Saturday 25 May 2013

Enjoying London.

Yesterday evening we took a chance and queued for return tickets for “The Audience” with Helen Mirren at The Gielgud Theatre.

IMG403

It was a cold one hour wait (5th and 6th in the queue) but we finally got offered a couple of tickets.  We were very lucky and got two of the best seats in the house (unfortunately they were the most expensive as well!).  The wait was very well worth it as the performance was everything, and more, that it promised to be.

IMG406

After the performance a small group of us we were lucky enough to get our programs signed and have a brief chat with Helen Mirren at the stage door.  All in all it was a spectacular and rather surreal evening.   Its a must to see if you can get tickets!

Today we’ve had a great wander around the city using buses and the tube.  We bought weekly travel passes when we arrived in London (£30 each) and they’ve paid for themselves already.

IMG_0372

We took a look inside the fabulous St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.  What a stunning building both inside and out.

IMG_0368

Part of the amazing staircase in the hotel.

IMG_0376

We then travelled on to Docklands – took a look inside the O2 Arena (guess it’s better if you’re attending a performance!) and then took a ride on the Emirates Air Line cable car across the Thames to The Excel Centre.  The views are very good across the city and we were able to get a good look at the Thames Barrier.

IMG_0377

All smiles at nearly three hundred feet in the air!

IMG_0381

Great views of the city.

IMG_0384

Giant barges look like dinky toys.

IMG_0400

After getting the Docklands Light Railway to Limehouse Basin we walked back along the Embankment.

IMG_0413

We stopped off at The Prospect of Whitby – the oldest waterside pub in London.  Very atmospheric with lovely terraces on the riverfront.

IMG_0404

It was in this pub that the first Fuchsia plant, brought in from The New World in 1696, was traded for a noggin of rum.

IMG_0418

Walking further along the Embankment we got to St Catherine’s Dock where we found “The Gloriana” moored up.  This was one of the craft built for the Queens’ Jubilee Pageant.

IMG_0426

We were soon into the ‘major tourism’ area.  There were large crowds of tourist enjoying the sunshine today.

IMG_0431

There are some very iconic scenes to be had in this lovely city – HMS Belfast with Tower Bridge in the background, what could be better!

IMG_0435

Another short walk along the south bank of the river and we were at The Shard.  We intended to go up today but time was running out so we’ll do it another day.  It’s a terrific building on an incredibly small site.  We look forward to the views from the top on another day.

Tonight we are off out into town again to enjoy the nightlife!

5 comments:

  1. Sounds like a busy 'holiday' in the city. Working locks will be a rest afterwards.

    ReplyDelete
  2. If you go along to Limehouse area again do hunt out The Grapes pub. Just around the corner from the moorings, a very old pub, used to be Dickens' local. Fab pub with great food, especially the fish.
    Kath (nb Herbie)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Kath, we shall certainly try it out, when we get to Limehouse, we love the old pubs and the atmosphere they have. Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi guys,

    How long will u be in London? May be able to meet up as I am there for a few days next week.

    Try the Two Chairman on the corner of old queen street, superb beer and only 1 min from Palace of Westminster.

    Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Paul, we shall be in London all this week, be great to meet up if you have any free time when you are here...

    ReplyDelete