To diversify their trip, travelers can pre-select excursions and activities in the city. Tickets for many sightseeing and entertainment programs can be purchased online in advance, even when planning your trip to London. This is a great opportunity not to waste your time standing in long lines, especially since many of the city's attractions are only accessible on certain days.
DaTravel.com has shared a selection of the best entertainment in town, tickets for which can be purchased online in advance:
Christmas cruise on the Thames
There is no better way to experience the beauty and romance of London than on a cruise on the Thames in a modern, comfortable vessel. Also, this is a great opportunity to move around the city without traffic jams! Take in unparalleled views of London's most iconic landmarks from the ship's large panoramic windows during your cruise. You will see Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace, Big Ben, Churchill Museum, Wyatthall, London Horse Guards and more.
During the cruise, you will be offered a welcome drink upon arrival and a festive Christmas dinner featuring traditional English dishes - Butternut puree and thyme red pepper soup, turkey, dessert and white chocolate cake.
Harry Potter Sightseeing Bus Tour
Today England is associated not only with Big Ben, the monarchy and the famous English tea, but also with a wonderful film based on the novel of the same name by the writer J. K. Rowling, about the adventures of a young magician and wizard Harry Potter.
Travelers have an excellent opportunity to visit the filming locations of the world famous film and even dress up in any of the characters in the film. During the tour, you will learn a lot about filming an epic movie, about a wizard with a scar on his forehead, and discuss your favorite books. There are several exits from the bus to admire famous filming locations up close and take memorable pictures. Find the entrance to the Ministry of Magic shown in the movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, push the cart through the wall on platform 9 ¾.
The tour organizers will also test your observation and memory with a small quiz on the knowledge of the details of the plot of the books. The tour lasts about 3 hours. The ticket price includes transfer and guide services.
Visit to the London Aquarium
While in London, do not miss the opportunity to visit the unique and world famous London Aquarium. In 2009, after a global reconstruction, the aquarium literally received a "second life". With over 500 species of fish, 14 themed zones and over 2 million liters of water, the London Sea Life Aquarium is home to one of Europe's largest collections of marine life.
Here you will see the pools of the Amazon rainforest, hundreds of marine life from all over the world, including 46 sharks, as well as an impressive glass tunnel, behind whose rugged walls thousands of different fish from all over the world scurry. Walk on the glass floor under which carnivorous sharks swim, see dangerous African crocodiles in their natural habitat, and do not forget to peer into the sparkling kingdom of frost and snow, home of the gentoo penguins. Watch them as they dominate their arctic realms, as they splash and dive in a snow-covered pool, and learn the secrets of their survival in the coldest place on Earth.
The mysterious journey on three floors of the aquarium begins with a descent in a submarine elevator into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. On the way, you will see a stunning glass tunnel that offers guests an unforgettable experience of walking on the ocean floor. Many exciting encounters await you - from feeding stingrays to watching diving shows at the depths of the aquarium pools. Among the marine life you will see are green turtles, seahorses, octopuses, sharks and an unusual clown fish. The journey ends in the deepest and darkest zone of the Pacific Ocean, where you can walk through caves and see 10 species of sharks swimming under your feet under a glass platform.
Medieval banquet with Christmas dinner
Join Henry VIII and his court knights, troubadours, wizards, jugglers, ministers at a sumptuous medieval banquet where ale and wine flow like water. In the very center of London Beefeater next to the Thames and St Katharine docks, a two-minute walk from Tower Bridge and the Tower is the Beefeater restaurant, where you can find yourself in a real atmosphere of medieval London!
An experienced chef is in charge of the banquet, so you will definitely not be hungry. If you want to continue the fun - no problem, the music will play until midnight.
The ticket price includes:
- 5-course Christmas banquet
- red wine and ale
- fun show
- disco until midnight
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
When planning your trip to London, don't miss the opportunity to take cool selfies with Hollywood stars, even if made of wax. In Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, rope fences have been removed, so now you can come close to each wax figure and "communicate" with celebrities: great athletes, politicians and historical figures, in order to once again feel the spirit of the time, events and moments that glorified these people to the whole world …
By purchasing your museum ticket online in advance, you will receive an attractive discount without having to stand in the main line. For holders of online certificates for visiting Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, there is a separate queue and entrance.
At the museum, you will have the opportunity to walk the red carpet, where you can “strike a Hollywood pose” with Kate Winslet, “fight” with your favorite sports “star” such as Tom Daley or Lewis Hamilton. Begin your royal experience with the subjects, standing next to the Queen, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, while daring visitors are encouraged to face the fearsome serial killers in the "living" fear room - "The Scream".
New wax models of famous couples such as David and Victoria Beckham appear in the museum. They are presented along with other updated star figures.
London Eye Ferris Wheel
The best way to see the most important sights of London from above is to visit the London Eye. By purchasing your ticket to visit the Ferris wheel online, you can avoid long lines and get a 10% discount. The online ticket price includes a guide, and during the whole trip you will be accompanied by an individual manager, to whom you can contact with any question.
The London Eye is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world, its height is 137 meters! The London Eye has 32 booths - capsules, each of which can accommodate up to 25 guests. A 30-minute journey will allow you to see the magnificent panoramas of the city 40 meters around. The ticket includes a 30-minute ride on the Ferris wheel, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city's main attractions such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral.
The ticket price also includes a film screening of the London Eye 4D Experience! This is a touching story about the experiences of a little girl who for the first time saw how beautiful her beloved city looks from above. Colorful images in the booth and spectacular fireworks will add even more colorful emotions to your trip.
Please note that boarding time for the Ferris wheel starts 30 minutes prior to departure. Consider this time before visiting the attraction. You can also take a trip at sunset, then you will see the city in a completely different, colorful color.
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