Day Trips in and Around London

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Overview

After the Guard Change Photo - London, England

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This trip was my first solo trip outside of the USA. I went to London for a week and ventured out and around the city using the underground/tube and the local bus system. Staying in the theatre district, I was very central to everything. I really enjoyed all of the sights in London and the diversity of people everywhere I went. As an American tourist, complete with camera around my neck, I felt very safe everywhere I went and in all that I did. That was in 1999 though and the world has changed. As we prepare for our 2 weeks in the UK to include Scotland, I am hopeful that we will feel as comfortable and safe as I did back then.One of the most interesting places that I explore...Read More

This trip was my first solo trip outside of the USA. I went to London for a week and ventured out and around the city using the underground/tube and the local bus system. Staying in the theatre district, I was very central to everything. I really enjoyed all of the sights in London and the diversity of people everywhere I went. As an American tourist, complete with camera around my neck, I felt very safe everywhere I went and in all that I did.

That was in 1999 though and the world has changed. As we prepare for our 2 weeks in the UK to include Scotland, I am hopeful that we will feel as comfortable and safe as I did back then.

One of the most interesting places that I explored was Picadilly Circus. It reminded me a lot of Time Square with the large signage overlooking the streets. There were street vendors, local artists and musicians sharing their talents. I was particularly interested in a painted street mime. I have a couple of photos attached to this overview of him.

Quick Tips:

Get out and get around the city. With a mass transit pass in hand, you have access to the bus and tube system throughout the city and entire area. Wear comfortable shoes and carry plenty of Kleenex. There was something about the sooty air that gave me black boogies, probably from the oil based heat or perhaps the automobile pollution. Fortunately, my allergies were not really affected by whatever it was in the air that gave me the crusties.

Because there is so much to do and see, I would suggest you buy a tour book like Frommers to have a good idea of what you want to do and see. I’m not much on art museums so I didn’t plan time for those places. I do, however, love the churches and castles so I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to see them.

Best Way To Get Around:

As I’ve already said, public transportation in London is very easy and convenient. I didn’t find that I need to hire a cab so that was good. I did enjoy taking a couple of organized tours through Gray Lines and would recommend them. You are able to sit back and enjoy the sites as the driver shares stories and explains what you are seeing. That was especially valuable to me having never been to England before and traveling alone.

During that trip I did not do the double-decker London Tour. It looked to be a great way to get around and to be given door-to-door transportation to some of the more visited sites in London. I think that when we go in November, we will give that a try although I don’t think we’ll be riding outside!
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Changing of the Guard - Buckingham Palace

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Guard is Relieved Photo - London, England

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This was my lucky day! I had just ventured out for the day and started to head out towards Buckingham Palace. Not knowing anything about the schedule for the Changing of the Guard, I was just hoping to be able to get a nice view of Buckingham Palace and to enjoy my walk through Kensington Gardens.Well, as I got closer, I noticed the crowds growing. By the time I got to the Palace, it was clear that people knew what was soon to come. Off in the distance, the faint sound of drums could be heard. As it got closer, the buzz in the crowd grew louder. As the regiment was coming!! These elite members of the British Army were locked step together, creating quite the show. The intricacies and...Read More

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Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

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As a fan of just about all sports, and a HUGE fan of John McEnroe, a trek to Wimbledon was a must do during my London vacation. I took the tube out of London to the village of Wimbledon assuming it would be relatively simple to find the hallowed grass courts of famed Wimbledon. Well...I got off probably one station further away than I needed to and after a good hour walk, I reached my destination. Admittedly, the walk was wonderful as I strolled neighborhoods, parks, and even the village itself.As you enter the main visitors center there is a wall with all of the champions listed. Unless you actually have such a list to read, you might not realize how some players really seemed to own th...Read More

As a fan of just about all sports, and a HUGE fan of John McEnroe, a trek to Wimbledon was a must do during my London vacation. I took the tube out of London to the village of Wimbledon assuming it would be relatively simple to find the hallowed grass courts of famed Wimbledon. Well...I got off probably one station further away than I needed to and after a good hour walk, I reached my destination. Admittedly, the walk was wonderful as I strolled neighborhoods, parks, and even the village itself.

As you enter the main visitors center there is a wall with all of the champions listed. Unless you actually have such a list to read, you might not realize how some players really seemed to own the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Names like Borg, Navratilova, Graf, and Sampras appear for several years in a row.

