New Thrilling Thames Rockets Boat Ride - Opening July, 27 2013
It’s Fast, Furious and a World First. Thames Rockets is a new thrilling, high-speed boat ride blasting off this summer in the Capital and operating EXCLUSIVELY in the new Thames ‘High Speed Zone’, the first public boat to do so.
The racy red speedboat takes you on an exhilarating trip down London’s river – set to a rousing “Best of British” soundtrack from iconic music to the unmistakable voices of Winston Churchill and Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
Thames Rockets is the latest brainchild of London RIB Voyages’ Charlie Matheson, who was the first to bring speedboat attractions to the Thames. The entrepreneur is expecting his next exciting venture to be a splashin’ success, commenting: “Thames Rockets will be the talk of London this summer. We’re giving thrillseekers an exciting, unforgettable boat ride experience with a difference, which really celebrates the Capital and all that’s great about Britain”.
“The witty soundtrack touches on all that is amusing about our nation. Politics, sporting events and entertainment are all highlighted and paint a picture of British history as the Rocket races across the water.
“There’s nothing like it in the UK and up-to-it families and thrillseekers will love it.”
Passengers are kitted out in bespoke waterproofs and lifejackets before boarding the 12-metre long aero-dynamically designed fibreglass boat at St Katharine’s Dock for the 40-minute breathtaking ride.
With an expert Skipper and a comic host on board, Rockets’ engines are fired up and you’re off at speeds of up to 40mph – to the chimes of Big Ben, the theme tune from Eastenders, Thunderbirds, Robbie Williams, England’s World Cup win and the Beatles plus soundbites from a number of great Brits that have helped make Britain the glorious country it is.
There are lots more thrills and surprises, music and memories as Thames Rockets soar east, flashing past The Cutty Sark, The O2 and Greenwich to the Thames Barrier before heading back to its launch pad. The total journey – ENTIRELY in the new Thames High Speed Zone - is 20 miles, almost the distance between Dover and Calais.
The ride, which launches on Saturday July 27, seats 12 passengers and is recommended for children aged 10 and over. There is SCOPE access so it can be experienced by people with disabilities.
Mr Matheson added: “We think this is fantastic fun and want as many people as possible to be able to experience it.”
Book now, Thames Rockets is ready for lift-off!
FACTFILE: Tickets for a Thames Rockets ride from July 22 cost £39.95 per adult and £29.95 per child (aged 10-14). Couple ticket £75, family £135 (two adults and two children). Charter £425. The boat departs hourly from Thames Rockets Launch Pad at St Katherine’s Dock to the Thames Barrier, every Saturday and Sunday and on selected weekdays. Passengers will receive a 20% off voucher for friends/family to return. Pre-booking is essential on www.londonribvoyages.com/thamesrockets or call 0207 928 8933.
The racy red speedboat takes you on an exhilarating trip down London’s river – set to a rousing “Best of British” soundtrack from iconic music to the unmistakable voices of Winston Churchill and Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
Thames Rockets is the latest brainchild of London RIB Voyages’ Charlie Matheson, who was the first to bring speedboat attractions to the Thames. The entrepreneur is expecting his next exciting venture to be a splashin’ success, commenting: “Thames Rockets will be the talk of London this summer. We’re giving thrillseekers an exciting, unforgettable boat ride experience with a difference, which really celebrates the Capital and all that’s great about Britain”.
“The witty soundtrack touches on all that is amusing about our nation. Politics, sporting events and entertainment are all highlighted and paint a picture of British history as the Rocket races across the water.
“There’s nothing like it in the UK and up-to-it families and thrillseekers will love it.”
Passengers are kitted out in bespoke waterproofs and lifejackets before boarding the 12-metre long aero-dynamically designed fibreglass boat at St Katharine’s Dock for the 40-minute breathtaking ride.
With an expert Skipper and a comic host on board, Rockets’ engines are fired up and you’re off at speeds of up to 40mph – to the chimes of Big Ben, the theme tune from Eastenders, Thunderbirds, Robbie Williams, England’s World Cup win and the Beatles plus soundbites from a number of great Brits that have helped make Britain the glorious country it is.
There are lots more thrills and surprises, music and memories as Thames Rockets soar east, flashing past The Cutty Sark, The O2 and Greenwich to the Thames Barrier before heading back to its launch pad. The total journey – ENTIRELY in the new Thames High Speed Zone - is 20 miles, almost the distance between Dover and Calais.
