London-Taxis.net 0203 00 44 953» london tourism

Musical Denmark Street – London’s Tin Pan Alley

blog — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:52:48 +0000

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Long before there was Abbey Road, Denmark Street was home to London’s musicians.

Most of the buildings date from the 1800s. Then rents were cheap, and so struggling artists, composers, and musicians found a place to live that was close to the theatres and pubs of Soho. Music publishers set up their businesses here around the 1890s, supplying the musicians of nearby theatres and music halls.

In the 1930s, the street was becoming renowned for music publishing, and shop windows displayed pianos and guitars. In the 1960s, recording studios started setting up.

Regent Sounds Studio opened at 4 Denmark Street in 1963. The Rolling Stones recorded their first album here. Many are the stories about the Kinks, ELP, and Hendrix recording in the basement. In 1974, new cutting-edge recording technology attracted Stevie Wonder.

ITV filmed a piece on Denmark Street, which you can watch below:

David Bowie set up residence in a camper van on the street near his studios! Bob Marley bought his very first guitar here. Celebrity musicians always have and always will flock here. You never know who you might see.

Denmark Street is an essential London destination for music lovers. An enthusiastic musical community still exists today in the friendly atmosphere of this London side street. There’s always music wafting from basements, shop windows, and balconies and plenty of shops to browse.

You can visit Denmark Street, as well as other famous Rock ‘n’ Roll locations on our London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tour.

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London Celebrations for Chinese New Year

blog — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:19:53 +0000

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The Chinese New Year in London is a unique and traditional festival.

Do you want to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the East? Then don’t just read travel blogs; come celebrate the Chinese New Year in London! For many years, London has been the home of Europe’s largest Chinese community.

The Chinese New Year (also called the Lunar New Year) does not have a fixed date. It occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 2012, it falls on January 23rd (to be exact, at 15:40 on 23-Jan-12 in China’s time zone).

2012 will be The Year of the Dragon. To commemorate this momentous year, the Chinese New Year parade in London will occur on 29th January 2012.

Chinese New Year is the biggest festival of the year in Chinese communities. In the days leading up to the Chinese New Year, people clean their houses, repay debts, buy new clothes and have their hair cut. A celebratory meal is held on the eve of the new year, with many traditional dishes served, and fireworks and firecrackers are let off to see in the new year.

With the start of the new year, Lion Dances pass through the streets to bring good luck to the households and businesses they visit. The drums, gongs and cymbals that accompany the Lion Dance are used to scare away evil and bad luck.

Watch one of the 2011 Lion Dances in London’s Chinatown

2012

2012 is set to be an auspicious year for London, and the Chinese New Year celebrations will be unforgettable. Large numbers of people will attend, so go early to admire the Chinese artists’ performances, jugglers, and dancers. Walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue to stop at the stands and enjoy your traditional Chinese cuisine or buy dragons, firecrackers, and fireworks.

Come celebrate the Chinese New Year in London to commemorate the Year of the Dragon and the return of the Dragon Parade!

This article was brought to you by the Trip and Travel Blog and London Black Taxi Tours

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A Classic Way to Tour the Capital

blog — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:22:37 +0000

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A classic London taxi is a great way to tour the capital. The black taxi has long been one of London`s most iconic symbols. We specialise in taxi-based tours of London. Our London Black Taxi Tours are a great way to see the sights, from the well-known to the surprising, the spooky and the exhilarating. Your tour guide and cab driver are one and the same. Anyone who knows London knows that the only people with the real Knowledge of the city are the famous London Taxi drivers.

We offer a range of tours with something suitable for everyone. The taxis are wheelchair friendly and can pick up and drop off customers at any Central London location. Taxis can access routes that the tour buses cannot always get to, plus the comfort and privacy of a private cab beats a windy bus any day.

The London Highlights Tour is the perfect introduction to London. The tour includes well known sights such as Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, and The London Eye. Along the way, you will see and be introduced to many other landmarks and sights of London. Those enjoying the tour will also enjoy a fascinating history of London as told by your guide.

Other tours we provide include the magical Harry Potter Tour. This tour is suitable for budding wizards, potty Potter fans, or just about anyone who has enjoyed the books or films. Highlights include a photo opportunity at the famous Platform 9 ¾ and a trip to Leadenhall Market, home of the Leaky Cauldron.

Anyone looking for some chilling and mysterious insights into London`s history may fancy the Jack the Ripper Tour. The tour includes the murder sites and the notorious east London pubs where the Ripper met his victims. Your guide will have specialist knowledge of all things `Ripper-related` and will be able to answer all your questions.

