Discover the South Bank

See the best of London and make the most of quality time in the air with a special drinks tasting, led by a resident whisky expert from nearby Vinopolis. On a two-rotation trip sample five varieties of Scottish whisky with tasting notes and a Q&A session so you can learn to distinguish single and blended malt, single and blended grain, and blended whisky. Savoury nibbles are served, too.

While you’re taking in the sights, you’ll find plenty of excuses to stop and browse South Bank’s eclectic shops, too. Find stylish stationery, elegant designer furniture and unique gifts at the Southbank Centre Shop on Festival Terrace, and a branch of Foyles bookshop on the Southbank Centre’s Riverside. Through the week, there are also often stalls along Jubilee Walk and the piazza at the back of Royal Festival Hall.

About ten minutes’ walk from the London Eye, you’ll find this fascinating little museum. Located in a discreet corner of St Thomas’ Hospital (where the pioneering nurse founded a nurses’ training school in Victorian times), the galleries here tell the story of Nightingale’s life and achievements. It also presents exhibitions and regular events.

Set inside the Royal Festival Hall, with a row of window tables that enjoy glorious views of the river, Skylon is a fabulous place to eat when you have a special occasion to mark. Go for a cocktail in the sumptuous bar, treat guests to lunch in the more formal restaurant, or keep things relaxed with a brasserie-style dinner at the Grill.

Walk east along the riverside and you come to Bankside. Here, The Globe is an evocative and unique theatre experience. Its annual season attracts the greatest actors, and audiences enjoy sitting or standing to watch the action as their ancestors might have done in William Shakespeare’s time. The main season runs April to October and through the year you can take a tour of the theatre.

Anyone new to London should take a stroll around the magnificent building and permanent collection (free entry) of this world-class art gallery, which is also on Bankside and stands virtually next door to The Globe. Through the year there are blockbuster exhibitions of international importance. For a different perspective, pop along to one of their concerts or have lunch in one of their great cafés.

For decades, the National Theatre’s various performance spaces have played host to groundbreaking plays, and many acting legends have appeared here. The daily backstage tours offer a glimpse into the National’s incredible history. There are also tours suitable for families, and special event talks with actors, playwrights and directors. On selected Saturdays, you can discover more about the craft of the costume department, too.

The Old Vic is one of London’s great theatres and its programme is consistently excellent, attracting major stars of stage and screen. Expect cutting edge writing and new interpretations of classic theatre pieces. There are also great deals like their cut price tickets for under-25s at every show.