The ride, which launches on Saturday July 27, seats 12 passengers and is recommended for children aged 10 and over. There is SCOPE access so it can be experienced by people with disabilities.
Mr Matheson added: “We think this is fantastic fun and want as many people as possible to be able to experience it.”
Book now, Thames Rockets is ready for lift-off!
FACTFILE: Tickets for a Thames Rockets ride from July 22 cost £39.95 per adult and £29.95 per child (aged 10-14). Couple ticket £75, family £135 (two adults and two children). Charter £425. The boat departs hourly from Thames Rockets Launch Pad at St Katherine’s Dock to the Thames Barrier, every Saturday and Sunday and on selected weekdays. Passengers will receive a 20% off voucher for friends/family to return. Pre-booking is essential on www.londonribvoyages.com/thamesrockets or call 0207 928 8933.
The Ultimate Fashion Accessory - Mango Bikes Launch In The UK
Summer is here and cycling is well and truly in fashion, make sure you have the ultimate accessory this season by designing your very own custom Mango Bike. Mango Bikes is a unique, radical, fresh-thinking new company that specialises in sourcing and supplying bespoke bicycles. Giving the power back to the consumer, Mango allows you to custom-build your bike, choosing from hundreds of colour and component variations.
For those bored of all the low-quality, 'me too' designs that have flooded the cycling marketplace, Mango
offers a refreshing change. Its bright, high quality, customisable chassis lets your personality speak or shout very loudly; depending on your colour-ways.
Mango brings a much-needed dash of modern, clean style to the world of
bicycles. The tidy, uninterrupted lines and large clocks off colour on a Mango model make them as much a fashion item as a light, streamlined machine.
Handing over the design to where it belongs, with the consumer, Mango allows you to create a unique tailor-made bike. By choosing the components and colours on the company website, www.mangobikes.co.uk, you can fully customise your bike in a myriad of ways- personalising your investment to suit your style. Once you've placed the order Mango custom-build your bike exactly the way you want it.
Mango bikes deliver something exciting and unique to customers' doors and offers a lot of superior bike for a lot less than you would expect. The bikes are made-to-order and at around £300 for a fully customised design, Mango's bikes are eminently affordable. With Mango, beauty is more than
skin deep. All aspects of the bikes have been carefully engineered. They are
light (a typical models weighs in at about 10kg), streamlines, and built to hold their speed and provide an easy ride.
For those bored of all the low-quality, 'me too' designs that have flooded the cycling marketplace, Mango
offers a refreshing change. Its bright, high quality, customisable chassis lets your personality speak or shout very loudly; depending on your colour-ways.
Mango brings a much-needed dash of modern, clean style to the world of
bicycles. The tidy, uninterrupted lines and large clocks off colour on a Mango model make them as much a fashion item as a light, streamlined machine.
Handing over the design to where it belongs, with the consumer, Mango allows you to create a unique tailor-made bike. By choosing the components and colours on the company website, www.mangobikes.co.uk, you can fully customise your bike in a myriad of ways- personalising your investment to suit your style. Once you've placed the order Mango custom-build your bike exactly the way you want it.
Mango bikes deliver something exciting and unique to customers' doors and offers a lot of superior bike for a lot less than you would expect. The bikes are made-to-order and at around £300 for a fully customised design, Mango's bikes are eminently affordable. With Mango, beauty is more than
skin deep. All aspects of the bikes have been carefully engineered. They are
light (a typical models weighs in at about 10kg), streamlines, and built to hold their speed and provide an easy ride.
Tiers Of Joy! The Royal Park Hotel Redefines Afternoon Tea
The luxurious boutique London hotel, The Royal Park, has redefined the traditional afternoon tea with its new degustation menu, called 'Tiers of Joy'. Taking a modern twist on the traditional afternoon tea concept, each tier is served individually with matching Taittinger champagnes: from the classic Taittinger Brut Reserve to the contemporary Taittinger Nocturne Sec or an assortment of Tregothnan teas which complement each course.
Classic English finger sandwiches such as: egg and cress, beef and horseradish and smoked salmon and cucumber feature on the first tier. These are accompanied by a chilled glass of Taittinger's original Brut Reserve or a refreshing cup of Tregothnan's aromatic Earl Grey. Both beverages have been carefully selected to balance the flavors of the variety of sandwiches served.
