LONDON’S BEST IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES [updated October 2024]

March 31, 2024 2 Comments

Looking for immersive experiences in London? Well, good, because I’m the UK’s biggest independent immersive experience blogger. Whenever an immersive experience launches in London, I’m there no matter how weird it is. I have visited more than 100 so far!

Below London’s best immersive experiences that I have tried and tested, organised by type. This article gets updated regularly, check the last published date for the latest update time and you’ll find 30+ immersive experiences here at all times.

Something needs updating? Give me a shout in the comments, or on Instagram (@travelwithpau).

THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHT

The Magicians Table

The Magicians Table brings together some of the UK’s best magicians who will perform an array of incredible magic right at your table, inches from your nose. The evening has been curated so that you’ll see a mixture of close up magic unlike anywhere else. Drinks are served throughout the evening, live music is the soundtrack of your night and you’ll be told an original tale of love, loss and mystery. Book it here.

Enigma Quest Escape Room Arcade

Escape Arcade is a thrilling, competitive, and replayable new experience in the heart of London. Across 30 diverse rooms, your team will be transported to locations both ordinary and extraordinary, facing tests of your dexterity, deduction, and collaboration. Whether fighting monsters in a child’s bedroom, solving riddles in a library, or launching a rocket ship from mission control, you’ll never know what’s behind the next door! Supporting dozens of players simultaneously, teams of 2-4 will compete against friends, family, and colleagues, tracking their scores through RFID-enabled leaderboards and our mobile app. Each challenge takes around 5 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a huge range of games within an hour, or to aim for the highest score possible on your favourites! Book it here.

1984 Immersive

Be drawn into the world of Orwell’s iconic novel, brought to life in a site-specific performance in the magnificent Hackney Town Hall. After a sell-out run in 2023 this production returns under the new direction of Jack Reardon. Don’t miss this unique and powerful reimagining of 1984. Book it here.

LONDON’S IMMERSIVE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCES

Acid Bath Murder Experience

The Acid Bath Murderer Experience invites you to re-live the life of the notorious serial killer: John George Haigh. The journey will take you through a number of 360 degree immersive sets full of special effects. You won’t just be a bystander though. The Acid Bath Murderer Experience is fully interactive, featuring Escape Game style challenges and puzzles to deepen the narrative. Hounds who are behind it, are an award winning immersive-experience-meets-escape-game production company. Their previous experiences are amongst the Top 500 escape rooms in the world, and I can see why! Their venue in Crawley is super easy to get to them from London via a quick train, and I can guarantee you that you won’t regret it. Book it here.

Candlelight

Concerts illuminated by candlelight? I’m definitely in! Fever has recently launched Candlelight, affordable and intimate concerts performed by live musicians in some of the most iconic venues in London that transport you to a fairytale. I had the chance to attend a concert in the beautiful conservatory in Syon Park to listen to City String Ensemble play Movie Soundtrack Disney classics, and I might have shed a tear or two. Book it here.

United Kingdom

VISITING BELFAST: EPIC BELFAST BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE

December 29, 2023 No Comments

VISITING BELFAST: BUCKET LIST AND TRAVEL GUIDE JAFFA MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN

What do YOU think of when you think of Belfast? For me all I could think is a troubled past, Titanic and the well known natural phenomenon Giants Causeway. Other than that I had no idea what I was going to discover on my visit and my expectations were low, which is a good thing, but what’s better is that they were exceeded. Like through the roof!

As you may know, Belfast is in Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom, my current home. What I loved about visiting Belfast was that I needed to hop on a plane so it gave me the feeling I was travelling abroad when I actually wasn’t. That might be you too! Let me walk you through my own personal recommendations on how to spend your time in Belfast.

VISITING BELFAST: BELFAST BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE — GRAND OPERA HOUSE

WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST

Hop-on; hop-off Belfast’s main sites

A great way to start your trip is to take a hop-on; hop-off bus across all Belfast city top attractions. It’s the perfect way to get started and get an overview of the city if you are short on time and an efficient way to get around the furthest away sites. I took this one with Belfast City Tours and loved it. It stops on 19 sites (many which I feature below) and pricing wise it’s great. Book it here, or below:

Thailand

KOH PHI PHI BUCKET LIST AND TRAVEL GUIDE

November 28, 2024 3 Comments

Koh Phi Phi is an absolute must of Thailand. It’s most well known for being the gateway to Maya Bay. My top reason to visit Koh Phi Phi though, is the color of the sea. I’ve never seen such a beautiful range of turquoises and greens in the sea water all within the same area. Most people complain that it’s too touristy and so busy that it’s not worth going. If you go in late April like I did, I assure you that you won’t have that problem. In fact I was a bit like, where’s everyone at?

See below my bucket list items for the island of Koh Phi Phi, plus transport and accommodation tips!

VISITING KOH PHI PHI: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / The only way to get to Koh Phi Phi is by ferry or speedboat, as there are no airports on the island. You can catch ferries from Krabi, Phuket, or other nearby islands. Once on the island, no cars are allowed, so you’ll get around by walking or using longtail boats. Pre-book your ferry tickets here.

Tours / There are countless tours across Koh Phi Phi but these are the most popular ones:
Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay with Snorkeling
7 Island Tour by Longtail Boat
From Phuket: Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands: Premium Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch
Avoid The Crowds Speedboat to Maya Bay at Sunrise
Speedboat Day Trip with Shark Snorkeling

Stay / Although it’s a tiny island there are a few hotels in Koh Phi Phi to choose from, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

Zeavola Resort $$$
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort $$$
Phi Phi The Beach Resort $$
Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort $$
ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort $$
Casa Maya House $

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Thailand, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!) – here’s some eSIM options for Thailand.

