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Want to get the best view of the capital? Board a chopper and see what the birdies see
There's no denying it, London has the best skyline around. Ok so we're biased, but you've got to give it to the old capital, it's a fine looking city – especially from a bird's eye view. Glimpse all the incredible landmarks in every direction, the Thames winding its way through the hustle and bustle of the streets below and the home counties on the horizon.
If you've ever fancied drinking it all in, then taking to the skies for a helicopter ride and tour over London is a pretty good shout. Seriously, iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, O2 Arena, London Eye and The Shard have never looked better.
RECOMMENDED: If you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, try a London walking tour instead.
Helicopters don't come cheap, but you can save a few pennies by bunking up with some randos. Get airborne for either 12 or 18 minutes, which doesn't sound long, but when you can journey as the crow flies, you'll be surprised at just how much you can take in. Start in Battersea and fly down the Thames, past Green Park, Her Maj's Palace, The Shard, Big Ben and both Olympic and Wembley Stadiums.
Setting off from Redhill Aerodrome, this snappy helicopter tour provides an intriguing view of the city. Flying in from the south, you’ll be able to watch the Surrey countryside morph into skyscrapers and bustling streets. Cast an eye over major London landmarks while you’re up there, including St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Houses of Parliament.
If you've got a group of mates to ride with, why not charter your own private chopper? Flights start from £1k, but you can split that with up to six people, which works out cheaper than a lot of the shared trips. Taking off in the centre of the city, sweep over the bustling streets to take in all those marvellous views and pinpoint the best London landmarks from above. Get that camera ready – this is prime bragging territory right here.
If you're a bit of an adrenaline junkie, take to the seas (well, river) as well as the skies! Combine your helicopter tour with a high-speed ride down the Thames, taking a rocket boat (yep, they’re fast) from the London Eye to Chelsea Harbour Pier to your waiting ’copter.
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