New iPhone/iPad London guide app from Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic has a new London guide iPhone and iPad app out, and it's pretty swish -- one of the best we've seen for the city.

More than suggesting just things to do or places to stay, it actually succeeds in picking some "uniquely Virgin Atlantic" hotels, restaurants, and bars in London, with the interesting itineraries also a useful pick.

For the first time London-bound traveller or someone who hasn't been to the UK in a while, the useful basics are of course included, but even the frequent visitor or former Londoner will find something handy.

The app's comprehensive, with travel essentials, nightlife, restaurants, hotels, events, shopping recommendations, things to do, and some great itineraries under the "inspirations" section. (The list covering "London for Foodies" sounds deliciously fun.)

A tap-to-call button for each hotel, restaurant or other listing is helpful, as is a link to each website.

The Plan of Action function is useful for saving the things you find interesting so you don't have to remember which wine bar was which.

You can also link the app in with your Twitter or Facebook accounts to share your exploits.

At nearly 54MB, it's a hefty download, but the upside is that you're able to use it in flight (although the header images won't load). And with nearly a whole day of flying time on Virgin Atlantic's flights to London via Hong Kong, being able to use it on the plane is no bad thing.

Download: iTunes Store

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.