Last weekend Neil and I spent three nights in London. We left Kidderminster on Friday morning for our journey to London. I am not the best traveller and had lots of anxieties about the train journey and using the underground whilst in London. For me the worst part is not being able to get off the train if I want to. We arrived in Marylebone in the afternoon and then went and bought our Oyster Cards and topped them up. For all the travelling we did it was well worth it. We then got the tube across to our hotel at Putney Bridge. We stayed at the Premier Inn just at the end of the bridge. The hotel room was lovely. I was a bit disappointed I didn't have a river view but still the room was nice and clean, the shower was good and it wasn't too noisy around the hotel. I think it helped that the bridge was closed to traffic for repairs so we didn't have lots of traffic going by. The bridge was open to pedestrians though which was fab. Our reason for choosing Putney was that it wasn't right in the centre of London but was only a 20 minute ride on the tube and on the Saturday we needed to be in Hammersmith for the Jules Hudson Fans meet up. We both loved the area and have decided that if we go back to London again we will definitely stay in the same hotel again.
Putney is a lovely area and on our first night we walked up the high street and had a look around some of the local shops and went to a restaurant called The Rocket overlooking the river and the bridge. It was great to watch the boats go by and just relax. The food was great too.
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Me enjoying a pudding in The Rocket |
On Saturday we went to the Jules Hudson Fans meet up which was absolutely amazing (blog post here). In the evening we went back to Putney to The Rocket for another meal.
Sunday was our main day for visiting some of the sights of London. Before we went to London I knew I definitely wanted to go and see the poppies at The Tower Of London. There are 888.246 ceramic poppies in the moat at the Tower. Each one represents a British military fatality during World War I. When we got there it was absolutely packed with people (as to be expected) but we quickly managed to get to good viewing points to see them. Such a gorgeous sight and a great way to remember the people who fought and lost their lives for us in the war.
Here are some of my pictures (note: you can click on the pictures to see the bigger version):
Then we went off to Forbidden Planet in Tottenham Court Road. I was looking to buy the Lumière pop vinyl figure but they didn't have any in so Neil bought me a Gizmo pop vinyl from The Gremlins and a Snarf from Thundercats. They are so cute.
We then decided it would be nice to visit Buckingham Palace. I love our Royal family. I know some people don't but each to their own. I think the Royal family bring in a lot of tourists to our country and I wasn't wrong as it was very busy near the palace. We walked through Green Park to the palace which was lovely. I think the last time I visited Buckingham Palace was when I was a child so it was great to visit again.
Me in front of the palace |
A soldier |
Neil and I in front of the palace gates |
Afterwards we took a walk through St James's Park. There were so many amazing different birds around the lake. We spent quite a bit of time walking through the park and around the lake.
A lot of people recommended for me to go on the London eye. Again I was a little nervous that I would feel claustrophobic in there and you can't get off if you want. I am not scared of heights. I decided to go for it though and I am so glad I did. We probably went on it at the wrong time of the day as the sun was going down so the lighting wasn't great on some pictures but I still had an amazing time. I didn't feel ill at all on there. I enjoyed looking at all the different views of London and the river Thames. If you ever go to London I would definitely recommend it.
After our flight we decided it was time to head back home. As the evening was drawing in. I took my 3DS with me and we worked out from the steps we had done that we had walked over 6 miles that day. It was so nice to go and see some of the sights.
I took this picture which I really like of the sun setting behind Big Ben.
On the Monday we went to see Phillip Schofield outside the ITV Studios. Then we headed back home. Overall it was one of the best weekends I have had in a long time.
*** GIVEAWAY ***
Whilst in London I bought a little prize to giveaway to one of my blog readers. One winner will win a Gift Card and Envelope Set that contains 10 gift cards, 10 sheets of writing paper, 10 envelopes, 1 set of coloured stickers and 12 address labels and also a London Eye pen.
To enter the competition simply complete as many of the steps as you wish on the Rafflecopter form below. (Note we require an email address). A winner will be chosen at random at the end of the competition. The competition is open to residents of the UK only. Good Luck.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Competition listed on Loquax
Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com
Cool sound fun
ReplyDeleteI took my children to London for the first time to see the Natural History Museum a few months ago. I am very lucky to live just 25 mins away from London so before becoming a parent used to visit often. But this time it was all different as I was seeing everything the first time through their eyes. Even the tube journey was an adventure instead of a chore. We loved it :) thank you for the giveaway x
ReplyDeletehow strange i went to London this past weekend too and we did the site seeing tour bus on the buses and on the boats,. the main thing i wanted to see was the poppies too and i also took several pictures of them, they were just breath taking.
ReplyDeleteI've never visited London. I know shocking!
ReplyDeleteThe last time I went to London was to see Cliff Richard when he appeared at the O2. Shocking that I haven't been back since, especially since our son works in the City!
