Valentines Day in London

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep;
The more I give to thee, The more I have,
For both are infinite.”
― William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

 

Valentines Day London

 

Every year we have hundreds of requests from visitors about where is the best place to propose while visiting London during the month of February on one of our VIP tours of London. Like Paris, London is a very beautiful city, with breathtaking romantic views, especially from the River Thames.

Did you know that ever since its inauguration back in the year 2000, more than 4,500 marriage proposals have taken place on the London Eye? There are over 4,000 restaurants spread across the central London area alone, covering every cuisine on earth.

If you’re planning a special occasion, let our VIP team help make your day one to remember. Whether its touring in our state of the art Rolls Royce with champagne, visiting some of Shakespeare’s favourite locations around the city or taking in a play at the Globe Theatre or the West End,  London offers some truly world class options to show off your true romantic side.


February: the month of love in London

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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.

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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.

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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.London-intro_3102474k

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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!

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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. 

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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!

 


Valentines Day 2015 in London

Valentines Day is on its way soon. If you’re looking at things to do to celebrate the occasion, why not spoil that special someone with a special trip to London?

The capital offers a lot of activities for lovers… and singles!

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We are happy to announce that London Magical Tours is offering special Valentines Day outings for 2015. Visit the most romantic places in London, spoil each other with chocolate and champagne on a fast track ride on the London Eye and experience traditional high tea at the official suppliers to Her Majesty The Queen with live music.

Our VIP exclusive service includes your very own private London tour guide and an additional professional chauffeur to ensure you have a Valentines day to remember.

Romantic treats include:

– Pre-booked London Eye fast track entrances

– Express and Traditional Afternoon High Tea with live music

– Professional London Tour Guide and additional chauffeur in a luxury vehicle to take you to the most romantic sights of the capital

– Finish your London Magical Tours 2015 Valentines Day with a trip to the theatre

For more information on our London Valentine Day Tours, visit the London Magical Tours website.  Make sure to book in advance as places are limited!

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Traditional Afternoon High Tea in London

Quintessentially British ... Traditional Afternoon Tea

Quintessentially British ... Traditional Afternoon Tea

Afternoon High Tea: what could be more British!

Despite being the national drink, it is thanks to Queen Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese wife of King Charles II, that tea drinking was brought before the English royal court, starting a trend that would expand through the aristocracy of the 17th century and later into popular British culture.

If tradition is to be believed, afternoon tea as we know it today was ‘invented’ by Anna Maria, the wife of the seventh Duke of Bedford. It was back in 1841 when she first started drinking tea and having a bite to eat in the mid-afternoon, a means of bridging the gap that existed between lunch (eaten at about 1 o’clock) and dinner (eaten at around 7 o’clock). It wasn’t long before this become a social event, with the Duchess sending out invitations to guests to accompany her for afternoon tea at 5 o’clock.

By the 1860s the fashion for afternoon tea had become widespread. Such teas were elegant affairs: drunk from the best china and accompanied by deliciously prepared food pieces presented on beautiful china plates. On offer might be bread and butter, scones and cakes, as well as sandwiches with the crusts cut off.


London Magical Tours Tea Services

At London Magical Tours, we know the importance of this most British of institutions and are delighted to be able to offer our guests a range of tea drinking experiences to accompany our range of London Tours.

All our tea offerings include priority fast track service, an exclusivity only available to London Magical Tours clients, with a table being reserved and the food freshly prepared in time for your arrival – the perfect way to avoid lengthy lines and help get the most out of your day.

Afternoon Tea – Express Service

Traditional Afternoon Tea With Champagne Option

Express Afternoon Tea With Champagne Option

Guests on all our tours have the option to include afternoon tea with express service at our range of specially selected London hotels.

Treat yourself to freshly made scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches and a delicious selection of mini pastries, accompanied to drink with your choice of English tea, coffee or hot chocolate. An option with an accompanying glass of champagne is also available.

To view an example of an express afternoon tea menu please click here:

Express Afternoon Tea Menu

VIP Traditional Afternoon High Tea at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Room

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This quintessential tea drinking experience is available exclusively as an option to guests on our VIP level tours.

Founded back in 1707, Fortnum & Mason are Royal grocers to Her Majesty the Queen and one of the most beautiful stores in London.

London Magical Tours VIP clients are offered a special by invitation only experience to enjoy a luxurious traditional afternoon high tea service at the Diamond Jubilee tearoom, opened to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 60 years as monarch in 2012.

Her Majesty The Queen with their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge

Her Majesty The Queen with their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge

Offering a fine range of sandwiches, the tea service is accompanied by scones with clotted Somerset cream and a selection of delicious afternoon tea cakes, along with the choice of tea or coffee.

London Magical Tours VIP guests also receive a complimentary gift from the store for their visit – simply present your special invitation to guest services.

To view an example of a VIP traditional afternoon high tea menu please click here:

VIP Afternoon High Tea Menu

Read more about our range of Private London Tours


Christmas in London 2013: Where to go and what to see: Part I

As we say goodbye to the summer, we are already very much looking forward to what Christmas 2013 will have to offer. To begin to get you into the festive spirit, here is part 1 of our mini-guide to everything Christmas in London 2013:

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St Martins in the fields, Trafalgar Square: Annual Christmas Carol Service

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St. Martin’s in the fields is located in Trafalgar Square next to the National Art Gallery (the nearest underground station is Charing Cross/ Leicester Square Station)

Christmas is the most important time for concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields and this season features a packed programme of festive favourites; make sure not to miss the annual candle light concert, free for all!

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