Art
Sights in London
★★★London's great Gothic abbey is packed with the tombs and monuments of British monarchs and some the world's most famous playwrights, poets, scientists, and other notables
★★★England's greatest repository of Old Masters paintings, with works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, and more
★★☆London's Royal Residence, from the State Rooms and royal gardens to the Queen's Gallery and the (yawnfest) changing of the guard
★☆☆The royal palace so nice Henry VIII honeymooned here twice—and then three times, and four, and five...
★★☆Fantastic modern art museum in a massive former power plant, with blockbuster exhibitions and a fab gift shop and bookstore
★☆☆
★☆☆A small, free city museum of London life, Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art, and Roman ruins in the basement
★☆☆Visiting the Queen's Gallery of art of Buckingham Palace
★☆☆The University of London has a spectacular gallery of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings
★☆☆A vast park in North London, with lovely views, wooded rambles, swimming ponds, cozy pubs, and Old Master art in a genteel manor house
★☆☆A 17th century manor house in Hampstead Heath with a fabulous free art collection
★☆☆A gallery of some of the greatest hits of British painting and sculpture
★☆☆Fantastic, small, bit-of-everything museum—ancient Roman and Egyptian sculptures; paintings by Turner, Reynolds, and Hogarth; architectural remnants and Cantonese furniture—all crammed into the formerly private home of an eclectic collector
★☆☆An historic London townhouse filled with 18C antiques and French and Old Master paintings—all for free
★☆☆Pair of Hyde Park pavilions devoted to contemporary art, architecture, and design
☆☆☆
☆☆☆Packed with pictures of old Brits, including the only life portrait of Shakespeare
Topics in England
This late 19C Romantic offshoot offered a, well, a romanticized reinterpretation of the Medieval style
An English painter in the Flemish mold, depicting wonderful slices of life in early 18C England
Art Tours3h | from £85
For centuries, London has been the center of the art market. Names like Christie's, Sotheby’s, and Bonhams are synonymous with luxury art trade today, but where does this tradition come from? On this walk we'll learn about the history of the auction houses, how art dealers function, and how the two interrelate.
3h | from £80
The Victoria and Albert Museum possesses one of the world's greatest collections of decorative art and design in the world, with a collection running the gamut from preparatory materials for the Sistine Chapel to exquisite Islamic art, like the Ardabil Carpet. Our Victoria and Albert Museum Tour, led by a local historian, explores not only the history of the V&A, delving into its origins in the 1851 Great Exhibition, but provides a comprehensive look at a few of the most important galleries in this expansive museum.
- Victoria and Albert Museum Tour led by a design and history expert
- Small group V&A tours—6 people max
- Discover one of the most diverse fine art collections in the world.
Victoria and Albert Museum Tour
After receiving a brief overview of the museum's history outside the building, our tour will continue inside the museum with a visit to the famous Raphael Cartoons (1515-16), which were created by Raphael as preparatory drawings for tapestries intended to hang in the Sistine Chapel (nota bene: for those also headed to Italy, we offer a Vatican Museum Tour), but which today are considered works of art in their own right. Raphael's drawings depict scenes from the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul; we will analyze each in some depth with a discussion of the history of the cartoons, the Renaissance ideals in art, and the relationship between painting and tapestry weaving. We will continue by discussing the history of art and sculpture in the sculpture galleries with works by the Baroque sculptor Bernini, the neoclassical artist Canova, and the late-nineteenth century sculptor Rodin before moving on to the Cast Courts, which contain casts of artworks and objects from around Europe. The collection includes casts of Michelangelo's sixteenth-century 'David', of the first century Trajan's Column, and of the spectacular sixteenth century tomb of St. Sebaldus. Here, we will discuss the Victorian interest in collecting casts.
A Global Collection
From the Cast Court, we'll move to the British Galleries, which chart the changes in British art and design from the Tudor monarchs in the 1500s to Queen Victoria in 1901, in order to consider in greater depth how different styles arose over the centuries and how the social, cultural, and historical contexts influenced these changes. We will focus on a diverse array of objects such as the sixteenth-century 'Great Bed of Ware', the writing box belonging to Henry VIII, the eighteenth-century Rococo music room from Norfolk House, and the Arts and Crafts style as represented by William Morris in the late nineteenth century.
The Islamic Gallery
We will then compare this emphasis on style and design in Western European production with a visit to the Islamic Gallery, where we will focus on the sixteenth-century 'Ardabil carpet' in relation to the function and design of the art object in the Islamic world as well as the tension that developed between art production and science. Here, we will also explore the effects of trade and cultural exchange on design.
Take Aways
Then, depending on time and interest, we can explore the extensive fashion collection (on which we also offer a Victoria and Albert Museum Fashion Tour), visit the exquisite jewelry galleries, or alternatively discuss the form and function of glass over the centuries.
FAQ
What's in the V&A museum?
The Museum’s collections span over 2000 years of human creativity, in virtually every medium and drawn from across Europe, the Middle East, India, China, Japan and many other parts of the world.
Is it true that we can see a replica of the Trajan’s Column?
Yes, the tallest object in the collections is a plaster cast of Trajan’s Column, reproduced from the marble original in Rome. It is displayed in two separate towers which if put together would reach 35.6 m high.
Do we need to pay a ticket to get in?
No, unless you want to see one of the temporary exhibitions, the museum is free. However, donations are greatly appreciated.
3h | from £360
Our London Drawing Workshop is a hands-on tutorial on how to engage and hone your powers of observation and expression coupled with a tour of some of London's most idyllic, yet hidden away spots. Under the auspices of a professional artist and art teacher, we will begin our private tour at your hotel or flat, getting an introduction to materials and a demonstration of some basic drawing techniques, before venturing out into the city to capture London's distinct breed of beauty.
- London Drawing Workshop led by an artist and art teacher
- Take home your masterpiece!
- Private and fully customizable
"We loved it, and our kids’ artwork improved instantly. Such a cool morning with an incredibly interesting person."
London Drawing Workshop
Depending on preferences and the weather, after our initial meetup, we may then make our way into Westminster Abbey (also the subject of our Westminster Abbey Tour) and take in the breathtaking view, where we can then then choose our subject. Alternatively, we may decide to continue on the South Bank, and focus on landscape views or even pop into one of the nearby museums (like the Tate or Hayward Gallery) for some inspiration. From the skyline of London to the sculptures and passageways of Westminster Abbey, our location will offer a stunning view from a privileged point.
Drawing London
During the time together, our docent will give us guidance on how to create a great sketch, and will share some useful tips for improving our style. Our aim will be to capture, frame, and ultimately understand better London in her many forms. Our guide will be an accomplished artist and art teacher who will take us to several hidden-away spots otherwise near-impossible to find on our own for that perfect perspective or vista.
Looking to see art instead of making it? Try our National Gallery Tour.
Take Aways
Our drawing workshop ends with a thoughtful critique of the work. Drawing London is open to participants of all artistic abilities. In fact, non-artists are strongly encouraged to participate. Talent is not required; a willingness to engage the artistic process and to keep oneself open to new possibilities, however, is strongly encouraged.
The price of this workshop includes Context's drawing kit, specially put together by the artists who run the workshop. Each participant will receive and take home a Sketch Folder, three pieces of Conté (black, white, and sanguine), and a pen eraser.
Recommended by Travel Babbo as a Must do in London for families
FAQ
Is this walk appropriate for small children?
Yes, we designed this walk with young children in mind. Thanks to our approach and activities they will learn about the city while creating small works of art!
What kind of activities will you be doing?
Generally we do some sketching of iconic monuments as well and trying different techniques for drawing small objects and landscapes
Can I do this tour if I am in a wheelchair?
Yes, the itinerary of the walk is fully accessible.
Is material included in the cost?
Yes, you will receive a drawing pad and some pencils which you'll be able to take home, along with your work.
7h | from £600.00
Alternative, trendy, and recently gentrified, London’s East End is one of the most vibrant and exciting areas in town – Subculture Tours is ready to help you discover what has become known as the greatest open air gallery in the world. Street Art and Graffiti has taken the world by storm with cities around the globe annually hosting Street Art/Graffiti festivals but London’s East End is where every artists wants to paint.
Subculture Tours are ready to invite you into a world that has been closed to the general public for many years.
This tour has been designed by a very active member of the Graffiti scene in London. He helps create art districts in London by speaking to owners of properties and taking control of those walls and invites street artists to paint beautiful colourful murals in run down neighbourhoods which helps generate a better economy for the people of that district.
