Returning December 2024!
The classic tour is pleased to present our christmas special – a christmas lights experience.
Jump on board our classic open top Routemaster bus, which has been decked out (pardon the pun) in Christmas décor to get you in the festive mood! We will take you on a tour to see London’s most iconic Christmas light attractions including the famous Oxford street, Harrods and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. We look forward to seeing you on our Vintage Christmas Lights Tour of London.
Please be aware that due to the nature of London traffic and road closures it may not always be possible to see every landmark advertised on the route. We will always try our best to warn customers if this is the case but it may not always be possible.
Our tours run daily from November 17th 2023 at:
Additional tours may be available at
16:45, 19:00 & 20:30
Ticket Types
We are a family friendly tour offering a fun and quirky way to see London. All of our Christmas Lights tickets guarantee a top deck seat!
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St Paul’s Cathedral, London, is an Anglican cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the Diocese of London. It sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London and is a Grade 1 listed building.
Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, built around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. Its name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, Spain.
Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and mourning.
Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, is a large, mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster.
The Shard, also referred to as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower, is a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark, London, that forms part of the London Bridge Quarter development. Standing 309.7 metres (1,016 ft) high, the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom, the fourth-tallest building in Europe and the 111th-tallest building in the world.
The Tower of London, officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill.
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. The structure is 443 feet (135 m) tall and the wheel has a diameter of 394 feet (120 m). When it opened to the public in 2000 it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of London, resulting in it sometimes being confused with London Bridge, situated some 0.5 mi (0.80 km) upstream
Downing Street is a street in London, United Kingdom, known for housing the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. “Downing Street” is used as a metonym for the Government of the United Kingdom.
A Lady in London
And Traveling the World
Lady’s Festive Christmas Lights Walk in London
Christmas is coming. London is starting to show signs of the season with trees popping up, markets opening, and lights switching on across the UK capital. Given my favorite way to see the city is on foot, today I want to share my free self-guided Christmas lights walk in London with you. There’s a map, too.
Christmas Lights Walk in London
The festive season is a great time to take in London’s annual displays, from outdoor lights to Christmas markets and shopping arcades . They’re an integral part of any London Christmas itinerary .
My London Christmas lights walking route focuses on the first of these, not least because the lights are some of the most popular things to see during the run-up to December 25th (and for a week or so after).
If you prefer to take a guided London Christmas lights tour, there are plenty of options. From walks to bike and bus tours, you have a lot of choices for seeing them with an expert. You can browse a variety and book your favorite here .
When to See Christmas Lights in London
So when can you see Christmas lights in London? They start going up in late October, and most get switched on in big ceremonies in early November.
The festive displays usually stay up through the first week of January. You can check online for exact dates before you go for a walk to make sure things are bright and twinkling when you’re out and about.
Some of the installations change every year, so it’s worth making this Christmas lights walk in London an annual tradition to see how things look. This is particularly true of places like Carnaby Street, which goes all-out each winter with a different theme.
As far as what time of day to see them, the good news is that the days are short in London in winter . It usually starts getting dark around 4pm in the festive season, so you’ll have plenty of time to see them each evening.
Tips for Exploring London at Christmas
Before you head out, keep in mind that the weather in London is unpredictable and it can get very cold in winter.
It’s a good idea to wear warm clothing and bring an umbrella with you. If you’re in the UK, I recommend this umbrella . If you’re in the US, this one is perfect . My winter packing list for London can help you with what to wear as well.
Additionally, the city is one of the best places to vist at Christmas in the UK , and it gets crowded. If you’re in town on a weekend, prepare for places like Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, and Carnaby Street to be extremely busy.
London Christmas Lights Walking Route
This Christmas lights walk in London starts at Green Park station in Mayfair . Exit on the north side of Piccadilly and turn left out of the station to walk east down the street. You’ll start to see the famous lights as you go.
When you get to Old Bond Street, turn left and walk all the way down it towards Oxford Street (the road will change names to New Bond Street in the middle, but keep straight and you’ll be fine).
Along the way you’ll not only look up to see Bond Street’s iconic Christmas lights, but also larger-than-life decorated shopfronts and the Royal Arcade with its festive trimmings.
When you reach Brook Street, turn left. Walk a short distance to South Molton Street and turn right. This pedestrianized road is always decorated with bright lights during the festive season, and it’s a fun place to take in the atmosphere.
Soon you’ll come to Oxford Street. This is one of the most famous places to see Christmas lights in London. Turn right and walk down to Oxford Circus, taking in the decorations, shops, and lights as you go.
When you reach Oxford Circus, turn right on Regent Street. This is another of the most popular places for a Christmas lights walk in London. The decorations here are amazing, and they’re beautiful to see at night.
When you reach Great Marlborough Street, turn left and walk past the iconic Liberty London department store to get to Carnaby Street in Soho .
Make a right on Carnaby Street and walk down its pedestrainiazed stretch to take in the unique Christmas lights. If you’re in a gift-buying mood, this is a great place to go Christmas shopping in London , too.
