• Galvin Demoiselle at Harrods March 22, 2012
    Overlooking Harrods Food Hall, Galvin Demoiselle serves seasonal dishes and light bites and is the perfect shoppers' pit stop […]
  • Cinnamon Soho March 22, 2012
    Cinnamon Soho serves an all-day menu of Indian fare plus a few British favourites […]
  • The Jugged Hare March 22, 2012
    The Jugged Hare gastro pub serves traditional British dishes, and is housed in a 16th-century brewery in the City of London […]
  • Ceviche March 22, 2012
    Ceviche is the speciality at this Peruvian restaurant in Soho, which also serves salads, grilled skewers and pisco sours […]
  • Gillray's Steakhouse and Bar March 22, 2012
    If you're looking for a quintessentially English dining experience, head to new steakhouse and bar Gillray's at County Hall […]

Beautiful London

london

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."

-Samuel Johnson, 1777

London Tours

SeeLondon in style...

Visit our Tour page for more information

London Rocks!

Our Rock 'n' Roll tour takes you to the heart of the British Beat...

Visit our Rock 'n' Roll page for more information

Visit Harry Potter’s London!

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Book a Harry Potter Taxi Tour Online or phone +44 (0)203 00 44 953

See the London film locations used in all 7  films, including Deathly Hallows!

  • Stop for a photo shoot at ‘Platform 9 ¾’!
  • Have that camera ready again as we approach the ‘Leaky Cauldron’ and walk in the footsteps of Harry and Hagrin in the Victorian Leadenhall Market
  • Check out ‘Gringotts Wizards Bank’!
  • Follow the route of the ‘Knight Bus’ around those little streets!
  • Brockdale Bridge is in one piece and you can walk across it!
  • Pick-up and drop-off at any central London location inclusive in tour price
  • If you have a long flight layover and want a Harry Potter Tour of London, we can pick you up at the airport and deliver you back in time for your departing flight (extra fare may apply)
  • A safe and comfortable tour in a Licensed London Black Taxi

Prices and More Information

Please visit our Harry Potter page.

All taxis are wheelchair accessible.

To Book:

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Harry Potter Tours at:

www.londonblacktaxis.net and www.londonblacktaxitours.net

+44 (0)203 00 44 953

The Tower of London

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Book a Taxi Tour Online or phone +44 (0)203 00 44 953 or send us a message.

Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London (and historically as The Tower), is a historic monument in central London, England, on the north bank of the River Thames. It is located within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and is separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It is the oldest building used by the British government.

The Tower of London is often identified with the White Tower, the original stark square fortress built by William the Conqueror in 1078. However, the tower as a whole is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat.

The tower’s primary function was a fortress, a royal palace, and a prison (particularly for high status and royal prisoners, such as the Princes in the Tower and the future Queen Elizabeth I). This last use has led to the phrase “sent to the Tower” (meaning “imprisoned”). It has also served as a place of execution and torture, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, the Royal Mint, a public records office, an observatory, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

See the Tower of London on our London Highlights tour

Parliament

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Book a Taxi Tour Online or phone +44 (0)203 00 44 953 or send us a message.

Parliament: The political institution

Parliament, as a political institution, has developed over hundreds of years. During that period the two distinct Houses – Commons and Lords – emerged and the balance of power between Parliament and the monarchy changed dramatically.

Parliament: The building

Where Parliament now stands has been a centre of authority for over a thousand years. Once the home of the royal family, and still officially a royal palace, the buildings that now make up the modern Houses of Parliament have developed through design, accident and attack.

Big Ben

The name Big Ben is often used to describe the tower, the clock and the bell but the name was first given to the Great Bell. 1859 was the beginning for all three elements when the Clock Tower was completed, the Great Clock started on 31 May and the Great Bell’s chimes were heard for the first time on 11 July.

The Clock Tower owes its existence to a fire in 1834 that destroyed most of Parliament. It was completed in 1859 and Parliament celebrates its 150th anniversary during 2009.

Westminster Hall

Over nine hundred years old and with the largest medieval roof in Northern Europe, Westminster Hall has survived bombs and fire and seen trials, banquets and more throughout the ages.

Westminster Hall is the only major part of the ancient Palace of Westminster which survives in its original form.

The hall was built from 1097-99 on the orders of William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror. Today it is often used for important events and state occasions, such as the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.

If you want to to know more about Parliament, visit the Offical Parliament Website.

See Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Hall on our London Highlights Tour

The National Gallery

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Book a Taxi Tour Online or phone +44 (0)203 00 44 953

The National Gallery in London houses one of the greatest collections of Western European painting in the world. These pictures belong to the public and entrance to see them is free.

In April 1824 the House of Commons agreed to pay £57,000 for the picture collection of the banker John Julius Angerstein. The 38 pictures were intended to form the core of a new national collection, for the enjoyment and education of all. Until a gallery building was constructed, the pictures were displayed at Angerstein’s house in Pall Mall.

Public criticism of the inadequate accommodation for the growing national collection, led to the decision to construct a purpose-built gallery. The current site in Trafalgar Square was chosen, as the crossroads of London, where the collection would be accessible to the rich people travelling from West London in their carriages, and on foot to the poor of the East End.

The National Gallery was established for the benefit of all. With a commitment to free admission, a central and accessible site, and extended opening hours the Gallery has ensured that its collection can be enjoyed by the widest public possible, and not become the exclusive preserve of the privileged. The Gallery continues to pursue a vigorous and socially inclusive outreach programme, and caters to the needs of all groups in society.