Other achievements he was filmed for American TV show Entertainment tonight where he was approached by Hollywood movie actor Josh Duhamel (Transformers) to take him on a guided tour of Graffiti and Street art in Shoreditch finishing with a workshop.
We start the day by taking a bike ride through an industrial graffiti area set along canals and river paths taking in some amazing street art and graffiti. You cycle through the East End of London avoiding any major roads taking in the scenery and scouting for fresh street art pieces. We end up in Shoreditch where we drop the bikes off and explore on foot.
On the two hour walk you will be introduced to world famous, local and up and coming artists showcasing different styles and using different techniques, Spray paint, pasteups, stickers, fire extinguishers, installations, futuristic, drip art, X-ray Graffiti, Wildsyle letters, throwups, tags.
We break for lunch in an old Brewery where there are cafes and food trucks.
We now make are way by tube to the Graffiti workshop where a carefully handpicked team of artists will help you unleash the vandal within.
The artists are all very patient and great with people and conduct themselves in a professional manner. You will learn about tagging, throwups, masterpieces and character work
Next we introduce you to using spray paint where you will learn about can control and pressure practicing drawing straight lines circles, squares to help you feel confident with the can.
Once we think you are ready we shall demonstrate the process of sketching, filling and outlining.
We want you to be proud of what you do so we do not rush the workshop.
We finish the day by celebrating with a beer/wine.
(no rating)4h | from £213.06
Get to know an alternative side of London through the work of its emerging artists on this 4-hour, small-group art tour. You'll visit up to four separate emerging artists in their studios, and get the chance to discuss and purchase their work. At the end of the tour, mingle and see more work at a reception with light refreshments: you'll leave with a small piece of art.
Choose between a 9:30am or 2:30pm departure time – just add this information to the Special Requirements box on booking. Your guide will meet you at your central London hotel or accommodation and accompany you on public transport to the artists' studios.
Over the day, you'll get a hands-on introduction to London's vibrant arts scene, and see an alternative side of this great city through the eyes of its emerging artists.
You'll visit up to four separate artists in their studios, and have the chance to chat to them about current projects and pick up pieces that inspire you: your tour includes one small piece of art, generally a drawing or a print.
This tour is aimed at bridging the gap and deepening the connection between artists and audience by offering you an insider’s look at contemporary art. It's perfect for enthusiasts, collectors, and curators alike.
Finish with a catered reception, including drinks and snacks, where you can socialize, view other pieces, and purchase works from the artists you've met. Your guide will accompany you back to your accommodation, returning around 1:30pm (morning tours) or 6:30pm (afternoon tours).
3h | from £150.00
A private street art tour with street artist Karim in East London. This experience gives a snapshot of a movement that’s evolving day by day. Given East London's proximity to the City, rich cultural history and status as the UK’s tech hub, it’s easy to see why it’s such a fertile setting.
As you walk around the stylish cultural melting-pot of Shoreditch, active street artist Karim will draw your attention to specific pieces of notable artwork. He is extremely knowledgeable about his craft, and will give you a general overview of the history and culture of street art in London, as well as answering any questions you may have. A hot topic for discussion on this tour will be how artists tread the line between commercial success and ‘keeping it real’, as more and more underground work is absorbed into the mainstream.As you walk around the stylish cultural melting-pot of Shoreditch, active street artist Karim will draw your attention to specific pieces of notable artwork. He is extremely knowledgeable about his craft, and will give you a general overview of the history and culture of street art in London, as well as answering any questions you may have. A hot topic for discussion on this tour will be how artists tread the line between commercial success and ‘keeping it real’, as more and more underground work is absorbed into the mainstream.
From the moment your guide (Karim) landed in London from Zimbabwe, Karim was drawn to the city’s graffiti and street art scene. Studying the people and styles that define it, he found himself powerless to resist, and his art can now be seen adorning walls across the capital. His expertise on the subject is also much in demand, and he has conducted highly regarded workshops and tours for clients that include the BBC.
Karim’s enthusiasm is infectious, and it springs from a background in architecture – something that is evident in the “insane knowledge” that he imparts during your time with him. He has certainly inspired us to look closer at the amazing array of urban interventions across the capital. “Street art in London is always in flux,” he says, “and it is a wonderful cacophony of colour and characters.” Join on this tour and fine-tune your eye on the street.
A focal point for graffiti writers and street artists, east London gives a snapshot of a movement that’s evolving day by day. Given its proximity to the City, rich cultural history and status as the UK’s tech hub, it’s easy to see why it’s such a fertile setting.
On a walk round the neighbourhood, active street artist Karim will uncover the many layers of urban art that have appeared on the district’s walls – some obvious, some hidden – and introduce the key players and notable pieces. A hot topic for discussion on this SideStory Experience will be how artists tread the line between commercial success and ‘keeping it real’, as more and more underground work is absorbed into the mainstream.
(no rating)3h | from £300.00
London’s Tate Modern and Tate Britain hold some of the country’s pre-eminent collections of historic and contemporary art. Visiting both museums via a boat ride along the Thames is a chance to see how ideas and artistic processes flow through time. By selecting works shown in the galleries’ permanent collections, Joshua will chart the evolution of different art movements and media.
A writer and lecturer at Sotheby’s, Christie's, specialising in modern and contemporary art, Joshua also freelances as a lecturer in art for the Tate museums and the National Portrait Gallery. Growing up in London, he has witnessed first-hand the city’s emergence as a centre of the global contemporary art scene.
A frequent contributor to Flash Art magazine and co-presenter of The Art Channel, your guide always has the inside track on what to see – one of the many reasons we enjoy gallery-hopping with him and getting his expert take on London’s emerging artists and must-see exhibitions.
When your booking is confirmed, you will receive comprehensive details about your experience, including Joshua's contact details and the meeting location. You will also receive a pre-experience questionnaire, which is essential for Joshua to be able to tailor your tour to your interests.
You will meet Joshua at the Tate Modern, where he will select works out of the permanent collections to illustrate how artistic creation has evolved in style and medium. Then, taking to the Thames by boat, you will go on to Tate Britain, where Joshua will identify early British works that continue to inspire artists today. He’ll give his insight into the connections between diverse styles, from self-expressive painting to conceptual works inspired by mathematics.
The whole tour lasts around three hours, and includes some light refreshments.
(no rating)2h | from £15.00
Join this tour as your guide walks you round London's Famous Brick Lane and Spitalfield's as your guide show you the hidden art work, and explains the History of the area.This tour is a great chance to see street art before it goes, when the council remove it or a building is knocked down. On this tour you can also be among the first to see a piece of street art with new street artists popping up all the time. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to capture some amazing images from the best artists in London today.
This tour makes for an unforgettable London experience and is a must for anyone who loves art or adventure. Your guides live and work in the East End, so when you walk, you walk with the best.
(no rating)3h 30m | from £76.48
See the best of London’s National Gallery, one of the world’s most visited art museums, on this private 3.5-hour tour. With a specialist art historian guide, tick off the gallery’s most impressive paintings and learn more about the artists behind them. Get up close to works by the Italian greats, including da Vinci and Michelangelo, and Flemish masterpieces from the likes of Rubens and Campin. You’ll also take in timeless paintings by French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists such as Monet, Renoir, Picasso and Cezanne.
Choose from a morning or afternoon tour, and then make your own way to the National Gallery, a striking Pantheon-style art museum raised on a terrace overlooking Nelson’s Column and the iconic lion statues in London’s Trafalgar Square.
Meet your guide, an art history specialist, and then head inside to trace European art across the centuries. The National Gallery boasts one of Europe’s greatest collections of paintings by the Old Masters (European artists whose notable works were produced between the Renaissance and 18th century), and houses more than 2,300 artworks dating from the Middle Ages through the 20th century.
Stroll from room to room, taking in the mosaic floors, marble pillars and floor-to-ceiling art, and listen as your specialist guide talks you through the gallery’s key masterpieces as well as the artists behind them.
Throughout your private tour, pay special attention to the Italian greats — from the 13th-century Masters to the High Renaissance of Piero della Francesca, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo — and the Flemish school of art, including works by Rubens, van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden and Campin, considered by many to be the first great master of Flemish and Early Netherlandish painting.
See, too, masterpieces from Rembrandt, as well as the gallery’s French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists collection, one of the finest of its kind in the world — crammed with timeless works by Renoir, Monet, Pisarro, Cezanne, van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso.
After roughly 3.5 hours, your tour concludes inside the National Gallery, leaving you free to continue exploring independently, should you wish.
