July 16 2023
Discover the alternative tours, trips and modes of transport that don’t just show you the sights of London but give you a novel way of experiencing them. Whether you’re a speed queen, novelty hunter, thrill seeker or vintage lover there’s an alternative London transport to suit. These are a few ways to get around and see the sights without having to opt for the tube, taxi or bus.
The London cable car travels across the River Thames, 90 feet above the water also known as the IFS Cloud Cable Car. The London gondolas carry eight passengers on a 15-minute trip between Royal Victoria Dock on the north side of the river and Greenwich Peninsula on the south. For the price of a couple of London cable car tickets, you get some of the most impressive views of the London skyline, of the Thames Barrier, The Gherkin, St Paul’s Cathedral and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Instead of cabling over the Thames, you can speedboat London instead! Hold on tight and prepare to get wet as you scream along on a Thames Rocket. Enjoy big thrills as you bounce, turn and splash while taking in the impressive London skyline views – with a pun-happy skipper at the helm.
You also have a selection of Thames speed boat experiences to choose from. Take the classic daytime ride, opt for a private hire or choose an evening speed ride with music and see the illuminated skyline reflected in the water.
Explore London in a pop culture icon! The Mini Cooper car tour is a fantastic way to see London (if you’re under 6 foot). What it lacks in headroom it makes up for in sheer coolness as you take in the sights and try to resist saying “You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!” in a Michael Caine accent.
Small Car Big City has a fleet of restored Mini Coopers just for this purpose. You can drive yourself around or avoid tackling London’s roads yourself with a guided tour. There are lots of tours to choose from, think Harry Potter and Street Art tours to kids specials and night trips.
London Segway hire gives your legs a rest and is a lot of fun, but there are limited places you can ride one. Battersea Park, in central London, with 200 acres of pretty parkland to explore, is one such place. Segway Events trains up first-time Segway users, tests your new skills with some games and lets you go exploring around the park.
Start and end your quirky travel adventures by staying in one of our Central London hotels, Thistle Bloomsbury Park, Thistle Piccadilly or Thistle Trafalgar Square. They’re all great locations for a top night’s sleep.
