Things To Do: Halloween and Bonfire Night 2016

September 22, 2016September 22, 2016 London Magical Tours

We are very much looking forward to what London has to offer over the next few months.

With Halloween and the Bonfire Night festivities on the way, here is a round up of our favourite upcoming events that should not be missed if you’re visiting London.

Halloween 2016: Monday 31st October

Get your face paint and fancy dress on – Halloween in London is easily one of the best nights out for kids and adults alike. There are loads of great things to do from:

– Picking your own pumpkin and carving it into a scary face down at Strawberry Farm

– Exploring the witches den and creating your own potions in Hyde Park’s Education Centre at the family-friendly open day.

– Getting make up tips so that you can perfect your ‘scary face’ at the London Dungeon.

Young visitors learning about London on a private tour

Bonfire Night 2016: Saturday 5th November

Bonfire night, otherwise known as “Fireworks Night” or “Guy Fawkes Night”, is the anniversary of the 5th November 1605, when Guy Fawkes’ plot to blow up the House of Parliament came to a spectacular end. In London and throughout the UK, we celebrate the occasion by lighting the night with spectacular firework displays!

bonfire

London Magical Tours’ London Night Tours are an experience not to be missed and are a great way of viewing London with children this Halloween and Guy Fawkes night.

As night falls over London, the city’s old Victorian lamps become lit. From the bright lights of the West End, to illuminated icons like Waterloo Bridge and the spectacular Houses of Parliament: discover the best of London with your own professional tour team. Come and join us!

The Advantages of Private Tours

August 30, 2016August 30, 2016 London Magical Tours

Discovering a city with a own Tour Guide and, in addition, your own chauffeur: Magical

Discovering a city with your own Tour Guide and, in addition, your own chauffeur: Magical!

The Magical Tours brand offers the exclusivity of providing guests their own tour team on its private tours. That’s one person to lead the excursion, your professional tour guide, and in addition, there is also your own chauffeur to drive and take care of the road and parking.

Want to know about the advantages of this service? Here are a a few reasons to go down the private route:

Flexibility

If you have ever been on a tour on a large bus, then you have first hand experience at how unflexible this type of tour can be. Private Tours shine because they offer a personal experience. You are able to, for example, ask for specific requests and stops during your visit. Your tour guide is there exclusively for your party: you can ask as many questions, take photos and seek the best place to have refreshments – all at your leisure, ensuring a memorable time is had by all.

Why join the masses on a sub par experience?

Away from the crowds

With a Private Tour, you are accompanied by your very own tour guide and chauffeur, who are there to meet your sight-seeing needs. Having a team at your disposal means that you can be taken to the famous landmarks away from the hustle and bustle, beyond the crowds of tourists. It is like having a knowledge friend taking you on an adventure through some of the world’s best cities. What’s more, you can go off the beaten path into areas that even many locals themselves are unfamiliar with.

Guests smiling as they skip the lines – even on a rainy day!

Safety

Your safety and comfort should be the utmost priority. Learning all about a city should be a pleasurable and fun experience. Unfortunately over recent years, safety in large cities is becoming an increasing major concern. Our chauffeurs have all gone through the highest background checks. Your chauffeur will be with the vehicle at all times, belongings can stay safe while you are out sightseeing. Why risk your safety any other way?

Transport

A huge benefit of going on the Magical Tours brand of private tours is that you are provided with an additional chauffeur, travelling in a vehicle exclusively for your party. This means there are no parking worries and no extra fees to be paid when visiting. Your chauffeur and guide simply take you on an adventure around the capital and while your tour guide explores the landmarks with you, the chauffeur is attending the vehicle at all times.

Great Value

Some people hear the words Private Tour and automatically think this will be cost prohibitive. Yet this could not be further from the truth. Families are normally very surprised at how much better value for money is offered by private tours, especially when there are several members in a party to spread the cost. Once all the extra costs are taken into consideration, private tours can often work out at a better per person price than going on a shared tour with other strangers. And for those really looking for an exclusive experience, options are available to upgrade to our VIP Level Tours.

Visiting London or Paris soon? Read more about our Private London Tours and Private Paris Tours to help make your next vacation one to really remember!

2 Birthdays for a very special Queen – Happy Birthday to Her Majesty!

April 13, 2016June 9, 2021 London Magical Tours

The month of April is not only the first full month of British Springtime, but it also marks a special day for her Majesty. Thats right, this month Queen Elizabeth will be celebrating her 90th birthday!

The Queen celebrates two birthdays each year: her actual birthday on the 21st of April and her official birthday on a Saturday in June. Not many are fortunate to have two birthdays a year!

The tradition of having 2 birthdays dates back to the time of King Edward VII, who’s real date of birth fell in November. Naturally, he preferred to celebrate it during the sunnier months of Summer and decided to hold his birthday parade, known as the Trooping of the Colour, during May or June.

