insideKENT Magazine Issue 20 - Sep/Oct 2013 | Page 114

DAYSOUT Fun-filled days in London EACH OF THESE ATTRACTIONS HAVE BEEN TOP TOURIST SPOTS IN LONDON FOR YEARS, BUT FOR MANY OF US, IT IS ALL TOO OFTEN THE CASE THAT ONE OR TWO HAVE BEEN ON OUR ANNUAL TO DO LIST, BUT WE'VE NEVER QUITE MADE IT. OR PERHAPS YOU HAVE BEEN YEARS AGO AND WOULD LIKE TO GO BACK. EITHER WAY, IT'S NOT TOO LATE AND BETTER STILL, THESE ATTRACTIONS UNDERGO CONSTANT UPDATES AND SHAKE-UPS TO ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND KEEP YOU COMING BACK. ONE THING THEY ALL HAVE IN COMMON: THEY ALL PROVIDE A FUN-FILLED DAY IN THE CAPITAL. SEA LIFE London Aquarium A BIRD’S EYE VIEW WHETHER YOU ARE ON A ROMANTIC DATE, A DAY TRIP WITH FRIENDS OR A FAMILY FUN DAY OUT, THERE IS REALLY ONLY ONE WAY TO SEE LONDON AT ITS FINEST, AND THAT IS UP HIGH. There is no view quite like the one from the EDF Energy London Eye. At 135 metres, it is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, offering breathtaking 360degree views of the capital and its famous landmarks. Iconic in stature, the London Eye is quite possibly the most distinctive addition to our capital this century and still, over a decade since its opening, it remains the most popular paid-for visitor attraction. www.londoneye.com Located on the popular Southbank of the River Thames, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life. Visitors will go on a fascinating journey from the coastline to the depths of the ocean, discovering a magical underwater world ?lled with a dazzling array of amazing creatures. From a face-toface encounter with sharks to admiring the Gentoo Penguins amid their ice adventure, every step will reveal something new. As of 2013, guests can also get up close with a dazzling collection of star?sh from the world’s oceans. www.visitsealife.com/london London Eye Madame Tussauds amazing London history. www.madametussauds.com Millions of people have ?ocked through the doors of Madame Tussauds since they ?rst opened over 200 years ago, and today it remains just as popular as it ever was. There are many reasons for this enduring success, but at the heart of it all is good, old-fashioned curiosity. Today’s visitors are sent on a unique, emotionally charged journey through the realms of the powerful and famous. In London, guests can get up close and personal with incredibly lifelike replicas of 21st century stars, brave the scary Chamber Of Horrors and take a time-travelling taxi ride through 400 years of Up at the O2 Famous for its ?endish fun, The London Dungeon continues to take the crown for the capital's scariest attraction by submitting guests to a unique thrill-?lled 90-minute journey through 1,000 years of London's murky past. Bigger, better and bolder year on year, this immersive walkthrough experience includes a full cast of brilli ant actors, theatrical sets, special effects and two hair-raising rides. And there's even more fun to be had in its new home in the underground vaults of County Hall on the Southbank. www.thedungeons.com You may have seen them thundering around central London, and splashing down ramps into the Thames (as let's be honest, they are quite dif?cult to miss), but if you haven't taken the London Duck Tour, it really is a must. It's a fun, quirky way to explore the sights on both land and river, without once having to move from your seat. Literally. The amphibious vehicles are used to conduct a range of commentary tours, all of which depart from Chicheley Street nearby to Waterloo station. www.londonducktours.co.uk The London Dungeon Hailed as ‘London’s equivalent of walking the Sydney Harbour Bridge', visitors of all ages can now enjoy an unforgettable 90minute excursion, walking across the roof of the world’s most popular entertainment icon: The O2. One of London's most thrilling attractions, well over 100,000 visitors have donned the suits and embarked on the challenge since its opening in June 2012 and who can blame them, as at 52m above ground level, the viewing platform is well worth the climb. www.theo2.co.uk/upattheo2 The View from The Shard London Duck Tours A unique encounter with Renzo Piano's Shard, The View from The Shard experience provides the most spectacular 64km (40-mile), 360-degree views of the capital's skyline — almost twice as high as any other viewing point in London and the highest vantage point from any building in Western Europe. At 244m high, the remarkable views over London can be seen via 12 digital ‘Tell:scope’ devices on the 69th ?oor viewing gallery. Guests can also ascend even higher to level 72 and enjoy the open air, surrounded by the giant shards of glass that form this sculptural building. www.theviewfromtheshard.com © The View from The Shard 114 www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk