 |
| Red Phone Booth near Westminster Station |
 |
| View of London Eye from Big Ben |
 |
| London Eye view from Westminster Bridge |
Entry to most of the major attractions in UK is expensive so we decided to buy discounted London explorer pass which permit admission to 3, 5 or 7 attractions from 60+ top London attractions. This pass is valid for 2 months and saves lots of tickets cost. We decided to go for London eye first as it was less crowded. London Eye gives visitors a 360 ° view of London city. After having our tickets scanned by the staff we were asked to stand for security checks and also had our small bags checked. We eventually got to the front of the queue and were directed by staff on when to board. The structure of each pod is tremendously impressive, it’s huge, solid and shiny. One rotation takes about 30 minutes, the pace is very slow giving riders plenty of time to take in the views. Usually they put 20-25 people in one pod.
 |
| Amazing view of City from London Eye. |
 |
| London Eye giant Wheel |
 |
| Pod of London Eye |
We spent our time in the capsule taking in the sweeping views across London and taking several photos. The time does go pretty quickly, but it’s definitely enough time to get all the photos you want, enjoy the view and feel satisfied in terms of the experience. After London eye tour, you will be given complimentary 4D cinema experience. It is a 4 minute long film about London showing another perspective and dimension of the city. It is the perfect precursor to your experience.
 |
| Jubilee Garden view from London Eye |
 |
| View of Big Ben, Bridge & Parliament house from London Eye |
 |
| London eye snap taken from Jubilee Garden |
After spending few mins in garden, we have decided to visit Sea life London Aquarium. It is just 5 mins walk-able distance from garden. It is a large and popular aquarium with a huge array of fish, reptiles, aquatic mammal and almost all type of sea animals . As you enter, you walk across a glass panel that reveals a shark tank below to get into the aquarium. The sea life aquarium has multiple sections from the intense Shark Walk, the Atlantic Coasts section, there is the Ray Lagoon, Seahorse Kingdom, Conservation Cove, Ocean Invaders (jellyfish), Rockpool and Ocean Tunnel. Through each location you can see everything from Octopus, Ray's, Penguins and more. Then it was time to meet the penguins. You pass through an ice tunnel to reach their enclosure and it’s a bit chilly in there. The penguins were playful and we enjoyed watching them jumping in and out of the water. There was augmented reality experience at the end of visit where you get to encounter a polar bear and her cubs and killer whales too!
 |
| Big Sharks under Glass panel at entry point of Sea Aquarium |
 |
| Different variety of fishes inside Sea Aquarium |
 |
| Augmented Reality Experience inside Sea Aquarium |
 |
| Penguins after After Ice Tunnel inside Sea Aquarium |
It was around 04:30 Pm when we were out of Aquarium. We have decided to go to our Airbnb stay. It was around 7-8 Km from London eye. We booked our stay 2 weeks prior to our trip from Airbnb and got it for 100 pound for 3 days & 2 nights. Plan was to go by underground train(also called as Tube) so we started walking towards nearest station Westminster. We recharged our Oyster card after reaching station. Oyster card is a smart card that you add money to, so you can pay as you go for train journey. You have to touch Oyster card in at the start of your journey and touch out at the end on yellow card readers to pay the right fare. Once you get in underground station, you have to use escalator to go down. Tube came within a minute when we reach there. After 10 mins of travel, we reached to Aldgate East station which was closest station to our Airbnb stay.
 |
| Escalator to get up/down to Underground station |
 |
| Underground Station platform |
 |
| Inside view of Tube |
 |
| Underground station subway |
After getting down from train, we went towards station exit by escalator. We walked for 5 mins and reached to our place at around 06:00 Pm. Our stay was close to shopping center so we got freshen up and went to buy few things. At around 08:30 Pm, we had our dinner in Indian restaurant. After dinner, we went for small walk towards London Bridge which was close to our stay. Night view of London Bridge, Shard and River Thames was simply amazing. Tower Bridge and Shard looks utterly stunning at night when lit up. After spending few mins there, we explored nearby shops and went back to our place. We were so tired so went to bed early at around 11:30 Pm. First day of our trip was really amazing.
