OFFICIAL GUIDE 2014 FOR TRAVEL TRADE & EVENT PLANNERS OFFICIAL GUIDE 2014 An inspirational guide for travel trade and event planners

Contents

A city of contrasts 4 What’s on in 2014 32 What’s new 6 Transport 34 How London & Partners Maps 38 can help 8 London itineraries 10 Experience London – 14 Accommodation 16 Meeting & Event Venues 18 Attractions & Sightseeing 20 Museums & Galleries 22 Shopping 24 Entertainment & Leisure 26 Restaurants, Bars & Pubs 28 Tourism & Event Services 30

London & Partners 6th Floor, 2 More London Riverside London SE1 2RR T: +44 (0)20 7234 5800 londonandpartners.com Supported by Travel Trade Helpline T: +44 (0)20 7234 5818 E: [email protected] LinkedIn: London & Partners – Travel Trade No part of this publication may be reproduced londonandpartners.com/travel-trade London & Partners is the official without written permission from London & Partners. promotional organisation for London. London & Partners cannot accept responsibility for Event Solutions Our company attracts and delivers value errors or omissions. T: +44 (0)20 7234 5833 to business, event organisers, students © London & Partners 2013 Design: Red Stone E: [email protected] and visitors. London & Partners is a Photography: London on View, Pawel Libera LinkedIn: London & Partners Convention Bureau not-for-profit public private partnership, liberadesign.co.uk except where shown Front cover image: © franckreporter Twitter: @London_CVB funded by the Mayor of London and our Opposite: The Houses of Parliament londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau network of commercial partners. and EDF Energy London Eye This guide is designed to inspire you – among these pages you Welcome will find all the information and inspiration you need to put together to London, exciting itineraries and fantastic events showcasing the best that the best big London has to offer. city on earth

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1 EDF Energy London Eye 2 Notting Hill Carnival 3 Changing the Guard ceremony 4 Big Ben clocktower 5 The Gherkin 30 St Mary Axe 6 Emirates Air Line cable car

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When the members of TripAdvisor voted London the world’s best visitor destination in 2012, they were recognising the outstanding experiences to be had in this remarkable city. A city of contrasts

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Having put on one of the greatest shows ever – the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – London really has proved that it has what it takes to thrill the world. Since then, the excitement has kept on building. 4 6 London has benefited from huge amounts of investment, creating better low-cost airline network, and its five international airports connect to more than Green and Sustainable and greener transport links, a greater London range of accommodation, and 300 international destinations. Help your clients to meet their regenerated areas full of new attractions, Travelling within the city couldn’t be simpler sustainability agenda in London, a city venues and restaurants. either. Your clients have the choice of the striving to be the greenest on earth. Added to this is London’s peerless heritage: extensive Underground (Tube) network, The city’s ambitious recycling targets, your clients are invited to explore 2,000 years London’s iconic red buses and black taxis, congestion charge zones and energy of dazzling living history, including royal trains, river boats, 8,000 Barclays Cycle Hire reduction strategies mean that your palaces and parks, and world-class museums bikes, or a stroll through London’s hundreds of client’s trip shouldn’t cost the earth. and galleries, many of which are free. green spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets. London offers: This city of contrasts offers your visitors You can create unforgettable itineraries ●● Sustainable venues such as the the best of the old and new, with heritage on any budget thanks to the array of free £30 million The Crystal – A Sustainable and tradition sitting alongside some of the attractions, including the British Museum Cities Initiative by Siemens, and more greatest new buildings and attractions in and Changing the Guard at Buckingham than 70 other venues meeting stringent the world, many of which can be hired as Palace. You will also find a huge range of green targets meeting venues or for private parties. accommodation from five-star to budget, and a tourism industry that welcomes groups ●● Green transport including carbon- Visitors can take their pick of 8,000 with discounts and special offers. neutral taxis, electric cars, river restaurants, offering the best of global transport and an extensive city-wide cuisine. They can also view London’s London & Partners can help you access Barclays Cycle Hire scheme landmarks from vantage points such as a all this. With informative websites, extensive ●● Green volunteering: encourage visitors cruise on the River Thames and the tallest listings and dedicated teams, we are here to to put something back through a building in Western Europe, The Shard. help make sure that your groups get the very best out of London, and that you can create community volunteering scheme, such London also provides unbeatable value, since impressive and memorable events. as TimeBank or Timebanking UK, its wide variety of attractions, accommodation during their London stay and activities offer something to suit every budget. The city is at the heart of Europe’s

London Official Guide 2014 5 What’s new Be among the first to book the Shangri-La hotel at The Shard, Western Europe’s With sky-high hotels, brand new tallest building, or book a table at acclaimed chef Angela Hartnett’s latest venues, thrilling culture and brilliant restaurant. Alternatively, impress your clients with the best seats at Miss shopping, London’s crop of fresh Saigon, returning to the West End stage. experiences will help you to impress Also look out for: Dazzling hotels even the most seasoned client. London’s newest hotels offer rooms ranging from affordable to five-star, and exciting Here are some of London’s eagerly meeting venues too. Try: awaited foodie, accommodation ●● Montcalm London City: five-star accommodation in the heart of the City and entertainment arrivals that ●● The London Edition Hotel opened you simply mustn’t miss. in Fitzrovia in September 2013 ●● Rosewood London, opening on High Holborn in October 2013

●● Mondrian, opening on the site of Sea Containers House early in 2014, part of Morgans Hotel Group

●● Shangri-La, a 202-room five-star hotel in London’s iconic Shard, opening in early 2014

●● Hub: a new wave of hi-tech, low-cost hotels from Premier Inn, opening its first hotel on St Martins Lane in summer 2014

●● Citizen M: the chain is opening its latest ‘affordable luxury’ hotel opposite Tower Hill in 2014

6 londonandpartners.com Grand exhibitions Enticing experiences New restaurants Delight visitors by booking brand new ●● Book an exclusive behind-the-scenes ●● Karam Sethi, the chef behind Michelin- exhibitions at London’s museums and look at the engineering marvel that is starred Trishna, opened colonial India-style galleries, or consider booking events Tower Bridge – the world’s most advanced Gymkhana in Mayfair in September 2013 in these grand spaces: ‘bascule’ or ‘see-saw’ bridge when it was ●● Famous chef Angela Hartnett opened the completed in 1894 ●● The Science Museum’s £4 million Media Merchant’s Tavern in trendy Shoreditch in Space opens in September 2013 with ●● Give your clients the option to leave the September 2013, and took over the former a major photography exhibition children at Westfield London’s Kidzania site of Gordon Ramsay’s Petrus in October experience in Shepherd’s Bush, where they ●● The Imperial War Museum (IWM London), ●● Gordon Ramsay opens a new restaurant can learn to be a doctor, chef or fire fighter opens its new First World War galleries in Battersea Square in late 2013 to in a cityscape scaled down to child size. in summer 2014 capitalise on the development of Battersea Opening late 2014 Power Station and the Nine Elms area ●● Transport your clients through the full spectrum at Colour, the first exhibition of Thrilling new venues its kind in Britain, at the National Gallery. London’s newest buildings offer more venues Olympic Legacy Colour devotes a room to each hue; to impress. Consider booking: Billions of pounds of international don’t miss the glittering gold and silver investment has left post-Games London ●● The Design Museum in its new 2014 home, emporiums. The exhibition is open from with an impressive array of new venues, an iconic architectural landmark in South June to September 2014 attractions and regeneration areas: Kensington ●● The £135 million British Museum extension ●● Westfield Stratford City, the new ●● The 225 metre high Leadenhall Building opens in March 2014 and will stage shopping mall in Stratford blockbuster exhibitions (the ‘Cheesegrater’) opening in 2014 with a vast atrium featuring lawns, trees and cafés ●● New parkland and playgrounds in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Hit shows ●● A reception at the soaring new extension ●● Miss Saigon, the musical hit based on at London’s leading modern art gallery, ●● Six impressive new venues in the the Vietnam War, returns to London in Tate Modern, opening in 2016 Park including Copper Box and May 2014, 25 years after its première Aquatics Centre ●● East London’s Tobacco Dock, a on the London stage 19th century warehouse, has been ●● Lee Valley White Water Slalom Centre ●● The Curious Incident of the Dog in the redeveloped as a new meeting venue for a thrilling ride Night-Time extends its run to 2014 ●● Regeneration areas include King’s ●● The Light Princess, a new musical by Keep up to date with What’s new in Cross, the new home for Google and Tori Amos, is playing at the National London on our websites the interdisciplinary Francis Crick Theatre until January 2014 londonandpartners.com/ Institute, and Docklands areas such as travel-trade/news Royal Docks which is linked to the londonandpartners.com/ Greenwich Peninsula by the Emirates convention-bureau Air Line cable car

London Official Guide 2014 7 How London & Partners can help London & Partners is the official promotional organisation for London, attracting and delivering value to business, event organisers, students and visitors. Our travel trade and convention bureau teams are here to help you create exciting trips and successful events in London. We represent more than 1,200 Partners across a range of leisure and business tourism venues and services in London.

