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Instagram-worthy Photos With Your Favourite Stars | London’s Madame Tussauds

London has many unique and jaw dropping icons like Tower Bridge, The Gherkin and The London Dungeons just to name a few. 

But few have seen the sheer and staggering success that Madame Tussauds has experienced, not just in London but across the globe. Get up close and personal with incredibly lifelike depictions of the world’s most famous celebrities and icons. 

Make the most of your next trip to London by taking full advantage of one of the best discount hotels in West End London, The Piccadilly London West End Hotel. You’ll have full use of the amazing Piccadilly West End Hotel Spa and be perfectly situated to explore this amazing city, and the likes of Madame Tussauds amazing collection.   

Now let’s take a look at everything you need to know before visiting Madame Tussauds.

A Quick History

Waxwork museums are amongst the strangest attractions to have gained popularity over the last few decades, and none are as popular as Madame Tussauds. 

The original museum was opened in 1835 by Marie Tussaude on Baker Street in London, using a combination of her father's wax sculptures, and her own. It was an instant success and has since been turned into one of the world’s most successful franchises. 

Their museums actually span the breadth of Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceana! 

The London museum alone is said to attract around 3 million visitors per year, and pretty much all of them leave with only good things to say.  

The Best Time to Visit

As you can probably imagine, it gets pretty busy. 

July and August are the busiest times to visit, and pretty much any weekend of the year you’ll find the place pretty packed. 

If you’re looking for a quieter visit then try midweek in a quiet month of the year.

Entrance Fees

The ticket prices are set throughout the seasons and there is a small discount for booking online. They are currently listed as starting at £33.50 for entry. 

There are plenty of ticket types including multi-attraction tickets, and things like the London Pass which allows you entry into a certain number of attractions in a set amount of days. 

There will also be certain exhibitions that require an extra ticket, and you can book group and family tickets for further discounts.

Getting There

Madame Tussauds is located at the southernmost tip of Regent’s Park on Marylebone Road. It’s extremely central so can be tied in with visits to other attractions in the city with relative ease. 

If you are catching the tube as most people probably will be, then you want to be aiming for Baker Street Station. From here you’ll find yourself with less than a five minute walk to the museum. 

From your gorgeous room at The Piccadilly London West End Hotel you’re an easy 10 minute drive door to door, or a delightful 20 minute walk through one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Failing that a quick jaunt on the Bakerloo Line will bring you right into Baker Street Station.  

Madame Tussauds

So there you have it, a quick rundown of everything you need to know before you explore this incredible museum. 

Make the most of your London West End stay package and snap some selfies with your favourite public figures!  

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Everything You need to Know About London's Bridges

Walking along London's Thames, you will encounter one or more of its iconic and historical bridges. Each bridge along London's famous river has its fascinating history and fun facts, from East to West. Our guide to London bridges gives you a glimpse into the city's history. Here is everything you need to know about London's bridges. While exploring all the iconic sightseeing spots, make sure to end your British experience by sampling this Indian Afternoon Tea London.

London Bridge

Often mistaken for the ostentatious Tower Bridge, London Bridge is the namesake of the somewhat dark children's nursery song. Since the Romans built it hundreds of years ago, it has undergone numerous renovations. Despite its active status, it offers beautiful views of the Thames and is a popular crossing for cars and pedestrians.

Millennium Bridge

Millennium Bridge is a sleek, modern suspension bridge for pedestrians best known for a scene in the Harry Potter movies. After a long renovation, the bridge was reopened without swaying, earning it the nickname 'Wobbly Bridge. Located on the south bank, it connects Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern, while on the north bank, it connects St. Paul's Cathedral. The Millennium Bridge is a fantastic addition to your sightseeing itinerary, particularly for those staying at Hotels Near Piccadilly Circus.

Tower Bridge

Travellers to London never miss out on the stunning marvel of British architecture and engineering that is Tower Bridge. The city of London built the bridge over 120 years ago to assist people in crossing the river without blocking water traffic. It spans over 244 metres. You might even be able to watch the bridge split in half so larger boats can pass between its towers without being impeded. A new exhibit detailing the bridge's history and stunning views of London have been added to the high-level walkways in recent years.

Westminster Bridge

If you're staying at one of the Luxury Hotels In West End London, you're more than likely to enjoy some of the best views of the impressive Westminster Bridge. The historic structure is the oldest surviving bridge in London and one of its busiest. It's located just beyond Westminster Abbey and the tube station. Designed to mimic the seats in the House of Commons, this is a great place to set up your camera if you are trying to capture iconic attractions like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Southwark Bridge

One of the quieter footbridges in London, Southwark Bridge allows you to stroll across the river comfortably. Despite its construction in 1819 to reduce congestion on London Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge, it did little to alleviate congestion but remains one of the best places to see the sights of the Thames. The bridge is visible from some of the Discount Hotels In West End.

