London in a Day...

London in a Day (Walking Part I)

The long awaited trip finally arrived! We had planned several trips to London, but for some reason or another we didn't go. We finally went, and London did not disappoint. We road the train to Kings Cross Station. The end result incorporating everyone's places to see ended up making a large circle around much of London; a feat that seemed easier in theory than actuality. At the end of the day, we left London tired and with aching feet, but it was worth it!!

Here's a rough estimated route of our trip

First we headed to Regent's Park. Unknown to us, there was an art festival in progress. Artist's life size artwork was displayed throughout the park. Some were realistic while others were more abstract.

We continued through Queen Mary's Gardens until we came out near Baker Street. We saw 221B Baker Street, the very address of Sherlock Holmes!

221B Baker Street

The residence of one, Sherlock Holmes. Unfortunately, there is no actual 221B Baker Street. However, at 221 Baker Street there is a bank..Sherlock fans do not need to despair, there is a Sherlock museum around like 4 or 5 Baker Street that says 221B Baker Street.

Our path continued to Piccadilly Circus and walked past numerous shops. We stopped for lunch at a Ramen noodle house then continued to Trafalgar Square.

We continued our way through the Whitehall Gardens until we reached the Thames River and followed it to the Parliament building, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Across the river, was the London Eye and Aquarium. We continued our journey along the the Thames; taking in the sites. We passed a bar handing out free samples of beer, tables lined with used books, and even street performers. Took our picture with Charlie Chaplin.

We stopped to admire the Globe Theater. It would be really neat to be able to see a Shakespearean play while we're here (add that to the bucket list)! We crossed back over the Thames and walked down to the London Tower.

Tower of London

In the fall of 2014, poppies were all over the grounds in honor of those who've fallen during the First World War (1914-2014). It was a beautiful sight to see. At sunset, the Roll of Honor is done, a tradition in which the Last Post plays and members of the fallen are read.

London has so much history, we didn't have time to see everything. It goes without saying we will have to take multiple trips to see more of London and see some of the sites we saw more in depth. 

London Day Tour (Bus Part II)

Our "Tour-London-in-a-Day" trip was non-stop sightseeing and information. We saw so much of London from Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, the changing of the Guards, West Minister Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London and so much more!

I've taken several trips to London now; however, London is the type of place that no matter how many times you go, you can always see something new. I was pretty excited to get to see inside St. Paul's Cathedral as I always see the building, but never have had the opportunity to see inside!

The first Cathedral was built and consecrated in 604. There have been several built, the latest one during the English Reformation when King Henry the VIII split from the catholic church and more than 1,400 years, a cathedral in honor of St. Paul has stood in the same spot in one of the city's highest areas.

During WWII, a group known as St. Paul's Watch, took on the responsibility of putting out fires and protecting the Cathedral. Fortunately, the Cathedral only suffered to major bomb strikes. During one of the strikes, a bomb landed on the south side steps, but did not detonate. Because of St. Paul's Watch, services were held as normally as possible.

What I found very interesting is the American Memorial Chapel, otherwise known as the Jesus Chapel, is a commemoration of the soldiers stationed in the UK during WWII. The stained glass window depicts the flora and fauna of North America.

There is also, currently on display for the centennial, a book of all those that gave their lives during WWI. It is protected so you can't just go and look through it, but each day the pages are turned. Prince Charles and Diana were married in St. Paul's Cathedral rather than the traditional West Minister and Queen Elizabeth II's Golden and Diamond Jubilees were held here as well.

The changing of the guards was pretty neat to watch and a very popular tourist event. For security reasons, the changing of the guards happens at a random time, although, somewhere around 11:00. We happened to have to wait quite a while as they did the change rather late.