HOW WE CAN HELP Sign up for monthly news ●● Destination Britain & Ireland APMEA, THE TRAVEL TRADE Our e-newsletters are full of helpful 12-15 May 2014 information on: ●● ILTM Asia, 2-5 June 2014 ●● Destination marketing What’s new ●● Brazil Sales Mission, September 2014 ●● What’s on ●● Destination Britain, North America, for London ●● General London information September 2014 We work with the travel industry to promote To receive these newsletters, email ●● China Sales Mission, November 2014 London to individual leisure travellers and [email protected] groups worldwide. ●● Japan Sales Mission, November 2014 ●● London & Partners offers free impartial London guides USTOA, USA, December 2014 advice and information to travel agents, Travel trade professionals can obtain United Kingdom tour operators, group-travel organisers limited printed copies of guides such as ●● World Travel Market, ExCeL London, and ground handlers worldwide. London street maps and the London 4-7 November 2013 Planner monthly consumer guide. To order The Travel Trade team can help you with ●● Excursions, Alexandra Palace, London, copies, see the online request form at ideas and information to help you plan a 25 January 2014 londonandpartners.com/travel-trade package to London, whether it’s for individual ●● March Market Place/Hosted Buyers clients or groups. Guides are also available to download online Marketplace, London, 17-18 March 2014 from londonandpartners.com/travel-trade ●● World Travel Market, ExCeL London, and visitlondon.com/maps Travel Trade Helpline November 2014 T: +44 (0)20 7234 5818 Come and meet us F: +44 (0)20 7234 5753 London & Partners will be exhibiting Become a London Partner E: [email protected] at the following trade shows: The highly skilled teams at londonandpartners.com/travel-trade International London & Partners ensure that our The London Travel Trade website includes ●● China Sales Mission, 18-21 November 2013 Partner businesses are best placed to a searchable database of London take advantage of London’s exceptional ●● Japan Sales Mission, 21-22 November 2013 accommodation, attractions, restaurants visitor market. Contact us today to find and services, plus helpful itineraries and ●● USTOA, USA, 5-7 December 2013 out how your business can benefit from practical advice and ideas. ●● Destination Britain Nordics, this profitable relationship. For further 15-17 January 2014 information, contact the Commercial Connect with us on: Partnerships Team: LinkedIn: London & Partners – ●● India Sales Mission + SATTE, Travel Trade 24 January – 1 February 2014 T: +44 (0)20 7234 5897 YouTube: youtube.com/ ●● Russian Sales Mission, February 2014 F: +44 (0)20 7234 5750 londonandpartners ●● ITB Berlin, 5-9 March 2014 E: [email protected] londonandpartners.com/partners

Previous page: Visualisation of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

8 londonandpartners.com HOW WE CAN HELP We can help with all aspects of event USEFUL INFORMATION planning or bid submissions, including: EVENT PLANNERS Visitor information ●● Free impartial advice about venues, To find location details of Tourist and Travel housing, professional conference The official convention Information Centres in central and outer organisers (PCOs) and destination bureau for London London see visitlondon.com/welcome management companies (DMCs) London & Partners is home to the city’s ●● Handling of RFPs (Requests for Proposal) For helpful information on planning a trip to official convention bureau. London, including travel, visas and money, ●● Site inspection facilitation and venue see visitlondon.com/traveller-information We offer a total event solution service for shortlisting clients and event organisers, including free ●● Written support for your bid from leading Download the free London Official City and impartial advice on planning meetings, civil and corporate figures in London and Guide App from visitlondon.com for London conferences, events, exhibitions, incentives the UK information on the go. Available for iPhone and launch parties in London. and Android. ●● Production of bid documents and Venue-finding and shortlisting venues, site presentations, with assistance presenting Accessible London inspection facilitation, travelcards, claiming the bid, if required To find out more about London for deaf and tax back, and marketing and promotion are ●● Promotional tools to help increase disabled travellers, including independently some of the ways we can help you to bring delegate attendance, including DVDs assessed attraction and accommodation your event to London. and presentations information from DisabledGo, handy maps, Our event planning team, Event Solutions, can ●● Visitor information for delegates useful tips, links and resources, and more, unlock the city for any type of event activity. please go to visitlondon.com/access ●● Customised accompanying partner programmes in London London helpline Event Solutions ●● Oyster cards (pay-as-you-go travelcards) 0870 1 LONDON (+44 (0)870 1 566 366) T: +44 (0)20 7234 5833 for groups of more than 50. These can be is the number for visitors to call to book F: +44 (0)20 7234 5752 sent out to delegates in advance of the London accommodation. Lines open E: [email protected] event. Contact us for more information. Mon-Sun 08.00-23.00 londonandpartners.com/ convention-bureau London guides Websites visitlondon.com The Convention Bureau website includes Guides to the city are available online from Our consumer site includes detailed listings a search tool for full London venue and londonandpartners.com/convention- of London attractions, accommodation, event services listings, itineraries, news bureau and visitlondon.com/maps restaurants, shops and entertainment, plus and helpful info. You can download brochures online online booking facilities, an events diary Connect with us on: or request from and planner, and London travel information. LinkedIn: London & Partners [email protected] londonandpartners.com/travel-trade Convention Bureau Our website for the travel trade with news, Twitter: @London_CVB Come and meet us itineraries and practical information. YouTube: youtube.com/ We have a regular presence at some of londonandpartnersCVB the most important trade shows in the UK, londonandpartners.com/ Europe and North America, as well as convention-bureau in emerging markets such as Australia, E-newsletters Our event organisers’ site gives details China, Russia and Latin America. of London meeting facilities and new Keep up to date with the latest news in the ●● developments including an online industry and details of our activities with our EIBTM Barcelona, 19-21 November 2013 venue search. newsletter. To receive the newsletter, sign up ●● IMEX Frankfurt, 20-22 May 2014 on our website londonandpartners.com/ ●● AIBTM Orlando (tbc), 10-12 June 2014 londonandpartners.com convention-bureau Our corporate site, where you can find out ●● The Meetings Show UK, 8-10 July 2014 more about us and the services we offer. Event Solutions Team ●● IMEX America Las Vegas, October 2014 londonandpartners.com/media Event Solutions can help to deliver events in ●● EIBTM Barcelona, November 2014 a way that is only possible in London. We can Our media site for the latest press releases liaise with venues, secure permits, organise and statistics. site visits or help source local suppliers and Major Events Team londonandpartners.com/partners sustainable practice options. If you are looking to stage a major sporting, Our Partners site offers the latest tourism cultural or entertainment event in London, We are the one-stop-shop that will help you industry news in the capital plus useful facts the Major Events Team is here to help, from and figures. connect with the stakeholders you need initial feasibility advice right through to access to, ensuring that your event is as successful event delivery and evaluation. London images stress-free as possible. The team works with strategic partners Royalty-free images of London are available to deliver events. for use in publications, promotional brochures or leaflets. Register at londononview.com T: +44 (0)20 7234 5854 and browse the online image library, including E: [email protected] the Travel Trade gallery for a selection of londonandpartners.com/majorevents inspiring London images, or contact the Travel visitlondon.com/events Trade or Event Solutions helplines.

London Official Guide 2014 9 London itineraries Get the most out of London with our tailored itineraries. First-timers can see the best of the city in three days, while those who know London well will always find something new and exciting. We also recommend itineraries for business events, including accommodation and meeting venues plus activities to help your clients enjoy the best of London. Itineraries for travel trade – Leisure visitors & groups

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First-timers Day two Royal history Visitors on their first trip will feel excited by Morning: Stop by Covent Garden to enjoy Take a tour of London’s royal locations, from the riches that London has to offer. Make boutique shopping and a unique atmosphere the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels sure they see the top sights with three days’ thanks to buskers and street theatre. to the Queen’s art collection at Buckingham worth of suggestions. Palace: Lunch: Take to the river with Bateaux Day one London for a lunch cruise on the Thames. ●● Visit Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews. During the summer the lavish State Morning: Admire London from a height Afternoon: Head to Bankside for a trip to Rooms of the Queen’s residence are open of 135 metres on a 30-minute trip on the Tate Modern and a tour of the beautifully to visitors. From March to October you can EDF Energy London Eye. Follow this with a recreated Globe Theatre to experience take a tour of the Royal Mews, where you’ll Big Bus Sightseeing Tour, passing all of how plays were performed at the time of see the State Coach and horses the major landmarks such as Big Ben and William Shakespeare. Buckingham Palace in two hours, with expert ●● Take a trip to Kew Palace and visit Royal commentary and the option to hop on Evening: Enjoy sunset over the city at the Botanic Gardens Kew, home of fine and off. Radio Rooftop Bar at ME London Hotel, glasshouses and the Xstrata Treetop followed by the best steaks in London at Walkway, which will help you to see nature Lunch: Visit Butler’s Wharf Chop House Hawksmoor Guildhall. in a whole new light for riverside dining and classic British food. Day three ●● Head to Hampton Court Palace, home Afternoon: See the Crown Jewels at the of King Henry VIII and his doomed queen Tower of London and enjoy spectacular Morning: Take a trip to the British Museum, Anne Boleyn, to explore its famous maze views of the River Thames at the Tower home of gems such as the Elgin Marbles, as well as a living Tudor world Bridge Exhibition. Egyptian sarcophagi and the Rosetta Stone. Make sure to visit the gift shop for unique ●● Step back in fashion history at Kensington Evening: Experience London theatre, from souvenirs. Palace with the Fashion Rules Exhibition, musicals such as Billy Elliot and Mamma Mia! where decades of fashion worn by to opera and ballet at the Royal Opera Afternoon: Visit Camden Market for the Queen and her family are on display House and modern dance at Sadler’s Wells. alternative fashion, arts and crafts and unbeatable atmosphere. Evening: Enjoy a meal and drinks at a traditional London Pub, The Dickens Inn, in St Katharine Docks.