90m | from £16.50
See the world’s largest LEGO® exhibition inspired by DC Characters. Legendary LEGO® artist Nathan Sawaya took London by storm in 2014 with his extraordinary exhibition THE ART OF THE BRICK®. Now he returns to the UK on March 1st with his brand new exhibition inspired by the world’s most popular and enduring super heroes and villains. Walk through the exhibition "The Art of the Brick: DC Super Heroes" that includes over 120 large scale exhibits made from over 2 million LEGO® bricks, all displayed in a purpose built space on London’s South Bank. Your experience could take anywhere from 60 - 90 minutes. This is for one admission ticket only. Transportation and other accommodations are not included.
Your admission ticket will grant you access to the event, which is located at Doon Street Car Park. Hours of operation are:
Sunday – Wednesday: 10am – 6pm (last entry at 5pm)
Thursday: 10am – 8pm (last entry at 7pm)
Friday and Saturday: 10am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
There will be space in the reception area to leave prams (strollers), but these will be left at the owner’s risk. There are toilets located in the exhibition area. There will be a small coffee shop on site in the interactive zone. There is disabled access to the exhibition as well. There is a public car park at the National Theatre opposite the entrance to the exhibition.
Expect to spend about 60 - 90 minutes at the event.
(no rating)2h | from £36.00
Get to know the other side of London by exploring the secret street art of Camden Town on this small-group, 2-hour walking tour. Wander down back alleys, secret lanes, and canal-side walkways, and hear the stories of the artists whose work lines the streets of this historic district from a guide who's an expert on London's street art scene.
Your guide will be either a photographer, a blogger, a 'wall organizer' who sources legal spaces for street artists, or some combination of these roles: they'll meet you at Camden Town tube at 10:55am.
Under their guidance, escape the main streets and the busy markets to get off the beaten tourist track and learn why half a million people visit Camden every week. One of London's most vibrant, interesting, and happening boroughs, this bohemian area is as alive with street art as it's full of music.
Discover great murals by some of London's leading street artists, as well as individual piece by international artists. You'll see over 100 pieces of street art that have transformed Camden into a dynamic canvas where artists leave their creative marks. Learn how an art form that was once considered vandalism now represents the personalities of cities all around the world.
Your guide will explain graffiti terms and the unwritten codes that govern this underground world, as well as how 'wall organizers' enable artists from all over the world to paint in London. You'll end your tour in central Camden at 2pm, just a short walk from the tube.
5h | from £125.07
It’s all about art on this 5 hour semi-private tour that combines London’s National Gallery and East End. Join up to 8 other travelers and visit the world-famous paintings in the museum before heading east to explore the outdoor works and street art that help define these neighborhoods. We’ll pause for lunch after the museum.Begin our half day experience by learning about the master painters whose names fill the halls of the National Gallery. It’s a hodgepodge of eras and styles, and we’ll make sense of it for you so that you can appreciate and moreover enjoy this iconic collection. Discover the history and anecdotes behind the works of artists like Da Vinci, Velázquez, and Botticelli. The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. During your tour, we’ll arm you with the essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.
After a break for lunch, you will then go on to explore the diverse neighborhood that is the East End. Notorious as the hunting ground of 19th century serial killer Jack the Ripper, it’s now home to London's best street art including Shepard Fairey and Banksy. The East End is a melting pot, alive with contradictions and colorful characters, and we’ll introduce you to our favorite shops and vendors at Spitalfields Market. By the end of the day you’ll understand why London attracts so many upcoming artists.
(no rating)2h 30m | from £53.09
Get off the beaten path in East London on a 2.5 hour walking tour with a small group of up to 10 fellow travelers. Our local guides will share one of the city’s coolest corners while revealing the history and alternative culture that has made it such a draw for people today.From the origins of Cockney rhyming slang to the hipsters of Shoreditch via the curry houses of Brick Lane, this neighborhood is a proud representation of the vast melting-pot that is London. Notorious as the hunting ground of 19th century serial killer Jack the Ripper, it’s now home to London's best street art including Shepard Fairey and Banksy. The East End is alive with contradictions and colorful characters, and we’ll introduce you to our favorites, like the many vendors at Spitalfields Market. We’ll explore the streets and neighborhoods that will leave you wanting to stick around and mingle with the hipsters all afternoon.
(no rating)2h 30m | from £98.07
Discover the culture, history, and street art of the East End on this private 2.5-hour walking tour in London. Follow a private guide through the streets and alleys of east London, and take in top sites of interest such as Brick Lane, Shoreditch, and Spitalfields Market. Learn of the area’s transformation from 1960s criminal underworld to modern-day fashion capital, and admire beautiful street art by talented artists like Shepard Fairey and Banksy. Along the way, step off the beaten track to explore corners of London many visitors miss.Meet your private guide at 10am or 2pm in east London, then head through the vibrant streets to begin your walking tour. Home to some of the capital’s most talented street artists, east London is alive with etchings, stencils and artwork in all styles and colors.
Explore areas such as Brick Lane, Shoreditch, and Spitalfields Market, and gain insight into their transformation from working-class neighborhoods to trendy centers of fashion and art. Along the way, enjoy a cultural overview of London’s East End — from its troubled years under the control of the Kray Twins to today — and admire diverse street art by the likes of Shepard Fairey and Banksy.
Learn of the origins of Cockney rhyming slang and the rise of hipsters in Shoreditch, stroll past bustling curry houses and stylish galleries, and soak up the atmosphere in this colorful corner of London. When your walking tour comes to an end, wave goodbye to your guide at Shoreditch High Street Station.
(no rating)5h | from £166.46
It’s all about art on this 5 hour exclusively private tour that combines London’s National Gallery and East End. Visit the world-famous paintings in the museum before heading east to explore the outdoor works and street art that help define these neighborhoods. We’ll pause for lunch after the museum.Begin our half day experience by learning about the master painters whose names fill the halls of the National Gallery. It’s a hodgepodge of eras and styles, and we’ll make sense of it for you so that you can appreciate and moreover enjoy this iconic collection. Discover the history and anecdotes behind the works of artists like Da Vinci, Velázquez, and Botticelli. The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. During your private tour, your charming young guide will arm you with the essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.
After a break for lunch, you will then go on to explore the diverse neighborhood that is the East End. Notorious as the hunting ground of 19th century serial killer Jack the Ripper, it’s now home to London's best street art including Shepard Fairey and Banksy. The East End is a melting pot, alive with contradictions and colorful characters, and we’ll introduce you to our favorite shops and vendors at Spitalfields Market. By the end of the day you’ll understand why London attracts so many upcoming artists.
(no rating)6h | from £185.00
Join us on a private tour to the beautiful and entirely unique Eltham Palace. For centuries a Royal Palace sat atop of a hill overlook beautiful countryside and more latterly in the leafy London suburbs. There is nowhere else quite like Eltham Palace where the Medieval meets the Art Deco.Join us on a private tour to the beautiful and entirely unique Eltham Palace. For centuries a Royal Palace sat atop of a hill overlook beautiful countryside and more latterly in the leafy London suburbs.
There is nowhere else quite like Eltham Palace. Situated in SE London, it is a unique marriage between a medieval and Tudor palace and a 1930s millionaire’s mansion. From the 14th to the 16th century it was an important royal palace, where monarchs often stayed and hunted in the surrounding parks.
Much of Eltham Palace fell into disuse and large sections of it had to be taken down but happily the Great Hall remains and it is one of the finest in the country, up with that at Westminster Palace and Hampton Court Palace.
What really makes Eltham Palace unique however is that after centuries of neglect, Eltham was leased to Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in 1933 and they spent £20 million on building a state of the art home here that incorporated the Great Hall with their magnificent Art-Deco creation. The result was a masterpiece of 20th-century design.
Finally, Eltham surrounded by beautiful gardens, a wonderful moat and ancient brick bridge which anywhere else would be a tourist destination in its own right.
The tour will end with us returning by car back to our starting point.
(no rating)4h | from £125.00
Street Art Photography Tour in Shoreditch led by a professional Fine Art Photographer. Photograph Street Art by world famous street artists including Roa, Eine, Stik and Shepard Fairey.
Add the wow factor to your photography on a unique Private Photography Tour of the fascinating Street Art in Shoreditch. Learn how to get the best photos from your camera and be amazed by your results. Your personal photographer will show you the best places to photograph amazing street scenes in the vibrant East End of London including Brick Lane.