ReplyDeleteI love the M&Ms store:)
ReplyDeleteThe last time I went to London we went shopping in Oxford street and took kids to science museum
ReplyDeleteThe last time I visited London was for a shopping trip to Regent Street with my daughter during the Easter break.
ReplyDeleteI only live an hour away from London,and I love it there,My favourite place in London is Covent Garden,and love all the Westend shows
ReplyDelete2012 was the last time we went to London. I love the London Eye
ReplyDeletei was there in november i was in the audience of loose women with my daughter
ReplyDeletei love looking at all the street art in east london particularly brick lane
ReplyDeletei have never visited london :(
ReplyDeleteWe went about 10 years ago and we loved seeing Buckingham Palace!
ReplyDeleteWent to see Alfie Boe's last performance in Les Miserables. Fantastic.
ReplyDeletelondon zoo 15 years ago
ReplyDeleteI was there last month - went to Camden town :D
ReplyDeleteMarch - I like Regents Park
ReplyDelete(Spencer Broadley)
We went to the Natural History museum about 2 weeks ago to see the Trex
ReplyDeleteI last visited about 10 years ago. It was a busy day but I still remember our cabbie.
ReplyDeleteI like the tate modern. well done on trying stuff, even though scared!
ReplyDeleteIt must be about 12 years ago when we went and we loved Big Ben
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to London for a while sadly but I absolutely love every part of London
ReplyDeleteLast time I visited London we didnt actually go to the City center we just visited Wembley and Lego land, this trip took place in August of this year.
ReplyDeleteI live in london but it has been few years since I actually visited the famous sights
ReplyDeleteWe went last year with a couple of friends who had never been before, and it was fab seeing it through new eyes. I love a wee picnic on primrose hill
ReplyDeleteI was there last year, my fave part was a boat ride on the Thames :)
ReplyDeletenever been
ReplyDeleteI dont live that far but dont really make the most of it. I went in the summer with my son to London Aquarium and it was fab
ReplyDelete(Angela Sandhu)
we went this summer and went on the london eye
ReplyDeleteWe did the usual sightseeing last March - Loved the London Eye
ReplyDeleteI last visited London a couple of years ago for the Notting Hill carnival. It was a great experience.
ReplyDeletehavent been to London for 25 years, sister bought a ticket to see Joseph with Philip Schofield understudying Jason Donovan, so didnt see alot apart from the fabulous London Palladium
ReplyDeletePrior to last Saturday, 20 September, the last time I was in London was in the late 1970s!
ReplyDeleteI visited London in December and went to Wembley Arena, it is huge and was amazing :)
ReplyDeletetook my son down to London last week for his first year at Uni. Ended up driving along the embankment, it was lovely
ReplyDeleteWe take bus trips to london to see shows most years.
ReplyDeleteAbout 10 years ago - would love to go back with the kids
ReplyDeleteAshleigh
It's been about 18 years since I went to London and that was to see a show in the West End.
ReplyDeleteHubby and I last went in July 2012 (it was our wedding present to each other) to see Rhod Gilbert at the Apollo. Favourite site then was Tower Bridge with the Olympic Rings
ReplyDeleteWe went to London to see a show, but before that we went down the Thames on a boat, we had a good time with great sights.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to London but would like to at some point.
ReplyDeleteI have lived my whole life in London. I was born in Paddington and in my teens moved to Ealing in West London so I know the city very well. I'm so lucky to have such an exciting, vibrant city on my doorstep.
ReplyDeleteI went down this Summer to visit a friend and Wimbledon, so didn't really see much of the city itself this time. Since I had my daughter 2 years ago, I don't get to visit nearly as much as I would like, shopping and doing the tourist thing.
ReplyDeleteA works outing a good few years ago, to see we will rock you
ReplyDeleteWe stayed in London for a week a couple of years ago. I love the river by Big Ben.
ReplyDeleteJuly, I took the children to the natural history museum
ReplyDeletewhen I was 10, loved Westminster Abbey
ReplyDeleteThis summer we went up to Spitalfields, lovely shops, market stalls and cafes
ReplyDeleteI love Hyde Park
ReplyDeleteWent a few weeks ago, walked along the river by Tower Bridge, then hit the transport museum
ReplyDeleteI live and work in London and probably don't make the most of it. My favourite spot is the Southbank...always lots going on
ReplyDeleteAbout six months ago - most of my uni friends live there so I try to get up a few times a year. I love going to see shows at the west end.
ReplyDeleteLast time I went was 2011 and I loved the M&Ms store hehe :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to London for a long time, but last time we went, I had to explore on my own whilst my partner was at an appointment and I discovered Portabello Road.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a few years since we've been in London, it would be lovely to go back to stay and see a show
ReplyDeleteIve never visited before! Would love to though.