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Luxury London Shoppers’ delight Hidden gems From luxury hotels to designer shopping and London is a shopper’s paradise. Try some of For visitors who think they’ve seen it all, exclusive restaurants, London has everything these suggestions for some shopping therapy: London will always surprise. Suggest some you need for a fabulously decadent break: of these hidden gems to excite even the ●● Take a trip to one of the capital’s two top most frequent visitors. ●● Team culture and luxury with a visit to the shopping centres Westfield London and renowned Royal Academy followed by Westfield Stratford City. They contain ●● It takes little detective work to find the a trip to Fortnum & Mason, the Queen’s all of the best luxury and high-street Sherlock Holmes Museum. This Grade grocer, for a traditional afternoon tea. brands together with fabulous food areas II-listed lodging house on Baker Street Make sure you have time for both the for refuelling features waxworks, Victorian ephemera Royal Academy’s renowned gift shop and and a good gift shop selling Sherlock ●● London’s West End shopping district Fortnum & Mason’s food hall Holmes collectibles and novelty items gives you easy access to the best stores, ●● Visit Bond Street for some of the world’s whatever your tastes. Oxford Street is ●● Explore the weird and wonderful at biggest luxury brands including Chanel, home to flagship retailers such as John Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in London’s Louis Vuitton and Fendi Lewis, Selfridges and Liberty, while West End. Ripley’s contains more than Bond Street and Regent Street are 700 artefacts including a life-sized knitted ●● Take a trip to The Village at Westfield the home of luxury brands. Don’t forget Ferrari, an 8ft Transformer, a mirror maze London for brands such as Burberry, Carnaby Street and St Martin’s Courtyard, and the Impossible Laser Race Gucci and Jimmy Choo off the main shopping area for forward ●● Visit East London’s Geffrye Museum ●● Sip Champagne in a private pod on the fashion, trendy homeware and top places to see interiors through the ages – a EDF Energy London Eye for a bite to eat particular treat at Christmas when rooms ●● Watch the boats slip by whilst dining in ●● Visit Piccadilly for traditional tailoring are garlanded in period decoration style at the riverside Le Pont de La Tour and Fortnum & Mason’s delicious food ●● Make time for refreshments at one of ●● Enjoy exclusive personal shopping at ●● Check out Carnaby Street, Seven Dials London’s oldest pubs. The George is the Harrods with the By Appointment service and Berwick Street for boutique brands, only remaining galleried coaching inn in independent record stores, and bars and London. Its origins can be traced back to ●● Take pre-theatre drinks at five-star hotel cafés ideal for resting and watching the 1542 and it now belongs to the National One Aldwych world go by. In the evening, head nearby Trust. Shakespeare lived and worked ●● Enjoy high culture at the Royal Opera to Chinatown for crispy duck with nearby, so it’s likely that he supped many House pancakes and hoisin sauce a tankard of ale here

●● Feel pampered with a cashmere and ●● Take a trip to Old Spitalfields market silk body wrap at the May Fair Spa to sample everything from superb teas at Teasmith to vintage style from Mischa Barton’s boutique, Mischa’s Place

1 View from EDF Energy London Eye 2 Buckingham Palace gates 3 Champagne close up 4 Regent Street 5 The Sherlock Holmes Museum

London Official Guide 2014 11 Itineraries for event organisers – Meetings, incentives, conferences & events

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Unexpected London Historical London New and Old London For accommodation, your visitors have a Showcase London’s peerless heritage with Show off London’s contrasts with an itinerary pick of great hotels across the city, including this itinerary. highlighting the best of old and new. the Holiday Inn in Stratford City near the Your guests can lay their heads in London’s Relax at new hotels ME London, Café Royal Olympic Park, and the InterContinental oldest and most elegant locations at the or Rosewood London. Westminster near the houses of Parliament. Park Lane Sheraton, Grosvenor House, Or try the new Shangri-La Hotel at The Impress with cutting-edge venues such as A JW Marriott Hotel, or St Ermin’s Hotel. Shard or Radisson Blu Edwardian the slick and centrally-located City Marketing Mercer Street. Hold events at iconic cultural locations Suite, or academically impressive Senate such as the British Library, Barbican House and BMA House. Hold your conference at The Crystal – or Guildhall. A Sustainable Cities Initiative by Siemens, Over a lavish meal, marvel at the restoration which features interactive displays on city Eat in style at the Tower of London, the of the tea clipper the Cutty Sark in living, or try Circus Space for all the fun of River Room at The Houses of Parliament, Greenwich, or take in views of London the ‘big top’. Transfer your guests from venue Banqueting House or Hampton Court at Aqua Shard. Experience the Olympic to venue with Thames Clippers: a private Palace. Or hire a marquee at Middle Temple legacy at the Copper Box and Aquatics charter with Champagne can’t fail to impress. Lawn. Go back to the age of steam and dine Centre (open April 2014) in the Queen Olympia London is an established venue on a British Pullman train, sister company Elizabeth Olympic Park. which has plenty to surprise, with flexible to the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. Take a guided architectural tour of London, meeting spaces of all sizes. Round off the experience with an archive and view regeneration areas at Newham, Book the Ballroom at The Montcalm tour at the iconic Savoy hotel, or a wine- King’s Cross and the South Bank with urban Marble Arch for dinner, or London’s newly tasting dinner at Harrods. Get the adrenaline planning experts New London Architecture. regenerated Tobacco Docks. Hold an event flowing with horse riding in Hyde Park, Or explore the new buildings and venues alongside the fish at SEA LIFE London or relax with afternoon tea at Liberty or throughout the City of London. Aquarium, or book a sparkling summer or a flower-arranging lesson at the Academy winter party at The Pavilion at the Tower of of Flowers in Covent Garden. London. For sophisticated dining in London’s most upmarket district, hold an exclusive meal at Mews of Mayfair. Defend your party against ‘the dark arts’ by sending them on The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter; pit them against each other at pétanque at Cigalon; or try falconry at Ashdown Park or croquet at The Hurlingham Club. For a thrilling water ride, try Lee Valley White Water Centre, an Olympic venue, or race around town with a Hunt the Goose GPS treasure hunt. For culture fans a Society of London Theatre backstage tour will give your party a new perspective on London’s famous theatres.

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Low-cost London London with a view A London event need not be expensive. See London from above with this itinerary. This exciting itinerary won’t break the bank. Stay at the new Shangri-La Hotel at The Stay in comfort at the Novotel or Ibis hotels Shard; ME London with its rooftop bar; the in locations across the city, including centrally 45 Park Lane suites overlooking Hyde Park, at Blackfriars. Or choose a Travelodge or the new penthouse at The May Fair. for a good night’s sleep on a budget. Hold conferences in the River Rooms at Hold an event at a well-priced venue such as Mermaid, the Tower Hotel from Guoman, the London Chamber of Commerce and Park Plaza Riverbank, or the new Industry, Baden Powell House, Inmarsat, subtropical Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch, or the MIC Hotel and Conference Centre. the building known as the ‘Walkie Talkie’ opening March 2014. Sample British food in the oldest pub in London – the rambling Ye Olde Cheshire Enjoy a barbecue on the top of HMS Cheese on Fleet Street – or enjoy meals President, or eat at Skyloft by Altitude inspired by stars of the screen or the music London with a 360-degree view of London. world at Planet Hollywood or the Hard Rock Book the Skylounge at DoubleTree by Hilton Café. Enjoy live jazz at the Café in the Crypt Tower of London, The Deck at the National at St-Martin-in-the-Fields, or the tastiest pizza Theatre, the Paramount Club at the top of at Fire & Stone Covent Garden. Centre Point, Tower 42 in the City, or enjoy river views from the Swan at the Globe. Walk the secret parks of London, including the Chelsea Physic Garden. See rare birds Get even higher with London Helicopter, at the London Wetland Centre, and create learn how to play roulette on the roof top your own pottery at Merton Abbey Water at Hippodrome Casino, walk the top of Mill. Or see the origins of timekeeping The O2 arena, take a tour on the Emirates Air at the Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Line cable car, take in the Queen Elizabeth Observatory Greenwich. Olympic Park at the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower (open for events from April 2014) or hire bikes for a closer, greener view of the city.

1 The Crystal – A Sustainable Cities Initiative by Siemens 2 Tower of London 3 Cutty Sark 4 Ye Old Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street 5 ArcelorMittal Orbit tower Right: The Shard

London Official Guide 2014 13 Experience London London is full of exciting experiences and outstanding attractions. Read on for a round-up of the best of London. Full details and contacts for the venues and services in this Guide, plus the full range of our Partners, can be found on our websites Leisure venues and services: londonandpartners.com/travel-trade Meetings and events: londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau

The South Bank

14 londonandpartners.com London Official Guide 2014 15 Accommodation Whether you’re seeking cutting-edge style, historic five-star retreats, bargain group stays in the very heart of the city, or a well-priced home from home, London can provide a good night’s sleep to suit your client’s budget, and an array of impressive and flexible meeting rooms.