Walking in Shoreditch you see instantly the vibrant and colourful nature of London's East End. Street Art covers walls, buildings railings and lamp posts. The Street Art in Shoreditch is a dynamic everchanging landscape of colour as new street art is created daily. Learn how to photograph street art famous the world over. A professional Fine Art Photographer shows you the best locations and viewpoints to capture these amazing street scenes. Discover new ways to photograph street art by world famous street artists such as Roa, Eine, Stik and Shepard Fairey. We make our way on foot and discover Brick Lane, colourful shop fronts, art galleries and the people of this fascinating part of the East End. Improve your photography skills with one to one tuition for you or exclusive teaching for your group, from your personal photographer. This private photography tour is geared towards the camera you own.
This Street Art Photography Tour is a unique experience of the East End
as you are shown how to experience the street scenes through the eyes of
a professional Fine Art Photographer. Learn how to take photographs
you are proud of which capture your visit to London in a creative and
unique way.
We take a short working break for light refreshments
and to review photographs. We also review images at regular intervals
during the Photography Tour.
Learn how to:
- Compose a street scene
- Use colour in your photographs
- Integrate people in the Street Art
- Create unique images
- Use depth of field to add creative effects
- Use shutter speed to create different effects
- Understand light and how to use it effectively
- Photograph people and places of the East End
- Improve photography skills through understanding your camera
6h | from £71.00
Delve into the magical world of Harry Potter™ at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, with round-trip luxury coach transport included. Follow in the footsteps of Hogwarts’ students as you walk around original sets like Diagon Alley and Platform 9 ¾, complete with the Hogwarts Express steam engine. Get up close to costumes and props, and discover the wizardry required to create the mind-blowing special effects and animatronics.Leave central London by luxury coach and relax in comfort as you travel to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. On arrival, after around an hour on the road, head inside to see the impressive sets that featured in the Harry Potter films.
Spend the next three hours exploring independently. Walk past many of the intricately made costumes and props — like Hagrid’s motorcycle — that helped bring J.K. Rowling’s books to life on screen. Uncover closely guarded secrets about the mind-blowing special effects and animatronics that made sets such as the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office so magical.
Have your camera ready as you explore the famous Platform 9 ¾. Pose for photos with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall and marvel at the smoke billowing from the original Hogwarts Express steam engine.
Stroll along the famous cobblestoned pavements of Diagon Alley, and look out for familiar-looking shops like Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, which was featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Then, delve into Professor Umbridge’s office in the Ministry of Magic.
Other memorable sets include the Gryffindor common room, Hagrid’s hut and the unmistakable Potions classroom.
When the time comes, meet back with your coach at the prearranged time. Your tours then concludes at London Victoria Railway Station.
TM & © 2015 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
7h | from £71.00
Step into the mystical world of Harry Potter™ with a behind-the-scenes visit to Warner Bros. Studio London. With luxury round-trip transport from London Victoria to the north London studios included, this 5-hour experience enables you to discover the magic of the Harry Potter films without any hassle. After a relaxing journey, explore film sets like the Ministry of Magic and Diagon Alley, and see incredible costumes, props and more. You’ll also be able to pose for photos at Platform 9 ¾ and stand next to the original ‘Hogwarts Express.’Leave London Victoria by luxury Mercedes coach, and relax in your comfortable seat as you journey to the incredible Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. After roughly one hour on the road, head inside the studios and explore independently, seeing the authentic sets, costumes and props that brought the Harry Potter movies to life.
Stroll along the famous cobblestoned pavements of Diagon Alley and keep an eye out for familiar-looking shops like Gringotts Wizarding Bank that was featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Learn about the special effects and animatronics that created wizardry in sets like the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office. Then, visit the Ministry of Magic, where you can venture into Professor Umbridge’s office to learn about the mythical government that rules the Harry Potter community.
Make sure to bring your camera as tantalizing photo opportunities abound behind every corner. Snap photos of the glass ceiling and yellow brick walls of Platform 9 ¾, which has been transferred from Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. Then, marvel at the Hogwarts Express steam engine and see into the carriage that was featured in some of the saga’s most memorable scenes.
At the pre-arranged time, meet your host back on board your coach and return to central London in comfort.
TM & © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR
Warner Bros Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter from King's Cross St Pancras or Paddington7h 30m | from £69.00
Experience the pure magic of visiting Warner Bros. Studio Tour London with this excellent package that includes return transportation from London’s King’s Cross. Leaving from the station at 9.30am, arrive at the studios at approximately 11.30am and enjoy an extended visit of four hours! Begin where Harry started, at the Cupboard Under the Stairs, before watching an enchanting welcome video and heading into The Great Hall – one of the biggest sets at the studios. As you travel through, see an unbelievable selection of actual costumes, props and special effects pieces, all kept in pristine condition.
As you explore the studios, see The Burrow, Hagrid’s Hut, the Gryffindor Common Room, Dumbledore’s office and much more. From small details like Dumbledore’s Pensieve to the larger pieces like the fantastic animatronic door to the Chamber of Secrets. Have fun riding a broom through London at the Green Screen exhibit and board the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9¾. See Privet Drive, the Knight Bus, buy a Butterbeer™ on the backlot and get up close to the prosthetics and animatronics in the special effects department – there is so much to see you will be thankful to have an extended time to take it all in.
7h | from £69.00
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter™ film series with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Enjoy round-trip transport from central London to the Harry Potter film studio to enter the magical world of Harry and his friends. You'll see how the movies were created as you tour the real movie sets, admire the costumes and props, and learn about the special effects and animatronics used to create the films' stunning visuals. Explore the Great Hall, pose next to the original ‘Hogwarts Express,’ set foot down Diagon Alley and more.
Board a double-decker bus in central London and drive 17 miles (27 km) northwest to the English borough of Hertfordshire. Arrive in the town of Watford, home to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where you'll witness the legendary Harry Potter film series come to life.
Set off independently to explore the real sets used in these iconic movies. Imagine walking side-by-side with Harry, Ron and Hermione as you explore the Great Hall, view Dumbledore's office and stroll down Diagon Alley, featuring the storefronts of Ollivanders wand shop, Flourish and Blotts, the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and Eeylops Owl Emporium.
Admire the costumes and props used by Harry and his counterparts, and learn about the special effects and makeup that brought magical characters such as Dobby and the Death Eaters to life. Remember to bring your camera — there are exciting photo opportunities around every corner.
Cap your visit at Platform 9 ¾, where you can get a glimpse into how some the film’s most iconic scenes were created. Pose with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall, and get up close to the original Hogwarts Express steam engine. Marvel as steam billows from the 78-year-old engine and admire the platform’s glass roof, yellow brick walls and luggage racks.
On your drive back to London, sit back and reminisce on your fantastic day in the magical world of Harry Potter.
TM & © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
9h 30m | from £95.00
See Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾ and famous Oxford attractions on this day trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter and the university city of Oxford. Walk around original sets, get up close to authentic costumes and props, and learn about the special effects and animatronics that brought J.K. Rowling’s magical world to the big screen. Then, see Christ Church College, the Bodleian Library and other incredible sights on a guided walking tour of Oxford. Round-trip transport by luxury coach from central London included.Make your own way to the Great Portland Street Tube Station in central London, and then settle into your comfortable seat aboard a luxury coach and travel to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. After roughly an hour on the road, arrive and head inside to see the magical sets, costumes, and props that helped turn J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter novels into one of the most successful film series in the world.
Following in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, spend the next 3.5 hours independently exploring the studios. Wander along Diagon Alley and pose in front of Ollivanders wand shop, the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and more. Visit, too, the Ministry of Magic, where you can learn about the mythical government that rules the Harry Potter community.
Find out about the animatronics and makeup that breathed life into Dobby and the Death Eaters, as well as the special effects that created wizardry in the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office. Then, make for Platform 9 ¾, where you can pose with the disappearing luggage trolley and see steam billowing from the original Hogwarts Express train. Should you feel hungry during your visit, you can purchase lunch at the Studio Café or enjoy butterbeer and snacks in the backlot (own expense).
Next, return to your coach and continue to Oxford. On arrival in the City of Dreaming Spires, meet a guide and stretch your legs on a walking tour. Stroll down streets lined with grand, timeworn buildings and see ivy-strewn colleges, hidden passageways, grand dining halls, and lavish libraries — including Christ Church College, the Bodleian Library, and other famous sights.
After your tour, enjoy some free time to continue sightseeing independently before heading back to your coach and returning to London, where your tour concludes at the original start point.
TM & © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR
Please note: Tour Itinerary runs in reverse on Wednesdays.