Other bridges in London

●     Blackfriars Bridge

●     Vauxhall Bridge

●     Chelsea Bridge

●     Waterloo Bridge

●     Hammersmith Bridge

●     Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges

●     Lambeth Bridge

●     Albert Bridge

●     Wandsworth Bridge

●     Putney Bridge

●     Kew Bridge

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The Best Day Trips from London

London is the place where you will find endless cultural clashes and mixed cuisines, family friendly and more adult attractions, museums, galleries, and a whole host of experiences which range from the traditional to the unique and memorable.

But when it comes to planning the best London visit, sometimes it pays to look at experiences which take you further afield than the London West End hotel deals, restaurants across the West End of London, and the famous attractions in the centre of the city.

In this blog, we spotlight just some of the best day trips from London, starting from The Piccadilly London West End and taking you across the UK in all directions.

A Beach Day

Some of the best beaches in England can be enjoyed as part of a day trip from London, ranging from the coast of Kent to the Essex marshes, Southend-on-Sea with its pier attractions, and even the South Coast from Brighton to Eastbourne and across to the New Forest.

To reach these beaches, you can hop on a train from one of London’s many stations, or you can hire a car and drive yourself there. And if you decide to extend your trip, all of the top coastal locations house a number of hotels and B&Bs.

Traditional Britain

Britain is synonymous with rolling countryside, with quaint cottages, with the Royal Family, and with dining experiences which range from cream tea to afternoon tea and picnics in the parks. While in London you can find all manner of variations on these British classics, including an Indian infused afternoon tea in London and afternoon tea on the go atop an open top bus, when you visit sleepy English villages, you can immerse yourself in British tradition.

A great way to enjoy this is through visiting a National Trust site and café, by heading to the classic seaside locations of Brighton and Eastbourne, and by booking lunch or dinner in a British pub.

Theme Parks

What better way to spend a day outside of London than by visiting one of the UK’s leading theme parks – and in this category, there really is something for everyone. Paultons Park down on the South Coast is the ideal site for families with younger children, while Thorpe Park and Alton Towers are both known for these thrilling rides and looping roller coasters.

Harry Potter Studios

One of the most famous fictional characters of all time, for those who love Harry Potter a quick train ride from central London will bring you to the Harry Potter studios site in Watford – where you can wander the sets and find out more about the movies and how they were brought to life.

Stately Homes and Gardens

You don’t have to travel far from London to find yourself in the surroundings of a beautiful country village – with a wide selection of stately homes and formal gardens all open for day visitors to enjoy as you wish. Simply research an area of the country that you want to visit and you’ll find a site to visit and spend a day outside. 

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15 Must Have Essential London Experiences for Travellers

There’s so much in London that’s touted as ‘a must-have experience’, making it hard to know what’s worth pencilling into your diary. To help you, here are 15 things you absolutely need to experience during your trip. 

The Tower of London 

Learn all about London’s bloody and gruesome history with an interactive and theatrical guided tour at The Tower of London. 

Palace of Westminster 

See where laws are made and hear the chimes of Big Ben by visiting the Palace of Westminster. 

The London Eye 

Take in some of the most panoramic views of London on the London Eye. 

The London Dungeons 

Explore London’s dark history further with a trip to the London Dungeons. Be warned – it’s a frighteningly interactive experience! 

Oxford Street 

Shop ‘til you drop along Oxford Street, London’s premier shopping street. If your feet after (they probably will), drop your bags and take a load off at the nearby The Piccadilly London West End spa. 

The British Museum 

With more than eight million artefacts and works, the British Museum is among the largest in the world. 

Kensington Museums 

Kensington is home to three of the most famous museums in London: the Natural History Museum, the V&A, and the Science Museum. They’re all next to each other so this is the perfect way to spend a day. 

Thames River Cruise 

There are countless landmarks dotted along the banks of the Thames, but if you want to save your feet from walking, take a river cruise instead. 

Buckingham Palace 

No trip to London would be complete without visiting the official residence of the Queen! 

The West End 

Unwind after a long day of sightseeing with a West End theatre show. There are plenty of restaurants in West End London for you to dine at first, and you have almost as much choice in theatres! Whether you want to see the iconic Lion King or the traditional Phantom of the Opera, there’s something on for you in the West End. 

Borough Market 

English cuisine might not be the most renowned in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. Experience the best in the way of street food and fresh market goods at Borough Market. 

Hyde Park 

If you’re staying in one of the hotels near Piccadilly Circus and fancy a slower-paced day, consider going to Hyde Park. In the summer there are concerts and festivals held here, but there are plenty of opportunities to relax at Speakers’ Corner or in The Rose Garden. 

Westminster Abbey 

Westminster Abbey plays a big part in British culture as it is here that monarchs are crowned, married, and laid to rest, so it’s well worth a visit. 

The National Gallery 

Located in Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery is home to some 2,300 paintings, with some dating back to the 13th century. You’ll find works by Raphael, Van Gogh, and Caravaggio to name just a few. 

Afternoon Tea 

Finally on the list is afternoon tea. Almost all the boutique hotels in London serve it from 12-4pm, so you won’t be short of choices. If you want something exceptionally luxurious, head to The Ritz or Fortnum & Mason, but if you want something a bit more laid back, consider staying at your hotel or going to one of the more contemporary, relaxed cafes in the likes of Camden and Soho.

