Top 5 007-inspired days out in the UK

The highly anticipated Skyfall – the latest film in the James Bond franchise – is hitting the cinemas this Friday (hooray!). If you want to make a day of it, we’ve picked out our top five James Bond-inspired activities in the UK.

‘Shaken not stirred’ at DUKES London
Bond’s famous line ‘shaken not stirred’ is said to have been inspired by the barman at DUKES Hotel – a place where author Ian Fleming often visited. Get into the spirit of all things 007 with Fleming 89, a new martini which celebrates the link between DUKES Bar and James Bond, mixed by cocktail-making maestro Alessandro Palazzi. The martini was created in partnership with London-based perfumery Floris, whose “89” Eau de Cologne was famously worn by James Bond.  

River Thames high-speed cruise
Even David Beckham couldn't resist impersonating Bond with his Olympic opening ceremony high speed dash down the Thames, and you can do the same on an 80-minute high speed cruise. Hopping aboard the specially designed super-powered Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB's) at Canary Wharf, you’ll race out towards the Thames Barrier at a rate of 50 knots. Thrillseekers will see the famous sights of the Houses of Parliament, HMS Belfast, Tower of London and Execution Dock, as well as the O2 Arena, the filming location of the James Bond movie The World is Not Enough, all whilst listening to the movie soundtrack. From £48 per person. 

Aston Martin experience
Drive a car fit for a spy – the quintessential British supercar Aston Martin DB9. With this adrenaline-pumping experience day you can get behind the wheel and experience speeds of 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. Drivers must be aged 17 or over and hold a full UK driving license. Prices start from £104; Available in Wiltshire or Oxfordshire. 

Recreate scenes with Up at the O2
Remember the fight scene on top of the (now) O2 arena in The World is Not Enough? Now you can follow in Bond’s footsteps and walk across the exterior of the arena with the new Up at the O2 experience. The 90-minute experience takes visitors on a guided expedition – 53m above ground level – across the roof of the O2 arena to the central observation where you can see 360° views of East London. Tickets cost £22. 

Bond on show
Proud Chelsea is hosting All About Bond: Photographs (free entry) by Terry O’Neill, running from September 13th – November 4th. From the glamour to the guns, Terry O’Neill’s Bond collection is the epitome of British style, boasting shots of six official Bonds, with additional portraits of David Niven and Peter Sellers (from the 1967 Casino Royale) and Bond Girls such as Ursula Andress and Honor Blackman. Or you can head to the V&A where you can enjoy iconic garments from stage and screen at the new exhibition Hollywood Costumes, featuring 007 star Daniel Craig’s tuxedo from Quantum of Solace. Tickets cost £15.50. 

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