See the National Gallery on our London Highlights tour

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A Makeover for a London Shopping Icon Liberty

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Prior to the makeover, Liberty’s layout felt cluttered and slightly claustrophobic. Without losing retail space the shop has been transformed by the use of big mirrors, revealing windows and removing doors. The space is dotted with comfy sofas, creating calm zones for shoppers and their companions to take a breather and relax. Original design features of the six-floor store, like the wood paneling taken from two former Royal Navy ships and a central atrium, remain.

Liberty, located in Central London’s Regent Street, was founded by Arthur Lazenby in 1875 as an oriental-import emporium. Over the years, fabrics, furnishings and decoration departments were introduced as well as jewelry, arts and crafts, and cosmetics, with a particular emphasis on eccentricity. No less an trendsetter than Oscar Wilde once described it as “the chosen resort of the artistic shopper.”

Liberty has a history of collaborating with influential artists. Soon after it opened artists and designers like Aubrey Beardsley, Paul Poiret and Dante Gabriel Rossetti helped produce its first range of floral prints. That relationship between store and artist has continued: The Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry — whose public alter ego, Claire, is a proud devotee of the store — is one of six contemporary artists working on the current range of fabrics. One of his designs is made up of a tangle of bicycles, another is inspired by the recent BBC costume drama “Cranford.”

For anyone who wants to create their own designs there is a fabric, knitting wool and haberdashery section. Knitting, crochet, patchwork, sewing and ragdoll-making lessons are bookable.

A respite from retail therapy can be taken in any of the 3 eateries within the store: a champagne and oyster bar; a tea room; and Café Liberty.

Tour London’s Shopping Icons

London is a world-class shopping venue.  On our London Highlights Tour and Customised London Tour, you can see some of London’s shopping icons such as Liberty, Harrods, and Selfridges.

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 +44 (0)203 00 44 953 

Children Love London, too

dianas-pirate-shipLondon has an amazing number of things for kids to do. There are plenty of fun activities in London that will keep the whole family amused or make for interesting birthday party festivities.

Museums and Exhibitions

The Natural History Museum is one of London’s most popular attractions, and it has dozens of Interactive Learning events specially designed to keep children entertained and informed.

The Museum of Childhood is renowned for its brilliant programme of exhibitions and events that give kids a chance to explore their creativity. The Museum is widely praised for their daily activities, which feature arts and crafts or games that educate children about the exhibits.

Outside of central London you will find the riveting Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, the village where the late author wrote his most popular tales.

Theatre

The Unicorn Theatre has a grand tradition in children’s entertainment that will appeal to the accompanying adults as well as kids.

Polka Children’s Theatre, which offers a full programme of events and repeat performances of the most popular shows on a Saturday so whole families can attend.

The Puppet Theatre Barge, moored on the Thames, specialises in innovative Marionette theatre projects.

In the West End theatres, classics such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat or Lion King will enrapture the whole family.

Entertainment and Attractions

Some of the larger London tourist attractions such as the London Dungeons and the Mirror Maze at Ripley’s Believe it or Not are very popular with kids.

When it comes time to relax, visit the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Hyde Park. This playground is home to a gigantic pirate ship complete with ropes and pulleys that will tire out even the most energetic of your brood.

Perhaps choose from one of London’s many day workshops, which will give you a little break as well as teaching your kids some valuable new skills. Among the best ones available are The Kid’s Cookery School where they’ll learn how to make healthy food and The Circus Space where children as young as eight can pick up some nifty juggling or acrobatic skills.

Tours

Ride the Big Bus. Or better yet, treat the kids to a ride in one of our famous London Black Taxis by taking a Taxi Tour of London.

So take the kids to London and have a lovely day together!

www.londonblacktaxitours.net

www.londonblacktaxis.net

+44 (0)203 00 44 953

East London: Quirky Fashion, Contemporary Art, & Unique Nosh

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There are still some corners of London where quirky fashion, contemporary art, & cultural food thrives.

Go East to find areas that thrive with items crafted by young British designers. Brick Lane is one of those areas.

An old building that used to be the Truman Brewery stands out from the rest of the street and is packed with independent shops. The Truman Brewery has been an important creative and cultural hub.

One shop at the old brewery sells clothing made out recycled material. You can make a one-of-a-kind item from one of your old garments; just bring it to the shop and the designer will make it into a new item for you. Other shops sell vintage clothing.

Many shops in the area encourage young designers to display their collections by offering affordable rental rates, allowing talent scouts from major chains to find budding designers.

Besides Brick Lane and the Truman Brewery, East London has several neighborhoods boasting dozens of independent shops. Socially aware shoppers can buy a wedge card from www.wedgecard.co.uk for 10 pounds, of which 5 goes to a local charity. The card allows you to support local shops while obtaining special offers and discounts from over 150 businesses in the East End.

Apart from shopping, East London is also increasingly known for contemporary art, with many galleries, museums and shops. With more than 80 art galleries, there’s something for everyone’s taste in the East End. Don’t miss the famous WhiteCube and Whitechapel Art Gallery, but also look out for hidden gems scattered all around this area waiting to be discovered. Dozens of the area’s galleries host cultural events and contemporary art exhibitions.

And talk about food! If you’re after comfort food, Brick Lane is THE place for bagels and baltis. If you are craving a curry or just need a quick bite, head for the famous Brick Lane Beigel Bake, which is ALWAYS open–24 hours a day, 365 days a year. (You are sure to see one or two London Black Taxi drivers in there at any time of the day or night!)

Want to Visit East London?

If you have a notion to visit this quirky corner of London, we can whisk you there on our Customised London Tour.

+44 (0)203 00 44 953

www.londonblacktaxitours.net

www.londonblacktaxis.net