Interesting links
Here are some links you may find interesting.
The linked web sites will open in a new window, and Redwing Coaches is not responsible for the content you may find there. Please don't forget to tell them we sent you.
Tourguide Scotland - Experienced guide with luxury Mercedes people carrier
Gordon Tait is a fully qualified Scottish tour guide with over 25 years experience.
Based in Edinburgh, Gordon is available as your driver/guide in his luxury Mercedes people carrier for tours, from a half or full day or longer.
City tours, lochs and glens, golf, whisky tasting, ancestor research, island tours, airport 'meet and greet' - just tell Gordon what you need, or ask him for suggestions.
There's lots of good tour ideas on the Tourguide Scotland website.
Robert Pilbeam - Blue Badge Guide
Bob is a Registered Blue Badge Guide, available for all sightseeing. During his 30 years in the Metropolitan Police Bob obtained an intimate knowledge of London and was keen to use this knowledge in his next career. The Blue Badge qualification is not easily won and required two years of study and numerous examinations.
Bob can offer a wide range of imaginative sightseeing trips in and around London, by coach or on foot. Tour themes include Roman London, Legal London, Royal London, Domes of London, Rock and Pop, London's Markets, Dickens' London, Docklands and the River Thames and even London as a Board Game - visiting the Monopoly Board locations! Destinations outside London include Stonehenge, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cambridge, Windsor Castle and many others.
The Bob Hope Theatre, Eltham
The Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham, a suburb of south-east London, provides first rate entertainment to the local community. Originally formed over fifty years ago, the theatre faced closure in the late 1970's until actor and comedian Bob Hope stepped in to save the day. Bob Hope was born in Eltham in 1903 and has always maintained strong links with Britain. The theatre is now one of the best equipped amateur theatres in the South of England.
MultiMap.com - Online maps and directions
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Enter a UK postcode, address or place name in the box on the left and click the button to view a detailed map. If your location is in a major UK city you can even view a detailed aerial photo of your home or office!
Just enter a UK postcode, address or place name to view a detailed map. If your location is in a major UK town you can even view an aerial photo of your home or office!
Other features include London Underground maps, weather forecasts, links to local information and interactive travel directions. All in all, a very useful and fascinating site. Well worth a look.
Net a Guide - Find registered Blue Badge Guides
NetaGuide.Com is designed to help Travel Agents and Tour Operators find and contact available Tourist Board registered Blue Badge guides, without spending hours on the telephone or fax machine.
As guides make changes to their availability forms online, you will see these changes, in real time, on their pages. This will enable you to fill even a last minute booking request with ease.
Guide services are available in more than twenty languages.
Paul Allen Wedding Photography - Serving London and Kent
Operating in and around the London and Kent area, Paul Allen offers the perfect combination of experience, technical expertise, aesthetic judgement and effective people handling skills required to capture your wedding for posterity. With wedding photographs there are no second chances, so it pays to work with a first rate photographer who genuinely cares about the success of your big day.
Check out the web site for full details of Paul's services, plus comments from previous clients. If you know someone who's getting married soon, why not pass this link on to them?
Evan Evans Tours - Britain's premier sightseeing company
Since their foundation in 1933, millions of visitors have enjoyed the fascinating and exciting world of Evan Evans Tours.
As Britain's premier and most respected sightseeing company, the company offers legendary standards of quality and service, and an unrivalled range of tours, attractions and evenings out. Enjoy diverse feature-packed tours and sightseeing itineraries, plus the added convenience of London's largest pick-up service.
Harry Jackson - Blue Badge Guide
People come to London, go to the theatres, art galleries, museums and the stores and say 'I've been to London'. Most have not. Most have only been to Westminster. Harry Jackson will show you London!
