London by Big Bus Tours
Copyright © by May Georgina DeLory
Things to do & places to see when in London
British Airways gives the royal treatment! http://bcove.me/moi5ueqn
Free museums!
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/
http://www.npg.org.uk/
GLAM IN STYLE! http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool
Explore 500 acres of historic landscape, where you’ll find open-air displays by some of the world’s finest artists, plus five stunning indoor galleries. http://www.ysp.co.uk/ In Leeds: http://www.henry-moore.org/hmi Take the train. Approximately two-hours from London. www.BritRail.com
Pea Shooting Championship Event! The annual event is held in Witcham, near Ely, Cambridgeshire. http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/News/Pea-shooting-championship-held.htm
30th Annual Race the train event! Boy you gotta do this. Tywyn, Mid Wales. Saturday 17 August, 2013.
- Rotary Challenge, 14 miles
- Quarry Challenge, 10k
- Dolgoch Challenge, 5.5 miles
- Tynllwynhen Challenge, 3.5 miles
- The Toddlers Trot is run around the perimeter of the race field and the start time may vary to fit in with the returning runners in the morning races. We do not mind who runs or what age you are, you can carry your baby should you wish. We normally have almost 250 entries for this event. http://www.racethetrain.com/
Ever fancied meeting a raven? You’ll meet plenty at the Tower of London. http://t.co/6jqsKDsKoN http://t.co/vaunkZpebT
Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace (ten-minute stroll from The Ritz London). There’s a lot to see and do on a Big Bus Tour of London, on the “Tube” (underground subway), and in the green parks! Don’t forget window shopping, too. Check out Hamley’s, London’s famous toy and games department store. Free entrance. See dates and times at end of this post.
Flash This:
Kate Middleton’s Tiny Purse Collection http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/blogs/fashion/kate-middletons-tiny-purse-collection-193400367.html …
Regimental Ceremony, Buckingham Palace
At 11:30 be prepared to be regaled during the 40-minute regimental ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace; it’s one of London’s great spectacles. The Guard departs the nearby Wellington Barracks at 11:27 accompanied by a band and marches via Birdcage Walk to the Palace. Early April into the summer the ceremony takes place daily, and on alternate days prior to April. Take the Tube to Green Park station and walk through the park to the street (about 10 minutes’ walk). Near the time of the parade you’ll hear the band playing their instruments as they march towards the palace. No cost to this event.
Splendour in a royal garden at Highgrove
Highgrove is the private residence of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Since 1980 HRH The Prince of Wales has worked to create one of the most imaginative and inspired gardens of our time. The Ritz London offers guests a private tour of the royal gardens at Highgrove. Valid for arrival at The Ritz on Sunday 26th May, this package includes: Two nights’ accommodation at The Ritz English Breakfast each morning Dinner in The Ritz Restaurant on Sunday night Coach transfer to Highgrove Private tour and lunch at Highgrove Champagne and Canapés at The Ritz on Monday evening Priced from £2,540, inclusive of value added tax, for two persons sharing a double or twin room. For more information and reservations please click here or alternatively contact our reservations team by telephone on: +44 (0)20 7493 8181 www.theritzlondon.com www.highgrovegardens.com
Top Hat at The Ritz
The Ritz London
Three-course pre theatre dinner at The Ritz Restaurant, a glass of champagne, top price theatre ticket to Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre, from £ 99. per person. Dinner at 5:30 pm Tuesday to Thursday for 7:30 theatre performance, 1st. November 2012 to September 2013 subject to availability. Quote “TopHat at The Ritz Package” when you make a reservation at The Ritz London hotel. Telephone +44 (0) 20 7907 7000. Tim Walker of The Sunday Telegraph raves about Top Hat, saying it’s the best thing he’s seen in 25-years! The Ritz Package offer is subject to availability. http://youtu.be/TVVJPa7GNrQ
The Three Belles/ Jazz at The Ritz London
JAZZ & SWING AT THE RITZ CLUB
Thursday, 30th May, 2013
At this month’s Jazz & Swing Night we introduce a very talented and entertaining trio from Portsmouth – The Three Belles. Trumpeter Quentin Collins will join us with his quartet playing tuneful neo-bop originals that will have you swinging from start to finish. And lastly, the long awaited return of vocalist Julez Hamilton will round off another memorable evening. 8:pm to late. Dress code: smart. Reservation: kelly@theritzclub.com Telephone: 0207 468 1353
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Charles Dickens’ former home in London reopens with great expectations http://bit.ly/VDywN3 . Link supplied by eTalk CTV News.
