Photo Credit: Ania Mendrek
If you’re planning a trip to London with your loved ones, say for a birthday, anniversary, or even just because, you may want to treat them to something a little bit extra special, something out of the ordinary that will make your trip go from sightseeing visit to something truly unforgettable.
To get you started, here are some ideas of ways to make your visit extraordinary.
1. Shakespeare’s Globe
London is famous for its West End shows, but if you’d prefer something a little more personal, Shakespeare’s globe is constructed on the site of the famous globe theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed in the 1600s. For the ultimate in luxury theatre experience, you can hire a private box, where you’ll be served champagne and three course dinners in the theatre brassiere. This experience also comes with a dedicated host and play synopses. You and your guests will enjoy the ultimate in luxury, as you watch the play from your own private box, where you can also enjoy petit fours and further champagne.
2. Harrods
No visit to London is complete without a trip to Harrods. From its humble beginnings as a tea shop, Harrods has gone from strength to strength and grown into the feast for the senses which stands there today. With 3300 departments, you could easily spend all day there; quite apart from the visual beauty of the store, if you’re looking to buy something special, you will find it here. Make sure to visit the beautifully laid out food hall, where you can buy luxury Harrods food hampers to take home with you, and don’t forget to visit the Egyptian staircase in the back, which holds a memorial fountain for Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed.
3. The Shard
When you think of birds-eye views across London, most people would think of the London Eye, but why not try something a little bit different? The Shard, London’s newest visitor attraction is the tallest tower in Europe. It’s sleek, modern design offers 360 degree views over London, and unlike the London Eye, you can stay there as long as you wish. Inside, London’s history is brought to life with amazing multi-sensory displays, and the gift shop offers unique, bespoke items.
4. Cookery Masterclasses
Do you and your guests fancy yourselves as the next Gordon Ramsey? Learn how to cook the perfect Sunday roast, with this master class from luxury hotel Claridges. Guests will learn about the traditional Sunday Roast in the gorgeous Art Deco foyer of the hotel, move onto the cooking lesson, and then be served a traditional roast in the hotel’s restaurant. Claridges also do classes in Chocolate, British Pudding, Fish and Game, as well as the Sunday Roast class. The tips you will learn from London’s top chefs will allow you to cook the perfect roast, even when you return home.
5. Dinner Cruise
Harking back to a more glamorous era, you and your loved ones can enjoy a jazz cruise up the Thames, while sipping champagne. Sailing on the Millennium Diamond, the newest addition to London’s luxury riverboat fleet, you can even dance to the band as the boat makes its way up the river, past Canary Wharf, taking in all the sights of night-time London.
London is a wonderful city full of culture, with so much to do that is can be overwhelming, so I hope this little list has been useful to you in planning your dream trip with your loved ones.