Today we started heading out towards the Tower of London. Unfortunately, the Tube line we needed to transfer onto wasn't running this weekend. Instaed we decided to hop on a cruise tour of the River Thames. It started at Big Ben and travelled up the Thames to the Tower of London, dropping us off right at the entrance. It worked out perfectly, and we got some great views of the city and had all the interesting spots along the river pointed out to us.
Once inside the Tower of London, we joined up with a great tour guide who explained all the stories of prisoners and all those who had the heads chopped off inside the Tower and why.
It definitely has a great history and is worth seeing. Our guide also informed us that it was the Queen's official birthday and that there was going to be a 62-round canon saulte right outside the Tower. We decided that we should go check it out and were able to watch the whole ceremony. It was really loud and very impressive.
After leaving the Tower of London we made our way the the Tower Bridge and crossed it over the beams. It gave us a good view of the city. We were also able to go down into the engine room and see the massive machinery that lifts the bridge for boats.
After spending most of the day in that area, we hopped back on the return river cruise boat and made our way to Buckingham Palace. While impressive looking, there isn't much to see at Buckingham Palace because you have to stand so far away, so we didn't spend too much time there.
We ate a late dinner at a little Italian place in Leicester Square and returned to the hotel early and very tired.
The weather looks like it does here! At least you get some more cool weather before the heat!
ReplyDeleteOk, really funny, but we have a picture of us at the Tower of London with that SAME guy! Weird! :) glad you're having fun!
ReplyDeletethat is amazing that you had the same tour guide. We were so excited to see him all in his red uniforms for the Queen's birthday celebration...only once a year. Usually they wear the dark blue ones and we were there on the perfect day. It was wonderful, and i had no idea that he lived there. that amazed me. He lives in the tower of London with his family. A very prestegious role for a Englishman. :)
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