16 londonandpartners.com The range of accommodation in London Trusted international brands is vast. Visitors will find well-known Event expertise Well-known hospitality brands such as worldwide chains, independent family- London’s hotels are highly experienced Radisson Blu Edwardian, Hilton and run bed and breakfasts, historical gems in dealing with events and meetings, and InterContinental Hotels Groups have opened and modern comfort. This means that the wide variety of hotels means that you some of their most impressive flagships in you can give your clients exactly what can choose the right venue for your London. Behind traditional and modern they want from their accommodation. party at the right price. facades, you will find familiar comforts with a stylish British twist. Quality serviced apartments from Think The venue listings on the official Apartments, Cheval Residences and Marlin London convention bureau website Apartments offer a luxurious home from londonandpartners.com/convention- Accommodation home with hotel service. Four and five-star bureau can help you find the right style on a budget hotel chains such as glh. (formerly Guoman), of hotel in the right area, whatever your Park Plaza, Millennium and Lancaster needs. The listings cover hotels perfectly Here are some bargain rooms to try: London have properties in convenient placed for speedy transports links – ●● Travelodge provides comfortable, locations throughout the city, providing near Heathrow Airport or King’s Cross value-for-money rooms across the an ideal base for business or leisure trips. Eurostar terminal for instance – close capital Or book a mid-range hotel for a great stay to major conference hubs such as the in London offering good value for money; ExCeL London conference centre, and ●● Accor Hotels has a full range of consider Ibis Hotels or Strand Palace Hotel. near business districts such as Canary accommodation including the Wharf and the City of London. lower-cost Ibis, also offering business For large parties on a budget, London’s services such as reliable wireless hostels and university campuses offer internet connections well-priced dormitory and halls Landmark locations ●● accommodation. You will also find numerous London’s grand historic hotels are known London universities including the accommodation agencies specialising in the world over, retaining impressive facades London School of Economics, Imperial home stays or short-term rentals. while boasting all the latest mod cons thanks College, Queen Mary and King’s College London allow non-students Visitors can look forward to: to regular refurbishment. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of the famous at Claridge’s, to stay in university halls in the city centre for a bargain price during the Tailor-made packages The Savoy, Grosvenor House and The Dorchester. And in just one example of recent academic holidays In London, you can create a completely refurbishment, the Hilton London Metropole ●● bespoke accommodation package for your Independent bed and breakfasts has benefited from a £6 million transformation, leisure group. Search the accommodation specialise in comfortable rooms, hearty with new entrances and lobby plus two new listings at londonandpartners.com/ breakfasts and a friendly welcome lounges. The city’s glitziest recent newcomers travel-trade and liaise with hotels for special ●● are Leicester Square’s W London, the favourite For school parties or other groups deals for groups. Options include booking hang-out of today’s celebrities, and ME London, of young people, hostel groups such rooms for entire coach parties, theatre-goers featured in Condé Nast Traveller Hotlist 2013. as Clink, Generator and Smart provide or wheelchair users, and specifying proximity Or why not try the perfectly positioned Café clean and convenient dormitory to particular areas of London, major Royal, a newly opened hotel in an iconic London accommodation attractions and landmarks, West End landmark? Luxurious Rosewood London opens shopping or the South Bank. at the end of 2013, or stay in the tallest building in Western Europe at the Shangri-La hotel at The Shard, London, opening in early 2014.

Opposite: The Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel 1 Courthouse Doubletree Hilton Hotel 2 Claridge’s

2

For full Accommodation listings see our websites londonandpartners.com/travel-trade 1 londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau

London Official Guide 2014 17 Meeting & Event Venues Whether you are searching for the perfect secret garden or the only building in the UK so large that it has its own pair of railway stations, London can provide the venue you need.

18 londonandpartners.com With more than 1,000 conference spaces Great-value venues – from world-class conference centres If your client’s budget is limited, this city will to unique historical sites, and meeting happily accommodate you. London’s great rooms to accommodate parties of two universities offer academic kudos at a small or 30,000 – London offers a venue to price with low-cost accommodation as an suit every budget, size and sector. optional bolt-on. Try Bankside House at the You can choose from state-of-the-art London School of Economics, or one of the modern conference venues, royal palaces, 200 city-wide event spaces offered by King’s or academic hubs full of tradition and College London during university holidays. prestige. Or consider holding events Other budget spaces include historic and parties in restaurants and clubs, waterside pub The Dickens Inn, while 2 or more unusual event locations such attractions such as the London Dungeon as museums, galleries, boats, theatres, and the Troxy offer quirky, good-value spaces. and attractions. UK tax laws mean that your overseas clients could be entitled to reclaim 20 per cent tax Olympic Legacy The spirit of success generated by the Whether your clients are architectural on event costs too. experts seeking a bird’s-eye view of a 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games constantly regenerating skyline (try EDF Technology and sustainability can live on in your event. Try: Energy London Eye), or doctors looking Impress your clients with new technology and ●● ArcelorMittal Orbit: the UK’s tallest to network in a state-of-the-art space help them meet sustainability targets with sculpture hosts events with views over (try 30 Euston Square), London can provide. London’s newest venues. At the forefront the park and beyond for up to 300 If it’s glamour and heritage you are after, of technical expertise is the iCity centre of people, from April 2014 consider world-famous attractions such as innovation, education and enterprise, opening ●● Copper Box: capacity of up to Madame Tussauds, destination restaurants in 2015 and housing a 750-seat convention 7,500 for cultural events, concerts, or members clubs. Alternatively, you could centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; conferences and trade shows. This make the most of cutting-edge technology at and ExCeL London, where the conference is also a fantastic location for hosting ExCeL London convention and events venue, auditorium holds 5,000 people and the local and international sporting which is served by two dedicated Docklands overall capacity is 30,000 thanks to recently events such as training, matches Light Railway stations, such is its huge size. expanded and upgraded facilities. and tournaments, available now. London excels at: Environmentally conscious venues include The Crystal – A Sustainable Cities Initiative ●● Aquatics Centre: with moveable Heritage and achievement by Siemens situated in the Royal Docks and floors, this venue can be transformed Choose a venue with a past to inspire your one of the greenest buildings in the world. for events and offers poolside dining clients about their future, or a sporting venue for up to 500 people. Available to spur them on to excellence. The Royal Making it unique from 2014 Unique London spaces are available on ships Horseguards Hotel at One Whitehall Place ●● Outdoor spaces: the South Park Hub has a grand marble staircase and Victorian such as the Cutty Sark, London’s newest and North Park Events Lawn provide ballroom, while the entire historic shopping revamped historical attraction, or in the space for concerts, outdoor shows and arcade at Leadenhall Market can be hired imposing medieval Guildhall in the City of festivals; open from April 2014. The for your group. For sports fans, Wembley London. Try the Chelsea Physic Garden to Unity Kitchen Café also hosts events Stadium and historic Alexandra Palace delight your clients’ senses with scented for up to 120, available now. offer large banqueting spaces, and football herbs, or ZSL London Zoo for a walk on stadiums at Arsenal, Chelsea and Fulham the wild side. have themed meeting spaces.

1 ExCeL London 2 Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

For full Meeting & Event Venues listings see our website 1 londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau

London Official Guide 2014 19 Attractions & Sightseeing With its extraordinary heritage and world-class attractions, London offers some of the best sightseeing in the world. Explore royal palaces and parks, visit blockbuster film locations, and experience sporting glory – there’s something for everyone.

Many London attractions and sightseeing tours offer translated material and audio guides for international visitors

20 londonandpartners.com From the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral Take in the Thames to the ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower in the Groups can enjoy a sightseeing cruise Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London’s with live commentary with City Cruises or skyline brings your clients face to face explore the river with a kayaking tour guide. with the city’s remarkable heritage and To recreate David Beckham’s dramatic constantly evolving present. Your group entrance during the London 2012 Olympic can explore the best of old and new in Games Opening Ceremony, book a just one day by taking in the thousand- high-speed boat trip with RIB Tours London, year old Tower of London, the Houses Thames RIB Experience or London RIB of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Voyages. For something more leisurely, try EDF Energy London Eye and The View hiring a boat venue from Bateaux London, 2 from The Shard. Topsail Events & Charters or Woods’ Visits to famous London attractions such Silver Fleet. as Madame Tussauds, ZSL London Zoo, London on high and London Dungeon at its new location Get on the buses To get a bird’s-eye view of London’s Bus sightseeing tours offer a convenient on the South Bank, will create life-long ever-changing skyline: memories. way to see the city, with visitors able to hop on and off as they please. Try Big Bus, ●● Hop on the EDF Energy London Eye Group discounts Original London Sightseeing Tour and to view all of London from a glass pod Golden Tours. and tailored tours ●● Swing high above London’s London attractions offer special deals regenerated districts in the Emirates for groups, including tailor-made tours, For younger visitors Air Line cable car, taking you from exclusive access and discounts. Shakespeare London is always exciting for youngsters. Greenwich Peninsula to Royal Docks fans can take a behind-the-scenes tour of Would-be wizards can duel with Voldemort ●● Experience a 64km view from Western Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, beautifully on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – Europe’s tallest building at The View recreated in all its 17th-century glory on The Making of Harry Potter; budding from The Shard in London Bridge Bankside. Those with an interest in royalty can sleuths can follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes or fight the forces of evil tour London’s palaces, including Kensington ●● Walk across the roof of The O2 arena Palace and Hampton Court Palace. with Dr Who on a Brit Movie Tour; while in North Greenwich thanks to the Up water lovers can snorkel with sharks or feed at the The O2 attraction For parties preferring specialist subjects, turtles at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. guided tours of venues or walking tours, The Lee Valley White Water Rafting Centre, ●● See unrivalled views from the book an expert and entertaining Blue Badge home to the canoe slalom at the London ArcelorMittal Orbit tower, the landmark guide. Clients can take their own tour on 2012 Games, is open to the public for a trip of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Barclays Cycle Hire bicycles (see p37 full of thrills and spills. For Lego fans young London’s newest attraction opens in Transport feature), or take a guided two- and old, LEGOLAND Windsor is a thrilling April 2014, and is Britain’s tallest wheel tour around the Royal Parks for experience, with its new Duplo Valley and sculpture at 114.5 metres high. example, courtesy of cycling tour companies themed hotel. such as Fat Tire Bike Tours. You could invest in a London Pass for your Sporting glory Memorable events group, which includes free entry to more In Stratford to the east, the London 2012 Many attractions offer bookable rooms than 60 top attractions, bypassing queues Games have left the city with lasting for one-off events. Organisers can invite for tickets and making sightseeing even benefits including new infrastructure and an astronomer for dinner with the stars better value for money. exciting venues. Hire a guide to help your at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, group explore one of the world’s largest or book a reception with the royals at urban regeneration projects (see p7 Olympic wax figure museum Madame Tussauds. Legacy box). Sports fans can tour Lord’s Most attractions offer flexible meeting Cricket Ground or celebrate Andy Murray’s spaces for receptions, parties or 2013 victory at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis corporate meetings, either in dedicated Museum, while football fanatics can visit the meeting rooms or in the main exhibition iconic Wembley Stadium or Arsenal, space. Find out more about London’s Chelsea and Fulham grounds. meeting and event venues on page 18.