London is thought to be one of the most haunted places in the world, which means the Haunted London Tour is in high demand. Visiting some of London`s most notoriously haunted addresses such as 50 Berkeley Square in Mayfair and The Grenadier Pub in Belgravia is on the agenda.

There is also an opportunity to take a Customised Tour of London. This can include some of your own ideas or alternatively some suggestions from the cabbie themselves. This tour is great for those with children who may need to stop at a park or for food along the way.

Tours are not just for tourists, even those living and working in the capital can be both entertained and educated by a London Black Taxi tour. The tours are a great way to impress a client, and we can pick up and drop off from your office space in London.

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To Book one of our London Black Taxi Tours:

by phone – +44 (0)203 00 44 953
online
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Taxi Tour Guide on the Job

blog — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:15:33 +0000

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Meet Adrian, one of our Tour Guides. Adrian Rouse is a fully licensed London taxi driver, a qualified London taxi guide, and a qualified City of London guide.

Watch this video of Adrian “on the job” as he gives us a taste of his London knowledge!

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To Book one of our London Taxi Tours:

by phone – +44 (0)203 00 44 953
online
or send us a message with any questions you might have

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+44 (0)203 00 44 953

Taxi Tours for Large Groups

blog — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:21:32 +0000

Book a Taxi Tour Online or phone +44 (0)7779 336 612 or send us a message

We are now able to offer to offer Taxi Tours of London for large groups.
Up to 50 taxis can be provided to large groups, such as our Corporate Customers.

London City Tours

We offer a unique and personalised sightseeing tour of London. Rather than a set tour on a stuffy bus, see the London sights that interest you the most from the comfort of a world-renowned London Black Taxi. Stop for photos, shopping, lunch, or exploring whenever you choose. During your tour, your licensed London Black Taxi driver will entertain you with commentary and fun facts about the city and its history.

London City Tours can include:

Houses of Parliment Trafalgar Square Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard The London Eye The Tower of London The Crown Jewels St Pauls Cathedral Covent Garden Soho China Town Hyde Park St. James’ Park Marble Arch Diana’s Memorial Fountain Harrods Harvey Nichols Selfridges National Gallery British Museum Tate Galleries West Minster Abbey West End Theatreland Views of the Thames

Further Afield, The English Countryside

Perhaps you would like to venture out of London and explore the English countryside? Enjoy this Green and Pleasant Land. Experience the type of pastoral countryside that is England.

Some possible destinations include:

Windsor Hampton Court Cotswolds & Stratford upon Avon Stonehenge Cambridge Oxford Chartwell Hever Castle Igtham Mote Knole Park Canterbury Leeds Castle Dover Castle Hastings & Rye Brighton & Hove Winchester Cathedral Henley on Thames

Stop for lunch or dinner at an English country pub.

The English country pub is a unique experience in all the world. Linger over a pint of local real ale or a chilled glass of country Mead. Tingle your taste buds with tradional English fare or international cuisine.

Tour Prices

For current prices, please visit our main website:

London City Tours

Countryside Tours

[maximum 5 people in a standard cab, 6 in a Mercedes Vito (see below)]

Customise Your Tour

Customise your tour to suit you. Let us know what you want to see.

Want to know more?

Visit our London & Countryside Tours website to read about some of the exciting places that you can explore with the comfort of a London Black Taxis Tour

Our “First Class” Mercedes Vito Service

If you want a truly comfortable and luxurious ride, you may be interested in our “First Class” Mercedes Vito Service. Our Mercedes Vito taxis are perfect for tours and larger groups as they can accomodate 6 passengers. Our Mercedes Vito taxis operate under the same tariff as our standard London Black taxis.

Our Very Special Harry Potter Tour

Harry's Flying Car

See Harry Potter’s London. Visit our Harry Potter page for more details.

Jack the Ripper Tour

Jack the Ripper

Follow the trail of Jack the Ripper, if you dare!

Transport back to murky & mysterious 19th century East London.

Explore the legend of the Ripper and Whitechapel murders.

Walk the cobblestone streets and gas-lit alleyways where Jack lurked.

Visit our Jack the Ripper page for more details.

We now also have a Haunted London Tour - contact us for details and prices

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Book a Taxi Tour Online or phone +44 (0)7779 336 612 or send us a message.

Save Money When Visiting London. Use Online Vouchers for top attractions

blog — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:12:47 +0000

London Eye

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London is one of the world’s most visited cities. Dating back to roman times, it hosts both historical and modern attractions. If you are planning on visiting London, you have probably considered what you would like to see in the time you are there–from Buckingham palace to the London Eye. There is no doubt you will have a whole itinerary drawn up to help you make the most of your time. One aspect of London that should not be overlooked is the city’s iconic licensed black taxis. These are a true symbol of the London streetscape alongside the city’s red double-decker buses. When you visit London make sure you take a trip in a licensed black taxi, for a real experience of this great city’s culture.