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Tower of London and Westminster Abbey Walking Tour

London has a lot of incredible sights and attractions that testify to the city’s great history, but by far, two of the most important things to see are the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. If you’re staying at one of the discount hotels in West End London and are looking for affordable yet enjoyable things to do during your stay, these two attractions are a must-see. 

There are walking tours for both, and whilst one is in the City of London and the other is in central London, with the help of the Tube, you can easily complete both walking tours in a day. So, if you’re looking for things to do whilst taking advantage of London West End deals and want to find out more about walking tours at the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, keep reading. 

The Tower of London 

Let’s start with the Tower of London, one of London’s oldest and most iconic attractions. Originally built as a royal residence by William the Conqueror, the complex went on to have a much more gruesome role as a prison and a place where people met their unfortunate end. 

Whilst you won’t see anyone imprisoned or beheaded here today, it’s well worth a visit from the Piccadilly West End Hotel Spa to learn about hundreds of years of royal history and scandals. The Beefeaters (royal guards) put on an excellent guided tour, theatrically yet accurately explaining past events of the Tower. 

With a guided walking tour ticket, you’ll be able to see where the Crown Jewels are kept when Queen Elizabeth II isn’t wearing them. You’ll also see the bloody White Tower, the oldest and most notorious part of the royal complex. You’ll be talked through the Torture at the Tower exhibition, and you’ll also be able to see the Chapel of St Peter and Vincula. 

The Tower of London is one of the most interactive and thorough walking tours in the city, so it’s well worth making the trip and spending a few hours absorbing this most famous attraction and all it has to offer. 

Westminster Abbey 

About an hour’s walk from the Tower of London (or a very short Tube ride) you’ll find Westminster Abbey, nestled in the central area of the city. For more than a thousand years, the iconic gothic façade of the Abbey has been one of the premier meeting places in West End London, but it’s much more than just a landmark. 

Royal weddings and funerals, coronations, and historical speeches all take place here.  There are guided tours that take you through every aspect of the Abbey and its history, including Poets Corner, the Coronation Chair, the Lady Chapel, the Royal Tombs, the Pyx Chamber, the Quire, Cloisters, Chapter House, and the grave of the Unknown Warrior. 

It takes about an hour and a half to get around the Abbey, making it the perfect addition to your Tower of London walking tour. Either way, you’re sure to have a fun-filled day full of history on walking tours of the Tower and the Abbey!

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How to pick hotels near Piccadilly Theatre

The stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge! made its premiere on the London West End stage in autumn 2021 at the Piccadilly Theatre and captivated fans of the Baz Luhrmann film. The critically acclaimed team behind the production includes the writer John Logan, director Alex Timbers, set designer Derek McLane, and costume designer Catherine Zuber. 

If catching a performance of the most glamorous musical to grace the stage in London is on your bucket list for 2022, you need to snap up a hotel deal. Here’s our guide on how to pick hotels near Piccadilly Theatre.

Leicester Square

If you haven’t already secured your tickets to see the show, then you have several options. You can order directly from the theatre box office or visit the booths in Leicester Square and scoop a last-minute deal. Choosing a hotel close to both the theatre and Leicester Square will save you time and hassle. 

Shaftesbury Avenue

Shaftesbury Avenue is the epicentre of theatre in London. Besides Piccadilly Theatre, this is the setting of the Lyric Theatre, the Apollo Theatre, the Gielgud Theatre and the Queen's Theatre. When seeking hotels near Piccadilly Theatre, pay attention to how closely the accommodation is located to Shaftesbury Avenue. If the address lines up, then you’re onto a winning selection! 

Piccadilly Circus

With its giant moving adverts, billboards, and neon, Piccadilly Circus is considered London’s answer to Times Square in New York City. When planning a trip to the Piccadilly Theatre, Piccadilly Circus is the location of the closest London Underground. Find a hotel that is within walking distance of both. 

Chinatown

London’s Chinatown is the solution for a pre-theatre bite to eat. This compact neighbourhood is heaving with Chinese restaurants as well as Korean, Vietnamese, and Taiwanese eateries. Take some time to wander around the streets which are richly ornamented with such landmarks as the Chinatown Gate. If you are unsure about where to eat, follow your nose or ask the knowledgeable staff at hotels near Piccadilly Theatre for their personal recommendations.

Soho

The nightlife hub of Soho backs onto Shaftesbury Avenue and Piccadilly Circus and is one of the best places to enjoy a beer alongside Londoners or linger over a fine bottle of wine. After catching a show at the Piccadilly Theatre, Soho is a convenient option if you wish to continue the evening. Select a hotel near Piccadilly Theatre to save the hassle of taking public transport. The streets of Soho are walkable or accessible via a quick taxi ride. 

Regent Street

After catching the musical and making the most of your stay at your chosen hotel near Piccadilly Theatre, you might want to pick up some souvenirs of your time in the city – either for yourself or for loved ones back at home. Regent Street is a stone’s throw from the Piccadilly Theatre and the local hotels. This historic shopping street is home to fashion boutiques, cosmetic stores, and children’s toy shops which makes it easy to tackle everyone on your list in one go.