My wife and I just returned from 12 days in London and Italy and it was my first time in London and thought I would rate the places we visited during our stay.
Westminster Abbey - This place was truly amazing, even to just walk around. Keep in mind no photos are allowed to be taken in the building
Churchill's War Rooms - Very cool if you're interested in the history of this time period and the man himself
Afternoon Tea at Brown's Hotel - I wanted my wife to have a great Tea experience and this was one for the books. Understand it is really pricy, but it is rated one of the best in London. We enjoyed the food and more importantly the service we received there.
Tower of London - Do the free Beefeaters tour, they will give you a ton of insite about the building, themselves and the history of beheadings on Tower Hill. The tour of the jewels was kind of a let down, a lot smaller than we had expected.
Changing of the guard - What a mess, people everwhere and the events move all over the place. The one thing I learned about this event is that before it starts you have to decide what you want to see. You can't be out at the rotary and watch parade in and then watch the changing of the guard inside the fence. You have to stand in one place or the othere. Keep in mind when they go into the gate the complete changing of the guard festivities take an hour.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
Loved the Beefeaters tour at the Tower - our guide had a bit of a sense of humour and kept things lively!
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Visit Buckingham Palace this month if you haven't been before. The place is interesting and loaded with great art. It was my third visit and I was looking forward to seeing the queen's many costumes. There were over a hundred and they were well-displayed with printed information about each. The room with her costumes from childhood was probably the most interesting, and the most crowded. There is a cafe set up at the exit to the palace. It's a nice place to have coffee or tea after the rigors of the visit. Follow up with a stroll along the edge of the grounds, then try to find your way back outside the wall (ask for directions). I always like to talk to the wardens (guards, docents). They are knowledgeable and like to share what they know. Reserve in advance if you can.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
So, all in all you enjoyed London?
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1075 posts
"Changing of the guard - What a mess,"
It does amaze me that tourists want to see this, guess it must be in a few guide books, nothing special IMHO.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
We have never ventured to see the changing of the guards. Like a gondola ride in Venice, just too touristy. We watched the changing of the guard in Ottawa on Parliament Hill and I almost fell asleep...lol
Posted by
OP
Boston, MA, USA
262 posts
Yes Claudia we really did, to the post where we will go back someday.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1526 posts
When we went to the changing of the guard we walked along with the horse guards until we could actually stand near the gate and were lucky enough to have a band concert of contemporary British tunes...pretty amusing! You have to go not in high tourist season. We also enjoyed the Beefeaters tour at the Tower...it added the right touch. Churchill's War Rooms were very evocative of the Era before James Bond and the Cyberworld. If you have a chance when you visit Blenhiem Palace visit Winston and Clementine's grave. Westminster is a must see...but you must schedule your visit. You can not enter during Services. You can visit St Margaret next door to visit Sir Walter Raleigh's body...no head. One of my ancestors helped build this and was a family friend...so he took the body when no one else would. The other must see is Hampton Court if you want the whole Tudor experience.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
Pleased to know you enjoyed your trip and will return someday.
I go as often as I can. My reply when asked why...." Always changing, always the same. "
Throughly enjoy the numerous museums, the evolution of the architecture, the history, the diversity, the pubs, theatre, cemeteries, the Heath, public transport, the parks, the markets, the Thames, the multicultural food offerings, and the traditions.
Each visit is a new experience.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3898 posts
Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London are my top favorite sights in London. Glad you were able to do both of them and enjoyed it! Changing of the guard I would never do. Just too much standing and waiting, and then it's over.
Glad you had tea at Brown's Hotel and enjoyed it. It is superior to a lot of places in London for tea. My college roommate and I enjoyed it several years ago. I must do it again next trip to London.
Thanks for the short trip report! Enjoyed reading it.
Posted by
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
207 posts
I love Westminster Abbey, but my husband prefers Saint Paul's. We have never done the changing of the guard, but did see the changing of the horse guard, sounds like it was better than what you saw. Hope you enjoyed your trip.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
Joe, I'm so glad you enjoyed tea at Browns. I saw Stephen Fry there once. London is my favourite city and next month will be my 17th trip there. I never get tired of it nor have I seen nearly all of what I still want to see.
Laurel