If you are planning a visit to London, you are probably aware it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Restaurant visits and days out can cost a fortune, and often tourists have to miss out on certain attractions due to their budgets. However there are ways to save money when visiting London, a wide range of online discount vouchers are available to save you money when visiting the UK’s capital.

You are now able to save money on entry to some of London’s top tourist attractions through using online voucher sites. Offers available include up to 50% off entry to the London Dungeon, where gory historical events are recreated using actors and rides. There are vouchers available online that can offer 2-for-1 entry to the London Eye. This is a great saving on one of the UK’s top attractions that provides stunning views across the city from as high as 135 metres. Vouchers are also available for Madam Tussauds, the waxwork museum that attracts millions of visitors each year and is famous for bringing pop and film stars to life as well as historical figures. These are only a few examples of the vouchers available to help you save money on top London tourist attractions. There are many vouchers to be found online that can help you get exclusive discounts on top London attractions.

Online vouchers are also accessible for eating out in London. There are some great savings to be made when eating out if you use online voucher codes or printable vouchers. Moneysupermarket.com are currently offering some exclusive discounts for restaurants in London. You can get up to 50% off a meal in the capital or two courses for £10. It is also possible to experience some of London’s famous fine dining for less. So whether you are looking for a quick bite for lunch or a luxury meal out to celebrate your time in London, there is a voucher out there for you.

Vouchers are also on offer to help you save money on luxury spa treatments in London; perfect to help you relax after spending a day sightseeing.

London is one of the shopping capitals of the world; make the most out of your London shopping experience by using printable vouchers to help you save money in some of London’s best shops.

Before you visit London, it is well worth a look on some of the UK’s voucher site. They can help you make your money go further and allow you to do so much more whilst in city. Many of the vouchers are printable vouchers that need to be printed off and taken to the retailers. However some of the vouchers have voucher codes that can be used and nothing has to be printed off. There are also great voucher iphone apps available that can give you instant access to money saving vouchers.

–A money saving guide from Jessica Bourne

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To Book one of our Licensed London Taxis:

by phone – +44 (0)7779 336 612
online – use our booking form
or send us a message with any questions you might have

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+44 (0)7779 336 612

The London Eye Celebrates Its 10th Birthday By Giving Free Rides Tomorrow Only January 19 2010 On the South Bank

blog — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:48:11 +0000

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The London Eye has become a world wide recognized London landmark. This year the beautiful London Eye will celebrate its 10th anniversay. To kick off the year of celebrations, Merlin Entertainment, will be offering free rides on the historic landmark. If you are lucky enough to be in London tomorrow morning be sure to queue up between 9:50 am. and 10 am. for your chance to ride the Eye for free.

It is hard to believe that this iconic landmark is already ten years old, but is is even harder to envision the banks of the Thames without it. The London Eye which was built at the end of the last decade, is the most visited paid attraction in the United Kingdom. In ten short years this attraction has become a very recognizable and loved part of the city of London. The London Eye has been in numerous films and tourists’ photos. This site is a must see when in London.

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To Book a Licensed London Black Taxi:

by phone – +44 (0)7779 336 612
online – use our booking form
or send us a message with any questions you might have

Big Ben hits the Big 1-5-0

blog — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:45:11 +0000

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Big Ben, the famous bell inside the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, celebrates its 150th anniversary on Saturday.

The Great Bell, which resides inside one of the country’s most famous and most photographed landmarks, first struck the hour on July 11 1859.

Although the nickname Big Ben is often used to describe the clock tower, the name was originally given to the bell itself.

The origin of the name is thought to come from Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works and Public Buildings, whose name is inscribed on the bell.

The anniversary will be marked with a night-time projection on the tower reading: “Happy Birthday Big Ben, 150 years, 1859 – 2009.”

Mike McCann, Keeper of the Great Clock, said: “After 150 years, Big Ben still holds a special place in the hearts of Londoners and the world as a magnificent example of engineering and building genius.”

Architect Charles Barry designed the new Palace of Westminster after a fire destroyed the old Houses of Parliament in 1834.

The clock tower was completed in 1859 and the clock first started on May 31 of that year, with the bell sounding for the first time just over a month later.

The first bell was cast in 1856 but cracked the following year under testing.

The second bell, weighing 13.7 tonnes, was cast on April 10 1858. It took 30 hours to winch into the belfry.

But its success was short-lived and in September 1859 it also cracked.

It was silent for four years until, in 1863, it was turned so the hammer struck a different spot.