10h | from £135.00
Experience the magic world of Harry Potter with your visit to Warner Bros. Studio London - The Making of Harry Potter. Explore the studio, which is home to several of the locations used in the famous film franchise. Then, head to historic Oxford and take a small-group walking tour (maximum of 20). Visit the 15th century School of Divinity that was used for infirmary at Hogwarts. This tour includes all entrance fees, guide, and round-trip transportation by an air-conditioned mini-coach.Meet your group near the Marble Arch in the early morning (times vary depending on the season) and take a short journey north of London to Warner Bros. Studio London. Prepare to enter the magic world that awaits on the Warner Bros. Studio London – The Making of Harry Potter tour. You will experience the magic that has gone into the creation of one of the most beloved franchises of all-time, Harry Potter. See the studio where all eight movies were filmed.
Begin your 3.5-hour studio tour by entering the Great Hall of Hogwarts, instantly you are catapulted into the wizarding world. Then, continue on to Dumbledore's office, the Ministry of Magic, 4 Privet Drive, the Gryffindor common room, the Weasley kitchen, Hagrid's Hut, and Diagon Alley. Step onto the Hogwarts Express and sit down in the carriages as Hogwarts Castle steams away at the end of platform 9 3/4 . Discover behind-the-scenes secrets. See the intricate prosthetic and makeup work that transformed actors into amazing creatures.
Climb aboard the mini-coach and journey to historic Oxford, following the studio tour. Join your guide for a 60-minute walking tour of this famous university city. Admire the beautiful architecture and serene landscape of England's oldest university, founded in 1167. Stroll through the city center and by the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre, and some selected colleges. Then, you will be treated to an interior tour of the 15th century School of Divinity, the highlight of your time in Oxford. Admire the vaulted ceiling with 455 roof carvings of the benefactor's crests and initials. You will immediately recognize this location that was featured in the scene where our heroes learned to dance in the Goblet of Fire and where Harry recovered in his hospital bed in the Chamber of Secrets. Go on to see Christ Church, Corpus Christi, Magdalen, All Souls, Hertford, Trinity, and St. John's. Spend some free time (approximately one hour) to continue exploring the grounds or to shop at your leisure.
Return to London after a full-day of exploration and magic. You will be dropped off at Victoria Train Station in the center of London.
(no rating)5h | from £129.00
Go behind the scenes of the Harry Potter movies at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Accompanied by a guide, you'll explore the studios for three hours to see costumes, props, and sets from all of the beloved movies. Peek inside Dumbledore's office, stroll down Diagon Alley, and much more. Round-trip train travel from London is included.Your journey starts in Central London where you'll meet your tour representative. Travel by train directly to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
When you arrive, enjoy timed access and be greeted by a dedicated Studio Tour guide who reveals the wonders you'll encounter throughout your tour of the original sets, props, and costumes from all eight of the Harry Potter films. You will be given your own personal headset to ensure you do not miss any of the fascinating behind-the-scenes facts.
Start your experience with a short film in the cinema before you enter the iconic Great Hall set. Your guide shares production secrets and inside information and tells you about the processes used to bring the films to life. Take a look inside Dumbledore’s office, and walk along cobbled Diagon Alley, which features the shop fronts of Ollivanders, Flourish and Blotts, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Bank, and Eeylops Owl Emporium. Visit the original Hogwarts Express locomotive and a recreation of Platform 9 ¾. Climb aboard the train carriage, and pose with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall.
Other sets you can see include the Gryffindor common room, the boys’ dormitory, Hagrid’s Hut, the Potions classroom, and Professor Umbridge's office at the Ministry of Magic. Throughout your tour, you'll be captivated by secrets and insights from your guide.
Once your guided tour comes to an end, you have the option to re-enter the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London at your leisure, find that perfect Harry Potter souvenir at the Studio Shop, or purchase a coffee at the Studio Tour Cafe. When you are ready to head back to central London, your representative will have your provided train ticket and information needed for an easy journey.
This guided experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is the only tour of its kind, so if you're a fan of the wizarding world, it's a must-do.
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London's Royal Residence, from the State Rooms and royal gardens to the Queen's Gallery and the (yawnfest) changing of the guard
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Visiting the Queen's Gallery of art of Buckingham Palace
The University of London has a spectacular gallery of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings
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Fantastic, small, bit-of-everything museum—ancient Roman and Egyptian sculptures; paintings by Turner, Reynolds, and Hogarth; architectural remnants and Cantonese furniture—all crammed into the formerly private home of an eclectic collector
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This late 19C Romantic offshoot offered a, well, a romanticized reinterpretation of the Medieval style
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For centuries, London has been the center of the art market. Names like Christie's, Sotheby’s, and Bonhams are synonymous with luxury art trade today, but where does this tradition come from? On this walk we'll learn about the history of the auction houses, how art dealers function, and how the two interrelate.
The Victoria and Albert Museum possesses one of the world's greatest collections of decorative art and design in the world, with a collection running the gamut from preparatory materials for the Sistine Chapel to exquisite Islamic art, like the Ardabil Carpet. Our Victoria and Albert Museum Tour, led by a local historian, explores not only the history of the V&A, delving into its origins in the 1851 Great Exhibition, but provides a comprehensive look at a few of the most important galleries in this expansive museum.
- Victoria and Albert Museum Tour led by a design and history expert
- Small group V&A tours—6 people max
- Discover one of the most diverse fine art collections in the world.
Victoria and Albert Museum Tour
After receiving a brief overview of the museum's history outside the building, our tour will continue inside the museum with a visit to the famous Raphael Cartoons (1515-16), which were created by Raphael as preparatory drawings for tapestries intended to hang in the Sistine Chapel (nota bene: for those also headed to Italy, we offer a Vatican Museum Tour), but which today are considered works of art in their own right. Raphael's drawings depict scenes from the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul; we will analyze each in some depth with a discussion of the history of the cartoons, the Renaissance ideals in art, and the relationship between painting and tapestry weaving. We will continue by discussing the history of art and sculpture in the sculpture galleries with works by the Baroque sculptor Bernini, the neoclassical artist Canova, and the late-nineteenth century sculptor Rodin before moving on to the Cast Courts, which contain casts of artworks and objects from around Europe. The collection includes casts of Michelangelo's sixteenth-century 'David', of the first century Trajan's Column, and of the spectacular sixteenth century tomb of St. Sebaldus. Here, we will discuss the Victorian interest in collecting casts.
A Global Collection
From the Cast Court, we'll move to the British Galleries, which chart the changes in British art and design from the Tudor monarchs in the 1500s to Queen Victoria in 1901, in order to consider in greater depth how different styles arose over the centuries and how the social, cultural, and historical contexts influenced these changes. We will focus on a diverse array of objects such as the sixteenth-century 'Great Bed of Ware', the writing box belonging to Henry VIII, the eighteenth-century Rococo music room from Norfolk House, and the Arts and Crafts style as represented by William Morris in the late nineteenth century.
The Islamic Gallery
We will then compare this emphasis on style and design in Western European production with a visit to the Islamic Gallery, where we will focus on the sixteenth-century 'Ardabil carpet' in relation to the function and design of the art object in the Islamic world as well as the tension that developed between art production and science. Here, we will also explore the effects of trade and cultural exchange on design.
Take Aways
Then, depending on time and interest, we can explore the extensive fashion collection (on which we also offer a Victoria and Albert Museum Fashion Tour), visit the exquisite jewelry galleries, or alternatively discuss the form and function of glass over the centuries.
FAQ
What's in the V&A museum?
The Museum’s collections span over 2000 years of human creativity, in virtually every medium and drawn from across Europe, the Middle East, India, China, Japan and many other parts of the world.
Is it true that we can see a replica of the Trajan’s Column?
Yes, the tallest object in the collections is a plaster cast of Trajan’s Column, reproduced from the marble original in Rome. It is displayed in two separate towers which if put together would reach 35.6 m high.
Do we need to pay a ticket to get in?
No, unless you want to see one of the temporary exhibitions, the museum is free. However, donations are greatly appreciated.
Our London Drawing Workshop is a hands-on tutorial on how to engage and hone your powers of observation and expression coupled with a tour of some of London's most idyllic, yet hidden away spots. Under the auspices of a professional artist and art teacher, we will begin our private tour at your hotel or flat, getting an introduction to materials and a demonstration of some basic drawing techniques, before venturing out into the city to capture London's distinct breed of beauty.
- London Drawing Workshop led by an artist and art teacher
- Take home your masterpiece!
- Private and fully customizable
"We loved it, and our kids’ artwork improved instantly. Such a cool morning with an incredibly interesting person."
London Drawing Workshop
Depending on preferences and the weather, after our initial meetup, we may then make our way into Westminster Abbey (also the subject of our Westminster Abbey Tour) and take in the breathtaking view, where we can then then choose our subject. Alternatively, we may decide to continue on the South Bank, and focus on landscape views or even pop into one of the nearby museums (like the Tate or Hayward Gallery) for some inspiration. From the skyline of London to the sculptures and passageways of Westminster Abbey, our location will offer a stunning view from a privileged point.
Drawing London
During the time together, our docent will give us guidance on how to create a great sketch, and will share some useful tips for improving our style. Our aim will be to capture, frame, and ultimately understand better London in her many forms. Our guide will be an accomplished artist and art teacher who will take us to several hidden-away spots otherwise near-impossible to find on our own for that perfect perspective or vista.
Looking to see art instead of making it? Try our National Gallery Tour.
Take Aways
Our drawing workshop ends with a thoughtful critique of the work. Drawing London is open to participants of all artistic abilities. In fact, non-artists are strongly encouraged to participate. Talent is not required; a willingness to engage the artistic process and to keep oneself open to new possibilities, however, is strongly encouraged.
The price of this workshop includes Context's drawing kit, specially put together by the artists who run the workshop. Each participant will receive and take home a Sketch Folder, three pieces of Conté (black, white, and sanguine), and a pen eraser.
Recommended by Travel Babbo as a Must do in London for families
FAQ
Is this walk appropriate for small children?
Yes, we designed this walk with young children in mind. Thanks to our approach and activities they will learn about the city while creating small works of art!
What kind of activities will you be doing?
Generally we do some sketching of iconic monuments as well and trying different techniques for drawing small objects and landscapes
Can I do this tour if I am in a wheelchair?
Yes, the itinerary of the walk is fully accessible.
Is material included in the cost?
Yes, you will receive a drawing pad and some pencils which you'll be able to take home, along with your work.
Alternative, trendy, and recently gentrified, London’s East End is one of the most vibrant and exciting areas in town – Subculture Tours is ready to help you discover what has become known as the greatest open air gallery in the world. Street Art and Graffiti has taken the world by storm with cities around the globe annually hosting Street Art/Graffiti festivals but London’s East End is where every artists wants to paint.
Subculture Tours are ready to invite you into a world that has been closed to the general public for many years.
This tour has been designed by a very active member of the Graffiti scene in London. He helps create art districts in London by speaking to owners of properties and taking control of those walls and invites street artists to paint beautiful colourful murals in run down neighbourhoods which helps generate a better economy for the people of that district.
Other achievements he was filmed for American TV show Entertainment tonight where he was approached by Hollywood movie actor Josh Duhamel (Transformers) to take him on a guided tour of Graffiti and Street art in Shoreditch finishing with a workshop.
We start the day by taking a bike ride through an industrial graffiti area set along canals and river paths taking in some amazing street art and graffiti. You cycle through the East End of London avoiding any major roads taking in the scenery and scouting for fresh street art pieces. We end up in Shoreditch where we drop the bikes off and explore on foot.
On the two hour walk you will be introduced to world famous, local and up and coming artists showcasing different styles and using different techniques, Spray paint, pasteups, stickers, fire extinguishers, installations, futuristic, drip art, X-ray Graffiti, Wildsyle letters, throwups, tags.
We break for lunch in an old Brewery where there are cafes and food trucks.
We now make are way by tube to the Graffiti workshop where a carefully handpicked team of artists will help you unleash the vandal within.
The artists are all very patient and great with people and conduct themselves in a professional manner. You will learn about tagging, throwups, masterpieces and character work
Next we introduce you to using spray paint where you will learn about can control and pressure practicing drawing straight lines circles, squares to help you feel confident with the can.
Once we think you are ready we shall demonstrate the process of sketching, filling and outlining.
We want you to be proud of what you do so we do not rush the workshop.
We finish the day by celebrating with a beer/wine.
Get to know an alternative side of London through the work of its emerging artists on this 4-hour, small-group art tour. You'll visit up to four separate emerging artists in their studios, and get the chance to discuss and purchase their work. At the end of the tour, mingle and see more work at a reception with light refreshments: you'll leave with a small piece of art.
Choose between a 9:30am or 2:30pm departure time – just add this information to the Special Requirements box on booking. Your guide will meet you at your central London hotel or accommodation and accompany you on public transport to the artists' studios.
Over the day, you'll get a hands-on introduction to London's vibrant arts scene, and see an alternative side of this great city through the eyes of its emerging artists.
You'll visit up to four separate artists in their studios, and have the chance to chat to them about current projects and pick up pieces that inspire you: your tour includes one small piece of art, generally a drawing or a print.
This tour is aimed at bridging the gap and deepening the connection between artists and audience by offering you an insider’s look at contemporary art. It's perfect for enthusiasts, collectors, and curators alike.
Finish with a catered reception, including drinks and snacks, where you can socialize, view other pieces, and purchase works from the artists you've met. Your guide will accompany you back to your accommodation, returning around 1:30pm (morning tours) or 6:30pm (afternoon tours).
As you walk around the stylish cultural melting-pot of Shoreditch, active street artist Karim will draw your attention to specific pieces of notable artwork. He is extremely knowledgeable about his craft, and will give you a general overview of the history and culture of street art in London, as well as answering any questions you may have. A hot topic for discussion on this tour will be how artists tread the line between commercial success and ‘keeping it real’, as more and more underground work is absorbed into the mainstream.
As you walk around the stylish cultural melting-pot of Shoreditch, active street artist Karim will draw your attention to specific pieces of notable artwork. He is extremely knowledgeable about his craft, and will give you a general overview of the history and culture of street art in London, as well as answering any questions you may have. A hot topic for discussion on this tour will be how artists tread the line between commercial success and ‘keeping it real’, as more and more underground work is absorbed into the mainstream.
From the moment your guide (Karim) landed in London from Zimbabwe, Karim was drawn to the city’s graffiti and street art scene. Studying the people and styles that define it, he found himself powerless to resist, and his art can now be seen adorning walls across the capital. His expertise on the subject is also much in demand, and he has conducted highly regarded workshops and tours for clients that include the BBC.
Karim’s enthusiasm is infectious, and it springs from a background in architecture – something that is evident in the “insane knowledge” that he imparts during your time with him. He has certainly inspired us to look closer at the amazing array of urban interventions across the capital. “Street art in London is always in flux,” he says, “and it is a wonderful cacophony of colour and characters.” Join on this tour and fine-tune your eye on the street.
A focal point for graffiti writers and street artists, east London gives a snapshot of a movement that’s evolving day by day. Given its proximity to the City, rich cultural history and status as the UK’s tech hub, it’s easy to see why it’s such a fertile setting.
On a walk round the neighbourhood, active street artist Karim will uncover the many layers of urban art that have appeared on the district’s walls – some obvious, some hidden – and introduce the key players and notable pieces. A hot topic for discussion on this SideStory Experience will be how artists tread the line between commercial success and ‘keeping it real’, as more and more underground work is absorbed into the mainstream.
London’s Tate Modern and Tate Britain hold some of the country’s pre-eminent collections of historic and contemporary art. Visiting both museums via a boat ride along the Thames is a chance to see how ideas and artistic processes flow through time. By selecting works shown in the galleries’ permanent collections, Joshua will chart the evolution of different art movements and media.
A writer and lecturer at Sotheby’s, Christie's, specialising in modern and contemporary art, Joshua also freelances as a lecturer in art for the Tate museums and the National Portrait Gallery. Growing up in London, he has witnessed first-hand the city’s emergence as a centre of the global contemporary art scene.
A frequent contributor to Flash Art magazine and co-presenter of The Art Channel, your guide always has the inside track on what to see – one of the many reasons we enjoy gallery-hopping with him and getting his expert take on London’s emerging artists and must-see exhibitions.
When your booking is confirmed, you will receive comprehensive details about your experience, including Joshua's contact details and the meeting location. You will also receive a pre-experience questionnaire, which is essential for Joshua to be able to tailor your tour to your interests.
You will meet Joshua at the Tate Modern, where he will select works out of the permanent collections to illustrate how artistic creation has evolved in style and medium. Then, taking to the Thames by boat, you will go on to Tate Britain, where Joshua will identify early British works that continue to inspire artists today. He’ll give his insight into the connections between diverse styles, from self-expressive painting to conceptual works inspired by mathematics.
The whole tour lasts around three hours, and includes some light refreshments.
This tour is a great chance to see street art before it goes, when the council remove it or a building is knocked down. On this tour you can also be among the first to see a piece of street art with new street artists popping up all the time. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to capture some amazing images from the best artists in London today.
This tour makes for an unforgettable London experience and is a must for anyone who loves art or adventure. Your guides live and work in the East End, so when you walk, you walk with the best.