As a Blue Badge Guide he is registered with the London Tourist Board and fully qualified to guide you through London's rich history, from the pre-Roman occupation to the present day, including famous sites such as Westminster Abbey, Saint Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben or the Tower of London, not to mention many lesser known destinations. He also covers locations outside London including Stonehenge, Bath, Oxford, Cambridge and Shakespeare's Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Harry is justifiably proud to have been elected as 'Britain's Favourite Tour Guide' by his UK clients on BBC Radio 4's 'Breakaway' programme.
The Historic Royal Palaces - five amazing royal buildings
The Historic Royal Palaces, including the Tower of London, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace, are marvellous destinations for a sightseeing trip or a corporate event. Did you know you can combine your reception or corporate event with a private viewing of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, for example? There are many unique and exciting possibilities to lift your event out of the ordinary and make it an occasion your guests will remember for a long time.
Oostende in Belgium - full details for tourists
Everything you ever wanted to know about Oostende in Belgium (or Ostend on many English maps). This is a very comprehensive site with lots of detailed information and good pictures. One small snag - its mostly in Flemish. But dont let that put you off as it still makes a lot of sense when you skim through, even if you dont know a word of Flemish! 'Klik hier voor al uw incentives, meetings en congressen'... how difficult is that? Take a look...
Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon - Britain's National Museum of Aviation
The Royal Air Force Museum, Britain's National Museum of Aviation, celebrates the story of aviation from before the Wright Brothers to the RAF of the 21st Century with one of the world's finest collections of legendary aircraft and associated exhibits.
The Museum stands on 15 acres of the historic former Hendon Aerodrome at RAF Hendon, one of the oldest aviation centres in the country. The airfield was used as a fighter station during the Battle of Britain and then a transport station for the remainder of World War II.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of powered flight a new exhibition, Milestones of Flight, traces the history of aviation from the earliest kites to the Eurofighter of today
Admission to the RAF Museum and exhibitions is free. It's a marvellous destination for educational visits or corporate events. You'll find full details on their website.
City Cruises - Thames sight seeing and dining cruises
City Cruises are London's leading operator of passenger services on the River Thames. The company operates a number of day and evening boat services, which can cater for groups of between 20 and 200 people.
Options include Sight Seeing cruises, Dinner cruises, Afternoon Tea cruises and Disco cruises. The boats are also available for Private Charters with full catering services, ideal for wedding receptions, corporate events, meetings and parties.
Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) - national trade association
The CPT is the national trade association representing UK bus, coach, light rail and metro operators. Suppliers of goods and services to the industry are also members.
Officially recognised by the government, the CPT is the voice of the passenger transport industry. It is also the principal consultative body on national, local and EU legislative and regulatory matters. It is the industry's main link with the media and is regularly approached for opinions and facts about the industry.
TourEast London - promoting tourism in the East End
TourEast London is a successful public-private membership organisation established in 1996 to promote the sustainable tourism economy of London’s Eastside, both north and south of the River Thames.
With the establishment of the magnificent Excel exhibition centre and the many tourism attractions in the Docklands area and beyond, the area is gaining ever greater importance.
The TourEast web site has a wealth of interesting information for tourism professionals and tourists alike. (Please note: the web address below is correct!)
Kew Gardens - world famous botanical gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is situated on the banks of the River Thames between Richmond and Kew in south-west London. The Gardens comprise comprise 132 hectares, most of which is intensely managed, and includes a very extensive arboretum, water features, herbaceous bedding, some of the world's largest and most famous botanical glasshouses, and many historic buildings.
The Gardens are "royal" because for many years before Kew became a national botanical institute kings and other members of the royal family either lived on or owned the land and buildings at the present site.
London's Congestion Charge - Official Information Website
This official website, maintained by Transport for London (TfL), contains detailed information about central London Congestion Charging and what you need to do about it. The £8 daily congestion charge is intended to help get London moving by reducing traffic, making journeys and delivery times more reliable, and raising millions each week to reinvest in London's transport system.
The congestion charging zone covers the most central, heavily congested part of London. The congestion charge applies from 7.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. The charge does not apply during weekends or public holidays.
Penalties for late or non-payment are high, so it's worth making sure you know how the system works. You can pay online via this site. Take a look - it could save you a lot of trouble later!