 |
| Night view of Tower Bridge |
 |
| Beautiful View of Shard from London Bridge |
Day 2:
On day 2, We woke up early, got freshen up and had yummy cheese omelette in breakfast. It was Saturday so we were expecting bit crowd at few attractions. Our today's plan was to cover London Bridge and nearby attractions. At around 08:45 Am, We started walking towards London Wall Walk which was the first place we decided to see. It was close to Tower of London. You will see the beautiful view of Tower of London from ruined Roman walls. We then started walking towards Tower Hill memorial which was built in memories of sailors of the merchant navy and fishing fleets who were killed in the two World Wars.
 |
| View of Tower of London from Memorial |
 |
| Ruined Roman walls |
 |
| Tower Hill Memorial |
We then visited Trinity house museum which was located behind tower hill memorial. Its beautiful, busy and much-admired headquarters at Tower Hill. It houses many fine paintings, models and treasures.
 |
| Trinity House |
 |
| Inside view of Trinity House |
After exploring museum, we have started walking towards Tower of London. It is oldest historic castle and one of the most popular tourist sights of London. Visiting the Tower of London is a great way to learn a lot about the history of the city. If you are interested in history and you like learning about the places you travel then it is definitely worth it. It takes around 2-3 hrs to explore Tower of London. You can see several things in this castle like White Tower, the Jewel House,The Royal Mint, the ‘Bloody Tower’ and Tower Green.
 |
| Entrance of Tower of London |
 |
| Exit of Tower of London |
 |
| Beautiful view of Tower of London |
You will see amazing view of Shard and London Bridge from the sidewalk of River Thames. It was around 10:30 Am when we started walking towards most iconic London Tower bridge. Our plan was to start walk from the Tower of London and then go on other side of bridge so that we can see beautiful views of London bridge from all sides. Unique and beautiful, Tower Bridge is an icon of the London skyline and is definitely a must have picture or video any visitor to London will want to take home. It is a suspension bridge which actually opens up apart when the big ships are supposed to cross the adjoining river Thames. After 5 mins of walk, we reached closer to Tower bridge and view of bridge was so beautiful. There is a "Girl with Dolphin" statue and fountain on the back side of tower bridge. Its setting, right on the Thames, means you can get a lot of scenic photographs of it with Tower Bridge.
 |
| Stunning view of Shard from exit of Tower of London |
 |
| View of London Bridge from exit of Tower of London |
 |
| Girl with Dolphin statue and London Bridge in single frame |
 |
| View of London Bridge from statue |
After taking few snaps from statue fountain, we have started walking on the bridge. You will see breathtaking views of the London city, shard and the river while walking on the bridge. It takes around 10-15 mins to reach on other side of bridge. We have then walked for 5 mins towards Potters fields park. View of Tower bridge from this park was more beautiful which also reminds some scene from Bollywood movies. We relaxed in park for few mins and started walking towards Shard.
 |
| Selfie on London Bridge |
 |
| Reminding scenes from Bollywood movies |
 |
| Stunning view of Shard from London Bridge |
 |
| View of London Bridge from Potter's park |
 |
| Happy Faces near London Bridge |
We came across classy Hay's Galleria on the way to Shard. Hay's Galleria is a classy riverside hub with shops and dining. It is a popular picturesque landmark nearby London Bridge and has good collection of old ship.
 |
| Beautiful view of Shard and Glass Buildings |
 |
| Hay's Galleria |
 |
| Old Ship at Hay's Galleria |
After few mins of walk, we reached to most iconic modern building in London which also happens to be the tallest of all. The Shard is a super tall skyscraper and a modern monument with 95 floors where travelers visit to enjoy luxury living and to taste the finest recipes served in the restaurant. You will see amazing views of the City and London Bridge from The Shard.
