LONDON’S NIGHT TUBE LAUNCHES

In the early hours of September 12, Transport for London (TfL) will launch its new nighttime Tube service. The 24-hour service will run on Fridays and Saturdays aboard the Jubilee, Victoria, most of the Central, Northern and Piccadilly lines, with plans to extend along part of the Metropolitan, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines.

Additionally, services could operate on parts of the London Overground in 2017 and the Docklands Light Railway by 2021. Standard off-peak fares will be charged for travelling on the Night Tube. London’s Night Tube launch anticipates the start of the Rugby World Cup, scheduled to take place in England and Wales between September 18 and October 31, 2015. It is expected to play a vital role in expanding London’s nighttime economy, supporting almost 2,000 permanent jobs and boosting the economy by £360 million. For more information visit www.tfl.gov.uk

EDUCATIONAL

The Florence Nightingale Museum

The Florence Nightingale Museum provides an active events and learning programme tailored to students in primary education. A Visit With Miss Nightingale is available for Key Stage One students seeking an accessible educational experience, receiving a personalised welcome and 30-minute performance by Miss Nightingale herself.

During their visit, students will have the opportunity to handle objects and observe photographs and prints whilst touring the Gallery. Private hire is available.

Groups of 15 plus are required to book in advance, with bookings accepted during the week after 1400hrs. Discounted admission is available for parties of 10 or more, with adults admitted at £5.30 per person. Guided tours are arranged dependant on availability. For more information visit www.florence-nightingale.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life, harbouring over 2million litres of water, 500 species from every corner of the world, more than 40 sharks from 12 different species, and over 65 displays filled with approximately 30 species of plants and foliage.

Housing 14 uniquely themed zones spanning three floors, SEA LIFE London Aquarium invites visitors to interact with mammals via public feedings, diving displays and touchpools. New for 2015 is The Sea Dragon Kingdom, with interactive experiences including Snorkel With Sharks and a Shark Feeding Experience, amongst others. School parties and touring groups are well catered for, with a minimum of 10 people required for pre-booked tours. Additional perks include up to 20% off the price of admission. For more information visit www.visitsealife.com/london

NEW ATTRACTION

Shrek’s Adventure London

Situated adjacent to The Coca-Cola London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure London opened on London’s South Bank in July 2015. The attraction covers 2,000 square metres and combines live action and iconic sets based around the famous film franchise Shrek, complete with captivating storytelling and a thrilling 4D ride.

Shrek’s Adventure London features a whole new narrative penned by the DreamWorks team, where visitors are invited to embark on their own adventure to Far Far Away. From magical crystal balls to bubbling cauldrons, visitors will enjoy exploring some recognisable locations, including Shrek’s Swampy Home, The Poison Apple Pub and The Muffin Man’s House. Shrek’s Adventure London consists of 10 fairytale themed shows and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

Tickets are currently on sale. To book visit www.shreksadventure.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Southbank Centre

London’s Southbank Centre boasts a world-famous entertainment/arts venue. Created in 1951, Southbank Centre showcases vibrant cultural events and activities both inside and outside the venue, including music, dance, art and spoken word performances hosted throughout the year. Occupying 21acres of London’s vibrant cultural quarter, Southbank Centre consists of adjoining venues – Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, the Hayward Gallery and the Saison Poetry Library. For a few months, London Wonderground’s spectacular Spiegeltent is erected, home to creative cabaret, circus, comedy and kid’s shows guaranteed to delight and amaze. It is free to enter the festival site. Udderbelly Festival at the Southbank Centre - better known for its quirky upside-down purple cow - is also held adjacent to the main venue. For more information visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

National Theatre

At the National Theatre, visitors can attend talks, take backstage tours, view contemporary exhibitions, or simply sit and admire the ambience within one of its large foyer spaces. The National Theatre consists of three separate venues: the Olivier, the Lyttelton and the Dorfman. There is also a temporary theatre erected, which will remain open until March 2017. The Sherling High-Level Walkway offers visitors enhanced views into busy backstage production processes.

Access is free, with The Sherling High-Level Walkway open Monday-Saturday from 0930hrs to 1930hrs. The National Theatre offers bespoke tours backstage.

Tours last a little over an hour and are available for groups of eight or more. Discounted admission is available for parties of 10 plus under 19 years, with one teacher admitted per nine pupils. The same applies for parties of 10 plus aged between 19-25 years. For all other performances, discounts apply to groups of 10 plus people.

For more information visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

OXO Tower Wharf

The OXO Tower has remained an iconic riverside landmark since the 1930s, characteristic of its illuminated noughts and crosses design.

Officially opened to the public in 1996 following a £20million refurbishment, OXO Tower Wharf is now home to some of the UK’s most contemporary designers, exhibiting alongside high-end restaurants and eateries, and spacious exhibition venues gallery@oxo and Bargehouse. The first three floors of the complex are home to over 30 retail design studios, in addition to specialist shops selling everything from fabrics and fashion to homewares and hair services. OXO Tower Restaurant, Brasserie and Bar boasts stunning views across the Thames to Charing Cross and the City of London, and serves up a number of special offers throughout the year.

Venue hire is available at OXO Tower Wharf, functional for exhibition spaces and events. For more information visit www.oxotower.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe is a prominent reconstruction of the original open-air playhouse designed in 1599 and remains an acclaimed venue dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s Globe stands a few hundred yards from its original site. Officially opened for performances in 1997, Shakespeare’s Globe explores the popular playwrights work through means of performance and educational events.

At Shakespeare’s Globe, visitors can take part in workshops, lectures and stage readings, with the opportunity to watch productions, from original pieces to world premieres. Shakespeare’s Globe offers a combined Globe Exhibition & Tour, which gives groups the opportunity to learn more about the building and its famous playwright, William Shakespeare. Tours commence every 30 minutes. Group bookings must be made via the Group Request Form.

For more information visit www.shakespearesglobe.com

EDUCATIONAL

Design Museum

The Design Museum leads in contemporary design and architecture. With plans to evacuate London’s South Bank, The Design Museum will relocate to the former Commonwealth Institute Building in Kensington in 2016, boasting a larger premises to expand its activities. The Commonwealth Institute Building is a unique landmark from the 1960s, which has stood vacant for over a decade.

Discounts are available for parties of 10 plus wishing to visit The Design Museum, where groups are invited to explore exhibitions or arrange special tours and workshops. Booking is required. Educational groups will need to allocate a timed arrival slot for a self-guided visit, available between 1000hrs and 1715hrs. Advance booking is essential at least 12 weeks prior to workshop visits. The standard group rate for 10-30 adults is priced at £11.55 per person, with the group leader admitted free. For more information visit www.designmuseum.org

ON THE RIVER

Bateaux London

Private dining packages available, including The Harmony Experience and The Symphony Experience. The Harmony Experience boasts the largest open top deck on the Thames, providing a truly enchanting view of London’s South Bank.

T: 020 7695 1806 E: sales@bateauxlondon.com W: www.bateauxlondon.com

MBNA Thames Clippers

MBNA Thames Clippers can accommodate hundreds to thousands of passengers for corporate or private hire events, with combined tickets available to such attractions as Emirates Air Line, Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory Greenwich.

W: www.thamesclippers.com

London Duck Tours

London Duck Tours boasts the Classic Sightseeing Tour, the James Bond Tour and the D-Day Duck Tour. ‘The Ducks’ were originally used in the Second World War, with vessels available for corporate hire, team building and educational visits.

T: 020 7401 0906 W: www.londonducktours.co.uk