Reliance Travel - Commuter Coach Service between Gravesend and London
Clever Gravesend commuters know how to reduce rush hour stress and save money at the same time: they climb aboard Reliance Travel's luxury, scheduled commuter coaches from Gravesend to London and back.
With a range of early morning departures and evening return trips to choose from there's sure to be a combination that matches your requirements. Reliance have operated this service for over twenty years, and hundreds of satisfied commuters travel every day. Check out Reliance Travel's website for full details of fares and timetables.
Lakeside Shopping Centre - Retail Therapy on a grand scale
Lakeside Shopping Centre boasts over 320 shops, 4 major department stores, 30 cafes and restaurants, a 7 screen multiplex cinema, a chapel and a 26 acre lake complete with PADI certified diving school complex.
Half a million people turn up at Lakeside each week - it's well worth a visit. It's easy to get to and has parking for 13,000 cars and 250 coaches (hint, hint!).
Their online store directory provides comprehensive information about all the retailers and you can even shop online - just click through the store directory to a retailer's website.
The Philharmonia Orchestra - world famous orchestra
The Philharmonia Orchestra, resident at the Royal Festival Hall since 1995, has an unparalleled international reputation, winning unanimous critical acclaim for its innovative programming policy. Its brilliant roster of conductors and soloists, and the unique warmth of sound and vitality it brings to a vast range of repertoire, ensures performances of outstanding calibre.
The orchestra plays a prominent role as one of the UK's most energetic musical ambassadors. It tours frequently, in addition to its prestigious residency at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris and its annual residency at The Megaron, Athens.
With well over 1000 releases to its credit the Philharmonia Orchestra is the world's most recorded orchestra.
Stepping Out - Walking tours in London
A walk in London is a wonderful day out. Stepping Out offer to guide you through the streets of London and entertain you with fascinating facts and stories from England’s capital.
They will arrange tailored walks for your group or you can choose from popular organised walks in Greenwich, along the Thames, around London Bridge and many more. Group sizes are limited to make sure everyone enjoys the day and, if required, refreshments or meals can be included as part of the outing.
Royal Academy of Arts - centre of artistic excellence
The Royal Academy is an independent fine arts institution which supports contemporary artists and promotes interest in the arts through a comprehensive and ambitious exhibition programme.
Royal Academy exhibitions attract more than a million people each year, placing the organisation among the top ten attractions for paying visitors in London. Based at Burlington House, a magnificent listed building in London's Piccadilly, a regular visit to the Royal Academy is definitely worthwhile.
Their website has full details of current and future exhibitions and events.
English Chamber Orchestra - world renowned orchestra
Since its debut in 1960, the English Chamber Orchestra has attracted the top names in the world of classical music and is acknowledged as one of the finest orchestras in the world.
In 1981 the ECO reached an estimated audience of 750 million listeners when it played for the wedding of its patron, HRH The Prince of Wales.
The orchestra has a busy schedule of national and international appearances, performing an extensive and varied repertoire of classical music.
Visit their website for dates and locations of forthcoming performances.
www.englishchamberorchestra.co.uk
Zoological Society of London - London Zoo and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is a registered charity that operates the world famous London Zoo in Regent's Park and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park in Bedfordshire.
Set in 36 acres of gardens, the London Zoo provides a variety of unique spaces suitable for hosting exciting and innovative corporate and private events in a truly wild location.
You can entertain clients in the Animal Houses, dine in the Banqueting Suites and meet in their purpose built Lecture Theatre.
The ZSL website has full details about the zoos, the animals, the work of the Society and their calendar of events.
Vinyl Creations - stunning vehicle graphics
Wow, look what they did to our coach!
Vinyl Creations specialise in designing, producing and applying vinyl graphics for vehicles of all sizes and shapes, from a Mini to one of our 12 metre coaches.