A citrus lemon verbena infusion or a crisp glass of Taittinger's Prestige Rose accompany the second tier which comprises of freshly baked scones, with lashings of cream and a selection of fruit jams and preserves.
To complete the 'Tiers of Joy' degustation menu, sweet delights such as: melt in the mouth fig and rosemary shortbread, light as air raspberry macaroons and a papaya and lime fruit cup are served alongside a soothing myrtle infusion tea or a glass of Taittinger's Nocturne Sec, a mellow yet light champagne.
'Tiers of Joy' is available each day from 3.00pm-6.00pm at The Royal Park. The degustation menu including a range of specially selected Taittinger champagnes starts from £40 per person or with the range of Tregothnan tea option from £25 per person.
The Royal Park Hotel is an intimate, luxury London hotel offering 48 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites. Ideally located on Westbourne Terrace, this hotel lies very near Hyde Park, London's largest royal park. Guests simply need book direct with The Royal Park to book 'Tiers of Joy'. Please contact +44(0)2074796600 or email: [email protected]
Classic English finger sandwiches such as: egg and cress, beef and horseradish and smoked salmon and cucumber feature on the first tier. These are accompanied by a chilled glass of Taittinger's original Brut Reserve or a refreshing cup of Tregothnan's aromatic Earl Grey. Both beverages have been carefully selected to balance the flavors of the variety of sandwiches served.
A citrus lemon verbena infusion or a crisp glass of Taittinger's Prestige Rose accompany the second tier which comprises of freshly baked scones, with lashings of cream and a selection of fruit jams and preserves.
To complete the 'Tiers of Joy' degustation menu, sweet delights such as: melt in the mouth fig and rosemary shortbread, light as air raspberry macaroons and a papaya and lime fruit cup are served alongside a soothing myrtle infusion tea or a glass of Taittinger's Nocturne Sec, a mellow yet light champagne.
'Tiers of Joy' is available each day from 3.00pm-6.00pm at The Royal Park. The degustation menu including a range of specially selected Taittinger champagnes starts from £40 per person or with the range of Tregothnan tea option from £25 per person.
The Royal Park Hotel is an intimate, luxury London hotel offering 48 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites. Ideally located on Westbourne Terrace, this hotel lies very near Hyde Park, London's largest royal park. Guests simply need book direct with The Royal Park to book 'Tiers of Joy'. Please contact +44(0)2074796600 or email: [email protected]
The Pick Of The Best Spring Flower Walks
Spring is the perfect time of year get out on to the South West Coast Path and see beautiful wild flowers in bloom. From short woodland walks through a sea of wild garlic and bluebells to cliff-top ambles past rosettes of primroses, the top five spring flower walks, as chosen by the South West Coast Path team, can all be downloaded at www.southwestcoastpath.com/springwalks
- Rosemullion Head Circular, Cornwall (4 miles) A circular walk with spectacular views of Rosemullion Head, secluded coves and the beautiful Helford estuary, where wild garlic and bluebells grow in abundance along its banks.
- East Prawle to Prawle Point, Devon (3.9 miles) A wonderful walk taking in spectacular coastal scenery and ancient green lanes, in one of the richest spots in Devon for plants and flowers. The lacy white rosettes of wild carrot grow along the Coast Path and the small blue stars of spring squill can also be spotted.
- Seaton to Lyme Regis Undercliffs, Dorset (7.2 miles) A challenging walk, passing through the Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve, which is covered mainly by ash and field maple woodland – a natural habitat for spring displays of primrose, anemone and bluebells (see above).
- Croyde and Saunton Down, Devon (3.4 miles) Part of North Devon’s first newly designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with Braunton Burrows at its heart. This is Europe’s largest sand dune system and home to more than 500 species of flowering plants, including bee orchids and water germander.
- Boscastle and Pentargon Waterfall, Cornwall (1.7 miles) The Coast Path runs between a stone hedge, covered in the lichen sea ivory, and the open maritime grassland topping the cliffs, home to colourful wild flowers such as Dyer’s Greenweed and Saw-wort.
The View from The Shard
The Shard is a landmark building on the London skyline, designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano. At a height of 1,016 ft (310 m) the building redefines London’s skyline and is a dynamic symbol of the Capital, recognisable throughout the world.
The name ‘Shard’ comes from the sculpted design, which consists of glass facets that incline inwards, open to the sky at the top to allow the building to breathe naturally. London church spires and masts of ships which once anchored on the River Thames inspired the elegant building.