When you reach the end of the road, turn right on Beak Street and make your way back to Regent Street. Turn left when you arrive and continue taking in the lights as you walk down to Piccadilly Circus. You can do more shopping if you want to.
Once in Piccadilly Circus, walk through it, take in the decorations, and head east on Coventry Street. This road will take you into Leicester Square.
There are more lights here, and a big Christmas market where you can browse the stalls, pick up traditional British Christmas food and drinks, and take in the atmosphere.
When you’re finished looking around, exit Leicester Square on Bear Street, cross Charing Cross Road, and and walk down St Martin’s Court. Keep on it as you head across St Martin’s Lane and it becomes New Row.
New Row will bring you to Bedford Street. Cross over it as New Row becomes King Street. This festive road will take you to the famous Covent Garden Piazza. Here you’ll see hanging lights, fun decorations, and one of London’s biggest Christmas trees .
Christmas in Covent Garden is spectacular. It’s worth spending time taking in the lights and exploring the shops and markets around the piazza while you’re here.
When you’re done, exit the piazza on Russell Street. When you reach Wellington Street, turn right and walk down to the Strand. There are lots of lights and decorated facades to get excited about as you go.
When you get to the Strand, you can either take a detour to see the famous ice skating rink at Somerset House, or turn right and take in the lights above you as you make your way to Trafalgar Square.
There’s another Christmas market in Trafalgar Square, as well as a huge tree. You can walk around and take in the scene before continuing your Christmas lights walk in London by heading towards the river on Northumberland Avenue.
When you get to the Thames, walk across one of the Golden Jubilee Bridges to reach the South Bank . This part of the city is full of life and entertainment year-round, and Christmas is no exception.
From the London Eye to Borough Market , there’s a lot to take in here. You can admire the Christmas lights, get a traditional Christmas drink like mulled wine at the outdoor markets, and explore the annual Southbank Centre Winter Festival.
Don’t miss the seasonal decorations in Hay’s Galleria or the Christmas market by Tower Bridge while you’re in the area. They’re great places to take in the lights and get into the festive spirit.
This London Christmas lights walking tour ends on the South Bank, but you can explore as much of the greater area as you want to before moving on. From Tower Bridge to Bermondsey Street , there’s a lot to see around here.
London Christmas Lights Walking Route Map & Details
Time: 2 – 4 hours (depending on time in the shops and Christmas markets)
Map of the first half of the walk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGa7Gwyxyfqvkc48
Map of the second half of the walk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QGqYwZNWS2HfcAdX6
Further afield: Marylebone Christmas lights and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Self-Guided Christmas Lights Walk in London
I hope you find this Christmas lights walk in London as enjoyable for the festive season as I do. Going around to see the decorations is one of the the best things to do in London at Christmas .
If you want more, you can take a look at my Christmas walks in London , my London winter walks , my full list of free self-guided London walking tours , and my London walking map .
You can read about more great walks in London’s Hidden Walks , too. You can get it here . Happy Christmas!
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London Christmas Lights Tour
Tour Information
London christmas lights tour highlights.
- Oxford Street
- New Bond Street
- Regent’s Street
- Carnaby Street
- Piccadilly Circus
- Leicester Square
- Covent Garden
- And a few other surprises along the way.
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If you're feeling festive, then these tours are the ones for you! Take in all of London's Christmas spirit with Free Tours By Foot.
Welcome to London’s first pay-what-you-like Christmas Tour!
This tour will take you down some of the cities’ most iconic streets to see world-famous Christmas lights and holiday displays.
Beginning on Oxford Street, your guide will lead you underneath sparkling lights, hanging wreaths, past stunning Christmas trees and romantic mistletoe.
You’ll learn some of Britain’s holiday traditions, as well as how and why they became so popular.
Find out what a Pantomime is, why the Puritans hated Christmas, and why we have Prince Albert to thank for our obsession with holiday lights!
Join us as we walk through Bavarian Christmas markets, traverse the cobbled streets of the beautifully decorated Covent Garden, and stop for a mulled wine (at your own expense!).
Then a trip to Carnaby Street, which never fails to stun with its imaginative take on illuminations followed by a journey across the dazzling Regent Street and onto a little secret corner of fabulous.
Take in all that our city has to offer this Christmas with Free Tours By Foot!
Locations visited…
- Covent Garden And a few other surprises on the way.
Tour information
Reservations: REQUIRED. Click here to reserve .
Where: The tour departs outside the entrance of Bond Street Tube beside the Disney Store on Oxford Street. Meet your guide at the junction of Oxford Street and Marylebone Lane.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
When: Every day but Tuesdays from 23rd Nov - 24th Dec. View our full Calendar
Cost: This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A name-your-own-price tour is a tour for anyone's budget.
And much, much more
North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.
