From the moment you step foot into the Contiki Basement London, you know you’re going to have the best freaking time of your life on tour.
Contiki know how to get you pumped ready for your adventures around Europe. But what exactly is the Contiki Basement?
"Amazing hub to hang out, to get to know each other, and relax.
There are definitely plenty of games to play in here to help the time pass.
Great fun, with great tunes, great staff, and great company!"
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What is the Contiki Basement London?
The Contiki Basement is where your Contiki tour departs from in London.
Often referred to as the “London launchpad”, it’s also where you go to register for your tour, attend your kick-start meeting, meet your guide and fellow travellers and generally chill out before your tour departs.
In typical Contiki style, the Contiki Basement is absolutely pimping. Inside you’ll find a spacious and fun environment that will put you in a good mood ready for your impending Contiki departure.
If you’re staying locally and have arrived a day or so before your Contiki tour departs, then the Basement might be a place you’ll frequently visit to see if there are any new passengers checked in on your tour.
People often tend to find people on their upcoming trip then go sight-seeing in London for a few hours. The space is always busy with people coming and going.
Contiki Basement services
The Contiki Basement is a bit like a funky hostel – without the accommodation. Inside you’ll find everything you need to get sorted for your Contiki tour.
If you’ve forgotten to check-in for your tour online, then you can do that with a member of staff. Forgotten to pack a neck pillow? They sell them. Forgotten your travel adaptor? They’ve got them too. Left your budgie smugglers at home? Yeah, you’re out of luck sorry.
It’s the little touches that we especially love. Especially the vending machine packed with all your favourite treats from home.
The London Contiki crew are on hand to assist with any questions you may have. They can also help with things to see and do in London before or after your tour departs.
During winter (1st October – 30th April), the Basement is open from 11.00 – 19.00 and during summer (1st October – 30th April) it’s open between 11.00 – 19.00.
The Contiki Basement London offers a free luggage storage service for all Contiki passengers.
Your luggage is kept in a secure storage area where you can pick them up whenever you wish (during opening hours).
Free WiFi is offered in the Contiki Basement.
Contiki knows you’re going to want to keep in contact with family & friends while travelling and you’re not going to want to chew up your own credit on Instagram or Tinder now are you.
You’re bound to have forgotten something, but fear not.
You can find a wide range of essentials in the Contiki Basement for sale such as neck pillows, earplugs & Contiki apparel etc.
It’s a cool space where you’re free to enjoy some Netflix, play table tennis, have a snooze, use the photo booths or mingle with your new travel crew.
How to get to the Contiki Basement
The Contiki Basement is located at 38-51 Bedford Way, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0DG.
If you’re coming to London for your Contiki tour departure, then the chances are that you’re going to arrive at Heathrow Airport.
It’s approximately a 1-hour commute from Heathrow to the Contiki Basement depending on the day and the time of day you travel.
Follow these directions to the Contiki Basement London from London Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 & 3:
- Take the lift to level -1
- Turn right
- Enter the Underground
- Catch the Piccadilly Line Eastbound
- Stay on the tube for 22 stops to Russell Square
- Exit the Underground & turn left
- Cross the road at Woburn Place
- Walk towards the Royal National Hotel
- Follow the signs to the Contiki Basement
Download these instructions for your arrival into London, or watch the video below that shows exactly how to get to the Contiki Basement from London Heathrow Airport.
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- The Contiki Basement London staff are super friendly & knowledgeable
Images © Christopher Horwood
Thanks for the helpful instructions. Much appreciated as it will be my first time to London