London in a Day!
We boarded the Virgin train to London at 8am grabbing some sandwiches and some snacks for a picnic on the train. Two hours later we arrived into London Euston. I had already purchased some travel cards for me and my husband - kids travel free in London. So we made our way to the tube and got off at Charing Cross, this brought us out at Trafalgar Square.
Wow - immediately we were blown away by such an iconic scene with the National Gallery, Nelson's Column and the big lions all to see!
From here we made our way down Whitehall we we found the household cavalry museum and horse guards parade.
We walked through here and out at St James Park which looked beautiful with Buckingham Palace in the distance. It was around here that we stumbled across the Churchill War Rooms. Knowing that Downing St was nearby we went back on ourself so we could take that iconic picture of the road sign!
From here we made our way further down Whitehall to Westminster where we could see Big Ben and hear its chimes! We had a little walk along the Thames so we could take a picture of the London Eye and Scotland Yard!
We needed a pit stop so had a quick drink then made our way back to St James Park. It was lovely walking through here at lunch time, the weather was perfect and people were just relaxing in their lunch break or enjoying an ice cream.
At the other end you come out near Buckingham Palace and the wow factor sets in again, especially when you see the flag raised and realise the Queen is at home! We stopped by here taking pictures for a while with the other tourists from all around the world who were taken in as much as us.
To head back we walked down the famous Mall where many a state car has carried royalty for weddings and funerals. We passed St James Palace and the wonderful tribute to the Queen Mother.
We found ourselves at Piccadilly Circus and as it was Friday afternoon there was a real buzz about. A street performer was dancing to the sounds of Ed Sheeran which was a real crowd pleaser. People were grabbing early diners before going to see a West End show - it was a great atmosphere.
From here we walked to Leicester Square to find somewhere to eat before we headed back to Euston. Stumbling across Convent Garden along the way - the Friday buzz continued with the markets still in full flow - I realised I wanted more time as I was having so much fun.
It was time to make our way back to Euston from Charing Cross and we we were home by 10pm. After 25,000 steps we certainly covered some distance and saw lots of major sights.
It was a wonderful day but I will be back for more as London definitely had a great vibe, despite the recent events of the year and it felt very safe too with police on show for reassurance.
London's calling!