Post by elizabeth on Jun 27, 2015 2:31:10 GMT
I want to thank everyone for their advice and tips. Purvis/Californian the Premier Inn County Hall was indeed a perfect location. The hotel was great, quiet, clean and wonderful staff. The WiFi in my room didn’t work but apart from that, no concerns.
Upon my arrival at Heathrow, many of us were approached to take the express train to Paddington. Sleep deprived and anxious to get to my hotel, I caved. It was a bit confusing getting from Paddington to the hotel not knowing exactly how to get there, as my plan was to take the tube to Westminster station… but I made it safe and sound. On my return home, it was so easy to leave from Waterloo Station to Paddington, then to Heathrow. I was there in 45 minutes.
After leaving my luggage at the hotel, I went to Buckingham Palace to see baby Charlottes birth announcement on the easel, who arrived a day before I did. This was followed by a bus tour to see the highlights of London. I must admit, I was so tired, I don’t remember much about the tour.
Monday, the weather was perfect so I headed to the Tower spending all day there and at Tower Bridge. Further highlights were watching the 21 gun salute in honor of the new royal baby. I arrived at 10 am via the tube and took a Thames cruise back. I returned to the bridge on my final day and watched it lift.
The rest of the week was based on the weather. It was a bit blustery for a few days; some light rain so I geared more indoor tours on those days.
I covered Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace, Diana Memorial, St James Park, Trafalgar Square, Madame Tussauds, and Churchill War Rooms. I went back to Buckingham Palace several times (saw a bit of the changing of the guard, very crowded) followed by a visit to the Royal Mews behind the palace, where I saw some of the carriages used; highlight was the gold Coronation carriage last used to celebrate the Queen’s 50th Jubilee. Leaving from Waterloo Station, I headed out to Windsor Castle and Hampton Court.
I found the audio tours wonderful at the various sites, with staff available to answer any questions. St Paul’s Cathedral had both audio and ongoing group tours; Westminster Abbey had only a few daily scheduled tours, Windsor Castle also had partial guided tours.
The week included the general election. The results apparently were a surprise, igniting protests I managed to walk right into. The number of police in riot gear covered Trafalgar Square and in front of Downing Street was incredible. I missed the smoke bombs, although I could smell the remnants after they were activated. There must have been 20 plus officers outside the gates to Cameron’s home. I saw Cameron’s motor cave when he returned from his meeting with the Queen the following day after the election.
There was also 3 days of VE celebrations- lying of memorial wreaths attended by Prince Andrew and Cameron; I caught a glimpse of both of them. I attended the VE concert on the Saturday evening at the Horses Parade (as protests were continuing two blocks away). It was amazing; a forties theme with fabulous entertainers. The British know how to put on a show. The following day consisted of parades and celebrations at St James Park.
London certainly is very easy city to get around; whether it is on foot, tube, or national rail. What I did notice was the constant presence of a helicopter (sometimes two of them) flying or hovering over the city.
It was a great trip; I certainly enjoyed the freedom to remain at all of these incredible, historical sites for as long as I wanted.
Upon my arrival at Heathrow, many of us were approached to take the express train to Paddington. Sleep deprived and anxious to get to my hotel, I caved. It was a bit confusing getting from Paddington to the hotel not knowing exactly how to get there, as my plan was to take the tube to Westminster station… but I made it safe and sound. On my return home, it was so easy to leave from Waterloo Station to Paddington, then to Heathrow. I was there in 45 minutes.
After leaving my luggage at the hotel, I went to Buckingham Palace to see baby Charlottes birth announcement on the easel, who arrived a day before I did. This was followed by a bus tour to see the highlights of London. I must admit, I was so tired, I don’t remember much about the tour.
Monday, the weather was perfect so I headed to the Tower spending all day there and at Tower Bridge. Further highlights were watching the 21 gun salute in honor of the new royal baby. I arrived at 10 am via the tube and took a Thames cruise back. I returned to the bridge on my final day and watched it lift.
The rest of the week was based on the weather. It was a bit blustery for a few days; some light rain so I geared more indoor tours on those days.
I covered Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace, Diana Memorial, St James Park, Trafalgar Square, Madame Tussauds, and Churchill War Rooms. I went back to Buckingham Palace several times (saw a bit of the changing of the guard, very crowded) followed by a visit to the Royal Mews behind the palace, where I saw some of the carriages used; highlight was the gold Coronation carriage last used to celebrate the Queen’s 50th Jubilee. Leaving from Waterloo Station, I headed out to Windsor Castle and Hampton Court.
I found the audio tours wonderful at the various sites, with staff available to answer any questions. St Paul’s Cathedral had both audio and ongoing group tours; Westminster Abbey had only a few daily scheduled tours, Windsor Castle also had partial guided tours.
The week included the general election. The results apparently were a surprise, igniting protests I managed to walk right into. The number of police in riot gear covered Trafalgar Square and in front of Downing Street was incredible. I missed the smoke bombs, although I could smell the remnants after they were activated. There must have been 20 plus officers outside the gates to Cameron’s home. I saw Cameron’s motor cave when he returned from his meeting with the Queen the following day after the election.
There was also 3 days of VE celebrations- lying of memorial wreaths attended by Prince Andrew and Cameron; I caught a glimpse of both of them. I attended the VE concert on the Saturday evening at the Horses Parade (as protests were continuing two blocks away). It was amazing; a forties theme with fabulous entertainers. The British know how to put on a show. The following day consisted of parades and celebrations at St James Park.
London certainly is very easy city to get around; whether it is on foot, tube, or national rail. What I did notice was the constant presence of a helicopter (sometimes two of them) flying or hovering over the city.
It was a great trip; I certainly enjoyed the freedom to remain at all of these incredible, historical sites for as long as I wanted.