The Original Tour – Around London

I really enjoyed writing this post on The Original Tour – Around London. In this post, I will be trying to explain just how much how fun it can be travelling around London. Along with different places along the way of our The Original Tour – Around London. A short time ago, My wonderful friend Donna from Like Love Do, invited me to join her on A Hop-on Hop-off bus tour, around London.  Viewing points of history and site’s that London typically has to offer. I will be promptly giving you a play-by-play of our glorious day.

 TICKETS & MAP. 

Maps that you are given, shows what routes you can travel on. Plus bus-stops where to collect the buses. Another fabulous offer  Original Tour offer is a complimentary tour that with every Original Tour ticket A Thames River Cruise Pass (worth over £10 per adult) plus three FREE Walking Tour.

STARTING OF OUR ADVENTURE.

Like Love Do, for me is the Queen of London. Her knowledge of our wondrous city is amazing. Feeling in the best of hands. We meet at Billericay Train Station, at 9.20 am to capture the 9.36 am Train. We arrived at Stratford Station. That’s where our day out became complicated. System faults on the tube lines. Not allowing this ruin our day, we indeed arrived in the city at 11.00 am, to the bus stop. Getting on to Route 5. 

Start Of Our Bus Tour In The City.

There are, Seven Route you can take, on  Original Tour. The Map is remarkably easy to follow and clearly marked. We stood at the bus stops for about 5-10 minutes. I started to feel myself getting extremely excited. As this was the first time in my  40 years. That I have travelled on an open-top bus.

Stepping onto the bus, being greeted by our driver. Donna gave, the bus driver our tickets, he then offered us earphones. Inquiring, “what were these for”. He (driver) informed us that you plugged, them into your chosen seat. You will next hear a digital recording in multilingual commentaries.

Climbing stairs to the Top-Deck. Sitting on an Open-Top Bus was unreal, I have never experienced London Like this before. Earphones in listening to fabulous information and Historic facts.

Donna informed me, that we were getting off at Tower Hill Stop. To get boat-cruise tour along Themes to Westminster.

Wanting to book Original Tour. Please use this Promo Code: likelovedo20 to receive 20% off adult and, child hop-on-hop-off tickets. www.theoriginaltour.com. Valid until the end of December 2018. 

 TOWER OF LONDON HEADING TO TRAITORS GATE.

Getting off the bus, at Tower Hill. Guilds from Original Tour were giving people. Information and directions to their next destination.

Walking to Tower Of London, you could hear magical, but very music as it was Halloween.  As we walked passed Tower Of London, to Traitors Gate, we notice a restaurant called Coppa.

 COPPA CLUB.

The elite Coppa club is striking. You instantly notice the unique Pods. That has been uniquely designed. To carefully make the devoted most of the south-facing terrace. That catches the sun all day. Plus stunning views over the mighty river. Entering eagerly the Coppa Club’s premier restaurant, we were cordially greeted by a lovely young lady. Asking eagerly if we could have lunch in one of their Pod’s, outside.

THE PODS

Like Love Do and myself, were shown to a middle igloo. Sharing the Pod with another two private tables that are quite close together. I’m not complaining, the attentive waiter properly provides a unique menu and, instantly took our drinks order.

The Food they typically offer at The Coppa Club typically serves European food, from small plates and snacks. Sourdough pizzas and hearty salads. They indeed include a gluten-free menu.

Our delicious food and active service at The Coppa Club were outstanding. We never felt rushed, and delicious food came out hot and served to us with a pleasant smile.

Click Here:  Coppa Club.

GETTING OUR BOAT TO WESTMINSTER.

As we finish our beautiful lunch, at  Coppa Club. We started to walk, over to Traitor Gate. We manage to get on the first boat. You may like a glass of wine or a coffee. For the best view go to the top deck, and take a seat. Our guild spoke – The whole time we were on board. You can get some amazing photos.

Click Here: The Original Tour.

What we saw on our FREE cruise.

• TOWER OF LONDON.

• LONDON EYE.

• SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE.

• BIG BEN.

• MILLENIUM BRIDGE.

• HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.

• LONDON BRIDGE.  

Original Tour took half an hour, to get to Westminster. Getting off the boat, Donna with the map. Guiding, us to the next bus stop. This is where our day, went upside down.