ReplyDeleteAfter winning two nights in a hotel, we went when the Paralympics was on. I love Covent Garden
ReplyDeleteI live in London now but am always too busy with work to see any sights! been here 6 years and still not done much touristy stuff!
ReplyDeleteI used to live in London but last took my mum down a couple of years ago to see a couple of shows. I love Richmond Park.
ReplyDeleteI went to London this past weekend, visited Mudchute Farm on the Isle of Dogs - 32 acres of countryside right in the city!
ReplyDeleteWe visited in May and spent the weekend enjoying the Camden Markets
ReplyDeleteI havent been for a while now (unsure exactly how long) but love walking from chelsea town hall over the bridge to Battersea park and enjoying the diversity.
ReplyDeletethe last time myself and my husband went to london was around 5 years ago.we try and go every year but more commitments at home lately.we love harrods for tea and scones.the hard rock cafe for nachos and pulled pork sandwich.xx passing the gates of buckingham palace are amazing as is passing big ben and seeing the change of the guards.
ReplyDeletelast time i went it was for work about 2 years ago
ReplyDeletelast year. tower of london is the best :)
ReplyDeleteThe last time we went through London was the day of the riots. We were on our way to Holiday, Kings Cross was the last place we saw.
ReplyDeleteWe went last Feb. Love the South Bank, and Somerset House area.
ReplyDeleteI normal go to london three time s a year normal the ideal home and with my hubby doing a pub walk around the old pubs
ReplyDeleteplus i love the twinnings tea shop
next time i go i going to gat a gremlin he so cute
lisa ann tebbutt
It was about 5 years ago and my favourite view was from the top of London eye, it was amazing. It looks like you had a fantastic weekend, thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteEarly in the year, we went to London zoo and on the London eye It was awesome
ReplyDeleteIt must be about 30 years since I last visited London, but am absolutely desperate to go back, would love to go on the London Eye
ReplyDeleteprobably about 8 year ago!!! love the shopping
ReplyDeleteat the beginning of the summer holidays with my daughter, she loved it, went to parliament and the palace, also a couple of the museams
ReplyDeleteI love London, my older girls have now got to the age I can take them to shows and over the summer we went to London three times. Was wonderful.
ReplyDeletei recently won a competition for a private tour of the tower of london, and dinner with the beefeaters and to watch the ceremony of the keys, it was awesome! now i think the tower of london will always be my favorite place in london x great memories.
ReplyDeleteWe went to Shepherds Bush recently to settle my daughter into her shared student house - an emotional journey ! Only 25 mins from where my Dad and her had our first home together back in the day we were also students.An iconic view of London for me is Battersea Power Station
ReplyDeleteLast year. i love the tower but it was shut when i visited, i remember as a child there was a circus held in it but time meant they couldnt show it anymore.
ReplyDeletei have never been to london, would love to, to see the musems
ReplyDeleteNot for a year or so - we went to stay in a hotel & watch Loserville on station.
ReplyDeleteIn 2012 when I played table tennis in the olympic venue. I stayed in the athlete village and had the chance to go to some of the food places near by the Excel.
ReplyDeleteI have never visited
ReplyDeleteI live in London, I went on the London Eye last year
ReplyDeleteits a few years since I visited London but would like to go and spend some time in the British Museum
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to London for years, I'd like to go up in the Eye
ReplyDeleteThis August, love the London Eye.
ReplyDeleteA couple of weeks ago.. first time with both children ! Visited the natural history museum.
ReplyDeleteAbout a year ago. I went to the Natural History Museum which I hadn't been to for years and it was great
ReplyDeletelast time i went was about 10 years ago and i went to white hart lane to watch spurs play
ReplyDeleteits been years since iv been to london. i think i maily went to pubs lol. would love to take my kiddies
ReplyDeleteLast week. I love the British Museum
ReplyDeletelast year and my fave trip was to harrods
ReplyDeleteI visited london 2 years ago for some shopping but I would love to go back sightseeing, would love to go to Buckingham palace.
ReplyDeleteWe go to London every year with and usually visit all the museums and always end up at a Spurs game (my husbands only reason to keep going)
ReplyDeletewhen i was a wee baby, my daughter goes every year she loves it she loves the wax works :)
ReplyDelete2 weeks ago, i loved the tower of london
ReplyDeleteI love the M&Ms store:) - leanne w
ReplyDeleteI took my 3 year old son to London in August and we did an open top bus tour round the city. He absolutely loved it.
ReplyDeleteWe love the London Eye and natural history museum
ReplyDelete2013
ReplyDeletei loved the houses of parliment showed round my our mp he was great
3rd February 2014 tower of london
ReplyDeletenever been but would love to
ReplyDeleteLast year for afternoon tea at the ritz with my mum.