Opposite: EDF Energy London Eye For full Attractions & Sightseeing listings 1 St Paul’s Cathedral see our websites 2 Buckingham Palace londonandpartners.com/travel-trade 1 londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau

London Official Guide 2014 21 Museums & Galleries London has more museums than any other city in the world – many of them offering free entry – and a host of world-class artworks. With something to inspire every visitor, putting together an exciting and unique itinerary is easy.

Many London museums and galleries offer translated material and audio guides for international visitors

22 londonandpartners.com London’s museums and galleries are some of the most exciting and diverse in the world. Complementing the city’s 11 national museums, which offer free entry to permanent collections, are hidden gems specialising in maritime history, medicine and music. There are also a wide variety of smaller themed museums, and ever-changing and innovative new exhibitions. All this allows you to offer your group great cultural experiences, many with free or low-entry costs. Heritage and history Give your clients a unique insight into the capital with a visit to the Museum of London and its sister museum in London’s Docklands. Both provide atmospheric recreations of the city’s history and explanations of its constant 2 regeneration, while the Royal Museums Greenwich showcase the UK’s maritime The art world is constantly changing too. heritage and the Royal Observatory includes Ancient and modern art Your group could be among the first to the Prime Meridian Line ‘where time begins’. London’s galleries exhibit the best of the old experience an exciting new extension to Fashionistas and design buffs will enjoy and the new. Art lovers can enjoy a bespoke the British Museum opening in 2014, a new the Victoria and Albert Museum for clothes tour of Tate Britain and its sister Tate location for the Design Museum in 2014, and and craftsmanship. Or you can go inside Modern, with a relaxing boat trip in between an extension to Tate Modern due in 2016. Tower Bridge for its This Is London and allowing visitors to take in further sights Bridges exhibitions. along the Thames. Other cultural fixes include the multi-disciplinary Southbank Dedicated dining For younger visitors, London’s museums Centre, with its Royal Festival Hall built to London’s museums and galleries offer provide unique trails and interactive content. mark the 1951 Festival of Britain. The centre a variety of dining options, ranging from Try the Science Museum for plenty of buttons is set for a £120 million revamp, and hosts well-priced cafés to top-end restaurants to press, the Natural History Museum to dance and music performances and summer with picture perfect views of the capital. stand under the mighty Diplodocus skeleton, festivals, plus year-round restaurants and Round off a visit to the V&A with food in the and the British Museum’s Egyptian Gallery bars, markets and shops. beautiful original refreshment rooms, or visit for mummies and artefacts. Meanwhile, the the Tate Modern restaurant or the Portrait newly refurbished Imperial War Museum Lesser-known galleries and museums can restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery for brings to life the trenches of the First World deliver interesting surprises, such as the stunning views. Dine at the Sculpture Garden War, plus many other interesting exhibits. Wellcome Collection’s medical paraphernalia, at the Wallace Collection and your guests or the Foundling Museum. The Royal can marvel at the fantastic glass roof. It is Academy of Arts, Courtauld Gallery, The easy to pre-book meals for groups at these Queen’s Gallery and the Wallace Collection venues, providing a satisfying and sociable house superb works of art. There are also end to a cultural trip. many famous artworks that you can see free in London such as Rodin’s sculpture The Kiss plus Rothko and Warhol artworks Exciting events at Tate Modern, and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers Whether in the inspiring period rooms at the National Gallery. You can view British of the National Maritime Museum or art from 1500 to present at Tate Britain amid the Guildhall Art Gallery; among including renowned art by Gainsborough and the double-decker buses at the London Turner, or see famous faces at the National Transport Museum or the reconstructed 1 Portrait Gallery. warehouses of the Museum of London Docklands, a drinks party or reception Opposite page: Tate Modern Bespoke tours and discounts hosted at one of London’s museums 1 Victoria and Albert Museum There has never been a better time to bring creates an unforgettable impression. 2 The Great Court, British Museum a group to London’s galleries and museums, London’s museums and galleries, thanks to bespoke tours and behind-the- including the National Gallery and scenes access. Many of London’s museums National History Museum, offer flexible For full Museums & Galleries listings offer free familiarisation visits for group meeting spaces for receptions, parties see our websites organisers, discount rates for groups, and or corporate meetings and conferences, londonandpartners.com/travel-trade coach parking. in dedicated meeting rooms or in main londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau exhibition spaces.

London Official Guide 2014 23 Shopping In London, the best shopping the world has to offer is available from historic department stores, cutting-edge malls, flagship stores and vibrant markets. Your clients should leave space in their luggage for some amazing purchases, including fashion, crafts, food and gifts, showcasing the very best of London style.

Check out museum and gallery gift shops for unique presents and souvenirs

24 londonandpartners.com With top brands, one-of-a-kind boutiques, Iconic department stores souvenirs and high-end fashion, even Harrods, Liberty and Selfridges: London’s the most discerning shoppers will find historic department stores are known the their perfect purchase in London. world over. Your clients will find opulent British style, fine food and an unforgettable Top shopping areas shopping experience. For the very best for Oxford Street is the most popular shopping the children in your group, try Hamleys on street in Europe, home to the flagship stores Regent Street, the world’s largest toy store, of numerous major British brands including where experts demonstrate the most Selfridges, Marks & Spencer and John desirable new gadgets. You can pick up Lewis. London’s main shopping area centres delicious foods and gifts at Fortnum & Mason, 2 around here and adjoining Bond Street and the Queen’s grocer, trading since 1707. Regent Street. Here, your clients can find the greatest variety of clothes, bags and Creative boutiques London markets homeware alongside upmarket brands such London’s smaller boutiques stock some Featuring fresh food and the latest street as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace of the best, limited-edition British design. fashion, London’s markets offer a buzzy and Tiffany. Carnaby, Seven Dials and St Encourage your group to step through the introduction to city life. Hire a guide to help Martin’s Courtyard also offer a range of arch into Carnaby Street, made famous in your group find the bargains at these boutiques, while St James’s and Piccadilly the Swinging Sixties. Here they will find an favourites: are home to genteel traditional shops and intriguing mix of independent designers and Old Spitalfields Market: newly regenerated elegant shopping arcades such as Burlington fashion-forward labels including William & and just five minutes’ walk from the City of Arcade. Nearby Mayfair is home to Savile George, Monki and Bolongaro Trevor. Nearby London, Spitalfields offers a huge range of Row and Jermyn Street, famous for bespoke streets such as Kingly Street also have great stalls and shops featuring vintage and crafts, British tailoring. shops, bars and cafés. seven days a week Up-to-date shopping centres Bargain buys Borough Market: a joy for foodies situated under the railway arches near London Bridge London’s two Westfield shopping malls, to London’s high streets are packed with station, this is the source for true British fare. the west in Shepherd’s Bush and near the fantastic fashion without the designer price Open Thursday to Saturday former Olympic site to the east in Stratford, tag. Check out Primark, Zara and Uniqlo for provide travellers with convenience and creations inspired by outfits that strutted the Covent Garden: this pretty 19th-century luxury retail on a huge scale, as well as a vast catwalk just weeks ago. If you are looking piazza is home to three bustling markets range of cafés and restaurants for refuelling. for a unique add-on for your group, help them that sell everything from handbags to crafts Groups will appreciate dedicated coach pick save with a Shop & Dine London + Tourist Portobello Road Market: one of London’s up and drop off areas, and a concierge tastecard package. This offers discounts most famous markets, noted for antiques service speaking 26 different languages. at hundreds of shops and thousands of but also offering fashion, music and other restaurants in central London. The package One New Change in the City of London next collectibles. Best on Fridays and Saturdays to St Paul’s Cathedral offers 60 stores, plus is available to the travel trade at net rates. a roof terrace with great views of the London The buzzing and famous Camden markets skyline. Canary Wharf offers great shopping are open almost every day of the year and eating in its four malls including Canada The craft market in Greenwich is good Place and Jubilee Place. Meanwhile, the to combine with local sightseeing dramatic new Park House on Oxford Street promises to become an exciting new Opposite: Bond Street Columbia Road Flower Market: London’s shopping destination. 1 Westfield London – Concierge most beautiful market sells flowers and 2 Columbia Road Flower Market plants on Sunday mornings

Tax-free shopping Events Many clients travelling from abroad will Some iconic London shops have unique find London’s stores even better value, spaces for holding events. See our thanks to an option to claim back tax website for meeting space details through companies such as Global Blue and Premier Tax Free. VAT, a 20 per cent sales tax levied on most goods and services, can be reclaimed by many visitors. A tax-free shopping sign on For full Shopping listings see our websites the door will indicate whether a store londonandpartners.com/travel-trade 1 participates in the scheme. londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau

London Official Guide 2014 25 Entertainment & Leisure Give your clients an itinerary to remember with London’s entertainment and leisure scene. West End spectaculars, musicals, plays, gigs, events and festivals – as well as nights out at clubs and casinos – are easily booked; and organising time for relaxation is equally straightforward, thanks to an array of green spaces and spas.

