We (Susan and I) had planned to take a bus cruise down to London, however this was cancelled and I thought no more about it. Susan had the bit between her teeth and was busy in the background planning a trip. Those of you who follow my blog know I have a dislike to Cities and London is a big city and my aversion scope was in full avoidance mode. Then I recalled our trip to Manchester and how I enjoyed it, so I agreed to the trip to London. Now please do not get me wrong, I have been to London several times and not just passing through. The longest I spent in London was in 1977 – November and December during the National Strike by Firemen. Since then I have had several day visits but this time we would have three days as a tourist and see the sites.
We arrived in London Kings Cross at 14:50 on the 23rd November and made our way along Greys Inn Road to the Arriva Hotel, Swinton Street a short 10 minute walk from Kings Cross. Despite misgivings arising from reports on this hotel we found it to be clean and comfortable, not top of the range but for a room and bed it was ideal. Room 73 had been refurbished and had a smashing shower etc. Great a safe place to sleep – we were all set for a little walk after unpacking and refreshing ourselves. We had no definite plans for the rest for the day – just get the Oyster cards topped up and have a walk around. As it happened we headed for Embankment and a little walk up to Westminster Bridge. Now Susan had done this before, I had not, we passed the old “New Scotland Yard” buildings now taken over by Parliament and indeed it is now known as Parliament buildings. Alongside the new parliament buildings, a glass fronted place. I would not like to work there – the security is tough as we saw passing the area. Then at the top of the embankment at the corner of Westminster Bridge we see the Statue to Bodica or Bodicea and to our right Big Ben – The Clock Tower.
One place I wanted to visit was Westminster Abbey so we made our way there to get details of opening times and prices :
