Australia House, located on the Strand in London, is the oldest Australian diplomatic mission and serves as the High Commission of Australia. Opened in 1918 by King George V, it stands as a symbol of the enduring relationship between Australia and the United Kingdom. The building is renowned for its grand architecture and has even appeared on the silver screen, most notably in the Harry Potter films, where it was used as Gringotts, the wizarding bank visited by the characters several times throughout the series.
Inside, it hosts various cultural events and provides consular services to Australians in the UK.
Experience the rich historical ties between London and Australia on an exclusive private half-day tour, riding in style in an iconic London Taxi. Delve into the stories that connect these two lands, from convict ships to war memorials.
On your private tour, you will:
Begin this adventure with a convenient pick-up from central London in an iconic London Taxi. Sit back and relax as you’re transported to your first stop, the iconic Australia House. Here, you’ll delve into the historical significance of this grand building, which has stood as a symbol of Australian heritage in the UK for over a century.
Next, visit St Mary-le-Bow Church, an important landmark where Sir Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of Australia, used to attend and learn about his voyage in 1787 with the First Fleet. Discover the tales of this journey and its role in the founding of Sydney, sponsored by Lord Sydney himself. You’ll also learn about the annual Australia Day celebrations held here, commemorating this event.
Continue your exploration at the Aldwych Theatre, where the YMCA built the Aldwych Hut in 1917, serving as a social centre for Australian soldiers during WWI. Your guide will share intriguing stories about the lives of these soldiers and the theatre’s historical significance. Your tour takes you to Whitehall, where Australian and New Zealand soldiers marched in 1916, a poignant prelude to the site where the Cenotaph now stands. Hear the moving accounts of their journey to Westminster Abbey for a solemn service followed by celebratory gatherings.
An external visit to Tate Britain reveals its surprising past as the site of Millbank Prison, from where many prisoners were transported to Australia. You’ll see a plaque commemorating this significant chapter in history and learn about the lives of those who made the arduous journey. At Caxton Hall, uncover the rich history of this venue, which hosted key events for the Suffragette Movement and, in 1916, the first annual Corroboree by the ANA on what was then known as Foundation Day.
A final stop at the Australian War Memorial offers a moment of reflection, honouring the bravery and sacrifices of Australian soldiers. Gain deeper insights of the impact of war on both nations.
Conclude your tour with a return to your hotel, enriched with the stories and landmarks that highlight the bond between London and Australia. This experience is not just a tour but a journey through time, connecting two nations through their shared history.
London’s streets, landmarks, and lively neighbourhoods have served as the backdrop for countless films, from classic black-and-white masterpieces to modern blockbusters. They’ve also provided inspiration for scores of talented musicians who have called the city home over the years. Based on some of the most requested stops on our Premier Classic London tour, our jam-packed movies, magic and music route offers an exhilarating ride through London with a charismatic cabbie-guide that knows the streets like the back of their hand, showing you intriguing corners of the city related to the Beatles, Harry Potter, and other great British icons.
On this half-day private taxi tour, you will:
Set out on a dazzling journey through the sights, sounds and spellbinding stories of London on this private half-day adventure in an iconic London Cab. With a licensed cabbie as your personal guide, a local who knows every shortcut, side street and star-studded secret of the city, you’ll be collected straight from your central London hotel and whisked into a world where legendary music, blockbuster cinema and British magic come vividly to life.
While the exact order of your itinerary can vary depending on your driver and the location of your hotel, you'll soon find yourself in the place every music lover dreams of: Abbey Road in St John’s Wood. You’ll have the opportunity to stand on the famous zebra crossing where the Beatles made history and soak up the atmosphere of the studios where the band recorded their greatest hits. Nearby, you’ll pass the former London homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, glimpsing the quiet neighbourhood streets that once echoed with the footsteps of rock ’n’ roll royalty. You will also spend time in the heart of the capital, where some of London’s most renowned streets unfold before you. You’ll glide along posh Pall Mall, soak in the pomp and circumstance of the Mall (with views of Buckingham Palace), and roll through the grand avenues of Westminster, places that have starred in countless films and remain at the centre of British pageantry. You'll pause at Savile Row, the elegant home of bespoke tailoring, where your guide will reveal yet another chapter of Beatles lore: the site of the group’s final public performance.
Heading into the buzzing West End, you’ll pass through Leicester Square, the glamorous gateway to London’s cinema district. This is where film premieres light up the night, crowds gather to spot stars on the red carpet, and movie history is made again and again. Then it is time to step into another realm entirely, the world of Harry Potter. Visit real London locations that have transformed into some of the wizarding world’s most recognisable settings, from the grand Australia House (Gringotts Bank), to the sleek curves of the Millennium Bridge, to the atmospheric arcades of Leadenhall Market, which inspired Diagon Alley. Fans young and old will feel the magic in every moment.
Throughout the journey, your cabbie-guide brings the stories to life with an infectious passion for London’s cultural tapestry, mixing insider knowledge, film trivia, musical legends and a few delightful surprises tailored to your interests. Combining must-see landmarks, unforgettable movie moments and musical milestones, this exhilarating taxi tour is a fun and immersive way to experience London at its finest.
Please note that the sites listed are the main highlights typically included on this route; however, the exact stops may vary depending on traffic conditions, road closures, and events taking place in the city on the day of your tour. Distances between locations can be considerable, which may affect the order, inclusions and duration of each stop. If you have any specific preferences or requirements, please inform your driver at the start of the tour—they will do their best to tailor the experience accordingly.
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