Visit London Blog » the o2 http://blog.visitlondon.com Enjoy the very best of London Thu, 23 May 2013 16:46:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 London Video of the Week: It’s Got To Be London by Tim Benzie and Paul Joseph http://blog.visitlondon.com/2013/05/london-video-of-the-week-its-got-to-be-london-by-tim-benzie-and-paul-joseph/ http://blog.visitlondon.com/2013/05/london-video-of-the-week-its-got-to-be-london-by-tim-benzie-and-paul-joseph/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 13:44:47 +0000 Hannah Collingbourne http://blog.visitlondon.com/?p=33195

Emma and her boyfriend Brendan (who live in Australia) are saving up for their first trip abroad together. Emma’s uncles, Tim Benzie and Paul Joseph, made this video to convince the couple to come to London instead of going on a cruise. Emma and Brendan: we agree that it’s got to be London! Find out more about the video at www.itsgottobelondon.com.

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London Video of the Week: A Momentary Lapse of London by Davide Roveri http://blog.visitlondon.com/2013/02/london-video-of-the-week-a-momentary-lapse-of-london-by-davide-roveri/ http://blog.visitlondon.com/2013/02/london-video-of-the-week-a-momentary-lapse-of-london-by-davide-roveri/#comments Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:08:43 +0000 Hannah Collingbourne http://blog.visitlondon.com/?p=31923

A Momentary Lapse of London from Davide Roveri on Vimeo.

After seeing last week’s time-lapse video of London, Davide Roveri got in touch with this beautifully atmospheric London video. If you spot any great London videos, let us know and we’ll try to feature them here.

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What’s On This Weekend: 11-13 January 2012 http://blog.visitlondon.com/2013/01/whats-on-this-weekend-11-13-january-2012/ http://blog.visitlondon.com/2013/01/whats-on-this-weekend-11-13-january-2012/#comments Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:53:04 +0000 Caroline Roddis http://blog.visitlondon.com/?p=31127 This weekend, visitors to London can enjoy water in all three forms! There’s uber-cool fun to be had at the London Ice Sculpture Festival, unmissable opportunities for messing around in boats at ExCel, and even plenty of (H2O rich) exhaust fumes at the spectacular Arenacross show.

The Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show at ExCel

Indulge your nautical side at this world-renowned boat show, which brings the best sailing brands, displays and personalities under one roof. You can marvel at the gorgeous boats on display, buy sailing essentials from the experts and even have a go at a range of water-based activities in the On the Water pools. Tickets start from £16, and for extra maritime fun you can follow your visit with a trip to St Katherine’s Dock, where you’ll be able to view the newly-launched Clipper 70 and chat to members of their round-the-world racing crews. 12-20 Jan

Chris Ramsey: Feeling Lucky, at the Bloomsbury Theatre

Don’t miss Edinburgh Festival star Chris Ramsey, who brings his unforgettable brand of comedy to the Bloomsbury Theatre this weekend. This show, Feeling Lucky, follows his sell-out 2012 tour Offermation and is sure to include the trademark humour that has endeared him to audiences of Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and 8 Out of 10 Cats. Tickets are £15. 11-12 Jan

The London Ice Sculpting Festival, Canary Wharf

Chill out at the incredible London Ice Sculpting Festival, which demonstrates both the beauty and potential of frozen water. Extended to three days for the first time, it offers not only the chance to watch the world’s best ice sculpting teams, but also to have a go yourself in once of the many workshops. In addition, visitors can marvel at the Northern Lights laser show, place Ice Chess and participate in fun family activities. Entry is free. 11-13 Jan

Arenacross at The O2

Fans of motocross racing will love this high-octane indoor version, which condenses the best thrills of the outdoor sport into something smaller in size yet just as spectacular. As well as thrilling races, there will be incredible motocross action from the huge ramps, off which Europe’s best freestyle riders will perform astounding feats of aerial gymnastics. This event is the first in the 2013 UK Arenacross series, and tickets start from £19 for adults. 12 Jan

The London International Mime Festival, Various Venues

Fifteen companies from around the world will be participating in this diverse and thought-provoking festival, which this year promises everything from aerial acrobatics to psychedelic puppetry. Choose from amazing shows such as punk circus at the Southbank Centre, enchanting mechanical puppets at the Barbican, or the renowned Ockham’s Razor opening the festival with acrobatics a the Platform Theatre10-27 Jan

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What’s On This Weekend. 14-16 December 2012 http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/12/whats-on-this-weekend-14-16-december-2012/ http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/12/whats-on-this-weekend-14-16-december-2012/#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:42:49 +0000 Caroline Roddis http://blog.visitlondon.com/?p=30591 This weekend in London has a decidedly vintage flavour: you can learn about the history of Christmas decorations at the Geffrye Museum, watch a Victorian world succumb to alien invasion, see a classic film or dance the night away 1920s style. The hardest part might not be choosing what to do, but returning to reality afterwards!