London Christmas Lights Tour on Open-Top Bus
- Panoramic Christmas Lights Tour
- 113 Lambeth Palace Rd, London SE1 7PB, UK Tour start/end location: Stop #11 (London Eye - Eastbound) Tour duration: 90 minutes (non-stop tour) Important information: Please dress warmly for the tour.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- You'll start at 113 Lambeth Palace Rd 113 Lambeth Palace Rd, London SE1 7PB, UK Tour start/end location: Stop #11 (London Eye - Eastbound) Tour duration: 90 minutes (non-stop tour) Important information: Please dress warmly for the tour. See address & details
- Pass by Escape Land Oxford Street Regent Street Trafalgar Square Houses of Parliament Piccadilly Circus London Eye Westminster Abbey
- You'll return to the starting point
- EggKay 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Big bus let down. We used Big bus tours as part of a 3 attraction ticket, Dungeons,sea life and big bus. We obtained our tickets via the machine outside the Dungeons, which is convenient. As my daughter has disabilities, we were able to get a discount for a carer. When we tried to board the bus and get our ticket, the seller said Merlin do the carer for their attractions and Big bus don’t have carer tickets. I said we were told by the Dungeon staff all we had to do was show proof of disability and this wouldn’t be a problem. The seller was adamant he couldn’t issue a a carers ticket, as we already had purchased 2 tickets via the attraction deal we had no option to turn over another £45 for a ticket to board. After we left the tour I then went back to the Dungeons to talk to the staff about this, they couldn’t understand why this had happened. I looked on the Big bus website and lo and behold, they do, do a carers ticket. I tried contacting via the remote bot on their website with no avail,so if you are thinking of purchasing this type of ticket, use another operator other than Big bus. Read more Written March 12, 2024
- O3454KBseano 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great fun and learned a lot The live commentary from big Steve was amazing , great fun laughs and stories along the way saw everything great family experience Read more Written March 10, 2024
- HSGP 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles With so many other vendors out there, skip this one! Just horrible. With so many other options risking the same streets I wish we had picked another vendor. Every other company has an agent at the shop to help you. Buses never show up. Bus drivers don’t announce the stops. The only saving grace was when we took the river cruise. The tour guide was very good. But I bus finally showed up on the route, it was not in service. Quite disappointing. I literally took this one time because we could never find a bus. Read more Written March 9, 2024
- annpQ2271EF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Take the 2 day pass for all three routes Had two bus options for all day all over London. December is cool so I did not do river cruise. Great explanations of all the attractions and several don't-miss-this stops on the way. Started on bus with covered upper level; last bus I had was not as warm up so I sat down instead. Was easy to walk to from my hotel (and a Starbucks on the way was a bonus) Read more Written March 9, 2024
- P7241SDaimeem 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Too Much I'd actually like a refund. My daughters and I were unable to find a location to catch the bus, the weather was bad, and never ended up taking it. Read more Written March 8, 2024
- 188mikip 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour package The Big Bus tour package was great! I got the package with bus tour, night tour and river tour. Well worth the price with entertaining commentary. The bus was timely and clean. The drivers were lovely. Read more Written March 7, 2024
- Frank M 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Pray for good weather and light traffic We found the value for money quite poor, buses are infrequent and no guidance from drivers. We waited at stop 40 for 25 minutes and the bus on the live App turned the other way after stop 39! Turned out stop 40 was closed, as per A4 sheet of paper on a pole 5ft past the stop. This should have been highlighted on the App. 30 minute river cruise was good. Read more Written March 3, 2024
- jennagU8363VE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day, Great Driver, Great Tour Guide. We went on a private tour for a school trip with children aged 8 and 9. The driver (Paul) and tour guide (Phil) were both excellent - extremely child friendly and accommodating for all of our needs (including toilet breaks!). The children all said it was the best school trip they'd ever been on - they particularly enjoyed the on-board singing and facts that Phil provided! We were lucky to have a dry day so we could sit outside on the top deck. It was such a great, informative and invaluable experience for all of the children, in particular those who had never experienced London before and who probably wouldn't ever get an opportunity like this. Read more Written March 1, 2024
- 353RichardG353 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles London by bus and boat. Despite the weather, it was a good experience. The boat trip was excellent, especially the commentary. Highly recommended. Read more Written February 29, 2024
- Stay29068608222 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible service! We have worked with Big Bus Tours twice now providing private tours to large groups of students, and they have been truly amazing. Super accommodating with our requests for routes and all other details. Special shout out to the incomparable Phil, who has guided us both times to date; a true gent and consummate professional. Thanks from all of us at SHU in Dingle! Read more Written February 27, 2024
- BlackpoolSeasiders 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent bus tour Thank you for an en excellent tour. Booked a 2 day tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. 3 great routes to try. Good commentary on every route. Just be aware of the timing of the changing of the guards there is a route change so either go earlier or later in the day. We went on a Saturday and had to divert because of a protest march. We went on the river cruise which again was excellent very informative. Would definitely recommend and if you need anywhere specifically either the bus driver or one of the Big Bus Tour stop guides will point you in the right direction. Well worth the money.. Read more Written February 24, 2024
