enjoy tour

From 1250ft up, the view of the capital is entirely unfettered and for every iconic tourist snapshot: Big Ben, the London Eye, the Olympic Park (the Velodrome really does look like a pringle from here) there are some equally beguiling workaday views. Construction workers at the top of the new Leadenhall Building skyscraper; mid-morning pottering on the Fulham Palace Meadow allotments; schoolkids running like ants over numerous rectangles of sporting turf. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2317692/London-helicopter-rides-New-flights-launch-Battersea-heliport.html#ixzz3QNE1KL00us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook We take off on our helicopter sightseeing tour from Battersea Heliport, in London's south-west, just a few minutes after watching a more luxurious chopper - think cream leather seats and roomy interior - pad down on the landing circle before us. Its passengers, two ladies of a certain age, disembark carrying expensive shopping bags. A shiatsu dog trails behind them. So casual is their demeanour that they might have just stepped off the number 23 bus. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2317692/London-helicopter-rides-New-flights-launch-Battersea- heliport.html#ixzz3QNE3WM9 Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook The Barclays London Heliport, to give the hub its full, official name, is sandwiched between Battersea and Wandsworth bridges and this is the first time tourists have been able to use it for the simple pleasure of sightseeing. In operation since 1959 - as black and white video footage in the waiting lounge explains - the heliport has been essential for the Air Ambulance and Police Air Support Units. It's also a very easy way for the rich and famous to get in and out of the capital quickly and largely unseen. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2317692/London-helicopter-rides-New-flights-launch-Battersea-heliport.html#ixzz3QNECLkcB Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook Before we take to the skies, I ask if I can have a look at the heliport's autograph book. A glass case is lifted and there before me are some very famous signatures, some of whom have jetted in as recently as last week. I ask if I can divulge a few names and am told in no uncertain terms that I can't. Discretion is really important, that's why a lot of celebrities use us," the receptionist offers. She continues: "We get lots of famous people, businessmen and politicians. And footballers too - it can get busy on transfer day as the players get jetted around to different clubs. A compact space to the side of the main heliport has been transformed for the tourist flights to ensure the business of flying in high profile clients can continue uninterrupted. Our bright yellow G-ORKI helicopter can seat five passengers and a 20-minute tour costs £199. Tours can be booked online and will be available seven days a week. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2317692/London-helicopter-rides-New-flights-launch-Battersea-heliport.html#ixzz3QNEIEHtR Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook READ MORE...http://www.dailymail.co.uk