Christmas in London 2018 – Things To Do

Christmas in London is magical. Truly magical.

The capital’s streets are filled with holiday lights and christmas markets open up throughout the city’s different neighbourhoods. Of course though, it wouldn’t quite be Christmas without the return of London Magical Tours’ annual holiday special tours: the 2018 London Christmas Tours dates have now been announced!

To mark the occasion and get your festive appetite going, here are a few of our favourite things to do for Christmas in London during November and December 2018:

Popular London Christmas Markets:

Most of the London Christmas markets open from mid-November and stay open into the new-year (early January). Some of the largest this year will be held at:

  • Leicester Square Christmas Market: In the centre of London’s West End and close to all the shops and theatres
  • Winter Wonderland: The Christmas Market at Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest in London. Set in Hyde Park, there are over 200 kiosks on site to spark your imagination and help you find that perfect christmas gift. Once you’ve found it, you can give into temptation and hop on to one of the many fair ground rides – you won’t regret it!
  • South-Bank Christmas Market: The South Bank’s Winter Market sees the area just south of the river Thames beautifuly transformed into a festive wonderland. With plenty on offer from stocking fillers to mince pies, there is truly something for everyone.

Ice Skating Rinks in London:

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  • The Natural History Museum Ice Rink: Grab your skates and visit this iconic museum in Albertropolis. The rink (pictured above) is a great place to unwind after a day out visiting the museums in South Kensington.
  • Somerset House Ice Rink: Still the most classic of locations to enjoy a winter’s night skating, the Somerset House ice rink has been featured in many a Christmas movie and is the perfect spot for skating under the stars. Look out for the special themed nights – not to be missed!

The London Christmas Lights:

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  • Oxford Street Christmas Lights: World-reknowned, Oxford Street has some of the most spectacular Christmas lights and festive store displays you will find – not just in London – but in the world.
  • Carnaby Street Christmas Lights: Fancy a cracking Christmas neighbourhood? Head down to fashionable Carnaby Street, where central London meets hip Soho for an eclectic festive mix: from great local food to unique holiday gift ideas.

Best places to shop in London during Christmas:

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  • Oxford Street, Regents Street, Piccadilly: Make your way from Oxford Street, down Regents Street though Piccadilly to cover all of the best Christmas themed shops in town.
  • Knightsbridge: From Harrods to Harvey Nicholls and the Sloane Street, there is much to discover in Knightsbridge for the holidays. Make sure to pay a special visit to Christmas World, a whole floor filled with toys, decorations and much, much more.

Christmas Carol’s in London:

  • St. Martins In the Fields: A traditional event where you will find some of the best choral recitals. For an added bonus, opt to go on the day of the annual Christmas Tree installation, courtesy of our Norwegian friends from Oslo.
  • The Royal Albert Hall: The annual Christmas festival is sure to get you in the festive mood. From classical christmas choirs to pop numbers, it’s a sure way to make your Christmas an unforgettable one.

Santa’s Grotto in London:

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  • Harrods Department Store: A christmas tradition like no other going back to 1955 , Harrods hosts Father Christmas in their very own Christmas Grotto. Journey through the gingerbread house where children will make memories that will last them a life time.
  • Hamley’s Toy Store: There’s nothing more exciting than visiting Hamley’s during the Christmas season. Hamley’s is the world’s oldest toy shop, 5 stories and a basement of fun, fun, fun. A must for any child visiting London.

 

London Magical Tours’ annual Christmas tours will run from 10th of November 2018 to 6th of January 2019.

Discover all of the above locations, plus many many more on the capital’s oldest and only fully themed Christmas tours by visiting: http://www.londonmagicaltours.com/london_tours_christmas_london_tour.html


President Donal Trump visits the United Kingdom

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The President of the United States, Donald Trump has arrived to the United Kingdom.

During his visit Mr. Trump will visit London, Windsor, Chequers (the countryside residence of the Prime Minster, Teresa May), as well as travelling to Scotland for a round of Golf.

Mr. Trump will also be spending time with the Queen. His visit comes as the government publishes its plans for the United Kingdom’s relation the European Union.

 


When Harry met Megan: Windsor and the Royal Wedding 2018

It’s not every year that the there is one big Royal event, let alone two. That makes 2018 a very special time to be visiting London and the UK:

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate) are due their third child any day and HRH Prince Henry of Wales (Harry) and Ms. Megan Markle are getting married!