- ambermV1282XS 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles great tour was good fun - 15 minute ride on the lower deck is fun!! was busy get on and off each stop and explore London on foot good value for money and really enjoyable place I would recommend going on this tour of London Read more Written February 21, 2024
- X6286SMlisak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Big Bus hop on hop off Excellent! Would highly recommend! Scenic. Great narrative and shops. Loved Piccadilly Circus area. Truly a great experience. Read more Written February 20, 2024
- JMWWSDC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles London Big Bus Tour and River Cruise 5-Star We took the Big Bus London as a big group to see the sites of London. This is the best way, in my opinion, to see everything in London from Big Ben and Parliament, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, London Tower, London Bridge, and much much more. The tour also includes headset that tells you lots of information from the sites and streets you pass. I also suggest doing the Big Bus tour that includes the river tour as well. Again, another great way to see London and the sites up close. I have done this tour maybe 20x and I will continue to for our company, clients, family and friends. Enjoy it, its great. Read more Written February 19, 2024
- martinhN4222FU 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Not a well run outfit Much of the route was closed for local reasons but the alternate route was dull and extra long so we ran out of time and couldn’t do the river trip. They offered a ticket for the following day but we couldn’t make it. The change in route wasn’t their fault but they could have handled it much better. There was no announcement on the trip or on the website and no offer of a refund. Read more Written February 19, 2024
More to explore in London
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
London Christmas Lights Tour on Open-Top Bus provided by Big Bus Tours
London Christmas Lights - Private Tour
Our private Christmas Light tours of London are the perfect way to see the city lit up during the festive season. We can arrange a private tour on one of our vintage open-top London buses. Travel around London in this iconic red bus, enjoying a panoramic tour of London’s sites as you soak up the city’s unique atmosphere. Take in the breathtaking lighting and displays that make this the most magical time to visit the city. This is a private version of our Vintage Christmas Lights bus tour
Alternatively, we can arrange for a private tour in a vehicle with an open-top sunroof. This is ideal if you are travelling in a small group of 1-3 people. You’ll enjoy views of the Christmas lights as you travel around London with an expert driver/guide.
What will you see?
Our festive route will take you past many of the most iconic London locations with their elaborate Christmas decorations. This includes:
- The Christmas light decorations on Oxford Street and Regents Street
- We’ll pass Trafalgar Square, where the iconic Christmas tree decorated the street
- We’ll drive through Knightsbridge, where the iconic department store Harrods gets a festive makeover every year
- We’ll pass by lots of London shops with their famous Christmas display windows
mORE DETAILS:
Open Top Bus Tour:
- We can start the tour from a location of your choice, as long as it’s in Central London and the bus is allowed to stop there
- Otherwise, we can suggest a central location which is convenient for everyone
- The departure times are normally at 4pm or 7pm
- The tour lasts between 2-2.5 hours
- The bus can seat a maximum of 34 people upstairs
The total cost of the private tour is £660
Private Car
- Travel in a classic Mini Cooper!
- The vehicle can seat up to 3 people
- The vehicle comes with a sunroof, so you can see all the lights up above
- Enjoy commentary from your London driver/guide
- The tour lasts 2 hours, and departures are available in the afternoon & evening
- Pickup is available from any location in Central London Zone 1
The total cost of the private tour is £289
Tour Booking
Terms and conditions, you might also be interested.
Christmas Lights Bus Tour London 2024
From London: Christmas Lunch, Oxford & Stratford-upon-Avon
London Bus on Christmas Day - Hop on Hop off
Christmas Eve in London with Dinner & Midnight Mass
Private Tour of Londons World Famous Christmas Lights
During your London Christmas Lights tour , we will see the Capital's Christmas Lights ranging from the famous lights of Oxford Street and Regent Street to some lesser-known lights in Mayfair , Covent Garden, Marylebone and Kensington.
Not only will you see the beautiful lights and soak up the magic that is London at Christmas, but I will also endeavour to give you a bit of background into the history of the areas how the streets got their names etc.
If you want to extend to a full day and take in one of the Christmas markets at Bath , Winchester or Canterbury then that can also be arranged.
Taking in all the major sites including:
We will not be confined to the taxi, and as opportunities arise, we will always stop for those much wanted photo opportunities at each location, learn a little about the history etc, and at times perhaps a small stroll to the more advantageous spots. Pick up and Drop off Central London
Restrictions:
Whats included:, contact for more information, you went overboard for us.
Hi Paul, I am so grateful for all that you’ve done today! You went overboard for us , am so so grateful you are an angel
I didn’t think he could top that but he did
The Christmas Lights Tour was the highlight of our trip to London.Paul was a great guide – friendly and knowledgeable. We started with the Churchill Arms and I didn’t think he could top that but he did, by adding bits of history and local lore, he made the streets come alive. If you are in London during Christmas then put this on your to do list.
You Make also like
Private excursion to the cotswolds & oxford, private excursion to canterbury & rochester, winchester private excursion, discounts & savings.
Use Winter20 at checkout for 20% discount on any tour booked and taken by March 31st 2024
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Ramadan lights have returned to central London for 2024: where to see displays
For the second year in a row, parts of the capital will be illuminated to mark Ramadan
Ramadan 2024 has just begun, and Muslims all over the world will be participating in a period of reflection, prayer, fasting and community gatherings from the evening of Sunday March 10 until Tuesday April 9 .
