Up close and cosy with Bond

British Airways, the flag carrier of the United Kingdom, is now offering visitors to London the chance to follow in the footsteps of 007 by taking in 10 James Bond-related locations seen over the years from 1962’s Dr No” to the recently released “Spectre”.

By booking a guided walking tour, tourists can see where Daniel Craig ran through the streets of Whitehall during the “Skyfall” chase scene, marvel at the Universal Exports offices from “The Living Daylights” and pass spy HQs MI5 and MI6 during the two-and-a-half-hour stroll. 

The tour costs 12 pounds (Bt650) for adults and 10 pounds for kids.

 

RACE TO SEE BOND’S CARS

The “Bond In Motion” exhibition at the London Film Museum is the biggest display of genuine vehicles from the Bond movies ever – and it even features vehicles used in “Spectre”. Among the cars on show are the Aston Martin DB5, Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce Phantom III and the Lotus Esprit S1 sub from “The Spy Who Loved Me”. The show also features some of the stranger vehicles used on-screen, such as Bond’s Citroen 2CV and the Crocodile Sub.

Adults: 14.50 pounds, kids (five-15years): 9.50 pounds

 

RIDE THE RIVER THAMES |SPY-STYLE

The Thames has featured in many Bond movies – including “The World Is Not Enough” and the new “Spectre” – and you can feel like a spy as you buckle up for a rough ride along its choppy waters on a rib (rigid inflatable hull) boat. Bond theme music plays as you hurtle along from Embankment out to east London. Your guide will also regale you with fascinating anecdotes and true stories about the life and times of author Ian Fleming and the history of the British Secret Service during your adrenaline-fuelled ride.

 

SUIT UP AT SAVILE ROW

James Bond is one of Hollywood’s most dapper chaps, with a wardrobe of beautiful suits to choose from for every occasion. London is home of one of the world’s most famous bespoke tailoring strips on Mayfair’s historic Savile Row. Step inside one of the many boutiques to be measured up for a Bond-style outfit. Former Beatle Paul McCartney – who wrote the soundtrack to the Bond movie “Live And Let Die” – famously performed as part of the band’s last ever live performance on the roof of Apple Music at No 3 Savile Row.

 

VISIT THE “SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED” BAR

Dukes Bar at Mayfair’s Dukes Hotel was a favourite of Bond author Ian Fleming and is said to be where he found the inspiration for 007’s infamous “shaken, not stirred” catchphrase. The phrase featured in the novel “Diamonds Are Forever”, but it wasn’t until “Dr No” that he uttered the phrase. Dukes even serve a special martini called the “Fleming 89” in tribute to the author.

 

DRIVE AN ASTON MARTIN AROUND SILVERSTONE

Not only will you get to drive Bond’s car in the shape of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but you’ll be putting the pedal to the metal around a real Formula One race track. Just an hour northwest of British Airways’ base at London Heathrow Terminal 5, you’ll enjoy eight scintillating laps of the track in the 4.5 litre V8. Drivers must be over 21 and be between 1.58 metres and 1.98m tall.

The price starts at 159.20 pounds. 

 

VISIT THE SPECTRE WORLD PREMIERE VENUE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

The Royal Albert Hall played host to the world premiere of “Spectre” and you can visit the historic venue on your visit to London. There are six types of tours available, including a behind-the-scenes and afternoon tea, or you might be lucky enough to visit when a show is taking place. Recent star performances have included Eric Clapton, Russell Watson and The Beach Boys.

 

WALK ACROSS THE O2 ARENA ROOF...BUT DON’T FALL |LIKE BOND DID

Pierce Brosnan’s Bond took a fall from a hot air balloon onto the roof of the O2 Arena in “The World Is Not Enough”. Visitors to the world’s most popular venue can enjoy 360-degree views by walking to the top of the iconic landmark. You are given boots, suit, harness and latch to connect yourself to a giant walkway then a guide will take you up to the summit. 

Tickets start at 8 pounds for adults and children. The minimum age is 10. 

 

GO INSIDE BOND’S MI6 FROM QUANTUM OF SOLACE

London’s Barbican is one of the city’s most prominent arts centres and for “Quantum of Solace”, it briefly became the new HQ for MI6. During the film, M and Tanner are seen walking out from what is supposed to be the offices, which are actually located on the roof of the centre in Barbican Frobisher Crescent. Pose on the spot from the film and then catch a show or an exhibition.

 

MARVEL AT THE TOYS OF THE REAL 007

London’s Imperial War Museum hosts a permanent exhibition showcasing the undercover world of espionage, covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces. The show – called “Secret War” – features many previously classified objects on public display for the very first time including gadgets designed by real life Qs.

  

IF YOU GO

 < British Airways flies to London seven times a week from Bangkok into the award-winning London Heathrow Terminal 5. Visit www.BritishAirways.com.