London in a day!
I have just returned from a whirlwind trip to Wales, spending 5 wonderful days in Cardiff and surrounds, finishing off my week with 2 nights in London.
For those of you looking at visiting London town and seeing all of the major sites, here is my whirlwind version LOL:
Headed off from my accommodation on Oxford Street (Radisson Blu Berkshire - fantastic location and clsoe to Bond St Underground) - meeting my cousin at Victoria Station, who had flown in that morning to London Gatwick and caught the Gatwick Express.
We headed from Victoria Station on the tube to Green Park, where we made our first stop - Buckingham Palace. It was still very early (8.30am), so very few crowds and a great chance to see the Palace and Guards. From there we headed on foot down The Mall, stopping for a coffee near Trafalgar Square, then heading past the Horse Guards Parade and 10 Downing Street, to visit Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. (hint - take a walk down past Westminster School and College Garden - few tourists venture here, and you get to see the Abbey and Big Ben from a different angle).
From here, it was time to give our feet a little rest, and we headed from Westminster tube station a few stops along the Jubilee line to London Bridge station. Here we visited the latest attraction in London - The Shard - amazing views, especially on this gorgeous (but chilly) day - with views from one end of London to the other.
Another coffee stop at a local Starbucks, before heading back down the tube and heading for Tower of London. Again, lots of people, but it was such a nice day that everyone was out and about. Lots of cafes in this area, and great views of London Bridge and the Tower of London, with The Thames lapping at the shores. A great spot for some people watching and soaking it all up.
After some lunch, we got on the Central Line and made our next few stops the trendy shops of Convent Garden, then onto the Piccadilly Line to visit Piccadilly Circus and the infamous Harrods at Knightsbridge, before heading back to Bond Street station to finish our day with some shopping along Oxford Street :)
What an awesome filled day, very busy and very tired, but a great day spent exploring London and soaking it all up. Definitely would recommend everyone planning some time in London to get an Oyster Card - it is the best and easiest way to get around, and you can get your Oyster Card before leaving Aussie shores, so you are set and ready to go as soon as your feet hit the ground!