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and its significance is celebrated year after year. To mark the 2024 celebrations, some areas across the capital will be lit up.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan launched the 2023 celebrations (which were the first of their kind), and was at the big switch-on at one location this year, too. Here is everything you need to know about where to see Ramadan light displays across London this year.
Leicester Square and Coventry Street
On Thursday March 7, the Mayor of London switched on a huge display of 30,000 lights that illuminate the streets from Piccadilly Circus all the along Coventry Street to Leicester Square until April 16. The display is funded by the Aziz Foundation and is known as ‘Sundial’, which is inspired by the transition from sunrise (suhoor) to sunset (iftar) during Ramadan.
Currently, the decorations say ‘Happy Ramadan’, but this will change to ‘Happy Eid’ once those festivities come around.
On X , Sadiq Khan said: ‘Ramadan Lights are on! Fantastic to see so many Londoners and visitors welcome the return of this spectacular display to the West End. I was honoured to be invited to be part of the switch on for a second year.’
Ramadan Lights are on! ✨ Fantastic to see so many Londoners and visitors welcome the return of this spectacular display to the West End. I was honoured to be invited to be part of the switch on for a second year. pic.twitter.com/QX61dpGUdq — Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) March 9, 2024
Edgware Road
Building on the central London display, there’s also a brand-new Ramadan display at Edgware Road (Nutford Place), until Wednesday April 10. It’s a bespoke, 2.9m tall installation featuring a crescent moon and a stunning walk-through, which will be lit every day from 6am until 11pm.
The first sighting of the new crescent moon is what marks the beginning of Ramadan, and the display will be emblazoned with ‘Ramadan Mubarak’, symbolising blessings and goodwill.
Edgware Road (and Nutford Place) is of particular significance as lots of people head here to break their daily fast, or celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan. The display is courtesy of Marble Arch BID and The Portman Estate.
Did you see that London’s Boroughs of Culture for 2025 and 2027 have been revealed ?
Listen to Time Out’s brilliant podcast ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’: the newest episode with Iain Stirling in Shepherd’s Bush is out now .
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Money blog: Pret A Manger cracks down on 'free' coffee loophole
Pret A Manger is changing the way its £30 subscription works in what appears to be a crackdown on people sharing benefits with their friends. Read this and all the latest consumer and economic news in the Money blog. Leave your money problem, or comment on any of our stories, below.
Wednesday 13 March 2024 16:26, UK
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A secondary school headteacher has criticised "completely unacceptable" meals served to pupils at his own school, demanding to know "how difficult is it to bake a potato?".
Jason Ashley, head of Redbridge Community School in Southampton , sent a letter to parents complaining about canteen lunches on 12 March.
In it, he wrote: "I can no longer keep this from you. You'll often hear me say 'if it's good enough for my own children, it has to be good enough for yours'.
"Frankly the food that is served in the canteen is completely unacceptable, so much so, that if my own children's school served this I would be exceptionally unhappy."
He explained the school had "no control" over what the contracted catering company, Chartwell's, decided to serve.
Read the full story here ...
Pret A Manger is changing the way its £30 subscription works in what appears to be a crackdown on people sharing benefits with their friends.
The Club Pret subscription gets people five drinks a day plus 20% off food.
But it seems - and we definitely wouldn't know anything about this - some people who don't want all five drinks every day have been sharing their QR codes with friends, as they can be added to Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
This is against the terms and conditions and Pret now seems to be closing the loophole.
Subscribers will now have to log in through its app every time they claim the offer.
The new rules kick in from 18 March.
A Pret spokesperson said: "We're updating how Club Pret subscribers access their QR codes as we continue to invest in our digital offer for customers. Live QR codes will be reissued to all subscribers."
Nine in 10 households have admitted to having at least one bad energy habit, according to Uswitch.
But did you know, they can add up to £205 a year to your bills?
Some of the most costly habits are the most common, including bringing things to the boil on the hob without a lid on the saucepan and boiling more water than necessary in a kettle.
Three fifths of households said they fill the kettle with more water than they need, potentially adding nearly £40 to the average £84-a-year cost of tea-making if they overfill by half every time.
Uswitch also found two thirds of households set their washing machine at more than 40C, potentially costing nearly £20 a year more than washing at 30C.
Meanwhile, almost half run it when it's not full, with an extra weekly wash adding £8 to yearly bills.
Leaving the hot tap running while doing the washing up was found to be another expensive habit - it can waste 100 litres in just 10 minutes.
Households that do this once a week could run up an additional £12 a year.
The first big lender has dropped its mortgage rates as swap rates begin to fall.
Swap rates dictate how much it costs lenders to lend - and some mild turbulence in this market has led to hikes in mortgage deals over the last six weeks - as this chart illustrates...
Swap rates are now on the way down and Coventry Building Society has responded this morning by announcing cuts to most of its rates.
"This is news that will resonate positively with borrowers as Coventry becomes the first lender to react positively to the recent easing in swap rates." Andrew Montlake, managing director of Coreco, told Newspage.
He added that he expects other lenders to cut their rates over the coming days, as application levels also begin to ease.