The history of tennis played on the grass courts of England can be followed as you walk through the museum and exhibit area of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis. They have done an outstanding job of telling the story of tennis throughout the ages. When I was there in 1999, the exhibits included old wooden tennis rackets and the outfits worn by past champions. The dress that Chris Evert Lloyd wore when she won in the mid 70’s was displayed. I never realized how small and petite she was. The white tennis dress looked to be about a size two! I really enjoyed watching the video clips of some of the greatest players ever, including Rod Laver and Jimmy Conners.

After taking the walking tour of the museum visitors are permitted to sit in the stands of Centre Court to see what your view would be if you were lucky enough to have tickets to attend during the fortnight. But alas, for me, it was just a fantasy to be such fortunate. I was surprised at how close I felt to the grass court. When you watch it on NBC, the fans seem so far away from the action.

There is a nice café on the premises where you can order the infamous strawberries and cream. For me, I opted for a light sandwich before heading back to the train station.
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Leeds Castle

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Leeds Castle was part of one of three destinations during my day trip on Gray Lines Tours. If you aren’t comfortable driving a car in a foreign country, the tour motor coach is the way to go! Comfy and informative, even traveling by myself, I had a great time!Leeds Castle is located in Kent, southeast of London. Dating back to 857AD, this historic site has been called one of the loveliest castles in the entire world! Originally built of wood, it was rebuilt in 1119 in all stone. It sits in a lake, essentially on a couple of islands. The lake actually looks like a huge moat around the castle which is probably part of the design. It was one of Henry VIII’s royal palaces in 1520 so prote...Read More

Leeds Castle was part of one of three destinations during my day trip on Gray Lines Tours. If you aren’t comfortable driving a car in a foreign country, the tour motor coach is the way to go! Comfy and informative, even traveling by myself, I had a great time!

Leeds Castle is located in Kent, southeast of London. Dating back to 857AD, this historic site has been called one of the loveliest castles in the entire world! Originally built of wood, it was rebuilt in 1119 in all stone. It sits in a lake, essentially on a couple of islands. The lake actually looks like a huge moat around the castle which is probably part of the design. It was one of Henry VIII’s royal palaces in 1520 so protection from attack was obviously important. The castle later served as a house of detention in the late 17th century until it became property of the Fairfax family in 1712. It remained in hands of Britain’s elite until it was granted to the Leeds Castle Foundation in 1972. It has been open to the public since 1976.

Perhaps one of the most unique rooms in the castle is the Dog Collar Museum. Yes, that’s right...DOG COLLARS! Over 100 of them. Ever wonder why there are dog collars with those big spikes on them? It’s to protect guard dogs from other animals going for their necks. Many of the collars in the collection are from medieval times. In addition to the large metal collars, there are also several that have ornate decorations including velvet and leather.

The grounds are a well kept and perfectly manicured park. The lush green grass and beautiful flowers throughout really add to the stately feel of Leeds Castle. The lake has several black swans, which I thought only existed in fairy tales. They are magnificent birds and look like royalty was they swim graciously. Speaking of birds...here I saw a solid white peacock. Another first for me as I had no idea that peacocks would be pure white. This journal entry has photos of both of these species of birds.

If you plan a full day here, rest assured to know that they have full service restaurants and gift shops. There are plenty of “Made in England” crafts and gifts as well as clothing.
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Salisbury Cathedral

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The Cathedral Photo - Salisbury, England

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People have been coming to Salisbury Cathedral for over 750 years to worship and see this classic medieval church. One of the four original texts of the Magna Carta is here visible through a glass display in the Chapter House. Providing the freedom of church for all of England, the Magna Carta and her principles have largely been incorporated into what later became the US Constitution.The Cathedral itself took over 38 years to build (1220-1258) and is a wonderful example of early English Gothic architecture. As you enter, be sure to stop and take a look at the old medieval clock, believed to be one of the earliest working clocks, dating to 1386. As you approach the high alter and the Tri...Read More

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Canterbury Cathedral

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Canterbury Cathedral in the Distance Photo - Canterbury, England

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For me, this is probably the most beautiful place of worship I have ever seen. Canterbury is the “Mother Church of England” and is considered to be the “Mother Church” of over 80 million Anglicans throughout the world. This is also the place where Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170.The first Cathedral of Canterbury was built by St. Augustine in 597AD. The Cathedral was later rebuilt in the late 11th century. Much of the original foundation remains beneath the current structure. Medieval tombs of several royals and archbishops may be seen here. Be sure to visit the crypt to see these direct ties back to British history.The Bell Harry Tower was completed in 1498 and is truly re...Read More

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