The View from The Shard is the new, visitor experience that will provide an unparalleled encounter with The Shard and the opportunity to experience London like never before, including the most spectacular 64km (40 mile), 360 degree views of city, 244m (800ft) above the capital.
Pre-booked tickets are on sale from 6 July 2012 and doors open to visitors on 1 February 2013. Further information will be released in the build up to opening in 2013.
The pinnacle of The Shard, housing The View from The Shard
Credit: © The View from The Shard.
The name ‘Shard’ comes from the sculpted design, which consists of glass facets that incline inwards, open to the sky at the top to allow the building to breathe naturally. London church spires and masts of ships which once anchored on the River Thames inspired the elegant building.
The View from The Shard is the new, visitor experience that will provide an unparalleled encounter with The Shard and the opportunity to experience London like never before, including the most spectacular 64km (40 mile), 360 degree views of city, 244m (800ft) above the capital.
Pre-booked tickets are on sale from 6 July 2012 and doors open to visitors on 1 February 2013. Further information will be released in the build up to opening in 2013.
The pinnacle of The Shard, housing The View from The Shard
Credit: © The View from The Shard.
Celebrate Valentine's Day In Style With Grape Escapes' New Exclusive Champagne Breaks
There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than at the home of Champagne. Treat your other half this Valentine’s Day with Grape Escapes’ Exclusive Champagne Tour in Reims. The two-night trip is an ideal celebration break, combining a mixture of Champagne vineyard tours and tastings at some of the regions’ most famous Champagne Houses with romance and luxury at the beautiful 5* Château les Crayères. Prices for this luxury getaway start from £1129 per person, excluding international transport and transport to and from the Château.
Located just 1½ miles outside the centre of Reims, the Château les Crayères was built by the Pommery family and provides the perfect setting for a romantic escape. Guests have the choice of a range of luxury rooms offering six different levels of luxury accommodation either in the Château itself or in the quaint guesthouse in the beautifully landscaped gardens. A gastronomic gala dinner in the Château’s double Michelin starred restaurant, “Le Parc” is also included in the price of the stay.
The tour starts with a visit to a small, family-run Grand Cru Champagne House, including a lesson in the Napoleaonic art of Sabrage (opening the bottle with a sabre.) Next is a visit to the hillside village of Hautvillers where Dom Pérignon lived and is buried, to enjoy a tasting of two Champagnes and a cheese/charcuterie platter.
Guests then visit a choice of their favourite prestigious Champagne House with options including Mercier, GH Mumm, Pommery, Taittinger, Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot. The highlight of the tour is visiting the estate of the iconic Prestige Cuvée, Dom Pérignon. This private visit includes parts of the cellars seldom seen by the general public, topped with a flute of Dom Pérignon served in the luxurious estate mansion.
Grape Escapes’ Exclusive Tours are not just a perfect choice to celebrate Valentine’s Day but are also available to book throughout the year and can be an ideal “Valentine’s Gift”. For further information, please visit www.grapeescapes.net.
Located just 1½ miles outside the centre of Reims, the Château les Crayères was built by the Pommery family and provides the perfect setting for a romantic escape. Guests have the choice of a range of luxury rooms offering six different levels of luxury accommodation either in the Château itself or in the quaint guesthouse in the beautifully landscaped gardens. A gastronomic gala dinner in the Château’s double Michelin starred restaurant, “Le Parc” is also included in the price of the stay.
The tour starts with a visit to a small, family-run Grand Cru Champagne House, including a lesson in the Napoleaonic art of Sabrage (opening the bottle with a sabre.) Next is a visit to the hillside village of Hautvillers where Dom Pérignon lived and is buried, to enjoy a tasting of two Champagnes and a cheese/charcuterie platter.
Guests then visit a choice of their favourite prestigious Champagne House with options including Mercier, GH Mumm, Pommery, Taittinger, Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot. The highlight of the tour is visiting the estate of the iconic Prestige Cuvée, Dom Pérignon. This private visit includes parts of the cellars seldom seen by the general public, topped with a flute of Dom Pérignon served in the luxurious estate mansion.
Grape Escapes’ Exclusive Tours are not just a perfect choice to celebrate Valentine’s Day but are also available to book throughout the year and can be an ideal “Valentine’s Gift”. For further information, please visit www.grapeescapes.net.