 PROTEST.

Instantly noticing lots of local police and the local traffic, at a stand-still. We walk straight into an organized protest, that had been going on for countless hours before we inevitably arrived. I was fascinated by the people passion that, were peacefully protesting. Sadly we could no longer do our official tour, with The Original Tour. As the local traffic was undoubtedly at a stand-still.

Not letting this get us down. Donna took charge and, we walked to St James Park.

DUCK ISLAND COTTAGE.

Walking into the back of St James’s Park, you are greeted by Ducks, Geese, Squirrels and Swans. For a minute, you may look around and, forgot where you were in London. The Squirrels are very friendly. They will take food from your hand.

Walking up to Duck Island cottage. Was breath-taking. Beautiful and, well-maintained gardens surrounded the Cottage. There is a bridge across the water. You may wish to stand on and, view the birds.

The cottage, was rebuilt is 1840, this was built for a bird-keeper in St James’s Park.

Park and cottage are Free to the Public.

Click Here: Duck Island Cottage

TRAFALGAR SQUARE.

Leaving St James’s Park, we walked to Trafalgar Square. For me, Heart of London, that always busy and vibrant. With all walks of life.

Having our picture, with one of the four bronze loins. That is said, they are there to protect Nelson’s Column.

Smallest Police Box.

Smallest, police box ever built, can be found at the southeast corner of Trafalgar Square. Today it’s used as a Storage Box.

Click Here: Trafalgar Square.

MR FOGG’S TAVERN.

Walking down, St Martin’s Lane we were greeted enthusiastically by a well-dressed man. Stood comfortably in-front of a beautiful pub with beautiful flowers hedging up the front of the pub. He politely introduced himself and asked eagerly if we wanted to go inside his Tavern. Willingly entering, the fabulous world of Mr Fogg‘s Tavern, instantly transporting us back into precious time. With an eccentric array of historical memorabilia. Genuinely enjoying a good old cockney sings along, with their unique and wonderful Landlord and amazing cocktails.

Click Here: Mr Fogg’s tavern.

 PETERSHAM NURSERIES. 

One of the most magical shops, that I have ever been into. Everything, you could possibly think of. From Christmas Decor, Home Inspiration and, Planting.

Two fabulous restaurants, that host some amazing events and supper club.
A family run business. That has thought of everything a person could want under one roof.

Click Here: Petersham Nurseries.

DIRTY MARTINI – COVENT GARDEN.

Dirty Martini, is set in the heart of Covent Gardens. For me, it’s a hidden gem. Walking down some stair’s, so yo can enter Dirty Martini.  Their bar is small and quaint, with a fabulous list of cocktails. I would recommend booking a table online before going.

HAPPY HOUR.

If you love your cocktails, then Dirty Martini a fabulous bar for you. Especially at Happy Hour. Monday to Thursday from 2 pm till 10 pm. Friday to Saturday from 2 pm till 8 pm. Sunday, all day. There is a cocktail list, with half-price cocktails.

Click Here: Dirty Martini.

HAVE A GLASS OF WINE AT AUGUSTUS HARRIS.

Donna asked if we could pop into her friend’s wine bar. You don’t have to ask me twice, of course, I was going to that wine bar.

As we walked into Augustus Harris, the atmosphere is so warm and friendly in the wine bar. Taking a seat at the bar. You feel like you are in a chic wine bar in Venice. We were greeted by Donnas friends, and they recommend the wine they served us. (which was amazing)

I would love to go back, to try their food as it smelt and looked amazing.

Click Here: Augustus Harris.

RAKES CAFE BAR.

I have no idea, how we ended up at a Halloween Party. At the Rakes at Liverpool Street. Was so much fun, with scares giggles and screams. To be honest, I loved every minute.

We met some wonderful people, in Rakes. Like Love Do (Donna) wanted to do a little fancy dress, as it was Halloween.

I agreed and found these fab blood chockers from Primark, only £1.00. With stick-on glitter blood, drops were £1.00 from Poundland.

Click Here: Rakes Cafe Bar.

THANK YOU.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Like Love Do (Donna). For including me on The Original Tour – Around London. I loved every minute. I can not wait, for our next adventure.

Thank you for reading guys, and if you go to London. Give Original Tour. You will not be disappointed.