and visit the Victoria and Albert Museum Hop back on and enjoy the ride through Kensington, Bayswater Road, past Baker Street Hop-off at Regent Street (STOP 6) and take a stroll down the Georgian promenade back to central London.

9 A FAMILY WEEKEND OUR FAVOURITE WINTER ITINERARIES 2013/14 DAY 1 Start at Trafalgar Square: take the guided Harry Potter Locations walk, exploring famous locations from the films Hop-on by Admiralty Arch (STOP 11), ride down past Horseguards and Downing Street Hop-off at Waterloo (STOP 13) for London Aquarium Hop back on, ride along the South Bank Hop-off at HMS Belfast (STOP 18) and take a look around the imposing warship Hop back on, ride past the Shard and over Tower Bridge Hop-off at the Tower of London (STOP 19), visit the Crown Jewels Hop back on and ride all the way to Parliament Square (Stop 24) Hop-off and walk up Horseguards to Trafalgar Square DAY 2 Start at St James s Park (STOP 25) Ride along the imposing promenades to Buckingham Palace (STOP 26) Hop-off and take the Royal Mews Tour Hop back on and ride through Victoria and Knightsbridge Hop-off and visit the Natural History Museum (STOP 36) Hop back on and enjoy a tour of west London, looping back up to Baker Street Hop-off at Madame Tussauds (STOP 5), be taken aback by the magnificent waxworks Hop back on, past Regent s Park and down towards the West End Hop-off Hamleys (STOP 7) to round off a wonderful family weekend

10 MAP & CONTACT Big Bus Tours 110 Buckingham Palace Road London, SW1W 9SA bigbustours.com