For the avid traveler, London is the ideal destination for a luxury vacation. Complete with its history of grandeur and the convenience of being in the capital, you’re sure to feel like royalty while exploring the city in style. Truly, there is just something extraordinary about London, and you’ll find that no matter how many times you’ve visited the city, this place will never fail to delight and surprise.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or purely traveling for leisure, GoWithGuide can help you plan out your days so you can bask in British opulence stress-free. Our guided tours are first-rate and customizable, perfect for relishing your holiday in luxury. With all the experiences and activities available around the city, we’ve done the research for you and have recommended four choice activities you can enjoy on your trip.
Cruise through the River Thames
The Experience
Let’s face it, you haven’t seen London if you’ve never been on a high-end dining cruise. London has a superb and iconic river made just for that purpose, and that’s the River Thames. It is 330km in length, and runs through the Cotswolds Hills, central London, and all the way to the south of the city. Dining cruises allow you to enjoy some bubbly while staying away from crowds, making it a flawless viewpoint to appreciate the glamor of the city from.
There are various intimate tours available for both day and night. If you only have a few hours to spare, you can always take an Uber Boat, which is actually a cable car running from Barking Riverside Pier in the East, to Putney Pier in the West. With more time comes more indulgence though. Some cruises offer meals while you listen to live entertainment and pass through London’s most famous attractions.
Travel Tips
If you would like to ensure you get a good table on the boat, it is essential to book your river cruise beforehand. It is also good to get some insider information on which tours best complement your preferences. Do you prefer dinner and a show, or more of a quiet romantic evening? Many options are available, but you can ask our friendly local guides for recommendations regarding the perfect river tours to suit your needs.
Charter a London Eye Private Pod
The Experience
London’s streets are winding mazes, and seeing all the historical landmarks while on board the London Eye is a must. First opened in 2000, the London Eye is also known as the Millenium Wheel. With 32 capsules completing a singular trip in half an hour, this massive ferris wheel has certainly become a principal symbol of the city’s modern skyline.
For a luxury London Eye experience, we recommend chartering a private pod to fully appreciate the ultimate 360° city view. By hiring your own pod, you have fast track access to boarding, making the process worry-free. If you’re looking for something more special, say for a birthday or any celebration, you can charter Cupid’s Pod, a private pod specifically designed for couples, complete with a bottle of champagne, luxury chocolate, and a private host.
Travel Tips
The pod can fit two to 25 people. The private pod allows you to appreciate London’s architecture, from Buckingham Palace all the way to Windsor Castle. Make sure you check the weather forecast though since it is best to reserve this experience for a clear day. Also, if you would like food and drinks on your ride, confirm this together with your online reservation, as consumables are available upon request.
Dress Up for Champagne & Afternoon Tea
The Experience
Afternoon tea is a quintessential English occurrence, dating back to 1840 when Anna Maria Russel, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, asked for some tea and bread at around 4 o’clock. At the time, supper was served fashionably late at 8 o’clock (and so the Duchess was reasonably hungry). This became a habit, then a social event for the upper class, and now a classic British tradition.
Head on over to the Ritz or Claridges and you’re sure to find an exquisite selection of teas and edibles. Both five star luxury hotels are august landmarks when it comes to affluence and elegance, reminiscent of old London. It is here where jet-setters and billionaires dine, so you are in the right place if you are looking for a lavish dining experience. To make your meal even more impressive, why not add some champagne to the mix? A typical champagne afternoon tea would include a glass of champagne at the beginning of your meal, followed by your traditional afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream, tea and biscuits, and pastries both sweet and savory.
Travel Tips
Although the rules may vary depending on the restaurant and the menu, the 3-tiered cake stand is usually enjoyed from bottom to top, and so the savory finger foods are eaten first. Additionally, to fully savor your scones, be sure to break your scone in half, and then add the clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd. We believe the best way to enjoy your afternoon tea is to do as the British do!
Shopping at Harrods
The Experience
As you enter the 7-storey, 19th century building in Knightsbridge, you’ll instantly feel like a celebrity. With hundreds of luxury stores stocked with thousands of high-end brands - from fashion to beauty to homeware, it is no wonder that the likes of Beyonce, Kate Middleton, and even the Queen stop by for some shopping here. Harrods did not start out as a department store initially, in fact, it was designed to sell only tea and groceries. Today, Harrods has grown not only into an internationally acclaimed department store, but has become its own brand.
Aside from shopping, the building actually holds some architectural wonders, such as the Egyptian escalators connecting all seven floors, a baroque-style dome, and art by Williams James Neatby displayed in the food hall. The department store literally has something for everyone, accurately representing its motto: “Omnia Omnibus Ubique - All Things for All People, Everywhere”.
Travel Tips
Take note of the department stores’ opening hours. From Mondays to Saturdays, Harrods is open from 10am to 9pm. On Sundays on the other hand, there is a browsing period from 11:30am to 12pm, meaning you are not allowed to buy anything at this time. Still, we believe it is best to visit as early as possible to avoid crowds and get the best shopping finds.
Conclusion
There is so much to explore in style around London, and we believe it’s best to do so with a private guide. By booking a private guide, you are sure to have a trouble-free holiday as you traverse cosmopolitan London. If you would like a private tour, GoWithGuide is also ready to help you plan out a customizable adventure unique to you.
Images: https://unsplash.com/
