Luxury gifts and experiences in London

Foodie treats don’t come much more indulgent than afternoon tea – and London has plenty of top-end teas to tantalise the tastebuds.

Spoil your spouse over the festive season with tea for two at one of London’s Christmas afternoon tea spots in luxury hotels and restaurants. Or enjoy bubbles with your friends by booking a special champagne afternoon tea.

If they prefer more of a whimsical theme, one of London’s unusual afternoon teas would be the perfect gift for a memorable, Insta-worthy moment.

Do you have a budding mixologist among your family or friends or want to gift that special someone a memorable experience for Christmas? Shake things up with a gift of a cocktail masterclass in London*.

Share canapés while crafting cocktails at an immersive experience at The Rubens* or create magical concoctions at The Cauldron*, mix cool drinks at Buddha-Bar or craft your own mixes at Heddon Street Kitchen.

For the ultimate luxury VIP attraction experience, check out the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London with VIP electric transportation. This luxury experience includes entry tickets to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to explore the magic behind one of the most famous film series of all time. Enjoy a unique walking tour through original film sets, costumes and props and private return transportation to and from the venue in a fully electric vehicle.

Masterclasses, distillery tours, tastings… gin lovers will be given the perfect tonic with one of these London gin experiences*.

Book a spot for a gin masterclass at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, go on a tour of Bermondsey Distillery, or see London from a vintage Routemaster bus with Brigit’s Bakery’s Gin Afternoon Tea London Bus Tour featuring gin cocktails, sandwiches, scones and cakes.

Who doesn’t love a bit of pampering during (or after!) the busy Christmas period? London’s spas are perfect for a few hours of relaxation, making a spa day* the perfect gift for your loved ones.

Book them into a relaxing day at the Athenaeum Spa in Mayfair with a prosecco for two* or enjoy spa treatments for two at The Montcalm Royal London House.

For added spoiling, pick a luxury spa day with an indulgent afternoon tea for two at the 5* Chelsea Harbour Hotel* or combine spa treatments with lunch at the SPA at Sofitel London St James.

Find more spa days in the city.

Experience the Golden Age of Travel aboard Belmond British Pullman* with a five-hour tour for two through the English countryside from London Victoria Station. Cosy up in the vintage carriages and be treated to a glass of champagne and a five-course lunch with half a bottle of wine each, as the Kentish scenery whizzes by.

Other Belmond British Pullman options include an immersive Murder Mystery* trip with a five-course lunch and the 10-hour Best of Britain Day Excursion* taking in Bath, Cambridge and more stops as you travel through pretty countryside from London Victoria Station.

Are you buying for a thrill-seeker with a head for heights? Let them see London from above with an amazing helicopter tour of London* or a once-in-a-lifetime flying experience.

Perfect for keen photographers or the adventurous, these flying experiences give them unique views of London icons such as Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and The London Eye. Choose from short helicopter rides over London, to longer trips or those including lunch.

Find more London helicopter tours.

Many of London’s top museums and galleries have membership schemes offering priority booking and special previews for new exhibitions, members’ events and more. 

Gift membership to some of London’s top attractions such as leafy Kew Gardens, family favourites London Zoo and Royal Museums Greenwich, or historic spots with Historic Royal Palaces and English Heritage.

Or let them enjoy world-class performances and exclusive offers and events with membership to Sadler’s Wells the English National Ballet or the Royal Opera House.

If a meal at one of London’s fancy restaurants isn’t quite enough, book a space ahead of time for a festive meal with your loved ones this winter. Private dining in London is available at many Michelin-starred eateries and upscale restaurants, which are nicely decorated with beautiful ornaments and Christmas decorations at this time of year.

Follow in the footsteps of Kate Middleton at The Goring, feast on French fare behind a sparkly Insta-worthy curtain at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, or, for something a little different, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal serves up its quirky menu in a private Tudor-style room.

Enjoy a unique fine dining experience in London on board Bustronome, a glass-topped bus, soaking in the panoramic sights of the capital. Chefs prepare delicious gourmet British cuisine with a French twist using the best seasonal produce, with previous menus including dishes such as seared tuna with carrot purée and tarragon sauce, crab and artichoke gateau in a wasabi sauce and strawberry and ginger pavlova with a ginger sorbet.

For another way to enjoy stunning views of the London skyline, take to the water on a relaxing Thames dinner cruise, admiring iconic London landmarks as you indulge in a delicious meal.

Looking for something fun and creative? Book a private photography tour with a professional photographer to master the art of taking gorgeous photographs, using London as your backdrop. Choose from a daytime or nighttime photoshoot and learn how to capture the best compositions, slow exposures and a variety of other creative techniques. 

Alternatively, book a private portrait photoshoot tour with an expert photographer who specialises in fine portrait photography. Choose from street style, fun loving style or classically posed, and pick a location in central London, with iconic landmarks as backdrops such as the London Eye, Trafalgar Square or Big Ben.