We'll let our photo do the talking. It shows one of our luxury 48 seater coaches customised on behalf of the Catalonia Tourist Board. Passengers can still see out, even though the windows are covered by the design. The vinyl transfers were produced and applied by the Vinyl Creations team at our coach depot in South London.
The Vinyl Creations website has photos of numerous projects of all sizes and shapes, and quite fascinating it is too. Well worth a look!
The Globe Theatre - world famous open-air Shakespeare playhouse
The Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse designed in 1599, where Shakespeare worked and for which he wrote many of his greatest plays. The theatre season runs from May to September with productions of the work of Shakespeare, his contemporaries and modern authors.
Exhibitions and educational visits continue throughout the year. Experience a guided tour of the open-air playhouse, with your guide bringing to life the sights, sounds and smells of Eliabethan theatre-going. The Globe Exhibition offers a fascinating introduction to the theatre of Shakespeare's time and the London in which he lived and worked.
A visit to the Globe Theatre is, without doubt, a unique and memorable occasion. Find out more at their detailed website.
Coach and Bus Week - industry leading magazine and website
Coach and Bus Week is the market leading news weekly dedicated to the Public Service Vehicle industry. It is read by the majority of coach and bus operators - the industry’s opinion formers and specifiers - and by key industry stakeholders – manufacturers, central and local government staff, traffic commissioners and tourism industry personnel.
CBW, along with its predecessors, Coachmart and Bus Business, has a 25-year history of providing up to date, relevant, interesting and entertaining information for the PSV industry.
Their website is packed with useful information and interesting articles. Well worth a look.
P&O Ferries - luxury ferries to the Continent
P&O Ferries operate a number of luxury ferry routes between the UK and the Continent, including Dover to Calais in France, Portsmouth to Bilbao in northern Spain, Hull to Rotterdam in Holland and Hull to Zeebrugge in Belgium.
All the ferries are large, luxurious and well equipped with comfortable cabins, well-stocked shops, excellent restaurants and varied entertainment facilities. The ferries carry cars, commercial vehicles and foot passengers.
As well as ferry crossings, P&O Ferries also offer Mini Cruises on some routes, ideal for a short break.
The P&O Ferries website will help you plan your entire trip, including online ferry bookings and help with booking hotels, villas and apartments. And make sure you check out their Special Offers.
In the prestigious annual Travel Weekly Globe Awards 2006 P&O Ferries won both ferry industry categories: 'Best Short Sea Crossings' for its Dover to Calais services, and 'Best Operator All Other Routes' for its services from Hull and Portsmouth.
St Paul's Cathedral - architect Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece
As the Cathedral of the capital city, St Paul's is the spiritual focus for the nation. This is where people and events of overwhelming importance to the country have been celebrated, mourned and commemorated since the first service took place in 1697, including the funerals of Nelson, Wellington and Churchill; the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II; and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
Highlights of a visit to Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece include Jean Tijou's beautiful wrought iron gates of 1700; listening to the 1695 organ which Mendelssohn once played; visiting the tombs of Nelson and Wellington; marvelling at the superb results of the current restoration programme; and of course testing the unique acoustics of the Whispering Gallery before climbing up to the Golden Gallery to enjoy a panoramic view of London that is second to none.
Their comprehensive website has lots of interesting information and a full calendar of events.
English Heritage - 400 important historic sites
English Heritage exists to protect and promote England's spectacular historic environment and ensure that its past is researched and understood. They are funded partly by government and partly by income from commercial ventures.
English Heritage is probably best known for the historic sites in their care which are open to the public. Less well known is their role in looking after the historic environment as a whole, including historic buildings, monuments and areas, and archaeological remains. They aim not only to ensure the preservation of our historic surroundings for the future, but also to encourage people to appreciate and enjoy this heritage today.
Their website offers a huge and varied selection of pages covering all aspects of their work, including the properties and events they manage. There are details of over 400 important historic sites, plus information about special events - bringing history to life for thousands of visitors each year.
If you're planning excursions for your group the English Heritage website is a marvellous source of inspiration and information.