Malta

MALTA: THE ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE

November 27, 2024 8 Comments

Malta was definitely my travel find of the year. Although not at all tourist free, this tiny island is still not a super popular destination and hence why you should go like – right now. I love how it’s an island and a beach destination but also has beautiful and interesting historic places to visit. Hence, Malta basically meets the needs of the beach lovers, culture seekers and those like me that need a little bit of both. I just get bored being all day at the beach! Anyways, it’s truly awesome. For your convenience I’ve created the below bucket list which covers everything you can possibly do in Malta.

VISITING MALTA: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / There are two forms of transportation in Malta, rental car or public bus. Public buses are incredible, regular and take you to any part of the island. However, a rental car is almost always the best option, and especially if you go for a few days only. Malta is small and easy to drive through and, although the buses are good, you’ll takes a lot less and see a lot more if you get around by car. Book using DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all international car hires. If you are not renting a car, should you require an airport transfer, I always use WelcomePickups.

Tours / There are countless tours across Malta but these are the most popular ones:
Valletta: 3-Hour Walking Tour
Full-Day Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride
Prehistoric Temples of Malta Tour
Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch
Malta: Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, and Qrendi Guided Tour

Stay / There are an abundance of hotels in Malta, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

The Phoenicia Malta $$$ / Valletta
AX The Palace $$$ / Sliema
Intercontinental Malta $$$ / St Julian’s Bay
Palazzo Paolina Boutique Hotel $$ / Valletta
Palazzo Violetta $$ / Sliema

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Istanbul, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!) – here’s some eSIM options for Malta.

Turkey

ULTIMATE ISTANBUL BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE

November 24, 2024 No Comments

As I stepped foot in Istanbul, I instantly fell under the enchanting spell of this vibrant city that bridges Europe and Asia. Istanbul, with its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking architecture, offers an immersive travel experience like no other. From the bustling markets to the majestic mosques, every corner reveals a story waiting to be discovered.

Although it may not seem like it when you arrive, Istanbul has so much to see and enjoy. It’s a lot bigger than meets the eye, anddefinitely bigger than Sultanahmet (Old Town) where most tourists limit themselves to.

VISITING ISTANBUL: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / I strongly recommend booking an airport transfer from the airport, I booked one using WelcomePickups. Once in the city, in order to use all public transportation in Istanbul (boats, subways, buses, tramways, funiculars), you will need the magnetic card, Istanbul Kart. You can find it in the small kiosks near all metro stations, piers, and also bus stations. It costs 70 TL, you will then add credit.

Tours / There are countless tours across but these are the most popular ones:

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, & Hagia Sophia Tour
Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide
European and Asian Side Guided Foodie Walking Tour
Bursa and Uludag Tour with Lunch & Cable Car
Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City
Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop with Drinks & Snacks

Stay / There are an abundance of resorts in Istanbul, and which you choose will depend on your budget. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul $$$
Four Seasons Bosphorus $$$
Hotel Ibrahim Pasha $$
Swissotel The Bosphorus $$
Enderun Hotel $

Luggage storage / You might need to store your luggage before checking in to your hotel, you can use this website which has spots all across the city!

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Istanbul, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!) – here’s some eSIM options for Turkey.

WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN ISTANBUL

Get acquainted to the city with a walking tour

I usually start all my big city trips with a walking tour so I can plan my remaining time more efficiently, and have an local in hand to ask all the really important questions, like how to get around or better where do I buy the best Turkish Delight?!

Antigua & Barbuda

10+ THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

November 20, 2024 No Comments

Are you planning a getaway to the picturesque islands of Antigua and Barbuda? Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, this stunning destination offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, before you pack your bags and set off on your adventure, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your trip. From practical tips to cultural insights, here are 10 essential things to keep in mind before visiting Antigua and Barbuda.

VISITING ANTIGUA: THE ESSENTIALS

Car / I strongly recommend renting a car for the duration of your stay, this is the best way to explore the island, as public transport is almost non-existent – I suggest checking availability and booking via DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all interactional car hires.

Tours / There are countless tours across the island, taking in the hills, the sea, the food and the culture. These are the ones I’ve tried and tested and also the most popular ones:

The Xtreme Circumnavigation Tour (all day boat tour of the island)
Eli’s Original Eco Tour
Full Day Scenic Tour of Antigua
Turtle Beach Power Snorkeling Adventure (using a sea scooter)
TukTuk Adventures and Beach Hopping
Antigua’s Only Food Tour

Stay / There are an abundance of resorts on the island, and which you choose will depend on your budget, whether you’re visiting Antigua with children and facilities required. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

Sandals Antigua
Antigua Village Beach Resort
Dickenson Bay Oasis
Hodges Bay Resort & Spa
Keyonna Beach Resort
Hermitage Bay
Galley Bay Resort & Spa
Hawksbill Resort Antigua

PEOPLE ARE SUPER NICE

The first thing that surprised me my first days in Antigua was how warm, happy, welcoming and good vibes people are. They will greet you on the street, wish you a good day, with no ulterior interest. Additionally, sellers were quite chill. Even if offering their product, they would stop at the first sign of no coming from you. This alone means so much!

IT’S EXPENSIVE

Being a Caribbean island, most things are imported. Which means, most things are expensive! You’ll find that if you are visiting on a budget, even the supermarket prices are crazy (compared to London, for example). So if you are a budget traveller, stick to basic foods, and leave imported items for back home. And try to rent a car, to avoid paying for taxis a lot as these are also quite expensive.

10+ THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

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