26 londonandpartners.com London’s shows and concerts are the world’s hottest tickets. Award-winning long-running musicals such as The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliott and Wicked vie for attention alongside headline-grabbing new productions from the National Theatre and the return of the critically-acclaimed War Horse. The Southbank Centre holds seasonal arts festivals, and dance and music 2 3 performances at the Royal Festival Hall, while the city is top of the list for all major tours and concerts. Add glitzy house offers 20 per cent discounts for adult Relaxation casinos and premium sporting events groups and even greater savings for parties London’s luxury hotels are home to excellent to the mix and putting together a rich of young people. London’s amazing venues spas that help you make the most of precious entertainment itinerary is simple. For for bigger concerts and events include downtime. Book the May Fair Spa for quieter leisure time, London’s parks and Wembley Stadium, Hyde Park and the the latest treatments, or try East River Spa River Thames offer the best of nature Olympic Stadium. London also has music conveniently located near Canary Wharf, for in the middle of the city, while top-notch performances every evening at smaller panoramic views and the crystal steam room, spa treatments and pools leave guests venues including the O2 Academy gig at the Radisson Blu Edwardian New feeling relaxed. venues, pubs in Camden, and jazz clubs such Providence Wharf. as Ronnie Scott’s and Dover Street Theatre and music Restaurant & Bar. The great outdoors Put your clients on the edge of their seats More than a third of London is green space with a constantly changing variety of exciting Glitz and glamour allowing your group to enjoy London’s natural new productions, or dazzle them with musical There is nothing like a night out in London to beauty. London’s famous Royal Parks are exploits such as the return of Miss Saigon. bring out the inner James Bond. Your group free for everyone, offering playgrounds for Visitors can regularly see celebrities such as can view 007 in action from VIP cinema the younger members of your party, together Daniel Radcliffe, Benedict Cumberbatch and seats in Leicester Square, or sip martinis at with water features and wildlife including Vanessa Redgrave on stage, and visit unique the Hippodrome Casino, where you can book pelicans and deer. theatres ranging from the Old Vic, to intimate elegant private events with access to gaming performance spaces in pubs. The trend for tables, learn how to play sessions, cabaret See deer in the park at Richmond in South interactive theatre, pioneered by Punchdrunk shows and private dining. Finish off the West London, or enjoy green open spaces and and Dreamthinkspeak, gives your group the evening at the iconic Ministry of Sound club historical attractions in Greenwich Park. Walk exciting opportunity to walk through the or a London cocktail bar to leave them both along the tow paths of London’s canals, take performance, talking to the actors as they shaken and stirred. a boat trip to Little Venice, or visit beautiful go. Clients can pick up bargain tickets for Hampstead Heath. Even in London’s financial West End shows at the TKTS booth in Sporting specialities district the City of London, green spaces Leicester Square. Sporting events in London combine top-class abound, including Postman’s Park and Bunhill Fields, the resting place of William Blake. London theatre is especially good value for games and entertainment. Book a day at groups, with packages including a meal in the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals for a nearby restaurant adding greater savings, great group offers; enjoy football at Wembley Holding an event or a drinks reception in the theatre adding Stadium, or Fulham, Arsenal or Chelsea Many of London’s theatres, nightclubs to the experience. The Royal Opera House Football Clubs, or rugby at Twickenham. Enjoy and sporting venues have unique offers group discounts of up to 40 per cent, the sound of leather on willow with a cricket meeting rooms and spaces to create while the renowned Sadler’s Wells dance match at Lord’s, or strawberries and cream a cultured and unique atmosphere for on Centre Court at Wimbledon. Venues that your event. hosted the spectacular London 2012 Games, such as those in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, continue to host great sporting events.

Opposite: Queen’s Theatre, West End 1 Wimbledon 2 ‘Midnight Tango’ at the Aldwych Theatre 3 Regent’s Park in full spring bloom For full Entertainment & Leisure listings see our websites londonandpartners.com/travel-trade 1 londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau

London Official Guide 2014 27 Restaurants, Bars & Pubs There are more than 8,000 restaurants in London, so you will always be able to find a great restaurant to suit your group. London boasts more than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as having a wide choice of mid-priced restaurants, and serves international cuisine from some 70 different countries.

28 londonandpartners.com Your clients can sample amazing menus from celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Gary Rhodes, Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay, or visit the latest pop-up bars. Make sure they leave time for British favourites too, such as fish and chips and other classic British cuisine, afternoon tea, or traditional pubs.

For showstopping events, secret supper 1 2 clubs, stylish meeting rooms and fine drinking, London’s restaurants and bars will A1fternoon tea 2 always impress. Aqua Shard and Hutong, Meals with a view recently opened in the iconic Shard building, With tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, These restaurants offer spellbinding offer stunning views and cutting-edge finger sandwiches and dainty cakes, nothing views of the capital and a chance to cuisine. The city’s international street food could be more British than afternoon tea in take in the city at sunset and nightfall. scene goes from strength to strength – the London. From the Savoy to Claridge’s, West End and Soho have lots of street food London offers some top afternoon teas. ●● Galvin at Windows Restaurant: set and small plate restaurants for gourmet Please note that advance booking is often on the 28th floor of the London Hilton burgers, pizza, tapas, Mexican and Asian essential and smart dress codes may apply. on Park Lane and offering stunning cuisine, providing fresh, authentic fare that views across the capital Value eats is perfect for those on the go. ●● London’s cafés, bars and pubs provide great Minako at the Met: enjoy an Asian Or choose from quirky restaurants such atmosphere at good prices. Try Mayfair’s fusion menu at one of London’s as the high tech décor and Japanese food Sports Bar for pizzas and homemade burgers, highest restaurants at Inamo St James, or the jungle-themed or the George & Dragon pub in West ●● Azura Bar and Restaurant: with Rainforest Café, or speciality cuisine at for Brompton for traditional fare, while Fire & floor-to-ceiling river vistas and example The Cinnamon Club (Indian) or Stone offers good value pizza, and Spaghetti al fresco dining, this Canary Wharf Albannach (Scottish). House and Masala Zone provide filling, fresh favourite shows off London’s Docklands and authentic food. If your group is off to In London your clients will discover: ●● the theatre, pre or post-show meals are Sushi Samba and Duck & Waffle in often great value and can be combined as Heron Tower offer great views, stylish Dining on their doorstep décor and delicious original food London’s vibrant restaurant scene means a package with a show. that wherever your group stays, or wherever ●● Skylon: on the South Bank offers the conference takes place, they will find Dine on the river lovely views over the River Thames food and drink to delight. Central hotspots The River Thames is a beautiful setting such as St Martin’s Courtyard, Carnaby for a meal. Book a Bateaux London or City Street and Seven Dials offer a range of Cruises trip to feel the gentle swell of the Bespoke meals and events water while dining, or sipping afternoon tea independent eateries and bars. Those London’s restaurants and bars deliver or sunset drinks. You can hire an entire staying near the Eurostar terminal will enjoy unforgettable experiences for both boat for parties of more than 65. Or try Golden Arrow near the beautifully restored leisure groups and business events and the RS Hispaniola, a permanently moored St Pancras International station, which offers receptions. Try Hawksmoor Guildhall for boat boasting fabulous views of the a vast list of wines paired with exquisite delicious steaks in amazing wood-panelled Houses of Parliament. dishes. Near Canary Wharf’s financial surroundings, while the D&D London district, try Cinnamon Restaurant and Bar group of restaurants, including Orrery for smart yet unstuffy dining. If your clients Bars & pubs and Quaglino’s to name just two, offer are staying by Heathrow Airport, Trunk A night out at one of London’s many bars high-quality dining across London with Restaurant in the Radisson Blu Edwardian will be a bonding experience for your group. a choice of cuisines. Grand locations for Heathrow hotel is a must-visit thanks to its They can enjoy creations from expert an à la carte meal include Oxo Tower eclectic internationally-inspired menu. Or mixologists at the May Fair Bar, or a private Restaurant, Babylon at Kensington Roof your clients can eat at new restaurant Scoff cocktail party at Dirty Martini Covent Garden. Gardens and Homage at the Waldorf Hilton. & Banter, at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Or your party may like to sample a pint in Hampshire in Leicester Square. a traditional pub, a real British institution. For a complete evening out try one of With fascinating history and quirky original more than 30 Late Night London venues features, London’s pubs offer refreshments such as Grace or Opal, which both offer and food in traditional surroundings, often dinner, receptions with drinks and canapés, with a bit of local legend thrown in for and dance floors where your party can good measure. make a night of it. For something truly For full Restaurants, Bars & Pubs listings different, organise a four-course banquet see our websites complete with jugglers and costumes for Opposite: Royal Exchange Grand Café londonandpartners.com/travel-trade your group at the Medieval Banquet near londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau 1 London pub the Tower of London. 2 Alfresco food and drink

London Official Guide 2014 29 Tourism & Event Services London is the world’s best destination for visitors and events and offers unbeatable support for those seeking to organise exciting and rewarding experiences and itineraries.

30 londonandpartners.com By liaising with London & Partners you Event wizards Quality essentials can access talented and professional London’s event planners can create the Ensuring your clients touch down and get companies, suppliers and experts, with greatest spectacles, as the world saw in started with minimum fuss is simple thanks outstanding track records of arranging 2012 – from the Olympic and Paralympic to London’s experts. The Post Office should exciting leisure trips and successful Games’ awe-inspiring Opening and be the first stop for those who need to change business events. Closing Ceremonies, through to the their currency into sterling: it offers highly London was voted Best Visitor fantastic shows and events that made up competitive rates and charges no commission, Destination by Tripadvisor in 2012 thanks the Cultural Olympiad. with branches throughout the capital. to its great attractions, while the city’s A full gospel choir or an Arabian party For tax-free shopping, Global Blue and official convention bureau – part of featuring snakes and camels is all in a Premier Tax Free ensure that visitors get the London & Partners – tops international day’s work for London event management very best value in their shopping expeditions. rankings. Tap into the expertise of the companies, such as Awesome Events, For companies planning an event in London, city’s top itinerary planners, destination which can secure access to incredible reclaiming VAT on event expenses can make and event companies and ticket agents venues such as the circus-style Bloomsbury the city even better value. London & Partners’ to ensure that your London experience Big Top. Timebased Events can book some expert supplier BRAL can advise on runs smoothly. of London’s most coveted spaces, including whether this is possible for you. See the marquee in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau On-the-ground experts while Create can wow your guests at the for more information. London’s dedicated destination management Pavilion at the Tower of London. Your visitors specialists are the key to experiencing the can see the capital in a whole new light Make sure you have appropriate insurance in city. A personalised tour of historic pubs or with Wildgoose Treasure Hunts, which can place to help protect your event in the face of perhaps a night under canvas at ZSL London arrange a hunt around the city on a vintage unforeseen circumstances. A tailored Hiscox Zoo? These unique moments are only bus or by traditional London taxi, or try their Event Insurance policy can help protect possible thanks to experts such as Spectra new GPS treasure hunt. against the unexpected. and Wedgewood, who can give you exclusive access to remarkable one-off experiences. London is a foodie hub and the city’s caterers serve some of the finest fare in the world. Major Events Or let Brook Green arrange its innovative If you are planning a major sporting or James Bond Corporate Challenge for your Try Blue Strawberry, Global Infusion Group or Zest Caterers, to name just a few. Your cultural event, London’s service providers are clients, enjoying team-building activities as on hand. Icon, which provided the venue and they explore the city. party can also sample British classics with a twist from Searcys, which also provides city branding for the London 2012 Games, Tour operators such as Superbreak Mini- access to breathtaking venues across the can put its event branding expertise to work Holidays can help with many aspects of city including the Gherkin, the British on your event, while SMG/YouGov can planning a trip for your clients. Many tour Museum and Inner Temple. provide the consumer insights you need operators can take your party on private trips to make it a success. of London. The London & Partners teams can assist There are many more types of companies you you in suggesting experiences for your can connect with in London to ensure your guests as well as recommending incoming client’s trip or event is a success. tour operators and wholesalers that can help Whichever service you require, just ask the you to build the very best itinerary. London & Partners teams to recommend vetted, high-quality professionals, or search the company listings on our websites.

