Had a cuppa, grabbed some nosh, dashed off to the tube with Oyster cards in hand. The tube is expansive and a bit overwhelming, but it is also relatively easy to sort out. Popped out of the tube at Tower Hill to see The Tower of London (the crown jewels are here) and Tower Bridge. After a few hours there we grabbed a Clipper water bus and headed up the Thames to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Unfortunately, we missed the memo stating the updated closing time to the Abbey, so we scrambled to get tickets to the Houses of Parliament - which was brilliant! The tour takes you through the actual rooms where the UK is governed - we were gobsmacked. Watched Big Ben strike 6 bells, then a quick tube ride to Piccadilly Circus - kind of a mini Times Square. Our target was the Criterion Restaurant where a scene from Downton Abbey was filmed - we had a drink and cocktail there - it’s a really beautiful space which transports you back in time. Bought a couple copies of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child London Editions. Back to the Piccadilly Line on the tube to Covent Gardens to grab a pint with the locals. We were knackered - back on the tube to “home” - Bob’s your uncle!
The Tower of London - In the 1070’s William the Conqueror began to build a massive stone tower at the center of his London fortress to dominate the skyline and intimidate the subjects of London. It is still standing nearly 1000 years later. Over time it has grown into a walled fortress with many buildings and square footage. The Tower has served as a castle in wartime, a king’s residence in peacetime - also a prison and execution site - Ann Boleyn, Sir Thomas More and other unfortunate souls lost their heads here. Now it houses the crown jewels, and yes, they are the real ones. Ornate, huge stones and gold, gold, gold. (WOW) and the armory along with thousands of tourists during the day.
Our cheeky Beefeater (Yeoman Warder) Guide. The beefeater’s duty was to guard the tower, it’s prisoners and the jewels. Her historical talk was woven with bloody tales and corny jokes - we absobloodylootely enjoyed it!
Prince Henry Stuart’s armour, (about 1608) is decorated with bands of chased and gilt strapwork containing scenes from the life of Alexander the Great, to whom Henry was often compared in literature.
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London built in 1886–1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames and still opens up for larger boats to pass.
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster.
Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at Piccadilly Circus