Upcoming Events & Attractions in London

There's always something new and exciting happening in London. Here are just a few suggestions of things to see and do while in town, courtesy of VisitLondon. 

NEW ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS

The New London Dungeon – South Bank

Opening March 1, 2013

The London Dungeon will re-invent itself in March 2013 when it opens a bigger, bolder and better attraction in the vast underground vaults of County Hall on the South Bank, next to the EDF Energy London Eye. The all new multi-million dollar attraction will bring 1,000 years of authentic London history to life with a unique mix of talented live actors performing in funny shows, stunning special effects and two thrill rides. Guests will embark on a journey through a dramatic London landscape and travel back ten centuries. 

Tiger Territory – ZSL London Zoo

Opening March 2013

Tiger Territory at the ZSL London Zoo will be a brand-new enclosure for one of the world’s most endangered animals - the Sumatran tiger. The 27,000 sq. ft enclosure will give millions of zoo visitors the chance to get close to these incredible animals and provide a central hub for ZSL’s tiger conservation work. Visitors to Tiger Territory will embark on a journey through an Indonesian habitat, coming face-to-face with beautiful tigers through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. 

Alien Revolution – Royal Observatory Greenwich

March – August 2013

This exhibition explores the idea that the other planets in our Solar System were other Earths, with their own plants, animals and intelligent inhabitants took hold and led people to ask. Within less than a century many people, from scientists to clergymen, believed in an infinite universe awash with intelligent alien life. So began the little-known Alien Revolution, which has been influenced by religion, literature, philosophy, art and film. 

David Bowie at the V&A Museum

March 23 – July 28, 2013

The V&A has been given unprecedented access to the David Bowie Archive to curate the first international retrospective of the extraordinary career of David Bowie - one of the most pioneering and influential performers of modern times. The exhibit will explore the creative processes of Bowie as a musical innovator and cultural icon, tracing his shifting style and sustained reinvention across five decades. More than 300 objects will be brought together for the very first time including handwritten lyrics, original costumes, fashion, photography, film, music videos, set designs, Bowie’s own instruments and album artwork. 

BNY Mellon Boat Race at Putney Bridge

March 31, 2013

March 31st 2013 will see the 159th Boat Race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. First raced in 1829, The Boat Race is one of the oldest sporting events in the world. Watched by thousands along the banks of The Tideway, between Putney and Mortlake in London and by millions more on TV around the world, The Boat Race is a one of a kind sporting event.  

 

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RESTAURANT OPENINGS AND HOTELS

Beagle – Shoreditch

Opening March 2013

Beagle will be set within three beautifully renovated railway arches on Geffrye Street, Shoreditch - next to Hoxton Station. Taking its name from one of the locomotives that used to operate on the old North London line overhead, Beagle will house a restaurant, bar and coffee shop. The venue will also include a large south facing outdoor seating area for up to 60 covers. Chef James Ferguson (former Head Chef at Rochelle Canteen), will deliver seasonal, produce led British cooking, with menus changing on a daily basis. Using a traditional wood grill for much of his cooking; sample dishes include pig’s head croquette, whole wild sea bass, and cucumber and custard tart with poached rhubarb.

Tango Supper at the Waldorf Hilton

March 10, 2013

The Waldorf Hilton is stepping back in time to offer guests a contemporary twist on the Argentine Tango teas that the hotel was famous for in the early 1900s. Guests can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine before a 45 minute dance class with Argentine Tango professionals, Leonardo Acosta and Tracey Tyack-Kin. Following the dance lesson, guests will be treated to a special Tango cocktail, before enjoying dinner and a Tango performance from the professionals. The package includes an overnight stay, two-course dinner, tango dance lesson and breakfast package and is priced at £390 for two people. There is also a two course dinner and tango dance lesson package, without accommodation, priced at £105 per person. 

Charleston Masterclasses at Claridges

March 18, 2013

Learn to shimmy with style in the incomparably elegant surroundings of Claridge’s Ballroom. The legendary hotel is partnering with London’s finest flappers, ‘The Bee’s Knees’ to offer monthly lessons in the dances of the Roaring Twenties including the Charleston and the Black Bottom to help celebrate the jazz age and the launch of new Great Gatsby film later in 2013. 

‘David Bowie Is’ at Radisson Blu Edwardian, London

March 23 – July 28,2013

Radisson Blu Edwardian has partnered with the Victoria and Albert Museum to offer their guests tickets to the David Bowie Is exhibition. The package includes; overnight accommodation and breakfast for two, plus a pair of open tickets to the David Bowie Is exhibition from just £160 per room per night. The package is available at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Vanderbilt, and Mercer Street hotels. Exhibition tickets are valid for any day or time and include fast-track entry.