Riz Malik, a director at R3 Mortgages, praised Coventry Building Society for being the first to react to the falling swap rates.
"It does not surprise me that Coventry is leading the rate cuts as other lenders realise they may have been too quick to hike rates," he said.
"As lenders fight for what business is out there, others will follow within the week."
Markets forecast a first base rate cut - from a 16-year high of 5.25% to 5% - this summer.
Borrowers will be hoping Coventry's move is the start of a steady decline in high street rates until then.
Was that it then?
Only a few weeks after we learnt that the UK had slipped into a recession, today we heard that we may already be out of it.
It's still too early to be sure - after all, the formal definition of a recession hinges, for some reason no-one can quite put their finger on, on whether the economy is growing or shrinking each quarter.
Two successive quarters of contraction constitutes a recession; a quarter of growth means you're out.
Today's data only covers a single month: January.
But in that month the Office for National Statistics reckons our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - the most comprehensive measure of economic activity - grew by 0.2%.
That was more or less in line with what economists expected and, given they also expect another month or two of growth, that means there's a decent chance that the quarter will be positive, and hence that the recession is over.
This will obviously be feted as good news, which of course it is. But the bigger picture is more complex.
The recession we've been through was barely a recession.
Usually they're slumps characterised not merely by falls (and for that matter big falls) in GDP but sharp rises in unemployment and insolvencies.
They also typically go on for quite a while.
This recession was shallow - probably the shallowest in modern history.
There is still a very decent chance it gets revised away entirely (remember these GDP numbers are only a first draft of economic history and are subject to dramatic revisions as subsequent data comes in).
Unemployment, while trending up, is still low.
It's more accurate, really, to characterise the economy as just about flatlining.
There was a bit of growth in the past month but a little bit of contraction the previous month.
Look at the data over a longer period and you see a long, ever-so-slightly bumpy line which is barely struggling to lift off.
And that is the broader problem for the UK: a distinct lack of impetus.
The question is whether that changes this year.
The Bank of England and Office for Budget Responsibility expect relatively slow growth - and the fact that interest rates are still up at 5.25% is part of the explanation.
But those rates are expected to come down later this year (especially when inflation drops towards the Bank's 2% target).
The government's tax cuts may also boost consumer spending.
In other words, things might be looking up for the economy.
A bit.
But in much the same way as this recession was a bit underwhelming, there's a decent chance that the growth in the coming quarters might just be a little bit underwhelming too.
By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter
News the economy grew in January was welcomed by UK-listed stock.
The Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 index of most valuable companies was up 0.08% this morning after it closed at the highest level in more than nine months yesterday afternoon.
The FTSE 250 also enjoyed gains of 0.2% in the morning. Pushing the index up was infrastructure company and HS2 builder Balfour Beatty whose share price was up 7.4% and on track for its biggest one-day rise since August 2022 after it reported better than expected revenue for last year.
No major change was seen on the currency markets with one pound equal to $1.2788, virtually unchanged from yesterday. Against the euro, sterling also saw little change, as £1 buys €1.1704.
This highlights that, while the data on gross domestic product (GDP) was good news and of comfort to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, it was nothing to write home about.
The benchmark Brent crude oil is still going for around $82 at $82.75 a barrel.
Some Waitrose customers have hit out at the supermarket for quietly making changes to its loyalty programme.
Under the myWaitrose membership scheme, shoppers would previously be offered two money-off vouchers each week based on their shopping habits.
But a change to the terms and conditions of the scheme - which were updated on 14 February - means the vouchers may now arrive from "time-to-time" and could take several weeks to appear in customers' accounts.
In the voucher FAQ section, Waitrose says: "New vouchers are usually offered each week, but there will be times when some customers won't have vouchers available for short periods. Don't worry - this is only temporary and you'll see your vouchers again after a few weeks."
The supermarket is competing with Marks & Spencer at the top end of the market - with M&S recently voted the nation's favourite for in-store experience in a Which? survey.
The two chains command 3.8% of the market each - with M&S having caught up from last year.
Some customers have voiced their chagrin about the loyalty scheme change on X. One shopper called the updated scheme "disgusting" and vowed to shop elsewhere.
Waitrose told the Money blog: "We haven't changed the frequency of our vouchers; customers still receive these weekly - alongside benefits like daily free hot drinks and exclusive member-only discounts.
"Just like all other supermarkets, our T&Cs simply reflect the fact that there may be brief windows when vouchers don't update. These are very infrequent and only ever impact a very small number of customers, whose vouchers will return very soon."
By Jess Sharp, Money team
From AI to the latest self-checkout technology, industry leaders revealed the secrets of what's next in their business at yesterday's Retail LIVE 2024 event in London.
We were there and here are three things we learnt...
Self-checkouts are already outdated
With autonomous stores (like Amazon Go) popping up across the country, one of the topics discussed was the use of self-checkouts – and if they'll soon be gone as we know them.
Anna Maraga, the head of research and development at Mira, told the tech and digital stage that customers were frustrated with the technology, and dealing with glitches every time they shop.
She said 23% of unknown store losses were related to self-checkouts, and 15% of customers have admitted to stealing items while using them.