Marilyn Monroe: A British Love Affair is at the National Portrait Gallery, London from 29 September 2012—24 March 2013. Marilyn starred in the Prince and the Showgirl. Marilyn loved a lovely cup of tea…especially if enjoyed in the company of a handsome prince. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoWifilKK7E
You’ll be a hero when you take the kids on this London ride to see the River Thames. And it isn’t the famous ferris wheel. http://youtu.be/MvtZxUixARE
Hamleys famous toy department store. Magic games, too!
Big Bus Tour of London
The Ritz London (150 Piccadilly)
Coronation Festival at The Ritz London. 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation
Summer 2013: 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace from Thursday 11th July until Sunday 14th July 2013. The Coronation Festival will see the grounds of Buckingham Palace taken over by Royal Warrant holders – the official suppliers of goods and services to the Royal Households. Royal Warrants have become a mark of quality given the high standards demanded by our Royal Family and so visitors to the Coronation Festival can expect a stellar showcase of everything from haute cuisine to high quality home ware, luxurious automobiles to the finest vestments. As a proud participant of the Coronation Festival, The Ritz has created the ‘Festival Fantastic’ residential programme offering you the opportunity for ‘Puttin’ on The Ritz’.
The Festival Fantastic Programme includes:
Two nights’ accommodation English breakfast each morning Dinner in The Ritz Restaurant on one night An unique Ritz Coronation Festival gift Tickets to the Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace Ritz Champagne and Canapés at the Festival Value Added Tax Rate from £1,155 for a twin or double room The programme is available for arrivals from Thursday 11th July to Saturday 13th July 2013.
Cross the Atlantic ocean with CUNARD, New York to Southampton, England
Transatlantic crossing with Cunard Line, New York City to Southampton, England. Then take a cab to The Ritz London! For those of you looking to create a romantic experience that is unsurpassed then look no further than ‘A Ritz Rendezvous’. This residential 2013 package has been created with romantics in mind and offers you and your significant other the opportunity to disappear into the stylish glamour of The Ritz. Guests can enjoy a night in the plush comfort of a room and will arrive to a chilled bottle of Ritz Rosé Champagne as well as a little romantic gift courtesy of The Ritz. Dress to impress for an unforgettable dining experience in The Ritz Restaurant before retiring to the seclusion of your own room where you can revel in conspicuous comfort that will have you longing for every day to be Valentine’s Day. With rates from £840.00 including VAT for two people sharing, please call +44 (0)20 7300 2222 for further information.
To make a reservation or to gain further information on programmes at The Ritz, London please contact: THE RITZ LONDON 150 PICCADILLY LONDON W1J 9BR TELEPHONE +44 (0)20 7493 8181 FACSIMILE +44 (0)20 7493 2687 ENQUIRE@THERITZLONDON.COM WWW.THERITZLONDON.COM Don’t forget, Big Bus tours are outside The Ritz London hotel (Green Park underground entranceway). Purchase tour bus tickets at Big Bus locations.
The Shard in construction (now completed). London.
The “Shard” glass building in the city of London just opened. See this stunning structure as I did on a BIG BUS tour…you’ll see the tallest ferris wheel, and Stella McCartney’s fashion shop, too ( daughter of former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney and the late American photographer and animal rights activist, Linda McCartney). I got on the bus outside The Ritz, London hotel beside Green Park underground station where you can purchase Big Bus tickets. Great park for a walk to the Queen’s palace. www.bigbustours.com
Royals in Jordan, 2013. http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/life-in-pictures
The Ritz London’s Bar Manager, Jean Claude di Lizia, created the Ritz Club Royal Wedding Cocktail in celebration of the marriage of His Royal Highness, Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton. The cocktail is comprised of Martell XO Cognac, Cartron Creme de Cassis (a fruit liqueur made from blackcurrent berries grown on the hills of Burgundy, France), Grenadine, sugar, Ritz Rose Champagne and a few marinated red berries placed into the glass. A mixture befitting a royal coupling. Toll Free from USA. 1-877-748-9536. www.theritzlondon.com/giftshop www.theritzlondon.com
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London
The Ritz London / Palm Court for Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is served in The Palm Court with five daily sittings to handle the popularity of the long-standing ritual. Reservations weeks in advance are the order of the day; but for those arriving to The Ritz London on short notice, The Rivoli Bar with its panelled walls in polished camphor wood veneer and onyx marble cocktail bar counter entertains the identical tea service and freshly prepared cream cakes and freshly cut finger sandwiches as that of The Palm Court. (Rivoli Bar open daily from 2:pm.) Afternoon tea in The Palm Court serves as an alternative to lunch and begins at 11:30 a.m., finishing with a champagne tea at 7:30 p.m. One need not be an overnight guest of the hotel to enjoy either The Palm Court or The Rivoli Bar or dining of any sort at The Ritz London. If you really want to knock someone’s socks off, consider asking head mixologist at The Ritz London, Francesco Orefici, to create and name a bespoke cocktail just for YOU or someone you want to impress.
