Bond-inspired Itinerary – London

Monday 27 September 2021

For fans of spy dramas and James Bond, London is just the place to experience a day or two in the life of Ian Fleming’s enigmatic secret agent. It’s here that visitors can see the city from new heights, discover the capital’s ties to the famous spy, and set off on an exhilarating adrenaline-filled adventure. Here’s how visitors can unleash their inner Bond with a trip to London…

 

DAY 1

10.30 Take a James Bond London Walking Tour

Visitors can start this London adventure by diving into the world of 007 on a walk around many of the capital’s James Bond filming locations, including those from the secret agent’s latest blockbuster, No Time To Die. Setting off from Charing Cross railway station, the route passes Universal Exports, the offices used as the cover for 007’s secret London HQ, as well as more than ten filming locations used during the film franchise’s history. Spy sights that featured in The Living Daylights, Die Another Day, Skyfall and Spectre, in addition to the latest release, as visitors are taken on a journey through Westminster, the heart of British government and politics.

The James Bond London Walking Tour is £15 for adults and £10 for children. Booking in advance is a must.

 

13.00 Dine at The Ned

Afterwards, foodies can dine in luxury in the heart of the city of London at The Ned.  Housed in a historic former banking hall, this elegant hotel boasts eight restaurants offering delightful cuisine from all over the world. Each restaurant has its own distinct space, with options to suit all tastes. Sample an array of delectable British cuisine at Millie’s Lounge, enjoy meat and fish prepared at the table at Lutyens Grill, or try Kaia for its Asian-Pacific-inspired menu.

 

Or at Enderby House

A focal point on the Greenwich riverbank for more than 185 years, Enderby House is a welcoming Grade II listed pub. The three-storey pub celebrates its rich history and heritage, while offering a contemporary menu packed with British seafood, local produce and vegan options, as well as a broad selection of craft and draught beers.

 

Or at St. James’s Hotel & Club

Located in the heart of Mayfair, St. James’s Hotel & Club gives a true taste of the Bond lifestyle. Once home to Sir Ian Fleming, actors Sean Connery and Sir Roger Moore are also former members. Visitors can dine in secret service style at the hotel’s Michelin-starred Seven Park Place restaurant, or check in for a stay to remember before heading out to discover the sartorial delights of Jermyn Street and Savile Row, situated a stone’s throw away.

 

14.30 Explore Savile Row

Home to an array of bespoke tailors, Savile Row in Mayfair is just the place if visitors are keen to emulate the Bond look. Running parallel to Regent Street, its tailoring heritage dates back to the late 18th century and the majority of businesses produce bespoke suits that are cut and made by hand. Visitors can marvel at the street’s exceptional architecture and listed buildings, including 3 Savile Row – the Apple office of the Beatles and the site of the band’s final live performance, before discovering true sartorial artistry at Gieves & Hawkes. Founded in 1771, it is one of the world’s oldest continual bespoke tailoring companies and has boasted a number of Royal Warrants since 1809.

 

15.30 Jump on a Thames speedboat tour

Visitors can hop on-board the fastest of London’s rigid inflatable boats and zoom along the River Thames with Thames Rockets, passing the headquarters of MI5 and MI6 en route. They can also learn about a number of the capital’s major landmarks and spot locations from recent films, including Skyfall and Spectre. Accompanied by the renowned James Bond soundtrack, visitors can spy Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the Shard, as well as a host of other London attractions.

The Thames Speedboat Tour is £44.95 for adults and £29.95 for children under 16. All tours must be pre-booked at least 48 hours in advance.

 

17.00 Enjoy spectacular views from the Sky Garden

Those looking for mesmerising sights can take in stunning views of the capital from the lavish surroundings of the Sky Garden  at 20 Fenchurch Street. Perched high above the city, visitors can wander its landscaped gardens spread over three storeys before enjoying a drink in the Sky Pod Bar.

Access to the Sky Garden is free but tickets to visit should be booked in advance. Booking for the Sky Pod Bar is also recommended.

 

20.00 Savour drinks and dinner in true Bond style

Bond fans can finish the day with a five-course immersive culinary adventure at The Distillery, a drinks and dinner session that guides them through the favourite tipples of James Bond and his creator Ian Fleming, accompanied by a range of delicious dishes. From signature martinis to the finest champagne and bourbon, it’s a decadent evening of gastronomic storytelling and Bond-themed discovery.

Tickets for the Drinks and Dinners session are £90 and include five courses with five drink pairings. Booking in advance is a must.

 

DAY 2

10.00 Climbup at the O2

Visitors can see London’s iconic O2 from a new perspective and enjoy spellbinding views over the capital at Up at the O2. This epic climb to the top of the city’s instantly recognisable attraction provides 360-degree views, allowing visitors to gaze out over historic Greenwich, Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park. A guide will be on hand every step of the way during the exhilarating 90-minute climb.

Tickets for the Daytime Climb cost from £30 for adults. Booking in advance is recommended. Sunset and Twilight Climbs are also available if visitors want to experience the climb at different times of the day.

 

12.00 Experience London from the heights of the London Eye

Visitors can experience London from an unforgettable perspective on the London Eye, Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel. They’ll rise above the South Bank’s busy streets in a state-of-the-art glass capsule, to enjoy 360-degree views of London’s skyline.

The 30-minute journey is from £24.50 for adults and £22 for children.

 

13.00 Lunch at Chiltern Firehouse

Foodies can sit down for lunch (or brunch) amid the luxurious surroundings of the Chiltern Firehouse, where Michelin-starred chef Nuno Mendes serves up an ever-changing menu of reimagined classics and bold new flavours. Set in the heart of Marylebone, guests should get set for an array of seasonal ingredients, lovingly prepared among the restaurant’s striking surroundings.

 

Or dine at Rules

Alternatively, they can enjoy lunch like M (Ralph Fiennes in No Time To Die) at Rules in Covent Garden. Founded in 1798, London’s oldest restaurant featured in Spectre and offers a traditional menu of classic game cookery, pies and puddings amid lavish surroundings featuring oil paintings, velvet seating and an array of memorabilia from days gone by.

 

14.30 Enjoy a bespoke Aston Martin experience

Fans of classic cars can gain unprecedented access to the world of Aston Martin with bespoke experience At Home with Aston Martin: Power, Passion and Heritage. They can take an exclusive tour of the car brand’s factory and global headquarters, enjoy unique access to their heritage centre, Aston Martin Works, and get behind the wheel for an exhilarating performance driving experience at Millbrook Proving Ground. They can also learn about the immaculate craftsmanship that goes into every Aston Martin before honing their driving skills on Britain’s toughest circuit, designed to mimic the world’s harshest terrain.

Prices available on request

 

Restrictions on travel to and around Britain are in place due to Covid-19. Visitors are encouraged to always check individual websites for the latest information, as details are subject to change.

For more information contact:

VisitBritain Media Team

pressandpr@visitbritain.org