If you plan on visiting London you’ve probably got an itinerary as long as your arm planned. There’s always so much to do and so little time, but there are certain things that just can’t be missed – like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. However, there’s actually a way of seeing a host of the city’s most iconic attractions from a very different angle than a queue with a hundred other tourists.
Here are four places to get high on the breathtaking bird’s eye view over London.
The Shard
The newest (and arguably most impressive) addition to the sky-high vantage points of the city, The Shard, offers a stomach-churning view over the City and beyond from the tallest building in London. At 306 metres high, the impressive panorama encompasses everything from the HMS Belfast to the London Eye. The price of admission is almost as steep as the super fast lift to the viewing level.
The OXO Tower
If you like a few bubbles with your views, head up to the restaurant and bar level of the famous OXO Tower on the Southbank. You can enjoy fine dining in the restaurant or brasserie and sip a glass of champagne while taking in the spectacular evening views over St Paul’s and the rest of the city skyline.
[mapsmarker marker=”91″]
The London Eye
One of the city’s most popular attractions (so book a ticket to skip the queue or be prepared for a long wait), the giant London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. At 135 metres high, it gives a magnificent, slow moving view from the huge glass observation cars over Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, along the River Thames and across the sprawling diorama of the city.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Once you’ve seen everything there is to see inside this magnificent cathedral, take a deep breath and head up the narrow staircase to the viewing platforms at the top of its famous dome. The 360-degree views are well worth the effort it takes to get up to the two external galleries, and you’ll be able to see right across the city, taking in views of the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and all the way out to Wembley Stadium.
How to Get to London
As a major economic and tourist hub, there are plenty of ways to get to London. The city has six international airports, including the busiest, Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and London City. We can provide London transfers from any of the airports to get you to your accommodation in the centre of the city or surrounding areas. The fast and supremely comfortable Eurostar train connects London to several European cities from Kings Cross St Pancras, while the national rail network is highly efficient, if a little expensive. There are also plenty of bus connections from all over the UK, Scotland and Wales.
[mapsmarker marker=”8″]
Where to Stay
Colliers Hotel – Affordable and central, Colliers Hotel is minutes from Victoria Station and within walking distance of a host of high profile attractions including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Offering comfortable bed and breakfast facilities, Colliers Hotel is a friendly family run establishment. There is a mix of rooms with shared or ensuite bathrooms and all rooms have TVs.
Central Park Hotel – Just 100 metres from London’s famous Hyde Park, the Central Park Hotel is also at walking distance from Oxford Street and Kensington High Street. The hotel has 24-hour reception, a lounge area and a cocktail bar. All rooms have private bathrooms, satellite TV and hairdryers. The Central Park Hotel is 2 minutes from Queensway Underground, which lies on the Central Line.
The Park Tower Knightsbridge – Offering luxury accommodation in the heart of ritzy Knightsbridge, the Park Tower Knightsbridge is right next door to the famous Harvey Nichols and just 5 minutes’ walk from Harrods. All rooms feature amazing views, on demand movies, Internet access and iPod dock. There is an award winning fine-dining restaurant onsite as well as a sophisticated club bar.
.jpg){kind=link}