Mira used the event to showcase its solution to the problem, a self-checkout that uses visual checks instead of scanning a barcode.
The company says it takes away the hassle of dealing with glitch messages, tackles crime and allows staff to manage two check-outs at a time.
Google's new way to search the internet
One of the big speakers at the event was Sophie Neary, the managing director of retail and fast moving consumer goods at Google.
Despite only being in the job for nine weeks, she had a lot to say about the company and its use of AI.
The most interesting point of her speech was a sneak peek at what is coming to the search engine in the future – Google Generative AI.
The function builds on existing tech like large language models (which are trained on huge amounts of text and learn to predict the next word in a sentence) and creates new text, images, videos and audio.
Users will also be able to add questions to the engine as results appear, rather than starting a whole new Google search.
'Watch this space' - Amazon to start drone deliveries by the end of the year
Amazon will introduce drone deliveries in the UK later this year, the company's UK country manager said.
John Boumphrey told the crowd to "watch this space" for their arrival.
He said the use of advanced robotics had expanded within Amazon, with more than 500,000 robots already added to their company's fleet.
GDP grew by 0.2% in January, official data shows - suggesting the UK may already be out of recession.
This is the first Office for National Statistics data since it was revealed the UK was in recession following two consecutive quarters of the economy contracting.
It's monthly data - and it could yet be revised - so we need to wait for February and March's figures before we can say the country is no longer in recession.
Data and economics editor Ed Conway said 0.2% was "relatively decent" for monthly figures.
"This suggests that we may now be out of recession... it may well be one of the shallowest and shortest recessions in modern history."
Every Wednesday, chefs at Michelin or award-winning restaurants around the UK, plus critics and top bloggers, tell us their favourite places for a cheap meal out wherever they are, and their top low-effort weeknight dinner.
Today, we're super excited to be speaking to Tom Shepherd, whose Michelin-starred restaurant ( Upstairs by Tom Shepherd ) is booked up for over a year and whose cow pie was served at last year's Great British Menu banquet.
These are his picks in Staffordshire...
What are you favourite cheap eats around where you're based in Lichfield/Staffordshire? A meal for two for less than £40...
My favourite places to eat in Lichfield for under £40 are...
- The Patty Freaks - Great burgers, super tasty, filled with all the good stuff, a big selection of different toppings, cooked to order and they do some delicious sides too – from loaded fries to chicken wings and tenders.
- Bore Street Bakery – Not only are the owners Nathan and Rosie a pair of absolute legends, but they can also bake! The pastries, fancies and savoury breads here are absolutely delicious, people queue past the door of the restaurant every single morning, it's heaving from 9am, their pastry "knots" are incredible, and the coffee is good too.
- Poms – a firm local favourite serving some delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch items – all their bread is sourced locally from Silvertree Bakery (I used to work with the owner, Kirk) and they make the most amazing sandwiches, eggs benedict and salads, a definite go-to if you're in Lichfield.
Tell us your go-to cheap eat to cook at home when you have a night in...
Fajitas! Easy! Me, my wife Charlotte and daughter Grace absolutely love Fajitas, we love anything you can wrap up and eat with your hands.
We always add a little hot sauce into the chicken, pepper and onion mix while cooking and serve with avocado, gem lettuce and crème fraiche. The barbecue seasoning mix is my favourite, and I always add a couple of garlic cloves too.
Read our previous Michelin chef recommendations around the UK...
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Returning December 2024! Jump on board our classic open top Routemaster bus, which has been decked out (pardon the pun) in Christmas décor to get you in the festive mood! We will take you on a tour to see London's most iconic Christmas light attractions including the famous Oxford street, Harrods and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.
During this trip, you will see notable landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. Christmas Lights Bike Tour. Tickets: £34.95 Adults | £28.95 Children. Dates: 24th November, 2023 - 2nd January, 2023 (except Dec. 25) Hours: 15:30 daily. Duration: 3 hours. Purchase tickets or learn more.
Description. This winter, immerse yourself in London's enchanting Christmas lights with our dazzling London by Night tour on an open top bus. This approx 90-minute tour with a live guide takes you through the heart of the city. You'll get to see London's most iconic landmarks and locations come to life with thousands of sparkling lights ...
Experience London glowing with twinkling lights as you catch a festive glimpse of some of the city's most famous landmarks on the open-top Christmas Lights London by Night bus tour.Sit back and take photos from the top deck as you learn plenty of history on this tour that runs throughout the festive season, including Christmas lights tours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Christmas Lights Walk in London. The festive season is a great time to take in London's annual displays, from outdoor lights to Christmas markets and shopping arcades.They're an integral part of any London Christmas itinerary.. My London Christmas lights walking route focuses on the first of these, not least because the lights are some of the most popular things to see during the run-up to ...
Enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights of London travelling on a restored 50-year-old Vintage bus! This festive tour features live commentary from a local tour guide as we travel through the West End to view the spectacular Christmas lights. The route includes Oxford Street, Regent Street and Knightsbridge, enjoying the magnificent colourful lights. You will also pass The Houses of Parliament ...
