The London Eye

One of the world’s truly great cities, London has something for everyone and there’s never been a better time to explore the UK’s much-loved capital.

From world famous sights such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster to the South Bank, one of London’s most creative areas with a two-mile strip of arts and entertainment venues and events. With the striking Royal Festival Hall and National Theatre to the Tate Modern and Borough Market, visitors have inspiring arts, culture and foodie delights at their fingertips. It’s also home to The Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe, a number of royal palaces, acres of parkland, ancient buildings and national heritage, an iconic river and world-class attractions and museums.

The Royal Connection

The British Royal family is a national treasure, and millions of people from the UK and abroad flock to London every year to catch a glimpse of the tradition, pomp and ceremony surrounding the monarchy. At Kensington Palace, the official London home of Princes William and Harry, you’ll be able to wander the halls, engage with interactive presentations & displays, and discover Diana: Her Fashion Story, a long-running, highly popular exhibition. And Buckingham Palace needs no introduction. One of the world’s most recognisable buildings, the Palace has been the seat of the British Throne since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. A visit here is sure to amaze and thrill.

UNESCO World Heritage Palace of Westminster and the Abbey

Visit Westminster Abbey for a guided tour of one of the most remarkable buildings in the world. Kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers; poets, priests, heroes and villains – the Abbey is a must-see living pageant of British history. Take a fascinating walk through history where so many famous people have found their final resting place and where royal weddings and coronations are held. Learn about the famous Poets’ Corner, where there are many significant writers and poets buried or commemorated: William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens among them; visit the tombs of kings and queens enshrined here; see the Coronation Chair which has been used since 1308 and visit the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, all whilst admiring the spectacular, beautiful architecture and stained glass of this iconic building.

The Palace of Westminster, or more commonly the Houses of Parliament, offer a fascinating guided tour…follow in the footsteps of none other than the Queen herself at the State Opening of Parliament as she leaves the Robing Room and passes through the Royal Gallery to take her seat on the gilded throne in the stunning Lords Chamber…from Central Lobby, the heart of Parliament, enter the intriguing rooms of the Commons before standing in the famous Chamber itself, home to the Speaker’s Chair, the green benches and many lively political debates! Tours end in medieval Westminster Hall, the place where Guy Fawkes and King Charles I were found guilty of treason.

Greenwich

Greenwich, just a stone’s throw from central London is the official home of Time. Home to five world-class attractions within a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Royal Museums Greenwich, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the iconic historic sailing ship Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House art gallery. From Greenwich, see the sights of London by boat on a relaxing cruise of the Thames passing under London’s famous bridges topped off by an awe-inspiring view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Sound Escapes did a fantastic job on arrangements for our tour . Would thoroughly recommend Jo to any choir looking to travel . All feedback has been positive from everyone who travelled . The extra care at meeting us at the coach and check in to ensure things ran smoothly went above and beyond .
Don OakleyMalmesbury ChoirOxford 2023
Fantastic tour in Bonnie Scotland, enjoyed by all who went, singing and non-singing. Brilliant organisation from Jo who really made it all look so easy.
Kate HymansTour organiser for Masterworks Chorale
As a Chorister, and eventually Head Chorister in our local church choir for eleven years, Jo was talented, dedicated and could always be relied on to work to the utmost of her undoubted abilities. I would expect that she would apply the same attributes to her professional life
P BuckmasterChoral Director
You’ve been patient and kind all the way through this, Jo – especially with it being the first international tour I’ve done, and with all the unforeseen changes to the travel arrangements, so thank you to you and the team.
Sarah MonteithChoir DirectorResound ChoirParis 2023
Jo and her team came up with a fantastic itinerary for our choir and planned everything to the last detail. We always felt we were in safe hands and that they were on the end of a phone to help us with anything we needed. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Rosie SayersChairperson for Sing It Loud Community Choir
Care and attention to detail of the highest degree. The planning with Jo Porter was detailed and meticulous, with nothing being missed, and although she was not involved in the accommodation arrangements, she nevertheless checked it out and acted as an intermediary.
Robin SpencerChoir Secretary, Phoenix Choir

In May 2020 we were due to tour the Stirling area in Scotland and due to the current coronavirus pandemic we took the difficult decision to call off the tour. I’d like to give our thanks and praise to Jo and her team for all the planning and preparation she had done to put the itinerary together – she was able to provide us with an excellent range of stunning concert venues, plus some great suggestions for our leisure time, and we look forward to working with her again soon.

Sally ColesSecretary, Cantamici
Brilliant tour, expertly organised. Kindness and compassion. Nothing was too much trouble. Colin, our driver, was a complete gem and so knowledgeable about the isle. Lovely hotel staff where nothing was too much trouble
Felicity CourageChoir Director, Courage Choir
One of the best tours we have ever undertaken – musically, socially and geographically. Would heartily recommend Sound Escapes to any group considering a tour.
Carole Lindsay-DouglasAmici SingersWeston-Super-Mare 2023
From cathedrals and abbeys, churches and stately homes, all steeped in centuries of history, some in Roman Towns others in quintessential English ‘picture postcard’ villages, every choir and musical ensemble should spend a tour exploring the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whatever part of the country you to choose to visit, by working with a knowledgeable team of people who know the regions inside out from both a tourism and musical perspective, you will be guaranteed the richest of touring experiences
Tim KnightBritish composer and Choral Director