 |
| Beautiful Interior near London Bridge station |
 |
| Super tall Shard Building |
Our next plan was to visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum so we started walking towards nearest underground station which was "London bridge". It took us around 20 mins to reach Baker street station which is closest station to Madame Tussauds. After getting down from train, we reached Wax museum in 5 mins by walk. Madame Tussauds is a wax museum and one of London’s leading attractions where you can see wax figures of celebrities, sportsperson, world-leaders, historic icons and religious leaders. It takes around 2 hrs to explore entire wax museum. The attraction also offers taxi rides through London’s historic tales called “The Spirit of London” and a Marvel Super Heroes 4D mini-movie experience.
 |
| Entrance of Madame Tussauds |
 |
| Wax Figure in Madame Tussauds Museum |
 |
| Wax figure of Royal Family in Madame Tussauds |
 |
| Taxi Ride for "The Spirit of London" show |
 |
| 4D Movie Experience at Madame Tussauds |
It was around 05:00 Pm when we were out of Wax museum. We then decided to relax in park for some time so we headed towards Queen Mary's rose garden. It is a beautiful famous garden with variety of flowers and lovely scenery located inside Regent's park. We spent around 30 mins here and then started walking towards Regent's park underground station which was 10 mins walk-able distance from park.
 |
| Queen Mary's Rose Garden |
 |
| St. Regent's Park |
We reached to our place at around 06:30 Pm. We got freshen up, took some rest and went for dinner at around 08:00 Pm. We explored nearby antique shops after dinner. It was long walk and tiring day so we went to bed early at around 11:50 Pm. Second day of our trip was memorable and we had lot of fun.
 |
| Our Airbnb Stay |
Day 3:
Day 3 was last day of our trip. We woke up early, got freshen up and had yummy breakfast. After breakfast, we packed our bags and checkout from Airbnb stay. It was beautiful and affordable stay. We started walking towards Aldgate station and Tube was arrived on platform as soon as we reach there. Our today's plan was to explore west London. After 20 mins of journey, we reached at Piccadilly Circus underground station. We step out from station and started walking towards Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain which was on back side of station. It is a old winged statue of Anteros and located just next to Piccadilly square.
 |
| Santander Cycles docking station |
 |
| Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain |
Once you cross road, you will see Piccadilly square which is famous for its neon signs, different displays, display of giant screens with various advertisements and the Eros fountain located in the middle of this road junction. It is also famous for cinemas, theaters, shops and restaurants, including famous traditional English pubs.
 |
| Piccadilly Square Giant Screen |
After exploring Piccadilly square, we started walking towards Leicester Square. We reached near Chinatown gate after walking for 10 mins from Piccadilly square. It is a hub for Chinese culture. You will find Chinese restaurants, shops and also events organized by Chinese community. Streets here are decorated with Chinese symbols such as dragons and lanterns.
 |
| Entrance gate of ChinaTown |
 |
| Swiss Court Tree |
 |
| Beautiful view from Leicester Square |
Leicester square is just at 5 mins walk-able distance from Chinatown. It is the site of most British film premieres and the square itself is surrounded by cinema halls. It is also famous for pubs and casinos. You will also find several statues on side of square. If you got lucky you will also be able to see film shootings and live premieres. We were lucky to see premieres of Farmageddon animated movie.
 |
| Leicester Square |
 |
| Relax time at Leicester Square |
 |
| Live Premier of Farmageddon animated movie |
After spending few mins at Leicester Square, we have started walking towards "The National Gallery". It is an art museum which houses huge collection of old paintings. It is one of the best gallery and has very beautiful architecture. You will also see beautiful view of Trafalgar square from 3rd floor of gallery.
