Britain's Golden Moments of the London 2012 Olympic Games

NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It's been quite an exciting summer so far in Britain as the London 2012 Olympic Games have just come to a close.  VisitBritain, the national tourism agency for England, Scotland and Wales, takes a look back at some of the most memorable and unforgettable golden moments.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120813/NY56142 )

The London 2012 Olympics opened with a bang as Queen Elizabeth became the newest Bond Girl and parachuted her way into Olympic Stadium for an unforgettable entrance.  This year is the 50th anniversary of first Bond film, which began with Sean Connery in Dr No. The Barbican Centre is celebrating with an exhibition Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style and Beaulieu is celebrating with Bond In Motion, the largest exhibit of Bond vehicles ever staged.  The newest Bond Girl wasn't the only member of the British Royal Family that took part in and supported the London 2012 Olympic Games.  

The Fab Five won the hearts of America as they took gold, so what better way for these women to celebrate than with a girlfriend getaway fit for champions. These women may now being carrying their own gold, but they won't want to miss the special Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration exhibition at Buckingham Palace that showcases diamonds worn by British monarchs over the past 200 years.  No girlfriend getaway is complete without shopping and London is a shopper's paradise offering a wide variety of choice from East London's Spitalfields and Sunday Upmarket to trendy stores like Topshop.  Every fashion loving girl will want to have quintessential afternoon tea, but with a fashionista twist. Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkley London serves a fashion-inspired afternoon tea that changes every six months to following the latest fashion trends.  

Team USA's women's soccer team is taking home the gold for the third straight summer Olympic Games and the women's 4x100m relay team shattered the previous world record winning the first gold medal in 16 years, so these winning women certainly have reason to celebrate!  After kicking the ball across Britain from Glasgow to Manchester to NewcastleGateshead, the soccer women finally won the gold in London where the track stars also flew past their competition.  Now it's certainly time to party like champions.  

There's no better way for Michael Phelps to celebrate becoming the most decorated Olympic medalist than taking his girlfriend on a romantic vacation.  The Royal Scotsman offers guests the opportunity to see the beautiful Scottish countryside in a luxurious setting.  Trains depart from Edinburgh and make their way around the Scottish Highlands adding a bit of old world travel to a very romantic setting.

Ashton Eaton and Trey Hardee have officially been named the greatest athletes in the world having won gold and silver, respectively, in the decathalon, so now there's no better way to celebrate being the best in a 10-event competition than experiencing the top 10 great British experiences in the UK.

Britain delivered its own golden moments as the host nation from the Olympic Stadium to cities across the UK hosting competitions and celebrations.  With the mini remote-controlled MINIs retrieving the discusses and javelins bringing a bit of fun to the track and field competitions, visitors can have their own MINI fun when visiting London.  Small Car, Big City offers visitors guided tours in true MINI style covering all the favorite sights including Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and more.

Fans from around the world watched as Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh bumped, set and spiked their way to their third gold medal on a beach with a truly unique and iconic British background.  The temporary beach is built on Horse Guards Parade, which is right in front of the Prime Minister's doorstep in London.  This is also the location of the Trooping the Colour event that takes place each year on the Queen's official birthday.

Visitors from around the world took notice as the iconic Royal Mail red mailboxes started popping up gold as a new one was painted each time a Team GB athlete won a gold medal.  Visitors who haven't seen one in person yet still has a chance as the boxes will continue through the London 2012 Paralympic Games in honor of the Team GB champions.  The Royal Mail is also honoring Team GB champions by creating a personalized Royal Mail stamp for each champion.

The Closing Ceremony ended the 17 day event in true British spirit.  From British fashion to the best of British music including the reuniting of the Spice Girls the entire night rocked.  It's not too late to check out one of Britain's many music festivals.

The Olympic Games may have concluded, but that doesn't mean the 2012 fun and competition is over just yet.  There are sure to be plenty more golden moments as the London 2012 Paralympic Games commence with the Opening Ceremony on August 29 and the London 2012 Festival has plenty more opportunities for visitors to take part in through September 9.

For more information and ideas for visiting Britain, please visit www.visitbritain.com.

About VisitBritain:

• Americans made 2.8 million visits to the UK in 2011 and spent $3.8 billion USD – placing them in the UK's top three most important markets for visitors. Britain remains Americans' favorite long-haul destination. The US remains top spot in terms of market value for inbound tourism.
• VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, is responsible for inspiring the world to explore Britain and for developing the UK's visitor economy.
• Visitors traveling to Britain can find out more information from visitbritain.us plus purchase money and time saving local transport, sightseeing, attraction, theater and tour tickets from visitbritainshop.us.
• Follow us on Twitter @VisitBritain and Facebook: LoveUK & LoveUK Film & TV

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SOURCE VisitBritain