Christmas Past at the Geffrye Museum

Take a journey through England’s Christmas past at the Geffrye Museum, where the rooms have been decorated in a variety of authentic festive decorations from the past 400 years. Not only can you get a sense of what Christmas would have been like for families at key points in history, but you’ll also learn about the origins of holiday traditions such as kissing under the mistletoe and sending cards. The exhibition is accompanied by special talks and activities – see the website for full details. Until 6 Jan

Experience Cinema at The Round Chapel 

Head to the gorgeous Round Chapel in Hackney for a day of festive films courtesy of Experience Cinema. On Saturday, visitors can choose between an early screening of family favourite Elf, or a later showing of Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. All screenings in the atmospheric building are accompanied by a fully licensed bar, and tickets start from £10 for adults or £8.50 for children. 15 Dec

The Christmas Bootlegger’s Ball by the Candlelight Club

Channel your inner flapper at this decadent club night, held in a secret location. The Christmas edition of these popular 1920s and 30s-themed events features a Charleston floor show, irresistable music from the Boomtown Swingalings and a tantalising menu of Prohibition-themed cocktails. Guests are normally immaculately attired, so it’s worth making an effort! Tickets are £25. 15 Dec

Designers Christmas Market at the Southbank Centre

Wrap up your Christmas shopping at this delightful market, which features 50 stalls selling unique items from UK craftspeople. Not only can you find interesting gifts, but there’s a range of fun activities for both adults and children. Design Christmas decorations, make your own Christmas cards or have a go on the unique lucky dip. 14-16 Dec

War of the Worlds – The New Generation

The O2 plays host to the spectacular update of H.G. Wells’ classic tale, which charts the terrifying Martian invasion of Earth. Using the large arena to full effect, the show combines innovative 3D technology, live theatre, orchestral music and mesmerising special effects to bring the story’s Victorian setting to life like never before. The star-studded production features Liam Neeson as the journalist George Herbert, and tickets start from £42.50.  15 Dec

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What’s On This Weekend: 30 November-2 December 2012 http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/11/whats-on-this-weekend-30-november-2-december-2012/ http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/11/whats-on-this-weekend-30-november-2-december-2012/#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:54:48 +0000 Caroline Roddis http://blog.visitlondon.com/?p=30291 This weekend affords an opportunity to go straight from the sublime to the ridiculous, as the gorgeous new Valentino exhibition and the zany Great Christmas Pudding Race are within a five minute walk of each other. Elsewhere, this weekend also boasts great family activities and a chance to see Jason Mraz live at The O2.

Valentino: Master of Couture, Somerset House

Fans of Valentino’s exquisite dresses will be in seventh heaven, as this new exhibition displays more than 130 of his stunning pieces. Not only will visitors walk along a specially designed catwalk to view gowns worn by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly, but they will also learn more about the Italian designer and the painstaking process involved in creating one of his masterpieces. Tickets are £12. 29 Nov-3 Mar

Roman Festival of Light Celebrations, Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre

Head to the Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre for a free family fun day in celebration of Saturnalia, the ancient Roman festival which honoured the god Saturn. Visitors will make their own Roman-style hats, lanterns and mosaics before handling a selection of real artefacts which evoke the carnival spirit of this ancient winter festival. 12pm-4pm, 2 Dec

Great Christmas Pudding Race, Covent Garden

For the 32nd year teams will compete in this frenetic charity race around Covent Garden, in which participants must safely carry Christmas Puddings over a tricky but entertaining obstacle course. As well as enjoying the spectacle, onlookers can watch live entertainment and special guest appearances, or browse the area’s unique shops. 11am, 1 Dec

Jason Mraz at The O2

American pop/folk singer Jason Mraz brings his world tour to London for just one night, treating audiences to renditions of hits such as “I’m Yours” as well as tracks from his new album “Love is a Four Letter Word”. Mraz will be supported by the multi-talented English musician Gregory Page. Tickets are £37.25. 1 Dec

The Courtaulds at Christmas, Eltham Palace

Inject a bit of 1930s glamour into your Christmas at Eltham Palace, where you can experience the thrill of setting up a grand house for the festive season. Costumed characters will be roaming the building, and you can also get involved by singing carols and learning about period Christmas decorations. Tickets are £9.60, which includes entry to the house and grounds. 11am-4pm, 2 Dec

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London Video of the Week: London Architecture http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/08/london-video-of-the-week-london-architecture/ http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/08/london-video-of-the-week-london-architecture/#comments Fri, 10 Aug 2012 09:30:28 +0000 Zoe Craig http://blog.visitlondon.com/?p=26930

We love this video of the best of London’s architecture by Mattia Bicchi via YouTube.

