James Bond Weekend in London

His name is Bond, James Bond. Your mission: to live like the world's most famous secret agent for the weekend.

If you like your Martinis shaken not stirred, only buy your suits from the best tailors, and wouldn't drive anything but an Aston Martin, here's how to spend your perfect weekend in London.

James Bond's London

James Bond author Ian Fleming was born in Mayfair in 1908.

He grew up in Hampstead and went on to live at various addresses in central London, including 22b Ebury Street in Belgravia, which now has a blue plaque.

Fleming frequented gentleman's clubs like Boodles, White's and Pratt's Club. His character James Bond lives in a small but comfortable flat off Kings Road in Chelsea, and is a member of fictional club, Blades.

Where to Stay in Bond's London

Dukes Hotel

Ian Fleming was a regular visitor to Dukes. He's said to have created the legendary line "shaken not stirred" while drinking Martinis in the hotel's bar.

You can still enjoy a Martini at Dukes today, or learn to make a perfect Martini cocktail (shaken, not stirred of course) at the monthly Martini masterclasses.

Brown's Hotel

Author John Gardner liked Brown's Hotel so much he included it in his Bond novel, Icebreaker.

Find out why by checking into one of the hotel's luxurious rooms or suites, or popping into the Donovan Bar for a classic Martini cocktail.

The Ritz

Bond stayed at The Ritz in the film version of Diamonds are Forever. You can follow in his footsteps by sipping a Martini in the Rivoli Bar.

And if you're a hotel guest or a member, you can finish off your evening with a visit to The Ritz Club, one of the world's most exclusive privately owned gaming clubs. Bond would definitely approve!

Saturday Morning

Take a Bond-style speedboat tour along the River Thames with Flying Fish Tours.

Their invigorating Early Bird Scenic London tour takes you past the headquarters of secret intelligence service, MI6.

It's here that Bond is briefed by M, flirts with Miss Moneypenny and picks up all the latest gadgets from Q.

Saturday Afternoon

Join a James Bond walking tour and see how Bond's lifestyle mirrored that of his creator, Ian Fleming.

Get some friends together for Silver Cane Tours' James Bond group walking tour, which takes you around many Bond-related locations.

See Ian Fleming's place of birth, his wartime club, and the casino that inspired the opening sentence of the first James Bond novel, "the scent and smoke of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning".

Or get the lowdown on undercover London with London Walks. Their Spies' and Spy Catchers' London tour takes you into the covert world of MI5 and MI6.

You'll find out about fictional characters like Bond, as well as London's real spies and spy catchers.

Saturday Evening

Head to Planet Hollywood for dinner, where you can see Bond memorabilia including Bond girl Ursula Andress's bikini.

Afterwards, pop into Hush in Mayfair for a Martini. This glamorous restaurant and cocktail lounge was co-founded by Geoffrey Moore, son of Bond actor Roger Moore.

Sunday Morning

Find out more about James Bond's work at the Imperial War Museum.

The Secret War exhibit examines the clandestine world of espionage and the work of Britain's secret government agencies, MI5 and MI6.

Sunday Afternoon

Get kitted out Bond-style with a visit to some of Bond's favourite retailers.

Savile Row is mentioned in the film Dr No, and both Fleming and Bond had their suits tailored here. Daniel Craig, the current James Bond, also buys his suits in the area.

Next, check out Turnbull & Asser, the exclusive shirt maker, where both Fleming and Bond shopped.

Once you're suitably dressed, head for Spymaster, the essential shop for wannabe secret agents, where you can buy night vision equipment, bugging devices and spy kits.

Finally, get your hands on the ultimate Bond vehicle at luxury car showroom, Aston Martin Sales of Mayfair.

More boys own luxury shopping ideas

 

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