London calling …
24/05/2014 § 6 Comments
Just outside Waterloo Station, on the Embankment, the river boats offer a waterborne taxi service up and down the Thames.
There’s nothing quite like a day out in London, especially if you take the river boat instead of the tube, mooch around markets instead of joining in the rat-race and enjoy coffee whilst sitting in the sunshine instead of a grabbing a cuppa-to-go!
HMS Belfast (right) with a visiting German boat alongside
St Paul’s Cathedral
Tower Bridge
The Tower of London
In the 1500’s prisoners were brought by barge along the Thames, passing under London Bridge and mooring up to offload their ‘cargo’ at The Traitors’ Gate
Millennium Bridge & the Shard
Our destination was Greenwich, home of the Cutty Sark
I love Greenwich – it has a sort of village feel and sense of a vibrant community. Lovely little speciality shops and of course, Greenwich Market where we enjoyed the best lamb kofta (eaten before I could get my camera) and amazingly light little almond pancakes – complete with strawberries and white chocolate, of course!
Greenwich Foot Tunnel was opened in 1902 and crosses beneath the River Thames linking Greenwich with the Isle of Dogs – what a pretty building
Spectacular storms hit, as we left Greenwich – the Shard was hit by lightning, look at those grasses blowing in the wind
then back up the river again as the skies cleared once again
On land once more for a wander around Covent Garden to complete the day. I love the juxtaposition of ancient and ultra modern and my thoughts on more than one occasion turned to pattern and design and thoughts of patchwork.
an amazing glass window near Covent Garden
perfect lines – I’d be proud of those seams on a patchwork quilt
possibly my favourite photo – the amazing Victorian engineering that suspends Tower Bridge
If you’re planning a visit to Greenwich Market, Thursday is Antiques and Collectables day and it’s well worth a visit. Oh – and the outdoor pizzeria at Covent Garden is another must-visit destination!!! Yum!
On previous occasions I’ve walked the City street for miles and miles, feeling worn out and worn down with the speed and stress that the capital exudes. I was pleased to find a seat on the train for my home journey, granted, but it was a relaxing and fun day with the most excellent company and some awesome sights.
We’re off on a jaunt this weekend, with dogs and duck being cared for by one of our sons aided and abetted by Aunty Beti! More photos to follow (once the rain stops in North Devon)!!
What are you up to over the Bank Holiday weekend? Is the sun shining where you are?
Adaliza x
That looks like a great way of seeing London! Hope you find some sunshine in North Devon. We are off to River Cottage if the rain doesn’t cancel events! Sarah x
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Enjoy RC – we love their deli in Axminster.
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As always, BRILLIANT “Postcards”!!
I love the CUTTY SARK! — The last time I was there was in ’76! – Any way, She’s looking as impressive as ever. [btw, wasn’t there some fire damage a few years back?]
oh, and Thanks for that tidbit about the Thursday Antiques market. Good to know **IF** I ever get a chance to get BACK to the UK again! *Some* day…
😀
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You must make plans – Tower Bridge was painted red, white and blue to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977! You’ve got to see that!
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Actually, I *was* in London again in ’77 for the Silver Jubilee! – I was staying with Relatives in Bournemouth, but met up with Friends I’d met the previous year to spend the DAY in London. We managed to get inside the circle at Buckingham to see THE QUEEN ride by and the whole Lot on the Balcony… [Although, I’ve since seen HER in a Carriage about 10ft away [NO obstructions] on one of HER visits to Ottawa.] – The Crowd at the Palace was a bit thick! Luckily, one of my Friends was 6’5″ and took some pics for me!
I didn’t see Tower Bridge then… But, did walk across some other one that I can’t remember which. Way too much walking was done that day in the wrong footwear! And, getting squished in THE TUBE! — Alas, I was young & stupid Then… Just OLDER Now… ;-D
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How exciting! Well, the tube is probably much worse now than it was then. That’s why I love the river boats so much.
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