What You'll Do See the USS Constitution, an icon of American history Cruise past the Bunker Hill Monument, Boston Tea Party Boat and the Old North Church Optional tour of the USS Constitution and accompanying Naval Museum
Fully narrated 45 minute cruise
Not included: Gratuitites Food and Drink (available on-board) Hotel pickup and drop off
The Queen's Gallery was built in the shell of the former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The buildings were constructed in the 1840s with funds from the Duchess of Gordon, but fell into disuse in the late 19th century.
Benjamin Tindall Architects were appointed project architects for the new Queen’s Gallery in October 1999. Their central visual theme was a celebration of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, expressed through a series of arches and screens that lead visitors from the Gallery entrance to the exhibition spaces beyond. Their design complements the original 19th-century architecture, elements of which were incorporated into the new spaces. Unsympathetic later internal alterations were removed, and a new exposed steel and concrete floor inserted to reflect the original ‘gallery’ of the Church.
A new stone arched entrance was created at the centre of the Horse Wynd frontage, opposite the new Scottish Parliament building. The use of a stone archway, with a courtyard beyond, is a traditional entrance device in Scottish architecture. The main walling is of Catcastle stone, the dressed work and lettering is of Stainton stone and the base is of Kenmay granite.
‘THE QUEEN’S GALLERY’ lettering above the entrance is the work of John Neilson, a calligrapher and carver. The letters were cut from single pieces of stone. Above sits Scotland’s heraldic lion, designed by Jill Watson. The lion sedant is based on a small red lion that sits at the feet of Mary, Queen of Scots on her tomb in Westminster Abbey. (The Palace of Holyroodhouse was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots.)
The monumental entrance doors of oak have gilded bronze hinges by Jill Watson. Continuing the heraldic theme, the main hinges are decorated with the Scottish lion and unicorn. The beasts are set against the adjacent urban scene of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and the rural scene of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. The upper hinges are made as golden boughs of flowering native trees – chestnut and laburnum, oak, rowan and hawthorn.
The stone archway is decorated with a carved and gilded garland of Scottish flowers, including daisies and thistles, created by Graciela Ainsworth, an Edinburgh-based sculptor, carver and conservator. Over the old entrance to the former church is a stained-glass window by Christian Shaw. The design shows a perspective drawing of the interior of a gallery.
At night, the shape of the archway is reflected by the glass lights by Keiko Mukaide set into the paving. The artist has given the tiles a water flow pattern, mirroring the stream of visitors walking in and out of the Gallery.
Inside, the reception desk by Hamid van Koten is made from curved pieces of Scottish elm with kilned glass and patinated copper. The pendant lights were designed and made in Edinburgh by Ingrid Phillips.
Dividing the reception from the main Gallery area is a patterned glass screen by Jacqueline Poncelet. The screen’s bronze handles by Jill Watson incorporate figures looking at art in a gallery.
The dramatic central stair of native timber leads to the Gallery spaces above. The complex shape was designed by the architects with Charles Taylor Woodwork, who were responsible for the construction. Lights set into the first floor illuminate the curved balustrading.
This is the text for the Frequently Asked Questions that applies to this specific tour.
(Q) Do tours run all year round?
(A) Yes, from November to March we will run tours on a reduced schedule at 11am from Thursdays to Mondays, inclusive. Please see the tour page for full details.
(Q) Where is the meeting point for the tour?
(A) Directly outside Queensway tube station, which is on the central line (the red line cutting across the map from east to west). 15 minutes before the start of the tour, one of our guides will be standing by the red phone boxes holding a Fat Tyre sign.
(Q) Is the tour difficult?
(A) No. Most of the time is spent on bike lanes within the Royal Parks. There is a bit of road riding and a few crossings so a basic level of cycling proficiency is required.
(Q) What happens if it rains?
(A) We run tours rain or shine and have plenty of rain ponchos. We find tours in the rain to be a different kind of fun and an even more fun memory! If you have a reservation and the weather is really bad, you are welcome to reschedule the tour for any other day for up to year.
(Q) Do we stop for lunch?
(A) Yes. We usually stop near Trafalgar Square where there are plenty of options for lunch including to join your guide at a traditional English pub. Otherwise, we may stop in St James park next to a cafe.
(Q) Where does the tour end?
(A) Both tours finish at the same place they start.
(Q) Do we go inside the sites?
(A) No, the bike tours are an overview of the sites and more about getting a feel for the city. However, on private tours you can arrange to take extra time at the sites if you'd like to go inside.
(Q) Will we be able to take photos?
(A) Yes. There will be a chance to take many photos at the designated stops.
(Q)Is there a space to store bags or luggage?
(A)Yes. You are welcome to leave bags, luggage or unwanted family members in our garages. Someone is usually in the office and it will be locked up if they have to leave. While we have never had a single case of theft or loss of items, you do leave them at your own risk.
(Q) Do you provide the bikes?
(A) Absolutely.
(Q) Can I supply my own bike?
(A) You are welcome to bring your own bicycle. Our insurance only covers the theft of our own bicycles, so please do bring your own lock for the lunch stop.
(Q) Can an adult ride on the tandem?
(A) No. Our tandems are known as tag-alongs which attach to adult bikes and are designed for children up to about the age of five years old..
(Q) Are helmets provided?
(A) Yes. You are not compelled by law to wear helmets in the UK, but we have more than enough for everyone so the choice is entirely yours.
Be amazed and enchanted by the lights of Vancouver on this memorable tour.
Highlights:
Stanley Park: Bright Nights Display Canuck Place: Lighting of the House English Bay: Christmas Tree Display VanDusen Botanical Garden: Fesitval of Lights St. Paul's Hospital: Lights of Hope
Tour Notes:
Outdoor attire is suggested: comfortable walking shoes, mittens, hat, wind resistant jacket and umbrella
Don't forget your camera!
Consuming alcohol on the Trolley is prohibited
This tour has a special cancellation after 3pm the day prior to departure is 100% non-refundable
Enjoy Warwick Castle outside it's busiest times with this great value promo offer for parents and grandparents with toddlers!
Only available in advance: book now to SAVE!
Highlights:
See majestic Birds of Prey take to the skies
Face fun challenges in the Horrible Histories adventure maze
Set off on an interactive walk-through trail on ‘The Conqueror’s Fortress’
Enjoy sensory attractions such as The Kingmaker and Time Tower
Explore 64 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens and come face to face with the Castle’s Peacocks.
This ticket includes:
Entry to the Castle, Grounds and Gardens (excluding the Castle Dungeon).
Practical Information:
Baby changing and bottle warming facilities on site
Excludes School holidays & weekends. Please click here for our any day offer.
You must print your e-ticket off and bring it with you in order to be granted access to the attraction.
Visit Warwick Castle to experience the fun of real history! Full to the turrets with dazzling shows and attractions, spellbinding story-telling and fun experiences all year-round, Warwick Castle is an action-packed and unforgettable family experience …
