My Must Sees

Westminster Bridge, Street walk, Hyde Park, Cave inside Gordon’s Wine Bar, Covent Garden street show, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Whitehall, The Tower of London

When I combine my passion for medieval history and my time in London I come to the conclusion that these are my must see sites and places. In my opinion, sitting in a park with a curry pie from EAT can be just as important to the London experience as visiting the Tower of London. London is so large that its size and popular "to do's" can actually work against you. Some of those popular "must sees" are far from worth it. For example, don't waste an hour and £23 on a trip to The London Dungeon... just go to Disney World if you want to see a cheesy dungeon. With so much to see, what do you make sure you do? 

I am going to start from east London and move west. I note the nearest station, but I would walk as much as possible. Everything in London is much closer than it seems. Most stations are literally a street away from each other. It can be quicker to talk and saves you some money. Plus, time to burn the calories from the extra pint you drank last night. 

The Tower of London:  Tower Hill Station

http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/ 

One of the places with the most history in London. The wardens (guides who live inside the walls of the tower) are  a lot of fun and truly add to the experience. They give the extra tid bits that will keep your attention until the very end of your tour. During December an ice skating rink is put inside the moat! For £1o you can ice skate next to The Tower in a moat where alligators used to swim!  Nearby is Boaden's BBQ.. not too shabby if you ask me. There is also a Wagamama across from the Tower. Stop and grab a #71 Chicken Katsu Curry before crossing Tower Bridge (Tower Bridge is NOT London Bridge) to walk to South Bank (pronounced Suth-uck). 

South Bank: 

Cross over Tower Bridge and snap some great shots of the Thames. When you cross over take a stroll down the waterfront (South Bank). There aren't too many actual 'go in sites', but it is a great way to see another side of London. The walk passes the Globe Theatre (This is not Shakespeare's original theatre so I don't think it's worth going in, but your call. It wouldn't take long if you did), The Tate Modern (This museum depends on your taste. I am not a contemporary fan so I prefer The Tate Britain located on the north bank), Millennium Bridge that provides a gorgeous view of St. Paul's, the famous mimes that clutter a strip of the bank, London Bridge (which is not the original, but is still at the same location. The first bridge had houses, pubs and shops all along bridge! Amazing! Take a look! http://wordsndreamz.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/old-london-bridge.jpg). Soon you will pass the London Eye (The Eye gives an incredible view of London and sometimes all the way out to Windsor Castle, but I would watch the weather and go near the end of your stay. If you go at the end of your trip you will be able to recognize where you have been, and in my opinion, it will mean more). Finally, you will end near the Dali Museum (next to McDonald's) and at Westminster Bridge! There are some great pubs along the walk and number of places to run in and grab food! This is section doesn't go into all the great places on the South Bank behind the water. The South Bank has been around since the Saxons occupied the area. Behind the water there are a lot of markets, pubs, stores, churches.. tons of history.

Covent Garden:  Covent Garden Station

Personally, I think that Covent Garden is a lot of fun, but not what you expect. It's not a place you spend a lot of time in. You should go, but it's not that big. It is a perfect starting point on the day you want to explore the West End. However, here you can catch a street show in the plaza, walk around the market, grab a cup of coffee at one of the cafes or enjoy a pint up at The Cove Pub. You can't miss it. It is upstairs and has a beautiful balcony that overlooks the Plaza. This is a great place to watch a show. From here I would walk to Leicester Square... 

Leicester Square:  Leicester Square Station

Walk through the square and check the ticket board for cheap tickets to see a play! (Les Mis, Wicked, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing... you can't go wrong)  If you go early or by mid day you can get a great deal! China town is parallel and has a great restaurant called, Hong Kong. It is a Francese family favorite and has incredibly delicious lettuce ducks wraps. From here continue walking down Charing Cross to the Strand towards Trafalgar Square... 

Trafalgar Square:  Charing Cross Station

The infamous lions and Nelson's Column! The monument is a great place to stop, take a breather, and naturally, climb a lions! Behind it is The National Art Gallery. It is free and something I would suggest. If standing on the balcony of The Natural Art Gallery, facing the monument, you will see Whitehall.. a famous street. It leads right to Parliament (Big Ben) and Westminster Abbey. So naturally, start the walk down. (There is a McDonald's on your left and a pub called, The Clarent). Along the walk you will pass the Horse Guards on your right, the Ministry of Defense on your left, a view of the London Eye, Downing Street on your right (where the Prime Minister lives) and the Foreign Common Wealth Office (where I used to work!). You are now are looking at Big Ben (outside the Westminster Station) in Parliament Square... look to your right and there is Westminster Abbey. 

Westminster Abbey:  Westminster Station

Definitely go in and make sure to listen to a automated guide. I would read up on the abbey before you go, otherwise, you miss out on all the history and its significance. It was founded in 960 ad and every monarch since Edward the Confessor has held their corination ceremony here! It is one of the most important buildings in London. Hands down. You mainly have to go for its significance. You'd be a fool not to. Nearby is Westminster Arms! This is a classic, tiny. English pub. This is another Francese favorite. I suggest stopping in and grabbing a pint of cider (Preferably Bulmers or Magners!) Now you are next to St. James's Park... 

Cross the street to Birdcage Walk (a street) and stroll along or through the park. At the end of your walk is Buckingham Palace... 

Buckingham Palace:  Green Park Station (you could walk through Green Park once you exit the station)

I have only been once and I was too young to remember. I need to go again... However, always associated with Buckingham Palace is the Changing of the Guard. This happens at 11:00 am and I honestly don't see the big deal. Go if you are nearby, but don't coordinate your day around it. It is boring, a lot of people with cameras and not a lot of action.