ReplyDeleteIn 2012 when my son played in the School Games. Didn't have a chance to visit anywhere spent all day watching my son play at the Excel. Did manage to go for a meal that I won at Ping Pong(Tower Bridge) which was lovely especially as I didn't have to pay. Would love to visit Greenwich Park, The Tower Bridge Exhibition and The London Eye. Did manage to walk along the Thames and thought the lift to the top of the bridge was great.
ReplyDeleteJust last week for the National mumandworking Awards - I love Tower Bridge in the dark when it's all lit up
ReplyDeleteLast month to the theatre
ReplyDeleteI went yesterday, I went to see the poppies at the tower of London, they were amazing, then I went into the tower and saw the crown jewels
ReplyDeleteWent last year, we stayed near Trafalgar Square. We went to Harry Potter World.
ReplyDeleteI have never been but would love to visit London, to go on the bus tours, London eye and just try and fit as much in to see as possible. I'm rather jealous of the wonderful time you had!
ReplyDeletealways wanted to go to london
ReplyDeleteAbout 2 months ago, My favourite is St James park :}
ReplyDeleteI went with my husband about 5 years ago, we had afternoon tea at the Ritz, an overnight stay there and I most enjoyed visiting Hamleys and choosing a toy to take home to each of the children x
ReplyDeleteWas almost 4 years ago when we went to the 02 to watch Bon Jovi.
ReplyDeleteWe went last December and I loved Westminster Abbey
ReplyDeleteClaire D
About 28 years again in 6th form, going around art galleries.
ReplyDeleteIt is a long time since I visited London. My daughter keeps saying she wants to go to London, so I'm sure we'll go soon. My favourite place is Horse Guards Parade to see the horses go by.
ReplyDeletein july to visit tower of london
ReplyDeleteEven though I live only 10 miles away I hardly ever go to Central London, my last time was to the West End to see We Will Rock You, the theaters are always great to go to
ReplyDeleteWe went in August - Took my grandma on the Ducky Tour she loved it.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I visited London was Christmas time last year to visit relatives.
ReplyDeleteLast year for Christmas. The London Eye was my fav
ReplyDeleteGosh, not been for absolutely years. I would love to visit the Natural History Museum and the lovely parks.
ReplyDelete30 year ago therefore l'd like to try the London Eye
ReplyDeleteGeorge Williamson
I visited a couple of months ago just for a few hours and popped into Oxford St. It was extremely busy, as always, and the most welcome sight for me at the end of the day was a comfy armchair to sit on in Neros!
ReplyDelete2 weekends ago. I had a stop over before I went to Paris for the weekend. My favoutite sight is Madame Tussaud's.
ReplyDeleteAbout 10 years ago Maggie Jones restaurant, kensington amazing
ReplyDeleteI love the Tower of London
ReplyDeleteAbout a hundred years ago, no seriously it was a long time back. My favourite place to visit was always Kew Gardens, followed by the National Gallery
ReplyDeleteits been about 8 years since ive visited London, I always love visiting Hamleys
ReplyDeleteI live here, so id have o say my favourite place is my sofa in front of the tv!
ReplyDeletetrevor linvell
About 3 years since last visit. Love visiting the historical sites and taking pictures while imagining how it was in the past.
ReplyDeleteIn june to go to st Thomas hospital :-( my my children loved seeing the London eye and big ben.
ReplyDeleteBack in April , we did the london eye which is awesome and i love seeing Big Ben
ReplyDeleteLucky to leave near London so it only takes half an hour on the train. We love Leicester Square and Covent Garden. The musicals and theatre are world class. Love your photos.
ReplyDeleteLast time I visited was August last year and we went inside the Buckingham Palace
ReplyDeleteI was last in london in the summer watching the xfactor auditions x
ReplyDeleteive never been
ReplyDeleteA few years ago now & only made it to Tottenham Court Road, but I love the theatres there!!
ReplyDelete@smeethsaysfashn on twitter
I haven't gone yet hope I d0
ReplyDeleteI live in London but I always like when I go over the other side and get to see the really old buildings so full of history. I love the walks along the canals and nature reserves too.
ReplyDeleteNot been to London for over 20 years
ReplyDeleteAbout 3 years ago. I love history so love visiting places like The Tower Of London. I also love the free museums too :)
ReplyDeleteWhen the London Eye opened :)
ReplyDeleteI went last Tuesday just to see the poppies at the Tower. I bought one and was totally overwhelmed by the sight.
ReplyDeleteI've never actually been to London!
ReplyDeleteFebruary - Tower Bridge
ReplyDeleteI've never visited before.
ReplyDeleteProbably when I was 16 on a school art trip lol I loved the Tate Gallery
ReplyDeleteLondon is my home! You've made it look so beautiful here, that picture with the sun and Big Ben is particularly arresting.
ReplyDelete