London in 12 Hours

With only 12 hours to tour this royal city we knew we had to hurry to get in all that we could. Armed with two "tour guides"(a cousin and her roomie), we stormed the city and saw all that we could. Quite exhausting for two almost middle-aged couch potatoes, but fun and exciting all the same!!!

Quick Tips:

Bring lots of money! We found everything quite expensive compared to the States. Eat local if you can. You can get some great food from the most unlikely places.

Best Way To Get Around:

Definitely the buses! We took a river boat, cabs, subway, trains, you name it. We found the most cost efficient is a bus pass. Walking is great, but you really have to know where you're going!

The hotel was decent. The rooms were quite small (think college dormitory) but relatively clean. A free continental breakfast was included in the cost of the room. The food was tasty but kind of sparse. Apparently a "full English breakfast" could be purchased, but we were never offered. The coffee was good and they refilled your cup (rare in the UK). The room was quite warm considering it was February and cold outside. The TV channels were lacking, but this is to be expected in most hotels here. Overall, it was maybe a three-star rating (out of five). We would probably not stay there in the future, though it was not a bad experience.

While in London, we thought it necessary to find a decent fish-and-chips place. Fryer's Delight did not disappoint!!! My husband had the fish-and-chips (LARGE PORTIONS), while I opted for the beef pie (with lots of HP sauce!) and chips. We were both VERY happy with our choices. The atmosphere was reminiscent of our diners here in the US, with vinyl booth cushions and metal tables. You would definitely NOT dine here for the atmosphere, but the food was great! The prices were also very good. You could easily dine for under US$10 per person for your meal and a drink. We're so glad we took a friend's suggestion to eat here!

Standing at 135m high, the London Eye is a sight in itself. After reading the recommendations for the Eye, we knew we had to take a spin. It was amazing to see just how big London is from way up there. It was also very helpful to see where everything was in comparison to everything else. Maps and street signs can only give you an idea of the area, but the Eye can show you how it all looks. At 13BP per person, the 30- to 40- minute "trip" is quite costly but worth it for the pictures you can get! We bought some sandwiches and chips in the lobby and ate them while on board. Each capsule can hold 25 people, but they only put about 15 to 20 in each to make it roomier. The pods have a bench in the middle to sit on if you would like, but most like to stand and take pictures of the view.

As a non-history buff, I was not sure how much I would enjoy touring the Tower of London. Just entering the gate I felt taken in by both its grandness and ‘oldness’. It was quite amazing to consider that I was walking on streets, and visiting building, that were fashioned before my country had even been ‘discovered’! Needless to say, I was very impressed and a little overcome even.We began by visiting the White Tower, the first known building to be considered the Tower of London. Next we moved on to the Jewel House (where the Crown Jewels are kept). I was astounded by the beauty and cost of the scepters and crowns kept there! After seeing the Queen’s crown I really wanted one of my own (if you knew me you’d understand!), I found a small replica in the Jewel House gift shop for £28 and bought it. I then found one similar in the Tower gift shop outside for £9!!! Oh well…We then moved on to the Chapel of St. Peter Ad Vincula, which houses many bodies of Tower prisoners. It was quite interesting and sobering to see the resting places of people like Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, and others I had learned about in British Literature classes. While I understand the reason for no photography in the chapel, it would have been cool to have pictures to show those back home.Outside of the Chapel we saw the Site of the Block. This was where seven famous prisoners (including Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard) were beheaded. I stood wondering how many prisoners peered from windows in the tower watching their peers be put to death and wondering if they were next! Flowers lay in front of the scaffold site and are replaced daily.We found the Bloody Tower to be more personally interesting to us. For thirteen years it housed Sir Walter Raleigh (a man who played a founding part in our state of North Carolina). His ‘room’ is done with period décor and holds many interesting books to explore.On our way out, we went past Traitor’s Gate. Just standing there imagining all of those prisoners being led up those stairs… some to their death… gave me chills. There were some places like this in the Tower where all you wanted to do was just stop and listen and think.Needless to say, I found the Tower quite fascinating and would recommend it as a MUST SEE!!! The admission is a bit steep at about £13 but worth it all the same. Just remember to buy your crown at the Tower gift shop on the way out! 