Yesterday we did a tour of London covering the London Tower (including the Royal Jewels), boat ride on the Thames, changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s cathedral and the London Eye.
London Tower and Royal Jewels
A fascinating tour of the old buildings with a Beefeater as a guide; then a look at the Royal Jewels. What an impressive collection of bling! Crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords and other bits on display behind some impressive security doors. No photos of the jewels allowed. One enormous 530 carat Cullinan diamond; a crown with 2800 diamonds on it … no wonder the diamond mine owners in South Africa have a dollar or two to spare!
Changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace
Crowds! If you want to be at the front of the scrum, get there very early, grab your spot and wait. We did not see what was happening in the grounds of the palace, but had the outgoing guards march right past us on their way home. If you’re in a position to see inside the grounds, you won’t see much of the march home! Choose what you want to see (or go two or three times!).
St Paul’s Cathedral
The most impressive bit of the whole day, and I have no photographs as there are no photographs allowed inside the cathedral. The architecture, sheer scale, mosaics, woodwork, marble and just about everything else is awe-inspiring. It is a working church, and we were lucky enough to be there for afternoon prayers. Made it seem real rather than just a tourist attraction. Would love to attend a service here!
London Eye
A rather more modern attraction! A big wheel with pods that give you a lovely view over the Thames and London.