The tour departs at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. All departures leave from London Eye, Belvedere Road, Bus Stop 77, London, SE1 7GH. All tours return to the departure point. London's famous lights up close. Expert guided tour of the city. Festive family-friendly experience. From £12.00 Book Now.
Enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights of London travelling on a restored 50-year-old Vintage bus! This festive tour features live commentary from a local tour guide as we travel through the West End to view the spectacular Christmas lights. The route includes Oxford Street, Regent Street and Knightsbridge, enjoying the magnificent colourful lights.
Christmas Lights in London - Private Night Photography Tour. 2. from $315.87. Price varies by group size. London, England. Private London Christmas Lights Walking Tour. 3. from $193.39. Per group.
See a different side of London on an open-top bus tour that reveals the best of the city's Christmas lights. Sitting on the top deck gives you panoramic views of England's capital, including top attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, and St. Paul's Cathedral.
Christmas Lights Bus Tour London 2024. November to January from £ 29 per Person. Travel on an Open-Top London Bus! Book Now. Our Christmas Lights bus tour of London takes you around London's most breathtaking landmarks spectacularly lit up at night. You'll travel in an open-top bus, with multiple departure times from 4pm until 9pm.
Also on Piccadilly is the Burlington Arcade. This covered walkway is decorated for Christmas and inside, go shopping for jewelry, leather goods, and clothing. Burlington Arcade. 3. Oxford Street. On Oxford Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in London, hundreds of illuminated stars twinkle overhead.
Take in all of Londons' Christmas spirit with Free Tours By Foot. London Christmas Lights Tour Welcome to London's first pay-what-you-like Christmas Tour! This tour will take you down some of the cities' most iconic streets to see world-famous Christmas lights and holiday displays. Schedule: Everyday but Tuesday. Start Time: 6 pm.
Admire the magnificent London Christmas lights on a 90-minute bus tour. See the world-renowned Regent Street and Oxford Street Christmas lights. Watch the city's lit-up landmarks sparkle in the festive season. Enjoy live commentary by a friendly and informative guide. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Gray Line Tours London Christmas Lights by Night Open-top Bus Tour When is the Christmas light switch on in London? If you're wondering when the London Christmas lights switch-on takes place and how long it lasts, please find the London Christmas light switch-on dates for 2023 detailed for each of the London Christmas lights locations.
Get into a festive feeling with a Christmas Lights Tour of London on-board an open-top, double-decker bus. Be dazzled by the sparkling Christmas lights of Oxford Street and Regent Street, the extravagant window displays of London's most famous department stores, the enormous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, and the sights of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.
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London Christmas Lights - Private Tour. Nov & Dec 2021 from £ -- per Person. See the Christmas Lights. Our private Christmas Light tours of London are the perfect way to see the city lit up during the festive season. We can arrange a private tour on one of our vintage open-top London buses. Travel around London in this iconic red bus, enjoying ...
Description. Capture the magic of Christmas on-board City Sightseeing London's favourite Christmas Lights Open Top Bus Tour. The twinkling festive lights are shining brightly, as we tour along the world famous Regent Street, Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square with its world famous Norwegian Christmas tree, and of course London's Piccadilly Circus ...
Marvel at the Covent Garden Christmas lights, featuring gigantic bells, baubles and mirror balls illuminating the 19th-century piazza, and don't forget to stop by the magnificent Christmas tree. Nov TBC. 4. Carnaby Christmas lights. Planets fly overhead at Carnaby Street's Christmas lights. Credit: Carnaby London.
Description. Capture the magic of Christmas on-board London's favourite Christmas Lights Open Top Bus Tour. The twinkling festive lights are shining brightly, as we tour along the world famous Oxford Street, Regent Street, Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square with it's world famous Norwegian Christmas tree, and of course London's Piccadilly Circus.
Private Tour of Londons World Famous Christmas Lights. £ 395. Duration: 4 hours. During your London Christmas Lights tour, we will see the Capital's Christmas Lights ranging from the famous lights of Oxford Street and Regent Street to some lesser-known lights in Mayfair , Covent Garden, Marylebone and Kensington.
Edgware Road. Building on the central London display, there's also a brand-new Ramadan display at Edgware Road (Nutford Place), until Wednesday April 10. It's a bespoke, 2.9m tall installation ...
Up at The O2. Conquer London's skyline with Up at The O2, where you can book a daytime, sunset or twilight timeslot for 360-degree views of the city. Prepare for an exhilarating thrill as you climb 52 metres (170ft) high above the city and admire a backdrop of the famed view from south London. Special offer: 10% off during off-peak Fridays ...
The London School of Economics found a non-dom saves more than £125,000 a year on tax, on average. How many nom-doms are in the country? According to latest HMRC data, there were 68,800 non-doms ...
Enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights of London travelling on a restored 50-year-old Vintage bus! This festive tour features live commentary from a local tour guide as we travel through the West End to view the spectacular Christmas lights. The route includes Oxford Street, Regent Street and Knightsbridge, enjoying the magnificent colourful lights. You will also pass The Houses of Parliament ...