London has always had a starring role in James Bond – and to celebrate the release of the new movie Spectre, British Airways has unearthed 10 of the best 007-themed things to see and do when visiting the capital.
Customers flying with British Airways to London are spoilt for choice with countless locations featured in the films and many fascinating attractions, including an exhibition featuring the fictional British spy’s most-famous on-screen cars.
British Airways flies daily between Sydney and the award-winning London Heathrow Terminal 5. With an abundance of restaurants and shops, the terminal is the perfect place for customers to enjoy a 007 Martini or pick up a Q-style gadget of their own. Customers can enjoy all-year-round return economy fares from $1,710, Club World business class from $7,485, or the luxury of First from $10,940. Visit ba.com for more information.
Additionally, those travelling in First will have access to the first Concorde Bar outside of London Heathrow Terminal 5, a tasteful and secluded area, featuring an opulent interior with black Nero marble surfaces, European oak flooring and bespoke furnishings, as well as digital panoramic views of the Singapore skyline reflecting the time of day.
Here are the 10 of the best activities and attractions from across London;
1. Follow in 007’s footsteps…
Book a guided walking tour taking in more than 10 London locations featured in the 007 movies. See where Daniel Craig ran through the streets of Whitehall during the famous Skyfall (2012) chase scene and marvel at the Universal Exports offices from the Living Daylights (1987). You’ll also pass spy HQs Mi6 and Mi6 during the two and a half hour stroll.
Adults: £12 ($25), kids: £10 ($21)
2. Race to see Bond’s cars
The ‘Bond In Motion’ exhibition at the London Film Museum is the biggest ever display of genuine vehicles from the Bond movies ever – and it even features vehicles used in Spectre. Among the cars on show are the Aston Martin DB5, Goldfinger (1964)’s Rolls-Royce Phantom III and the Lotus Esprit S1 sub from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).
The show also features some of the stranger vehicles used on-screen, such as Bond’s Citroën 2CV and Crocodile Sub.
Adults: £14.50 ($31), kids: [5-15years] £9.50 ($20).
3. Ride the River Thames Spy-style
The Thames has featured in many Bond movies – including The World Is Not Enough (1999) and the new Spectre (2015) – and you can feel like a spy as you buckle up for a rough ride along its choppy waters on a rib (rigid inflatable hull) boat. Bond theme music plays as you hurtle along from Embankment out to east London.
Your guide will also regale you with fascinating anecdotes and true stories about the life and times of author Ian Fleming and the history of the British Secret Service during your adrenaline-fuelled ride.
4. Suit up at Savile Row
James Bond is one of Hollywood’s most dapper chaps, with a wardrobe of beautiful suits to choose from for every occasion. London is home of one of the world’s most famous bespoke tailoring strips on Mayfair’s historic Savile Row. Step inside one of the many boutiques to be measured up for a Bond-style outfit.
Former Beatle Paul McCartney – who wrote the soundtrack to the Bond movie Live And Let Die (1973) – famously performed as part of the band’s last ever live performance on the roof of Apple Music at No. 3 Savile Row too.
5. Visit the ‘shaken, not stirred’ bar
Dukes Bar – Mayfair’s Dukes Hotel was a favourite of Bond author Ian Fleming and is said to be where he found the inspiration for 007’s infamous “shaken, not stirred” catchphrase. The phrase featured in the novel Diamonds Are Forever (1971), but it wasn’t until Dr No (1962) that he uttered the phrase.
Dukes even serve a special martini called the ‘Fleming 89’ in tribute to the author.
6. Drive an Aston Martin around Silverstone
Not only will you get to drive Bond’s car in the shape of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but you’ll be putting the pedal to the metal around a real Formula One race track. Just an hour northwest of British Airways’ base at London Heathrow Terminal 5, you’ll enjoy eight scintillating laps of the track in the 4.5 litre V8. Drivers must be over 21 and be between 5ft 2ins and 6ft 6ins tall.
Experiences from £159.20 ($337)
7. Visit the Spectre World Premiere venue at the Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall will play host to the World Premiere of the new James Bond’s Spectremovie and you can visit the historic venue on your visit to London.
There are six types of tours available, including a behind-the-scenes and afternoon tea, or you might be lucky enough to visit when a show is taking place. Recent star performances have included Eric Clapton, Russell Watson and The Beach Boys.
8. Walk across the O2 Arena roof…but don’t fall like Bond did
Pierce Brosnan’s Bond took a fall from a hot air balloon onto the roof of the O2 Arena in The World Is Not Enough (1999). Visitors to the world’s most popular venue can enjoy 360 degree views by walking to the top of the iconic landmark.
You are given boots, suit, harness and latch to connect yourself to a giant walkway then a guide will take you up to the summit.
Tickets start at £28 ($59) for adults and children. Minimum age 10.
9. Go inside Bond’s Mi6 from Quantum of Solace
London’s Barbican is one of the city’s most prominent arts centres and for Quantum of Solace (2008) it briefly became the new HQ for Mi6. During the film, M and Tanner are seen walking out from what is supposed to the offices, which are actually located on the roof of the centre in Barbican Frobisher Crescent.
Pose on the spot from the film and then catch a show or an exhibition.
10. Marvel at the toys of the real James Bonds
London’s Imperial War Museum hosts a permanent exhibition showcasing the undercover world of espionage, covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces.
The show – called Secret War – features many previously classified objects on public display for the very first time including gadgets designed by real life Qs.
