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Great Britain, London: Big Ben and Parliament
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You get two photo ops for the price of one in London because Big Ben (in the re-named Elizabeth Tower) stands right next to the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament). Big Ben is the name of the largest bell. When built, in 1859, the clock was the largest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world. In August 2017, renovation work began in order to include a lift, and to re-glaze and repaint the clock dials. Though the clock could chime throughout the work being done, it was too loud for the workers so the bells will remain silent except for such occasions as New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Sunday. Here we caught it from the top of the Hop On Hop Off bus with the tour guide telling us about it.
Great Britain, London: Harry Potter Train Platform
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When in London, kids make a pilgrimage to the Kings Cross tube station where Harry Potter left for Hogwarts on special platform numbered 9 3/4. When we first visited this spot, a decade ago, there was the simple sign on the wall. It was a real treasure hunt to find it in the station.
Nowadays, it’s very easy. Just look for the giant lineup of kids and their parents willing to pay to take photos in front of it – AND- the very busy shop next door selling everything Harry Potter possible. You don’t need to pay to get into the Tube to get to this part of the station.
Great Britain, London: Flower Wall at the Shard
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Who would expect flowers to be growing on the wall of the 72nd floor of a building? Great photo op at the Top of the Shard in London.
Great Britain, London: What is the Shard?
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The Shard is the newest tourist attraction in London and it was fabulous. You lift off in multiple elevators to get to the 72nd floor where there are 360 degree views, viewing platforms, selfie options, a flower wall, and a café. You can walk down to the 68th and 69th floor for more views. Notice here the Tower Bridge, the snaking path of the Thames and the London Eye.
Great Britain, London: Tower Bridge
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You can of course, see the Tower Bridge from the Tower of London – however even better, you can walk across it. It’s included on the London Pass.
Great Britain, London: Beefeater Guarding the Crown Jewels
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Two “red and black” guards, keeping an eye on the crowds going in to see the British Crown Jewels. The line moves fast and it sure was worth it. These Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, are Members of the Sovereign’s Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary, and are more commonly known as the Beefeaters. You can skip the crowds at Buckingham Palace and do two-for-the-price of one and see them here at the Tower of London.
Great Britain, London: St. Paul’s Cathedral Whispering Gallery
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If you have strong calf muscles, it is definitely worth the 100’s of winding steps to the Whispering Gallery. Not only does it give you a great view of the cathedral below, but you can learn the whisper secret. You can ask one of the guides up there to tell you where to sit to try it out. Don’t give up, it’s delightful when you can make the hundreds-year-old magic work.
Great Britain, London: Monsters Protecting Us
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Beyond the regal London, you might come across a dragon in the sky when you take the Hop On Hop Off Bus. This one was on the way to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Free ride when you buy the London Pass.
Great Britain, London: Soldier in the Niche
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You never know who you might get up close and personal with when you are on top of the Hop On Hop Off Bus in London. Included on the London Pass. It’s a whole different perspective seeing the city this way.
Great Britain, London: Hop On Hop Off Bus
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These double decker sightseeing buses are available on your London Pass (or not). You can enjoy the fresh air on top watching and listening to the narrator or stay downstairs for the inside edition. Don’t forget to pick up earplugs when you hop on the bus. There are a few routes which take you all around the highlights of the city. You can just ride the bus all day too – and give your feet a rest.
