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London Underground Tours

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:33:49 +0000

I have to admit I've never done a guided tour of London on the Underground but it is very appealing on a chilly, winter day. (Especially with the amount of rain we've had lately.)

So here's your option for a dry, warm, 2-hour tour on the London Underground, with a guide pointing out lots of things you would simply never notice on your own. Insider London's private tours cover facts and stories, and 150 years of history, behind our equally loved and loathed London Underground.

I'm going to have to try this to find out where the ghost station is on the Central Line, and to discover what is the 'Viking Line'.

If you really love the tube then there is a 6-hour tour which goes both above ground and below to show you remarkable sights such as its bomb shelter architecture and the scandalous figures at the Underground's headquarters.

For booking and more information see: http://www.insider-london.co.uk.

Image: © Cate Gillon/Getty Images | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

London Underground Tours originally appeared on About.com London Travel on Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 00:33:49.

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Twelfth Night Free Festival

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:09:17 +0000

Twelfth Night is an annual seasonal celebration held outside the Shakespeare's Globe, near Tate Modern, to mark the end of Christmas and welcome the New Year, mixing ancient seasonal customs with contemporary festivity. It is free, accessible to all and happens whatever the weather.

I saw this for the first time a couple of years ago and was surprised how popular it was. I was lucky enough to be right at the front for the Mummer's Play where the actors performed a freestyle Folk Combat Play of St. George, featuring the Turkey Sniper, Clever Legs, the Old 'Oss and many others. It was true family fun and I laughed loads. See my photos and find out more about this great tradition: Twelfth Night Festival Gallery.

Date: Sunday 3 January 2010
Time: 2pm
Venue: Outside Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Image: The Holly Man © Laura Porter | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

Twelfth Night Free Festival originally appeared on About.com London Travel on Sunday, December 20th, 2009 at 00:09:17.

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Le Cirque with The Milestone Hotel

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:13:15 +0000

Cirque de Soleil is coming to town again in January 2010 and the luxurious Milestone Hotel in Kensington, invites you to experience this incredible troupe whilst enjoying a stay at this award-winning hotel.

Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a special return visit to the Royal Albert Hall from 5 January to 13 February 2010. This legendary theater company began when a group of street performers in Quebec decided to create a new venue for their passion. Under the guidance of Guy Laliberte, Cirque du Soleil has used its passion for creativity and innovation to redefine the entertainment landscape, and thrill audiences all around the world.

The Milestone Hotel has created a special package that will further enhance the overall experience. Guests will be treated to a welcome glass of champagne, pre-show three-course dinner with dessert served on their return, two tickets to the show with two programs, a night's stay, and Full English Breakfast the next morning.

Book early due to limited availability of tickets. Call + 44 (0) 207 958 7727 or book online at www.milestonehotel.com.

Red Carnation Hotels in London

Image: © Laura Porter | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

Le Cirque with The Milestone Hotel originally appeared on About.com London Travel on Saturday, December 19th, 2009 at 12:13:15.

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Red Carnation MD Hotelier of the Year

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:34:36 +0000

Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director of Red Carnation Hotels, has been voted 2009 Hotelier of the Year at the Hotel Cateys Awards. (The Hotel Catey's are regarded as the Oscars of the hotel industry.)

Jonathan joined Red Carnation Hotels in 1998 as General Manager of The Rubens Hotel and by 2000 he was promoted to Managing Director, overseeing the rapid expansion to the thirteen international properties the group now operates across three continents.

He commented, "I'm delighted, but humbled, to accept this award. Our promise - 'No request is too large, no detail too small' - puts huge demands on every member of staff, but we are fortunate to have a group of individuals who are passionately committed to rising to the challenge."

Red Carnation's Director of Human Resources and Training, Liz McGivern, received the Human Resources Manager of the Year Award. These awards follow the five star Milestone Hotel being voted No.1 British Hotel in the Cond� Nast Traveler Gold List World's Best Hotels 2009.

Red Carnation Hotels in London

Image: © RCH | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

Red Carnation MD Hotelier of the Year originally appeared on About.com London Travel on Saturday, December 19th, 2009 at 00:34:36.

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Langham London Afternoon Tea Review

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:25:25 +0000

The Palm Court at The Langham London is famed as the place where the tradition of afternoon tea was born. The hotel has undergone a complete, but sympathetic, refurbishment and reminds you of the era when the hotel opened in 1865 when Victorian society gathered to enjoy the indulgent splendors offered by The Langham.