See the best of London’s National Gallery, one of the world’s most visited art museums, on this private 3.5-hour tour. With a specialist art historian guide, tick off the gallery’s most impressive paintings and learn more about the artists behind them. Get up close to works by the Italian greats, including da Vinci and Michelangelo, and Flemish masterpieces from the likes of Rubens and Campin. You’ll also take in timeless paintings by French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists such as Monet, Renoir, Picasso and Cezanne.
Choose from a morning or afternoon tour, and then make your own way to the National Gallery, a striking Pantheon-style art museum raised on a terrace overlooking Nelson’s Column and the iconic lion statues in London’s Trafalgar Square.
Meet your guide, an art history specialist, and then head inside to trace European art across the centuries. The National Gallery boasts one of Europe’s greatest collections of paintings by the Old Masters (European artists whose notable works were produced between the Renaissance and 18th century), and houses more than 2,300 artworks dating from the Middle Ages through the 20th century.
Stroll from room to room, taking in the mosaic floors, marble pillars and floor-to-ceiling art, and listen as your specialist guide talks you through the gallery’s key masterpieces as well as the artists behind them.
Throughout your private tour, pay special attention to the Italian greats — from the 13th-century Masters to the High Renaissance of Piero della Francesca, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo — and the Flemish school of art, including works by Rubens, van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden and Campin, considered by many to be the first great master of Flemish and Early Netherlandish painting.
See, too, masterpieces from Rembrandt, as well as the gallery’s French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists collection, one of the finest of its kind in the world — crammed with timeless works by Renoir, Monet, Pisarro, Cezanne, van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso.
After roughly 3.5 hours, your tour concludes inside the National Gallery, leaving you free to continue exploring independently, should you wish.
See the world’s largest LEGO® exhibition inspired by DC Characters. Legendary LEGO® artist Nathan Sawaya took London by storm in 2014 with his extraordinary exhibition THE ART OF THE BRICK®. Now he returns to the UK on March 1st with his brand new exhibition inspired by the world’s most popular and enduring super heroes and villains. Walk through the exhibition "The Art of the Brick: DC Super Heroes" that includes over 120 large scale exhibits made from over 2 million LEGO® bricks, all displayed in a purpose built space on London’s South Bank. Your experience could take anywhere from 60 - 90 minutes. This is for one admission ticket only. Transportation and other accommodations are not included.
Your admission ticket will grant you access to the event, which is located at Doon Street Car Park. Hours of operation are:
Sunday – Wednesday: 10am – 6pm (last entry at 5pm)
Thursday: 10am – 8pm (last entry at 7pm)
Friday and Saturday: 10am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
There will be space in the reception area to leave prams (strollers), but these will be left at the owner’s risk. There are toilets located in the exhibition area. There will be a small coffee shop on site in the interactive zone. There is disabled access to the exhibition as well. There is a public car park at the National Theatre opposite the entrance to the exhibition.
Expect to spend about 60 - 90 minutes at the event.
Get to know the other side of London by exploring the secret street art of Camden Town on this small-group, 2-hour walking tour. Wander down back alleys, secret lanes, and canal-side walkways, and hear the stories of the artists whose work lines the streets of this historic district from a guide who's an expert on London's street art scene.
Your guide will be either a photographer, a blogger, a 'wall organizer' who sources legal spaces for street artists, or some combination of these roles: they'll meet you at Camden Town tube at 10:55am.
Under their guidance, escape the main streets and the busy markets to get off the beaten tourist track and learn why half a million people visit Camden every week. One of London's most vibrant, interesting, and happening boroughs, this bohemian area is as alive with street art as it's full of music.
Discover great murals by some of London's leading street artists, as well as individual piece by international artists. You'll see over 100 pieces of street art that have transformed Camden into a dynamic canvas where artists leave their creative marks. Learn how an art form that was once considered vandalism now represents the personalities of cities all around the world.
Your guide will explain graffiti terms and the unwritten codes that govern this underground world, as well as how 'wall organizers' enable artists from all over the world to paint in London. You'll end your tour in central Camden at 2pm, just a short walk from the tube.
Begin our half day experience by learning about the master painters whose names fill the halls of the National Gallery. It’s a hodgepodge of eras and styles, and we’ll make sense of it for you so that you can appreciate and moreover enjoy this iconic collection. Discover the history and anecdotes behind the works of artists like Da Vinci, Velázquez, and Botticelli. The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. During your tour, we’ll arm you with the essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.
After a break for lunch, you will then go on to explore the diverse neighborhood that is the East End. Notorious as the hunting ground of 19th century serial killer Jack the Ripper, it’s now home to London's best street art including Shepard Fairey and Banksy. The East End is a melting pot, alive with contradictions and colorful characters, and we’ll introduce you to our favorite shops and vendors at Spitalfields Market. By the end of the day you’ll understand why London attracts so many upcoming artists.
From the origins of Cockney rhyming slang to the hipsters of Shoreditch via the curry houses of Brick Lane, this neighborhood is a proud representation of the vast melting-pot that is London. Notorious as the hunting ground of 19th century serial killer Jack the Ripper, it’s now home to London's best street art including Shepard Fairey and Banksy. The East End is alive with contradictions and colorful characters, and we’ll introduce you to our favorites, like the many vendors at Spitalfields Market. We’ll explore the streets and neighborhoods that will leave you wanting to stick around and mingle with the hipsters all afternoon.
Meet your private guide at 10am or 2pm in east London, then head through the vibrant streets to begin your walking tour. Home to some of the capital’s most talented street artists, east London is alive with etchings, stencils and artwork in all styles and colors.
Explore areas such as Brick Lane, Shoreditch, and Spitalfields Market, and gain insight into their transformation from working-class neighborhoods to trendy centers of fashion and art. Along the way, enjoy a cultural overview of London’s East End — from its troubled years under the control of the Kray Twins to today — and admire diverse street art by the likes of Shepard Fairey and Banksy.
Learn of the origins of Cockney rhyming slang and the rise of hipsters in Shoreditch, stroll past bustling curry houses and stylish galleries, and soak up the atmosphere in this colorful corner of London. When your walking tour comes to an end, wave goodbye to your guide at Shoreditch High Street Station.
Begin our half day experience by learning about the master painters whose names fill the halls of the National Gallery. It’s a hodgepodge of eras and styles, and we’ll make sense of it for you so that you can appreciate and moreover enjoy this iconic collection. Discover the history and anecdotes behind the works of artists like Da Vinci, Velázquez, and Botticelli. The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. During your private tour, your charming young guide will arm you with the essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.
After a break for lunch, you will then go on to explore the diverse neighborhood that is the East End. Notorious as the hunting ground of 19th century serial killer Jack the Ripper, it’s now home to London's best street art including Shepard Fairey and Banksy. The East End is a melting pot, alive with contradictions and colorful characters, and we’ll introduce you to our favorite shops and vendors at Spitalfields Market. By the end of the day you’ll understand why London attracts so many upcoming artists.
Join us on a private tour to the beautiful and entirely unique Eltham Palace. For centuries a Royal Palace sat atop of a hill overlook beautiful countryside and more latterly in the leafy London suburbs.
There is nowhere else quite like Eltham Palace. Situated in SE London, it is a unique marriage between a medieval and Tudor palace and a 1930s millionaire’s mansion. From the 14th to the 16th century it was an important royal palace, where monarchs often stayed and hunted in the surrounding parks.
Much of Eltham Palace fell into disuse and large sections of it had to be taken down but happily the Great Hall remains and it is one of the finest in the country, up with that at Westminster Palace and Hampton Court Palace.
What really makes Eltham Palace unique however is that after centuries of neglect, Eltham was leased to Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in 1933 and they spent £20 million on building a state of the art home here that incorporated the Great Hall with their magnificent Art-Deco creation. The result was a masterpiece of 20th-century design.
Finally, Eltham surrounded by beautiful gardens, a wonderful moat and ancient brick bridge which anywhere else would be a tourist destination in its own right.
The tour will end with us returning by car back to our starting point.
Add the wow factor to your photography on a unique Private Photography Tour of the fascinating Street Art in Shoreditch. Learn how to get the best photos from your camera and be amazed by your results. Your personal photographer will show you the best places to photograph amazing street scenes in the vibrant East End of London including Brick Lane.
