This Summer, as part of its new Time Travellers’ experience, Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf is giving its guests the chance to stow away their watches, tablets and smart phones and embark on a journey to an era when time was monitored in a means rather unfamiliar to modern day man.
From the hotel, guests will set sail by Thames Clipper for Greenwich where they will take in the Ships, Clocks and Stars: The Quest for Longitude exhibition at the National Maritime Museum. Marking the 300th anniversary of the passing of the Longitude Act in July 1714, this major new show tells the extraordinary tale of the race to determine longitude at sea, helping fix many a navigational conundrum.Exploring the rivalries of the quest to solve the world’s biggest challenge, guests will discover the methods, gadgets and instruments designed by some of the greatest minds of the 17th century including Galileo, Isaac Newton, Captain Cook and John Harrison. Highlights of the exhibition include the original Longitude Act of 1714 on public display for the first time ever, all five of John Harrison’s legendary timekeepers and the elegant, padded silk observing suit worn by the 18th century Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne to protect him from the bitter cold while observing the night sky in Greenwich.Following a visit to the exhibition, guests of Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf are encouraged to head to the nearby Royal Observatory. Also taking part in the longitude celebrations, the Observatory is currently playing host to the Longitude Punk’d exhibition. Delving into a world where sci-fi collides with 18th century innovation, the Observatory has commissioned nine British steampunk artists to create works inspired by the technical inventions presented to the Board of Longitude between 1714 and 1828.As part of the Time Travellers’ Package, younger guests of the hotel will also be provided with a customized map. Perfect for budding adventurers, the map of Greenwich contains several clues leading to an exciting hidden treasure at the end of their day.The Time Travellers’ Package at Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf starts from £290 ($484) based on two people sharing a Canary Wharf City Room. Available until January 4, 2015, the experience includes:• One night accommodation for two inclusive of breakfast
• Entry to the Ships, Clocks and Stars: The Quest for Longitude exhibition and the National Maritime Museum and the Longitude Punk’d exhibition at the Royal Observatory
• Return travel to and from Greenwich on Thames Clipper
• Treasure map for children