Have you had afternoon tea at The Langham London? You can add your review or comments to mine: Langham London Afternoon Tea.

Further Afternoon Tea Resources

Langham London Afternoon Tea Review
Best Afternoon Tea in London
Top 10 London Tea Suppliers
Tea Masterclass
Where To Buy and Try Chocolate in London

Image: © Langham London | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

Langham London Afternoon Tea Review originally appeared on About.com London Travel on Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 00:25:25.

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New Year's Day Parade London 2010

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:49 +0000

London's New Year's Day Parade started in 1987 and has raised or donated nearly a million pounds to a wide range of charities.

More than 10,000 performers representing 20 countries worldwide and more than half a million spectators line the 2 mile route. Around 200 million TV viewers watch The London New Year's Day Parade around the world so it's a very popular event.

Image: © NewsPics Ltd | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

New Year's Day Parade London 2010 originally appeared on About.com London Travel on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 00:00:49.

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Camden Lock Carrot Hunt

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:45:07 +0000

Every weekday until Christmas Eve, from 11am to 5pm, Camden Lock have a fun, free treasure hunt with a Christmas twist. You've got to find hidden magic carrots for Santa's reindeer.

Hundreds of magic carrots are hidden all over Camden Lock. Pick up a map on site, collect as many as you can, and go to the Carrot Counting House by the boats in the West Yard. Every child receives a gift, and a letter from Santa's helpers afterwards. Their carrots will be counted and logged; with prizes for the children who collect the most, from canal boat trips to tea and carrot cake at the teashop, juggling tricks, and more.

More information at www.camdenlockmarket.com
Children must be accompanied.

Christmas in London Resources

Christmas 2009 in London
London Christmas Lights Annual Galleries
Harrods and Selfridges Christmas Grottos 2009
Top Ten Things to Do at Christmas in London
Christmas Day Dining in London
South Bank at Christmas
London Ice Rinks
London Christmas Gift Ideas

Image: © Laura Porter | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

Camden Lock Carrot Hunt originally appeared on About.com London Travel on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 at 08:45:07.

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tkts Leicester Square

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:08:39 +0000

tkts was founded in 1980 as the Half Price Ticket Booth and is the only official half price and discount theater ticket outlet operated by the Society of London Theatre, the industry body that represents London theaters. Tickets are available on the day and up to a week in advance. Find out about tkts...

tkts Leicester Square
Get Into London Theatre (Theater offers on now)
London Christmas Gift Ideas
National Theatre Backstage Tours
Wicked The Musical Review
Wicked Photo Gallery

tkts Leicester Square originally appeared on About.com London Travel on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 at 00:08:39.

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Get Busy With the Fizzy in London!

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:39:14 +0000

Ah, we love nostalgia at this time of year, don't we, but are you nostalgic for fizzy drinks from the 80s? You are! Well, this is for you.

The SodaStream Pop-up Shop is on for two days only in Camden on Wednesday 16 December and Thursday 17 December (10am-6pm both days).

There will be a SodaStream mixologist creating bespoke mocktails with brand new and original flavors. And once you've overdosed on sweet fizzy drinks join in with the 80s themed games and hit the dance floor with the retro tunes.

If you want to take the fun home with you, the store is selling customized SodaStream machines by up-and-coming artist Dan Stafford plus limited edition products designed by special guests.

Dates: Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 December 2009
Venue: 73 Parkway, Camden, NW1 8PP

Image source: Frank PR | London Travel Blog | Follow AboutLondon on Twitter

Get Busy With the Fizzy in London! originally appeared on About.com London Travel on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 06:39:14.

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Mamma Mia! The Movie on 100ft Screen

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:27:39 +0000

On Saturday 24 January 2010 The O2 arena is hosting the biggest screening ever of the hit film, Mamma Mia! A giant 100 ft screen is being built so an audience of 12,000 can see their favorite movie in all its glory. The audience will be encouraged to dress up in their Mamma Mia! gear and also sing a long to all their favorite ABBA hits.

The Mamma Mia! movie has replicated the stage success and has grossed over �69.16 million at the UK box office and has been seen by over 4.6 million people in London. It also is the highest grossing film of all time at the UK and Irish box office.

Mamma Mia! will be shown twice at The O2 on 24 January with both an afternoon and evening viewing. Tickets are available now from www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.

Also In Greenwich:

Mamma Mia! The Movie on 100ft Screen originally appeared on About.com London Travel on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 00:27:39.

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