The special day for Her Majesty will be marked by gun salutes all around London at mid-day: in Hyde Park, Windsor Great Park and at the Tower of London. Make sure you are here for the celebrations and book your Private London Tour to make sure you have the best seat in the house!

We wanted to send a huge birthday greeting to Her Majesty for being such a great ambassador for the United Kingdom and for all the great work she has done over all these years. Thank you for being a brilliant Queen!

Young visitors on our tours have also been celebrating: here are a few words and drawings made by children on our family friendly London tours, congratulating the Queen.

Isn’t this beautiful? One of our young visitor’s painting of the Queen celebrating her birthday – Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria (from left to right)

God Save the Queen – Great work from Clarie Robertson, age 12 on her visit to London

Spring has arrived in London!

April 6, 2016 London Magical Tours

The sunshine has finally made its way back to London. Without doubt, the spring and summer seasons are fantastic times of the year to visit the capital and always help make outings and day trips that much better!

Big Ben looking glorious in the London Spring Sun

So what are we looking forward to over the coming months? Well to begin with, there’s:

– Strawberries and cream at the Wimbledon Lawn tennis club
– UEFA Euro 2016 Football. Its been four years since the last tournament: catch the best matches on big screens all over London or for the more adventurous, pop over to Paris to see the games live with our friends at Paris Magical Tours.
– Music festivals, garden parties and lunches at roof top terrace pubs

– The horse racing season, including Royal Ascot: ladies in fine hats and dresses and gentlemen in tails

– Royal Celebrations: The Trooping of the Colour to celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th birthday and the Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle: a stunning display of British tradition at its very best.
… and last but not least: more more hours of sunshine goodness!

London will also host for the very first time the London Games Festival. Celebrating everything from culture, art, the business of games and video games – there is something for everyone including workshops, activities and the largest Monopoly board in Trafalgar Square!

Did you know that the Queen is lucky enough to have 2 birthdays? That’s right: although Her Majesty’s official birthday is in June, the Queen’s actual birthday falls on the 21st April. Look out for gun salutes being fired in Central London to mark the occasion.

Why not book a day out in London and spoil family and friends this Spring 2016? To make sure you have a wonderful experience this Spring, make sure to visit London Magical Tours to find out all about their fantastic days out.

February: the month of love in London

February 6, 2016 London Magical Tours

There are so many things to do in London to spoil that special someone.

Valentines day is on a Sunday this year so there is really no better time (or excuse) to go all out and unleash the inner romantic in you!

Here at the London Blog we have your back covered if you are wanting to do something more than the normal box of chocolates and flowers:

1. Take advantage of the weekend:

Some people say that you should be romantic everyday, not just on Valentines Day. So be a man/woman of your word and treat your partner to a weekends worth of Valentines surprises. From a cupid capsule on the London Eye with champagne to the National Art Gallery – London has plenty to offer.

2. The element of surprise: Leave the flowers and chocolates behind

Nothing kills romance more than unoriginality. So if you’re going to do the flowers and chocolates, get them out of the way early – give your partner these gifts at the start of the day. This will keep you partner guessing as to what else you have planned. Your gifts and surprises are your time to show off – so why not take your date to a gallery or museum? Head to the National Art Gallery to view spectacular paintings by the likes of Turner and Constable, Gericault ,Friedrich and 19th century romantics.

3. Be pro Green:

Sometimes some quite time with your partner is all that is required. Make the most of the fact that London is home to stunning Royal Parks such as Green park, Hyde Park, St. James’ Park. If you are feeling adventurous, why not surprise your loved one with a horse back ride in Hyde Park or a romantic stroll through gorgeous scenery in St. james Park: a la 101 Dalmatians.

4: Eating Out:

Piccadilly is home to the Queen’s official supplier of tea. Spoil your date with perfectly hand crafted sandwiches, scones with clotted Somerset cream and a selection of delicious afternoon cakes along with a choice of hot drinks such as tea, chocolate or coffee. So if you want to add that extra element of Royalty, refreshments at Fortnum and Mason are a must!

5. Theatre land:

There are plenty of musicals, comedies and stand out performances that are sure to set pulses racing. A night out at the Comedy Club is a great way to lighten the mood and bring out your inner comedian.

For something a little more soothing: The Burt Bacharach Musical “Close to you” playing at the Criterion Theatre is filled with some of the greatest love songs including I say a little prayer and what the world needs now is Love.

London Magical Tours is offering romantic tours throughout the month of February including Saturday 13th and Sunday of 14th of February . The London Night Tour takes on a special romantic twist: as part of their London VIP Tours, it includes the best romantic highlights of Royal London and the option to have all the above ideas pre-booked for you, including theatre tickets to help make the most of your Valentines Day 2016.

We would love to hear what your favourite places are in London for a little romance. Tell us about your ideal date locations by leaving a comment below!