Another few days of great weather and touring in London!
We managed to get tickets to the three shows we were hoping for – STOMP, Love Never Dies (the sequel to Phantom) and the Lion King. Each was presented in a theatre we hadn’t yet seen, so pre-show time was consumed with viewing the wonderful architecture and decorations of the old theatres. All of the shows were awesome. With theatre a major focus of our time in London, we have gotten to know the West End pretty well.
Days have been occupied with walking … and walking … and walking to see the various sights in downtown London. Pax Lodge is such a great location for getting around – about 15 minutes to the tube station then off we go. Very safe area too so when we come home late from the theatre, it is still very comfortable walking through Hampstead to Pax Lodge.
We decided early on that we weren’t going to focus on the “Top 10” sights to see, but instead spent time exploring a few areas
well and taking the time to enjoy the gardens and public areas. Of course, we saw all the key squares – Picadilly Circus 
with the statue of Eros in the centre, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square with the statue of Nelson (and Canada House on one side of the square) and Covent Gardens and the shops/market. It was great to be able to sit in the sun and enjoy watching the people and activity at each of these famous locales.
We managed to get tickets to the three shows we were hoping for – STOMP, Love Never Dies (the sequel to Phantom) and the Lion King. Each was presented in a theatre we hadn’t yet seen, so pre-show time was consumed with viewing the wonderful architecture and decorations of the old theatres. All of the shows were awesome. With theatre a major focus of our time in London, we have gotten to know the West End pretty well.
Days have been occupied with walking … and walking … and walking to see the various sights in downtown London. Pax Lodge is such a great location for getting around – about 15 minutes to the tube station then off we go. Very safe area too so when we come home late from the theatre, it is still very comfortable walking through Hampstead to Pax Lodge.
We decided early on that we weren’t going to focus on the “Top 10” sights to see, but instead spent time exploring a few areas
well and taking the time to enjoy the gardens and public areas. Of course, we saw all the key squares – Picadilly Circus 
with the statue of Eros in the centre, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square with the statue of Nelson (and Canada House on one side of the square) and Covent Gardens and the shops/market. It was great to be able to sit in the sun and enjoy watching the people and activity at each of these famous locales. After going through the Memorial Arch, we enjoyed a long leisurely walk through St. James Park enroute to Buckingham Palace. 
On the day we visited, the main road leading to the Palace, the Mall, had been closed for a marathon, so it was much like a closed pedestrian area which allowed us to walk freely around the Queen Victoria monument, the front of the Palace and surrounding park. 
The bobbies on duty at the outer gate even obliged with a quick pose. The gates and the grounds of the Palace were both astounding views. A small guard changing gave us a sense of the pageantry that goes with this setting.
Shirley met her fear of heights face on with a ride on the London Eye.
High above the city, we were able to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and other sights. A gorgeous day made for good viewing. 
On the day we visited, the main road leading to the Palace, the Mall, had been closed for a marathon, so it was much like a closed pedestrian area which allowed us to walk freely around the Queen Victoria monument, the front of the Palace and surrounding park. 
The bobbies on duty at the outer gate even obliged with a quick pose. The gates and the grounds of the Palace were both astounding views. A small guard changing gave us a sense of the pageantry that goes with this setting.Shirley met her fear of heights face on with a ride on the London Eye.
High above the city, we were able to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and other sights. A gorgeous day made for good viewing. 
Another day we headed west out of town on the train to Hampton Court Palace, home of Henry VIII and William & Mary. A bonus that our Oyster Cards worked for the trip – just swipe, hop on, travel, hop off and swipe again.
On the day we were there, Henry was marrying Catherine Parr so visitors to the palace were able to don period clothing and participate if they wished. We “played” countrymen and cheered to the King when prompted to do so.
The exhibits were very well done – especially the historically accurate kitchens and descriptions of the food service for the palace at that time. The massive gardens and grounds were beautifully “manicured” – clearly a labour of love for an army of people. We spent a whole afternoon there and it was hardly enough. The comprehensive audio tour explained not only what was in the rooms, but also what was happening in Henry’s life, politics and the world at the time. Very well done.
Our return to London from the cruise was made special by a cab ride from a famous author! Alf Townsend picked us up at Paddington Station as his last fare on his way back to his home in Hampstead – how fortuitous. He has written various books and shared a little about one in progress. He pointed out sights along the way – an added bonus.
Overall, a great few days in London. Nicely paced – time to see the sights but also sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Impressed by the cleanliness and visitor-friendliness of the city.
The exhibits were very well done – especially the historically accurate kitchens and descriptions of the food service for the palace at that time. The massive gardens and grounds were beautifully “manicured” – clearly a labour of love for an army of people. We spent a whole afternoon there and it was hardly enough. The comprehensive audio tour explained not only what was in the rooms, but also what was happening in Henry’s life, politics and the world at the time. Very well done.
Our return to London from the cruise was made special by a cab ride from a famous author! Alf Townsend picked us up at Paddington Station as his last fare on his way back to his home in Hampstead – how fortuitous. He has written various books and shared a little about one in progress. He pointed out sights along the way – an added bonus.Overall, a great few days in London. Nicely paced – time to see the sights but also sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Impressed by the cleanliness and visitor-friendliness of the city.
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