 |
| The National Gallery |
 |
| Big Entrance of National Gallery |
 |
| Famous Paintings in National Gallery |
 |
| View of National Art Gallery from Trafalgar Square |
After spending few mins at gallery, we went to Trafalgar square which is located in front of National gallery. It is one of famous landmark in London and surrounded by museums, galleries, cultural spaces and historic buildings. Once you enter in square, you will see beautiful Fountains on right and left side. There are several statues on the sides of square. You will see Nelson's column at the end of square and 4 lions designed on the sides of column. In the south east corner of Trafalgar Square, you will see one-man police phone box, it was used by officers to keep an eye on large gatherings and protests.
 |
| Amazing view of Trafalgar square |
 |
| Stunning view of National Gallery from Nelson's column |
 |
| Nelson's column |
It was around 11:30 Am when we were out from Trafalgar square. Our next plan was to walk towards St. James park and cover nearby places. Once you cross square signal and walk for 10 mins, you will reach near The Household Cavalry Museum and Horse Guards Building. Horse Guards functions as a gatehouse giving access between Whitehall and St James's Park via gates on the ground floor. We were lucky to see changing of guards ceremony at Horse Guards building. It starts at around 12:00 Pm and lasts for 10-15 mins.
 |
| Guard at Household Cavalry Museum |
 |
| Changing of Guards Ceremony at Horse Guards Building |
|
 |
| London Eye view from outside of Household Cavalry Museum |
 |
| View of Horse Guards Buildings |
After seeing ceremony, we started walking towards St. James park. You will see beautiful view of Horse building and London eye from Parade ground. After few mins of walk, you will reach near to Duck Island Cottage which is use as Bird keeper. You will see colony of Pelicans on back side of cottage.
 |
| View from Duck Island Cottage |
 |
| Pelican relaxing outside cottage |
 |
| St. James Park |
Our next plan was to cover Westminster Abbey. It was around 2 km from St. James Park. We walked for 15 mins and took right turn from parliament street. After walking for few mins, We reached at Westminster Abbey. It is a royal church which is very close to House of Parliament.
 |
| Westminster Abbey |
 |
| Entrance of Royal Church |
 |
| Amazing Architecture of Westminster Abbey |
 |
| Palace of Westminster |
After spending few mins at Church, We have started walking towards Victoria Tower. On the way you will see beautiful view of Big Ben, House of Parliament, London eye and Jewel tower. After walking for few mins, you will reach near to Victoria Tower garden. This park is perfect place to sit, relax and enjoy view of Thames river and London eye. We have spent around an hour here.
 |
| View of Big Ben and London Eye from Parliament Street |
 |
| Victoria Tower |
 |
| Victoria Tower Garden |
 |
| View of London Eye from Victoria Tower Garden |
|
At around 14:00, we started walking towards Victoria station which was pickup location for our return journey. We walked for around 25 mins and reached at Westminster Cathedral. We went inside and spend some peaceful time in Cathedral. Once you cross road from Cathedral, you will see beautiful glass office buildings. Little Ben Clock can also be seen on the way to Victoria station.
 |
| Westminster Cathedral |
 |
| Peaceful time at Westminster Cathedral |
 |
| Little Ben Clock |
After exploring few shops inside Victoria Shopping mall, We headed for Lunch in McDonald's. After Lunch, we started walking towards our pickup location and reached there at around 04:50 Pm. Our Bus came at 05:30 Pm so now time has come for us to say good bye to London. Every moment we spent in London was memorable. It was really one of the amazing trip.
 |
| Beautiful Architectural Building near Victoria Station |
 |
| Amazing view of London Victoria Station |
 |
| Inside View of Victoria Station |
 |
| Happy Faces After Dreamy Trip |
After 4 hrs of drive, We have reached home at around 09:30 Pm. It was a wonderful trip.
 |
| "2 Magpie Close" Our Home when we were in UK |
You may like my other blogs:
For more post, Follow me on FB and Instagram:
woww...😍😍 Amazing 😘
ReplyDeleteThank you 😊😊
DeleteGreat.
Delete