There is always a sense of new beginnings in the air during Spring time. How wonderful then to know that a new generation is joining the Royal family this month. There is much excitement to see who will be joining HRH Prince George and his sister HRH Princess Charlotte:

 

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‘The Royal Wave’ – HRH Prince George and HRH Princess Charlotte with their parents

 

In an ever changing world it is nice to think of the Royal Family as an example of what it means to be a traditional united family in the 21st century. HRH Prince William is a member of the House of Windsor, and he along with his family will be attending the wedding of his brother HRH Prince Harry and Ms. Megan Markle on the 19th of May 2018.

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St. George’s Chapel, Windsor: the location of the Royal Wedding in May 2018

In anticipation of the event, London Magical Tours are seeing a great increase in interest in our Windsor Castle Tours. Windsor is a beautiful traditional English town on the banks of the River Thames, home to Her Majesty The Queen’s favourite countryside residence, the spectacular 1,000 year old Windsor Castle. It is in the grounds of the Castle that the Royal Wedding will take place, in the historic St. George’s Chapel.

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HRH Prince Harry and Ms. Megan Markle are due to marry in May of 2018

From everyone at London Magical Tours and the Cartland’s Group, we send our best wishes to the Royal family during this special time!


Valentines Day in London – How to be Romantic (2018 Style)

Ladies and gentlemen (but mainly gentlemen!) let’s face it, most of us leave Valentines preparations to the very last minute.

If a late dash for a box of chocolates and a bunch of red roses on the night before the 14th of February sounds too familiar, then read on to learn how to surprise your loved one and make this year the best Valentine’s Day ever:

Here are our top tips to bring out the Romantic in you (2018 Style):

1. The Chocolate Hotel:

They say chocolate is one of the best aphrodisiacs. So its’ time to ditch that old box of chocolates trick and go all out – spend the night at a chocolate themed room and earn big romance points.

Best served with: Champagne while Barry White’s ” I’m Gonna Love You Just a little Bit More” plays in the background. The possibilities are endless!

 

2. The London Eye:

A private capsule for two, soaring over the London skyline – what could be more perfect? No wonder over 7000 people have proposed on the London Eye.

Best served with: The London Sunset as your backdrop. Who said Romance was dead?

 

 

3. Romantic Tours for 2:

February is the month of love and London Magical Tours’ romance themed tours are a big highlight of the calendar.

The London Evening Tour takes on a special romantic twist: as part of our London VIP Tours, this private visit travelling in style with a professional tour guide and chauffeur includes the best romantic highlights of London and the option to have the above mentioned experiences such as the London Eye and chocolates all pre-booked for you. There is also the option of including theatre tickets to help make the most of Valentines Day 2018: the perfect way to finish a magical evening.

To hear what guests think of the London Magical Tours experience, click on the video link below:

 

For more details on our London Valentines Tours visit the London Magical Tours website.


London Summer 2017

School is out and the Summer holidays are in full swing. Here is our guide to the best things to do in London this Summer!

Buckingham Palace State Rooms: 22nd July to 1st October 2017 

Buckingham Palace is open to the public only during Summer time. No visit to London could be complete without a sneak peak into life at the most famous palace of them all. Admire the magnificent apartments where so many state functions take place and walk amongst the walls that so many Kings and Queens have called home – from Queen Victoria, all the way to our current Queen Elizabeth II.

Visit Buckingham Palace and look around at your leisure while the Royal Family are on their holidays

Visit Buckingham Palace. Hurry though – its only possible while the Royal Family are on their own holidays!

The BBC Proms: 14th July to 9th September 2017

Every year the Royal Albert Hall presents the Proms – a series of the world’s greatest orchestras and classical music. Whatever you musical taste though, there is certain to be something for everyone!

Running from 15th July to 10th Sep 2016

The BBC Proms live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Notting Hill Carnival: 27th August to 28th August 2017

Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s biggest street festival and represents London’s multiculturalism.

Filled with music, food and drink, the atmosphere is electric and fun for everyone – a sure highlight of the British Summertime!

Notting Hill Carnival, London from Sunday 28th August to Monday 29th August 2016

Notting Hill Carnival, London 2017

The National Art Gallery’s Magic Carpet Ride: July and August 2017

Kids at the National Art Gallery

The  National Art Gallery, London

The National Art Gallery are offering a fantastic way for children to learn all about art. Kids are welcome to listen to the stories behind the famous paintings  – while on a magic carpet ride – it’s not to be missed!

London Magical Tours: 1st July to 1st October 2017 

Young visitors learning about the magical of London on a private tour

Young visitors learning about the magical of London on a private tour

Kids and adults of all ages are welcome to discover the amazing stories of London on a London Magical Tour. Learn all about the capital with your family’s very own tour team: a professional tour guide alongside a qualified chauffeur, travelling in the comfort on a private vehicle – perfect to make the history of London come to life! Private Tours to Windsor, Oxford and surrounding cities are also available.