Postcard From London
Although I don't live in London any more I was lucky enough to have been born in this beautiful city, and spent over 30 years living there. Now when I go back I like to do some touristy things, so thought I would take you along!
I usually start at Waterloo Bridge, although not the most beautiful of bridges it has one of my favourite views of London, whether you look upstream or down. St Pauls Cathedral, The Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and The London Eye, all take my breath away! I remember in 1999 walking along the South Bank when they were finishing construction of The London Eye in time for the millennium. Although I don't really like heights, I have been brave enough to go on it a few times and the views are absolutely magnificent.
Tower Bridge
This really is an iconic bridge and most peoples favourite one across the Thames. The bridge can be raised to allow boats to pass underneath and opens about 800 times a year. Although it is an essential part of London life, allowing cars and pedestrians to cross (40,000 people and 21,000 vehicles per day), it is also a major tourist attraction, with over 500,000 visitors per year.
The bridge has two stunning towers which are accessible to visitors and also has a glass walkway providing incredible views (definitely not brave enough for that one!). You can even visit the engine rooms and see the massive hydraulic lifts.
Buckingham Palace
The palace itself is not really that impressive when you think of the word 'palace'. However it is the setting and the atmosphere (and the occupants!) that make this place so special. Situated right in the heart of central London, it is next to St James's Park a gorgeous open space to sit and watch the world go by, and the very beautiful avenue that leads to it called 'The Mall'. This is where many important Royal events take place, such as Trooping Of The Colours.
Outside the front gates of the palace is a huge circular roundabout and taking pride of place is The Queen Victoria Memorial, built from marble.The golden figures on the top glisten in the sunshine and looks magnificent against the grey of the marble.
The River Thames
One of my most favourite things to do is to catch a boat along the River Thames, there is so much to see! In Kingston you can get a boat to Richmond, or if you go the other way Hampton Court (a truly beautiful palace). You can also get a river boat in central London, just by Waterloo Bridge from The London Eye Pier. You can take a boat from here to Greenwich (famous as the home of time), Battersea Power Station, Putney, Chelsea, Canary Wharf and many more. There are Uber boat taxi's about every half an hour. You can also hire rowing boats and punts in beautiful Richmond and have a little picnic up the river :)
Covent Garden And So Much More!
There are so many amazing things to do and places to visit in London I could dedicate my entire Blog site to it! Theatre land at Covent Garden is incredible, The Lion King, The Mousetrap, Mama Mia, Phantom of The Opera, are just a tiny few showing. There is also my favourite iconic restaurant 'The Ivy'.
Covent Garden is also home to the Opera House and a fantastic market (it used to be the old fruit market) which has amazing street theatre, cafes and restaurants and stalls selling everything you could imagine!. Other favourites are, The Shard (one of the best views in London), The Tower of London, Hyde Park (take a row boat on the lake), Royal Albert Hall, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Trafalgar Square and Madame Tussauds.
And if you need a rest after all that, there's always the fabulous Afternoon Tea Bus, which will give you a panoramic tour of London, so put your feet up, have a sip of tea (or chilled Prosecco) and enjoy the sights :)
I hope if you come to my hometown you have a fabulous time!
I would love it if you could follow me :) Please click the 3 lines on the left at top of the page and then click follow x
Thank you for stopping by 💝💝💝 Lily x