New York to London, England with Cunard
Cunard, Queen Mary 2
Travel like a pro with Peter! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLN_AOiHs14&feature=share&list=UUYLzScyXuSNHf72lBI6iRNQ www.cunard.com
Where Prince William met Kate
St. Andrews, Scotland is known for more than its greens—at least since the pretty Kate came on the scene. Kate Middleton starred in the now famous fashion show where it is said Prince William‘s head was first turned in Ms. Middleton’s direction. http://www.fairmont.com/standrews/hotelpackages/celebration/royalweddingpackage.htm
www.theritzlondon.com The Ritz Restaurant, Five Couverts classification. Winner of the Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea Award. Conde Nast Traveller UK Gold List 2010. The Ritz Club gaming rooms are as of May 13, 2013 open 24 hours 24/7.
Brit Rail
I love a good train ride! See Britain! Get your BritRail Pass by calling ACP Rail’s Call Center today at 1 866 938-RAIL (North America) or by visiting www.ACPRail.com or www.BritRail.com Remember to buy before taking flight as BritRail Passes cannot be purchased in Britain.
Travel by train London to York to see The Minster Cathedral, world renowned for its stain glass windows.
The Minster Cathedral, York, England
York is a vibrant city…here modern meets historical for a memorable journey. FREE day out for the whole family in York at the award winning National Railway Museum. 300 years of fascinating history in York’s only National Museum. http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/york www.visityork.org
www.atlantic-links.co.uk Saunton in north Devon will stage the English Amateur Championship in 2014. Saunton’s East and West Courses, recognised as two of the most distinguished links in south west England, have been given the honour of hosting the blue riband men’s event on England Golf’s 2014 calendar in late July in two years’ time.
A very cute pooch waiting for Will and Kate in Quebec City, Canada. http://travelglossary.wordpress.com/
The Chelsea Flower Show celebrates a birthday!
2013 Chelsea – the hot ticket (21-25 May)
http://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Chelsea-Flower-Show/2013/About-the-show
Established in 1913, on the grounds of the Chelsea Royal Hospital in London, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as it’s officially known, has become one of the most celebrated annual events in the world. Since its beginning, the show has grown from 244 exhibitors to over 500 and today the show attracts 161,000 visitors.
Over almost a century, the Chelsea Flower Show has seen radical changes in horticultural fashion, ranging in style from Japanese dwarf trees to an 80ft high pyramid garden! At the heart of Chelsea is the exhibition of plants staged in the Great Pavilion by nurserymen and women, professionals and amateurs.
Today, Chelsea is still viewed as the most important event in the horticultural, not to mention social calendar; a fashionable event, the hats and frocks are as much admired and elaborate as the flowers. And in addition to wandering around taking in flamboyant, innovative and fragrant displays, visitors usually indulge in the very British delights of scones and tea, Pimms and lemonade. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden www.golakes.co.uk
www.muncaster.co.uk
2013 will mark 200 years since the publication of Jane Austen’s classic novel,‘Pride and Prejudice’. See fabulous costumes, grand country houses and discover why this book inspired film adaptations, drama series and won an army of devoted fans.
Romance is in the air!
Jane Austen Festival, Bath, England – 2013 Jane Austen Festival dates – 13th to 21st September 2013
The Jane Austen festival takes place each year in Bath, an elegant Georgian city with strong Austen connections. It’s a grand, costumed affair, and you’ll see so many fancy gowns, top hats and bonnets that you’ll almost believe you’re back in Regency England.
Attend lunches, fairs, promenades, theatrical performances, lectures and workshops all related to Austen’s era, and be inundated with Austen-esque facts and experiences. Many of these are ticketed, so be sure to book in advance. http://www.janeausten.co.uk/festivalhome/
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice we are holding a ‘Netherfield Ball’ at the Guildhall in Bath on 22nd June 2013. For tickets and more information. Tickets Sold Out. Check out the Jane Austen gift shop. http://www.janeaustengiftshop.co.uk/ http://visitbath.co.uk/
Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life in Chawton, a Hampshire village between Winchester and London. This is where she did much of her later writing, including ‘Persuasion’ and ‘Emma’, and revised several of her earlier works. http://www.prideandprejudice200.org.uk/ http://www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk/
Chance to win a two-night stay in Bath, England. The closing date for competition entries is 20 May 2013. Read contest rules: https://competitions.visitbath.co.uk/competition/win-a-musical-2-night-break-in-bath/ Summer in Bath brings a whole feast of entertainment, as the whole city comes alive with the Bath International Music Festival (22 May – 2 June 2013) and the Fringe Festival (24 May – 9 June.)