Opposite: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square 1 Central Hall Westminster

For full Tourism & Event Services listings see our websites londonandpartners.com/travel-trade 1 londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau

London Official Guide 2014 31 What’s on in 2014 Enjoy the best of London by taking part in these unmissable events. There is always so much going on in London.

January March RHS Chelsea New Year’s Day Parade Maslenitsa Russian Festival Flower Show 1 January 2 March 20-24 May From Piccadilly W1 to Parliament Square SW1 Trafalgar Square WC2 Royal Hospital londonparade.co.uk maslenitsa.co.uk Chelsea SW3 rhs.org.uk Tullett Prebon Ideal Home Show London Boat Show 14-30 March 4-12 January Earls Court SW5 ExCeL London E16 idealhomeshow.co.uk londonboatshow.com June St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival West End Live – Theatre Showcase London Art Fair 16 March Trafalgar Square WC2 15-19 January From Green Park W1 to Trafalgar Square WC2 westendlive.co.uk Business Design Centre N1 london.gov.uk londonartfair.co.uk MINT Polo in the Park BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair Hurlingham Park SW6 NBA Global Games 19-25 March polointheparklondon.com 16 January The Duke of York Square SW3 Jewellery Week Atlanta Hawks v Brooklyn Nets bada-antiques-fair.co.uk The O2 Arena 6-15 June jewelleryweek.com theo2.co.uk April Royal Ascot February BNY Mellon Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race 17-21 June Chinese New Year 6 April Ascot Racecourse 2 February On the Thames, from Putney SW15 SL5 Central London to Mortlake SW14 ascot.co.uk chinatownlondon.org theboatrace.org

Virgin London Marathon 13 April From Greenwich SE10 to the Mall SW1 Taste of London 19-22 June The Carole Nash MCN London virginlondonmarathon.com Regent’s Park W1 Motorcycle Show Feast of St George tastefestivals.com/london 14-16 February 21 April ExCeL London E16 Trafalgar Square WC2 Wimbledon londonmotorcycleshow.com St George’s Day Events 23 June-6 July London Fashion Weekend Around 23 April All England Lawn Somerset House WC2 Various locations Tennis Club SW19 londonfashionweekend.co.uk london.gov.uk wimbledon.org

Children’s Festival May 15-23 February Grand Designs Live London 2014 Various locations london.gov.uk 3-11 May Masterpiece London 2014 ExCeL London E16 26 June-2 July granddesignslive.com Royal Hospital Chelsea SW3 Vaisakhi masterpiecefair.com 4 May Royal Academy For up-to-date Trafalgar Square of Arts Summer Exhibition information on these london.gov.uk June-August events and many FA Cup Final royalacademy.org.uk more, see the 17 May Pride London Wembley Stadium HA9 28 June Events Calendar on wembleystadium.com visitlondon.com londoncommunitypride.org

32 londonandpartners.com July September November Tour de France Grand Depart The Mayor’s Thames Festival/ Lord Mayor’s Show 7 July River Month City of London East & Central London 1-30 September lordmayorsshow.org thamesfestival.org Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Bonfire Night 8-13 July Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Various locations rhs.org.uk Tall Ships Regatta visitlondon.com 5-9 September, The Proms Barclays ATP World Tour Finals royalgreenwich.gov.uk/tallships July-September Starts 10 November bbc.co.uk/proms Cake & Bake Show The O2 SE10 12-14 September visitlondon.com Earls Court Brompton Hall SW5 Taste of Christmas thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk 21-24 November

Great River Race Tobacco Dock 27 September tasteofchristmas.com From Docklands E14 Winter Wonderland August greatriverrace.co.uk RideLondon November-January 9-10 August London Fashion Weekend Hyde Park W1 Queen Elizabeth Somerset House WC2 hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Olympic Park E20 londonfashionweekend.co.uk and across London Open House London December ridelondon.co.uk openhouselondon.org.uk Ice skating Various locations London Design Festival visitlondon.com Various locations Buckingham Palace Summer Opening londondesignfestival.com August-September (dates tbc) royalcollection.org.uk Liberty Festival london.gov.uk The Tetley Challenge Cup Final Wembley Stadium HA9 October Christmas at Kew Royal Botanic rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk Chocolate Week Gardens Notting Hill chocolateweek.co.uk Kew TW9 Carnival kew.org London Restaurant Festival 24-25 August londonrestaurantfestival.com Statoil Masters Tennis thelondonnottinghill Royal Albert Hall SW7 carnival.com Black History Month statoilmasterstennis.com black-history-month.co.uk New Year’s Eve Fireworks Frieze Art Fair london.gov.uk Regent’s Park NW1 visitlondon.com Eid friezeartfair.com Trafalgar Square BFI London Film Festival london.gov.uk bfi.org.uk/lff For details of all royal ceremonies, see NFL International Series Game royal.gov.uk and Fan Activity Wembley Stadium wembleystadium.com Always check the date and venue with Diwali Festival the organisers. Where no date is marked, Trafalgar Square go to visitlondon.com for details london.gov.uk

London Official Guide 2014 33 Transport Here you’ll find details of the various types of transport available, giving information on getting in from the airports and around London

With so many ways to get to and around London Heathrow Airport London Gatwick Airport (LGW) London, sightseeing and holding an (LHR) T: +44 (0)844 335 1802 event here has never been easier. T: +44 (0)844 335 1801 gatwickairport.com heathrowairport.com Our visitors’ website visitlondon.com is a To London by rail valuable source of information. Just click on To London by Tube Gatwick Express runs four trains an hour to Traveller Information for lots of information on The Piccadilly line connects all five Heathrow Victoria station. Fares from £19.90 single; public transport and a route planner to show terminals with central London. Fares from journey time 30 mins. Check website for the way to particular areas or attractions. £5.50 single (from £3.00 with an Oyster departure times. Also see the Tube, bus and river maps on card); journey time about an hour. T: +44 (0)845 1722 920 tfl.gov.uk/tube pages 38-39. E: [email protected] To London by rail gatwickexpress.com GETTING HERE Heathrow Express runs four nonstop trains an Southern operates three trains hourly to For a map of London airport locations, hour to and from London Paddington station. Victoria station. Fares from £14.40 single; see page 38. Fares from £20.00 single; journey time journey time around 40 mins. 15-20 mins (Travelcards and Oyster cards southernrailway.com not valid). First Capital Connect runs up to four trains T: +44 (0)20 8750 6640 an hour to Blackfriars/London Bridge. Fares E: [email protected] from £14.40 single; journey time 35 mins. heathrowexpress.com firstcapitalconnect.co.uk Heathrow Connect runs between Heathrow To London by coach and Paddington via five stations in There are up to two coaches per hour to West London. Victoria Coach Station run by National Express Coaches. Trains run every 30 mins. Fares from £9.50 single; journey time 25 mins (Travelcards Fares from £8.00 single; journey time and Oyster cards not valid). 1 hr 30 mins. heathrowconnect.com nationalexpress.com To London by coach easyBus runs a service every 20 minutes to National Express runs at least one coach Earl’s Court/West Brompton. Online fares per hour to Victoria Coach Station. Fares from £2 single, walk-up fares £10. Journey from £6 single; journey time 40 mins. time 1 hr 5 mins. nationalexpress.com easybus.co.uk To London by bus There are no direct bus services to central London by day. However, Night Bus N9 runs to Aldwych via Trafalgar Square and High You can al Street Kensington. Services every 20 mins. so Fare £2.40 single (£1.40 with an Oyster take taxis an from card); journey time around 1 hr 5 mins. d to all airpo tfl.gov.uk/buses rts check airport – websites for details

Our visitor website visitlondon.com is a valuable source of travel information.