Locations featured include King’s Cross Station, Strata Tower, Palestra Building, Royal Albert Hall, British Museum, RBS Building, Wembley Stadium, Heron Tower, Broadgate Tower, O2 Arena, St Giles Building, Tower Bridge, The Shard, National Maritime Museum, Wellington Arch, St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf and the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben (or the newly named Queen Elizabeth Tower to give it’s correct monkier.)

You can see more London videos on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/VisitLondonVideo

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Team GB’s London Sightseeing Recommendations http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/08/team-gbs-london-sightseeing-recommendations/ http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/08/team-gbs-london-sightseeing-recommendations/#comments Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:00:43 +0000 Zoe Craig http://blog.visitlondon.com/?p=28310

Some of Team GB’s greatest athletes have been giving us their tips on what to see in London. Here are the results:

Afternoon Tea
Silver medal winning rower, Zac Purchase loves a traditional afternoon tea: “One of my favourite things to do is to have afternoon tea. It’s such a fantastic British tradition. Choose a good hotel or restaurant and dress up. Make an occasion of it, and you won’t need any more food for days!”

The O2 (North Greenwich Arena)
Bronze medal winner in the team Gymnastics, Louis Smith is a big fan of watching gigs at The O2. With big names like Cheryl Cole, Jessie J, Justin Bieber and J Lo all performing at the venue in the coming months, this Olympic venue has got a lot to look forward to.

Oxford Street
When she’s not perfecting her heptathlete events, gold medal winner Jess Ennis is a big fan of shopping on Oxford Street. Home to some of London’s greatest department stores, as well as that gigantic Top Shop, it’s no wonder Oxford Street is a favourite with this London 2012 legend.

St Paul’s Cathedral
Triathlete Helen Jenkins picked out St Paul’s Cathedral as her must-see London attraction. One of London’s most iconic landmarks, St Paul’s should definitely be on any history or architecture fan’s sightseeing bucket list.

The Thames
Silver-medal winning rower Mark Hunter, a qualified Thames Waterman, suggests a trip down the Thames as his unmissable London activity. If you’re not into rowing yourself, why not try one of the riverboat cruises or even a speedboat tour on London’s most famous river? You can even take a kayak down the Thames…

Nelson’s Column
The central Trafalgar Square landmark is a favourite for sailor Ben Ainslie. I wonder what Ben makes of Lord Nelson’s new hat?

Buckingham Palace
Wheelchair racer Shelly Woods picks the Queen’s official residence as her favourite place in London. Perhaps unsurprisingly, as Buckingham Palace will be where she finishes her marathon at the end of The Mall later in the summer.

The top three essential places to visit from a poll of the Team GB athletes are as follows:

What’s your favourite London landmark? Let us know in the comments below.

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London Photo of the Week: Emirates Air Line http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/08/london-photo-of-the-week-emirates-air-line/ http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/08/london-photo-of-the-week-emirates-air-line/#comments Sat, 04 Aug 2012 08:00:03 +0000 Lettice http://blog.visitlondon.com/?p=27992

Tom Weightman got a stunning view of London from the Emirates Air Line. The Emirates Air Line is one of London’s most exciting new attractions. You can also climb the new walkway on top of the O2 arena, Up At The O2.

Have you taken any beautiful photos in London this week? There’s so much to see in London this summer! Add your photos to the Visit London Flickr group.

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London Video of the Week: The Emirates Airline (London Cable Car) http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/06/london-video-of-the-week-the-emirates-airline-london-cable-car/ http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/06/london-video-of-the-week-the-emirates-airline-london-cable-car/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:00:42 +0000 Zoe Craig http://blog.visitlondon.com/?p=27384

The Emirates Airline has made its maiden voyage across the Thames connecting ExCeL London to The O2 in 5 minutes. Check our the great views of East London and the Olympic Park.

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Up at The O2 Walkway To Open in June http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/05/up-at-the-o2-walkway-to-open-in-june/ http://blog.visitlondon.com/2012/05/up-at-the-o2-walkway-to-open-in-june/#comments Wed, 23 May 2012 11:30:48 +0000 Jenny http://blog.visitlondon.com/?p=26577

Adventure-seekers will be able to get a unique view of London from the top of The O2 this summer.

Up at The O2 opens on 21 June and allows visitors to ascend to the top of The O2 via a 190m fabric platform.

Climbers will be decked out in a jumpsuit, safety harness and special shoes and given a safety briefing before starting the exciting climb. The experience is described as “a suitable challenge for virtually anyone at least 10 years old (and at least 1.2m high) who is medically fit with a sense of personal adventure”.

Up at The O2 will be open all year round, weather permitting. Tickets cost £22 for adults and children aged 10 and above.

Got a head for heights? Tickets are available at www.theo2.co.uk/upattheo2 from today for O2 customers and to the general public from 30 May.

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