Highclere Castle is the real Downton Abbey!
Highclere Castle in Berkshire (South East England) is the real castle that plays the role of Downton Abbey. Set in 1,000 acres of parkland, this Victorian manor is home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, whose family have lived on the site since 1679. Downton Abbey author, Julian Fellowes is a longstanding family friend and had Highclere in mind while penning the series.
The castle is open to visitors to experience Downton life in the flesh! Take an elegant tea at the café, stroll the fragrant gardens and luxuriate in the sumptuous rooms, many of which are used during filming. Buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/downton-abbey.html
Downton Abbey Tours: http://britmovietours.com/bookings/downton-abbey-tour-experience/
Highgrove Champagne Tea Tour
Champagne Tea Garden Tours at Highgrove in England. Garden tours take place weekdays only. Profits from Highgrove sales are donated to The Prince’s Charities Foundation (Prince Charles). All tours must be pre-booked and entrance is by ticket only. Booking: To book tours please book online here (open 24 hours) or call the Booking Office on 0207 766 7310 (open 9am – 5pm, 7 days per week). Further information on Garden Tours is available at www.highgrovegardens.com www.highgroveshop.com
British Airways UK: Share your hints and tips for a Perfect Day with the new iPhone app: http://bit.ly/OQ8l3V
Live London like Bond’s 007 London http://youtu.be/dl218z68iC4
For information on Art on the Underground see http://art.tfl.gov.uk
www.bigbustours.com See the sights in London!
If you are visiting London and intend to use the Tube and other forms of public transport, you can buy a Visitor Oyster Card, delivered to you before you travel. Start using it from the moment you land in London, avoiding queues at the airport to buy tickets. The Visitor Oyster Card calculates the cheapest fare for your journey. You can purchase a Visitor Oyster Card before your trip to Britain at the VisitBritain shop www.visitbritainshop.com
Changing the Guard will take place at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle on the following days:
Buckingham Palace April 2013 – every day (EXCEPT for 1 and 21 April, PLEASE NOTE: without music or ceremony on 17 April at 16:00) May 2013 – every day (PLEASE NOTE: No musical support on 8 May; without music or ceremony on 26 and 27 May) June 2013 – every day (PLEASE NOTE: No musical support on 1, 8, 15 June).
Windsor Castle April 2013 – every day (PLEASE NOTE: No musical support on 24, 26, 28, 30 April) May 2013 – every day (PLEASE NOTE: No musical support on 5, 12, 19, 21, 23, 26, 29, 30 May) June 2013 – every day (PLEASE NOTE: No musical support on 1, 2, 9, 16, 17, 23, 30 June)
Changing the Guard or Guard Mounting is the process involving a new guard exchanging duty with the old guard.
The Guard which mounts at Buckingham Palace is called The Queen’s Guard and is divided into two Detachments: the Buckingham Palace Detachment (which is responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace), and the St. James’s Palace Detachment, (which guards St. James’s Palace). These guard duties are normally provided by a battalion of the Household Division and occasionally by other infantry battalions or other units.
When Guardsmen are on duty, the soldiers are drawn from one of the five regiments of Foot Guards in the British Army: the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, the Welsh Guards, the Grenadier Guards and the Coldstream Guards.
An app is available for purchase: The app aims to orientate, inform and entertain people waiting for and watching the Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace. It can be purchased for 69p. Features include an interactive map which locates the user in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace, behind-the-scenes interviews with Guardsmen and a handy checklist for identifying the five footguards regiments of the Household Division.
A donation from the proceeds of the app will be given to the Household Division Charities.
The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace app is priced at 69p.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/changing-guard-at-buckingham/id510714059?mt=8
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace video. http://youtu.be/kzctIZreoWQ
Photo of The Shard Copyright © by May DeLory (the building was in its beginnings of construction. You should see it in summer 2012 completed!)
www.grangehotel.co.uk Lovely hotel in the city of York, Yorkshire (two-hours’ by rail from London).
www.acprail.com www.britrail.com http://www.britrail.com/extras/london-attractions
Blossoms and cider! Article link courtesy of Cherie DeLory http://www.tourismexchange.com/exchange/en/newsroom/home/getArticle.jsp?articleID=12876
Photos Copyright © by May DeLory
Photo of London Ferris Wheel Copyright © by may DeLory
Photo credit, courtesy of Cunard
Photo credit, courtesy of the Ritz London
Photos of The Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge in Quebec, Canada Copyright © by Cherie DeLory.