34 londonandpartners.com London Luton Airport (LTN) London Stansted Airport (STN) T: +44 (0)1582 405 100 T: +44 (0)844 335 1803 london-luton.com stanstedairport.com Luton Airport Parkway railway station is near To London by rail the airport, and a regular shuttle bus service Stansted Express operates up to four trains connects them. Fares included in rail ticket an hour to Liverpool Street. Fares from price; journey time 10 mins. £23.40 single; journey time from 45 mins. To London by rail T: +44 (0)845 600 7245 First Capital Connect operates up to eight E: [email protected] trains an hour to St Pancras International, stanstedexpress.com Farringdon and City Thameslink. Fares from To London by coach £13.90 single; journey time from 35 mins. A British Airways Airbus A380 National Express runs three coach services firstcapitalconnect.co.uk an hour into Golders Green, Baker Street East Midlands Trains operates a regular and Victoria. Up to two coaches an hour rail service to St Pancras International. run to Stratford and Liverpool Street. Fares from £13.90 single; journey time Fares from £10. from 23 mins. nationalexpress.com eastmidlandstrains.co.uk easyBus runs a service every 20-30 mins To London by coach to Baker Street Tube station (1 hr 15 mins). Green Line operates up to four coaches Online fares from £2 single, walk-up fare £10. an hour to Baker Street, Marble Arch and easybus.co.uk Victoria. Fares from £10 single; journey time Terravision Express Shuttle runs up to two 1 hr 15 mins. coaches an hour to Liverpool Street and greenline.co.uk Victoria Coach Station and Stratford. Fares London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 easyBus operates up to four coaches an from £6 single; journey time 55 mins to hour to Baker Street (1 hr 10 mins), Marble Liverpool Street, 1 hr 15 mins to Victoria Arch (1 hr 20 mins) and Victoria (1 hr 20 and 50 mins to Stratford. mins) and two per hour to Earl’s Court (1 hr). terravision.eu Online fares from £2 single. easybus.co.uk Arriving by Eurostar™ T: +44 (0)8432 186 186 London City Airport (LCY) E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)20 7646 0088 eurostar.com londoncityairport.com Daily services from Paris (journey time 2 hrs To London by DLR 15 mins) and Brussels (1 hr 55 mins) bring The airport is situated in East London near travellers to St Pancras International station the ExCeL London centre and Docklands – connecting into the National Rail network Eurostar train at St Pancras International and has a dedicated station on the and the Transport for London bus and Docklands Light Railway. Fares from £4.50 Underground systems. (from £2.80 with an Oyster card); journey time around 22 mins to Bank.

London Official Guide 2014 35 GETTING AROUND Docklands Light Railway Taxis The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) serves London’s famous black cabs offer a safe, Travel information Bank, Tower Gateway, Docklands and reliable door-to-door service. Taxis can be The Transport for London (TfL) website Greenwich. Services operate from 05.30 to hailed on the street when the yellow taxi light tfl.gov.uk provides information on all 00.30 Mon-Sat and 07.00 to 23.30 Sun. is on and at designated taxi ranks. Fares are modes of London transport, see Tickets must be purchased before boarding regulated, and all drivers and vehicles are tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround a train. Travelcards and Oyster valid. licensed by Transport for London. All taxis are tfl.gov.uk/dlr fitted with a wheelchair ramp and many have For 24-hour travel information, other accessibility features, so ask the driver if National Rail call +44 (0)843 222 1234. you need to use these. All taxis and minicabs Trains are useful for reaching places not carry assistance dogs at no extra cost. TfL also has a network of Travel Information served by the Underground. The main central tfl.gov.uk/pco Centres in stations throughout the city at London train stations are Euston, Waterloo, King’s Cross, Euston, Piccadilly Circus, Victoria, Paddington, King’s Cross, Minicabs Heathrow Airport, Victoria and Liverpool St Pancras International, London Bridge, All minicabs must be booked with a licensed Street. These are great points of contact Liverpool Street and Charing Cross. There company by telephone, email or in person at for visitors who need to plan their onward is a new high-speed train (previously known the companies’ office. Unlike taxis, minicabs journeys. For locations, see as the Javelin), which takes seven minutes cannot be hailed on the street and drivers visitlondon.com/welcome between St Pancras International and must not approach passengers directly. Available in 19 languages, Journey Planner is Stratford International. Unbooked minicabs are illegal, dangerous and uninsured. When using a minicab a useful tool that tells you the best routes to Note: train fares around the UK are often remember to always book with a licensed and from specific locations, by rail, Tube, bus cheaper if you book ahead online. Call +44 company, ask the driver to confirm your name or on foot. See tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner (0)20 7278 5240 or +44 (0)8457 484 950. and destination, sit in the back and carry a nationalrail.co.uk or For further information on London’s mobile phone. To book a minicab, visit tfl.gov. thetrainline.com attractions, and to plan your own itineraries uk/findaride or text CAB to 60835 and the online, go to visitlondon.com/explorer Coaches numbers for two local TfL licensed minicab Underground A network of UK and international coach companies will be sent to your mobile phone. There are 11 colour-coded Tube lines. Most services operates to and from Victoria tfl.gov.uk/cabwise Coach Station. operate from 05.00 to 00.30 Mon-Sat, and Congestion Charge nationalexpress.com or eurolines.co.uk from 07.30 to 23.30 on Sun. It’s cheaper If your clients are driving in central London and less crowded to avoid the rush hour and For information on driving coaches in Mon-Fri 07.00 to 18.00 (except public travel after 09.30 on weekdays. The network London, charges and parking see holidays), they will need to pay the is divided into nine zones with different fare tfl.gov.uk/coaches Congestion Charge. The charge is £10 a day structures. Before your journey always if paid in advance or on the day of travel or River services check whether there are any planned £12 if paid by midnight the following day. For information on the great places you can engineering works, especially at weekends. If you register your vehicle for CC Auto Pay visit by boat, including prices and routes, Call +44 (0)843 222 1234. tfl.gov.uk/tube you will only pay £9 a day (a £10 per vehicle check out visitlondon.com/river or registration charge applies) and you won’t Buses tfl.gov.uk/river. Board a boat from piers have to remember to pay the charge. Some routes are especially good for along the Thames. sightseeing, such as 8 and 11, and services 9 Payment of the charge or registration for CC and 15 use heritage Routemasters (old-style Emirates Air Line Auto Pay can be made online at tfl.gov.uk/cc red double deckers) during the day. Most bus Rising to a height of 90 metres, London’s or by calling 0845 900 1234, or if calling services operate from 05.00 to 00.30 daily, first cable car provides spectacular views from abroad +44 (0)20 7649 9122. with many routes operating 24-hour services. across the city and a unique travel tfl.gov.uk/cc experience. Enjoy an exciting 1.1 kilometre Tickets must be purchased before boarding journey across the Thames from Emirates a bus in central London. They are available Greenwich Peninsula, near The O2 and North from ticket machines at bus stops and cost Greenwich Tube station, to Emirates Royal £2.40; visitors may find it easier and cheaper Docks, near Royal Victoria DLR station and to use an Oyster card at £1.40 per bus the ExCeL London centre. For full details journey. tfl.gov.uk/buses of flight times and fares, visit tfl.gov.uk/emiratesairline

36 londonandpartners.com Tickets to travel Using Oyster Single tickets are available at ticket To ensure they pay the correct fare on Tube, machines; however, it’s almost always DLR, London Overground and National Rail cheaper to get an Oyster card and pay services, your clients must always touch in as you go. Your clients can also purchase on the yellow card reader at the start of their single tickets and Travelcards in advance at journey and touch out at the end. On buses visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk and trams they only need to touch in at the start. For further information about Oyster, Oyster cards including fares and using Oyster on River Oyster is London’s travel smartcard and Services, Emirates Air Line and National Rail, is the easiest and cheapest way to pay to go to tfl.gov.uk/tickets travel around London, whether your clients 1 are using the Tube, bus, tram, DLR, London Overground, Emirates Air Line or National Green London Rail services. The most environmentally friendly way to travel around the city is on foot or by bike. Ticket types Oyster can store season tickets (Travelcards In the past few years, millions of pounds and Bus & Tram Passes) as well as pay-as- have been invested in cycling in the city. you-go credit for single journeys. Cards are Barclays Cycle Hire is the easy way to reusable. When a Travelcard or Bus & Tram cycle in central London. Just walk up to Pass expires, or the pay-as-you-go credit a docking station and hire a bike using is getting low, your clients can add another your credit or debit card. There is a small season ticket or top up their credit at over access fee to hire bikes, and you’ll pay a 4,000 outlets in London. With pay-as-you-go, usage charge for how long you keep the 2 your clients can travel as many times as they bike – your first half hour is free. Find out like in a day and the daily price cap means more at tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire that they will never pay more than the price of a Day Travelcard. Walking is also a great way to see London. Walking between neighbouring Where to buy central London Underground stations Your clients can save time by getting an can be quicker than taking the Tube! Oyster card before they arrive in London at visitlondon.com/oyster or get one when It’s also a good idea to offset the carbon they arrive from Tube or selected National emissions created by a flight here. For Rail stations. more ideas on travelling green, go to visitlondon.com/green The travel trade can purchase Oyster cards at the VisitBritain online shop 3 visitbritainshop.com Need a map? Keep an eye out for the Legible London For event organisers who wish to posts like this one (pictured right) on London pre-purchase Oyster cards for groups streets. They’re designed to help you find of more than 50 delegates, contact your way around. For more information, see London & Partners at tfl.gov.uk/legiblelondon [email protected] Please allow at least two months between request and delegates arriving in London.

All prices correct at time of going to print (September 2013), but are subject to change 4

1 London Underground 2 Barclays Cycle Hire 3 Emirates Air Line cable car 4 Legible London wayfinder

London Official Guide 2014 37 Maps London airports These maps will help to plan travel around London whether by Tube, bus or river.

6-7 & 19: ©London Legacy Development Company, 10, 1: ©Nikita Gusakov 12, 2: ©Justin Black, 12, 3.& 13, 4: ©Ron Ellis. 19: ©Tim Hodges, 27, 1&2. 32: ©Featureflash, 32: ©Michaels, ©Alison Henley, 26, 33: ©Bikeworldtravel

Tube map

38 Key bus routes in central London

London Official Guide 2014 39 THE BEST BIG CITY ON EARTH