A lighter hammer was also put to use and a small square cut in the bell to prevent the crack from spreading.

The clock tower stands 315ft tall, with each of the four dials measuring 23ft in diameter.

The original cast-iron minute hands proved too heavy and were replaced with 14 feet long copper hands which travel a distance equal to 118 miles every year.

The hour hands are 9ft long and are made of gun metal while 312 separate pieces of glass in each clock face.

Over the years the clock has been stopped accidentally on several occasions, by weather, workmen, breakages and birds.

In 1976 the Great Clock was shut down for a total of 26 days over nine months when part of the chiming mechanism disintegrated through metal fatigue.

You can see Big Ben and other fabulous London sights on one of our famous Taxi Tours.

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London Eye capsules to be floated down the Thames for refurbishment

blog — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:45:56 +0000

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Each of the London Eye’s 32 capsules will be taken in turn by barge down the Thames for refurbishment between now and the 2012 Olympic Games, it was announced on Monday.

Merlin Entertainments – who also own the London Dungeon – bought the London Eye just over two years ago and have now announced plans to invest approximately £12.5 million to upgrade the UK’s number one paid-for visitor attraction.

The observation wheel on the South Bank has received more than 33 million visitors since it opened to the public in 2000.

The programme to remove and upgrade each of the 32 capsules starts this summer and is scheduled be completed in time for the London 2012 Olympics. Normal operation of the wheel will be unaffected.

As each capsule is removed it will travel down the Thames to Silvertown where it will be loaded onto a truck and transported to a workshop in Worcester. A non-operational capsule will take its place on the London Eye until the refurbished capsule is returned.

“This will ensure the London Eye operates at maximum efficiency and is cutting down its carbon footprint well into the future,” says David Sharpe of Merlin Entertainments.

“Merlin believes that investment is more important than ever in the current economic climate when both local and international visitors to attractions like the London Eye are looking for real value for their leisure pound.

“Investments like these are also very important in the leisure and tourism industry in the UK as a whole, especially with the Olympics coming to London in 2012.”

In 2005 one of the Eye’s capsules was removed to assess the effects of the first five years of operation and to explore what could be done to improve the experience for visitors, the structure’s longevity and environmental sustainability.

Merlin Entertainments claim that this latest project will ensure that no major maintenance works will be necessary on the capsules for the next 15 to 20 years.

The heating and ventilation system will be upgraded to a more efficient, environmentally friendly one.

One of the upgraded capsules will include four ceiling-mounted screens and enhanced multimedia and wi-fi capabilities enabling the capsule to provide music and on-screen visuals.

Merlin Entertainments has recently completed a revamp of the nearby Sea Life London Aquariam at County Hall.

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East London: Quirky Fashion, Contemporary Art, & Unique Nosh

blog — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:04:11 +0000

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There are still some corners of London where quirky fashion, contemporary art, & cultural food thrives.

Go East to find areas that thrive with items crafted by young British designers. Brick Lane is one of those areas.

An old building that used to be the Truman Brewery stands out from the rest of the street and is packed with independent shops. The Truman Brewery has been an important creative and cultural hub.

One shop at the old brewery sells clothing made out recycled material. You can make a one-of-a-kind item from one of your old garments; just bring it to the shop and the designer will make it into a new item for you. Other shops sell vintage clothing. You can get an East London Quirky Shopping guide from visitlondon.com

Many shops in the area encourage young designers to display their collections by offering affordable rental rates, allowing talent scouts from major chains to find budding designers.

Besides Brick Lane and the Truman Brewery, East London has several neighborhoods boasting dozens of independent shops. Socially aware shoppers can buy a wedge card from www.wedgecard.co.uk for 10 pounds, of which 5 goes to a local charity. The card allows you to support local shops while obtaining special offers and discounts from over 150 businesses in the East End.

Apart from shopping, East London is also increasingly known for contemporary art, with many galleries, museums and shops. With more than 80 art galleries, there’s something for everyone’s taste in the East End. Don’t miss the famous WhiteCube and Whitechapel Art Gallery, but also look out for hidden gems scattered all around this area waiting to be discovered. Dozens of the area’s galleries host cultural events and contemporary art exhibitions.

And talk about food! If you’re after comfort food, Brick Lane is THE place for bagels and baltis. If you are craving a curry or just need a quick bite, head for the famous Brick Lane Beigel Bake, which is ALWAYS open–24 hours a day, 365 days a year. (You are sure to see one or two London Black Taxi drivers in there at any time of the day or night!)

At visitlondon.com, you can download a guide called DIY East that will show you where to find East London’s quirky fashion, comtemporary art, and posh (and not so posh) nosh.

+44 (0)7779 336 612