Chasing James Bond Vibe in London: Where to Go and What to Do

The James Bond franchise has always been connected to London. Ever wondered why? This is because it houses the headquarters of the MI6 and the author. Ian Fleming, the creator of the Bond series, was born here. So, he took a lot of inspiration from the city for the settings in his books. To further keep the details coordinated, the movies are also set here. Sometimes, even in places that you least expect. They are that creative.

Besides the city, casinos are another common thing linked to the James Bond franchise. In the movie, we are shown various scenes in the brick-and-mortar casinos with high-roller patrons smoking their cigars and sipping champagne. Besides the physical gambling dens, a couple of online UK sites house the most exciting slot machines that will keep you coming back for more. Other interesting additions associated with the 007 franchise are expensive cars, and speed boasts, to mention a few. As long as you know where to search, it is not too hard to find yourself in Bond’s shoes.

Activities that Portray James Bond Vibe in London

If you are a fan of Bond, there are a couple of activities you can participate in to replicate some of the movie scenes. It all depends on how bold and adventurous you can get. On vacation or newly moved to London, here are some activities that offer a similar vibe. Let’s begin!

Go to the James Bond Exhibition

“Bond in Motion” is a 007 exhibition at the London Film Museum in Covent Garden. It houses a vast collection of over one hundred original vehicles and gadgets from all 24 films. In fact, it is the largest kind of exhibition that you can find anywhere in the world. They have everything on display, from the motorbikes to props, storyboards, boats, and many more. Amongst all of these, the highlight remains the Rolls-Royce Phantom from Goldeneye.

Drive an Aston Martin

You can’t have the complete 007 experience without racing a slick supercar around the city. Of course, different cars were used during the entire movie. However, Aston Martin stands out as Bond’s favourite. You can rent and try driving them around the city. Also, there are racecourses in different locations outside of London. This includes Silverstone, which was mentioned in the film Thunderball.

Speedboat Along the Thames

The speedboat chase is another speciality of Bond’s. In many scenes, we witness this chase up and down the Thames. So, you can book a speedboat sightseeing cruise on the Thames. There are various companies up for hire with different packages and experiences. So, opt for the one that best suits your budget and experience the thrills and adrenaline as 007 felt in the movie.

Lodge at Canary Wharf Four Seasons Hotel

Luxurious hotels are another highlight of Bond’s movies. As a spy, he is saddled with travelling around the world on a mission. As a result, he lodges in the finest hotels, from the Peninsula in Hong Kong to Hotel Cala Di Volpe in Italy to the Four Seasons Hotel in Canary Wharf. The latter was filmed in Skyfall, so the more reason to explore this location. From the swimming pool, he takes a dip into the racy shower scene in 712; you are in for a lot of fun.

Pause for a Martini at Dukes

Martini is Bond’s favourite drink. So, if you would like to have a similar taste, you can visit Dukes. They are known to create some of the best martini in the world. Ian Fleming was a regular at the bar in the 50s. He would always order his cocktail shaken, so it is argued that one of Bond’s iconic phrases, “Shaken, not stirred”, was birthed there. So, you can pop in for a glass or two to have the full experience.

Visit the Distillery

To get a taste of the Bond-style martini, the Distillery is another viable location. It offers a James Bond dining experience that is quite immersive since it greatly mimics the insane extras of 007. Here, you’ll be served a 5-course meal of Bond’s favourite dishes with his favourite drinks (Martini, Champagne, and Bourbon). Interesting, right? You visit their official website to see the available packages and make your bookings.

Which is Your Favorite Activity?

These are just a few places you can visit to get the full 007 experience in London. If you don’t want to go alone, you can join a tour, the more, the merrier. You can also go sightseeing historic buildings that were used during filming. The choice is yours, and you have a good deal of vast options that will keep you quite busy. So, which will you pick first?

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.