Walking in Shoreditch you see instantly the vibrant and colourful nature of London's East End. Street Art covers walls, buildings railings and lamp posts. The Street Art in Shoreditch is a dynamic everchanging landscape of colour as new street art is created daily. Learn how to photograph street art famous the world over. A professional Fine Art Photographer shows you the best locations and viewpoints to capture these amazing street scenes. Discover new ways to photograph street art by world famous street artists such as Roa, Eine, Stik and Shepard Fairey. We make our way on foot and discover Brick Lane, colourful shop fronts, art galleries and the people of this fascinating part of the East End. Improve your photography skills with one to one tuition for you or exclusive teaching for your group, from your personal photographer. This private photography tour is geared towards the camera you own.
This Street Art Photography Tour is a unique experience of the East End
as you are shown how to experience the street scenes through the eyes of
a professional Fine Art Photographer. Learn how to take photographs
you are proud of which capture your visit to London in a creative and
unique way.
We take a short working break for light refreshments
and to review photographs. We also review images at regular intervals
during the Photography Tour.
Learn how to:
- Compose a street scene
- Use colour in your photographs
- Integrate people in the Street Art
- Create unique images
- Use depth of field to add creative effects
- Use shutter speed to create different effects
- Understand light and how to use it effectively
- Photograph people and places of the East End
- Improve photography skills through understanding your camera
Leave central London by luxury coach and relax in comfort as you travel to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. On arrival, after around an hour on the road, head inside to see the impressive sets that featured in the Harry Potter films.
Spend the next three hours exploring independently. Walk past many of the intricately made costumes and props — like Hagrid’s motorcycle — that helped bring J.K. Rowling’s books to life on screen. Uncover closely guarded secrets about the mind-blowing special effects and animatronics that made sets such as the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office so magical.
Have your camera ready as you explore the famous Platform 9 ¾. Pose for photos with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall and marvel at the smoke billowing from the original Hogwarts Express steam engine.
Stroll along the famous cobblestoned pavements of Diagon Alley, and look out for familiar-looking shops like Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, which was featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Then, delve into Professor Umbridge’s office in the Ministry of Magic.
Other memorable sets include the Gryffindor common room, Hagrid’s hut and the unmistakable Potions classroom.
When the time comes, meet back with your coach at the prearranged time. Your tours then concludes at London Victoria Railway Station.
TM & © 2015 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
Leave London Victoria by luxury Mercedes coach, and relax in your comfortable seat as you journey to the incredible Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. After roughly one hour on the road, head inside the studios and explore independently, seeing the authentic sets, costumes and props that brought the Harry Potter movies to life.
Stroll along the famous cobblestoned pavements of Diagon Alley and keep an eye out for familiar-looking shops like Gringotts Wizarding Bank that was featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Learn about the special effects and animatronics that created wizardry in sets like the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office. Then, visit the Ministry of Magic, where you can venture into Professor Umbridge’s office to learn about the mythical government that rules the Harry Potter community.
Make sure to bring your camera as tantalizing photo opportunities abound behind every corner. Snap photos of the glass ceiling and yellow brick walls of Platform 9 ¾, which has been transferred from Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. Then, marvel at the Hogwarts Express steam engine and see into the carriage that was featured in some of the saga’s most memorable scenes.
At the pre-arranged time, meet your host back on board your coach and return to central London in comfort.
TM & © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR
Begin where Harry started, at the Cupboard Under the Stairs, before watching an enchanting welcome video and heading into The Great Hall – one of the biggest sets at the studios. As you travel through, see an unbelievable selection of actual costumes, props and special effects pieces, all kept in pristine condition.
As you explore the studios, see The Burrow, Hagrid’s Hut, the Gryffindor Common Room, Dumbledore’s office and much more. From small details like Dumbledore’s Pensieve to the larger pieces like the fantastic animatronic door to the Chamber of Secrets. Have fun riding a broom through London at the Green Screen exhibit and board the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9¾. See Privet Drive, the Knight Bus, buy a Butterbeer™ on the backlot and get up close to the prosthetics and animatronics in the special effects department – there is so much to see you will be thankful to have an extended time to take it all in.
Make your own way to the Great Portland Street Tube Station in central London, and then settle into your comfortable seat aboard a luxury coach and travel to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. After roughly an hour on the road, arrive and head inside to see the magical sets, costumes, and props that helped turn J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter novels into one of the most successful film series in the world.
Following in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, spend the next 3.5 hours independently exploring the studios. Wander along Diagon Alley and pose in front of Ollivanders wand shop, the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and more. Visit, too, the Ministry of Magic, where you can learn about the mythical government that rules the Harry Potter community.
Find out about the animatronics and makeup that breathed life into Dobby and the Death Eaters, as well as the special effects that created wizardry in the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office. Then, make for Platform 9 ¾, where you can pose with the disappearing luggage trolley and see steam billowing from the original Hogwarts Express train. Should you feel hungry during your visit, you can purchase lunch at the Studio Café or enjoy butterbeer and snacks in the backlot (own expense).
Next, return to your coach and continue to Oxford. On arrival in the City of Dreaming Spires, meet a guide and stretch your legs on a walking tour. Stroll down streets lined with grand, timeworn buildings and see ivy-strewn colleges, hidden passageways, grand dining halls, and lavish libraries — including Christ Church College, the Bodleian Library, and other famous sights.
After your tour, enjoy some free time to continue sightseeing independently before heading back to your coach and returning to London, where your tour concludes at the original start point.
TM & © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR
Please note: Tour Itinerary runs in reverse on Wednesdays.
Meet your group near the Marble Arch in the early morning (times vary depending on the season) and take a short journey north of London to Warner Bros. Studio London. Prepare to enter the magic world that awaits on the Warner Bros. Studio London – The Making of Harry Potter tour. You will experience the magic that has gone into the creation of one of the most beloved franchises of all-time, Harry Potter. See the studio where all eight movies were filmed.
Begin your 3.5-hour studio tour by entering the Great Hall of Hogwarts, instantly you are catapulted into the wizarding world. Then, continue on to Dumbledore's office, the Ministry of Magic, 4 Privet Drive, the Gryffindor common room, the Weasley kitchen, Hagrid's Hut, and Diagon Alley. Step onto the Hogwarts Express and sit down in the carriages as Hogwarts Castle steams away at the end of platform 9 3/4 . Discover behind-the-scenes secrets. See the intricate prosthetic and makeup work that transformed actors into amazing creatures.
Climb aboard the mini-coach and journey to historic Oxford, following the studio tour. Join your guide for a 60-minute walking tour of this famous university city. Admire the beautiful architecture and serene landscape of England's oldest university, founded in 1167. Stroll through the city center and by the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre, and some selected colleges. Then, you will be treated to an interior tour of the 15th century School of Divinity, the highlight of your time in Oxford. Admire the vaulted ceiling with 455 roof carvings of the benefactor's crests and initials. You will immediately recognize this location that was featured in the scene where our heroes learned to dance in the Goblet of Fire and where Harry recovered in his hospital bed in the Chamber of Secrets. Go on to see Christ Church, Corpus Christi, Magdalen, All Souls, Hertford, Trinity, and St. John's. Spend some free time (approximately one hour) to continue exploring the grounds or to shop at your leisure.
Return to London after a full-day of exploration and magic. You will be dropped off at Victoria Train Station in the center of London.
Your journey starts in Central London where you'll meet your tour representative. Travel by train directly to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
When you arrive, enjoy timed access and be greeted by a dedicated Studio Tour guide who reveals the wonders you'll encounter throughout your tour of the original sets, props, and costumes from all eight of the Harry Potter films. You will be given your own personal headset to ensure you do not miss any of the fascinating behind-the-scenes facts.
Start your experience with a short film in the cinema before you enter the iconic Great Hall set. Your guide shares production secrets and inside information and tells you about the processes used to bring the films to life. Take a look inside Dumbledore’s office, and walk along cobbled Diagon Alley, which features the shop fronts of Ollivanders, Flourish and Blotts, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Bank, and Eeylops Owl Emporium. Visit the original Hogwarts Express locomotive and a recreation of Platform 9 ¾. Climb aboard the train carriage, and pose with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall.
Other sets you can see include the Gryffindor common room, the boys’ dormitory, Hagrid’s Hut, the Potions classroom, and Professor Umbridge's office at the Ministry of Magic. Throughout your tour, you'll be captivated by secrets and insights from your guide.
Once your guided tour comes to an end, you have the option to re-enter the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London at your leisure, find that perfect Harry Potter souvenir at the Studio Shop, or purchase a coffee at the Studio Tour Cafe. When you are ready to head back to central London, your representative will have your provided train ticket and information needed for an easy journey.
This guided experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is the only tour of its kind, so if you're a fan of the wizarding world, it's a must-do.