We arrived at the coach pick up point in plenty of time for our annual coach trip to London. When the coach arrived and we got on board we were informed that after 40 years this would be the last trip unless someone else took it on. The journey ran smoothly and we made good time arriving in London slightly earlier than on other occasions.
We were dropped off by Marble Arch and we made our way along Oxford Street to the nearest Spaghetti House, arriving just as it opened. I chose sea bass fillet on a bed of courgette, spinach and broad beans washed down with a cool glass of white wine. I declined the option of pudding thinking I might enjoy a slice of cake later in the day. After we had finished dinner we made our way by tube to the The Museum of the Order of St John. We viewed the galleries before joining the afternoon’s guided tour which was excellent despite the Blue Guide not turning up. We were shown round by one of the museum’s curators, Nancy who was very informative. We visited the private rooms in St John’s gate before walking the short distance to the Priory Church of St John and the crypt. When the tour was complete we visited the cloister garden which is situated next to the church.
Our next port of call was Foyles where we spent quite some time browsing round before having a cup of tea and a slice of chocolate, cherry and coconut cake. It is a cake I don’t see very often and it was a childhood favourite of mine. The tearoom was packed with no table available. We improvised and sat on a bench overlooking a temporary exhibition. When we had finished it was time to make our way back to the coach and our journey home which this year was thankfully adventure free.
Phew, and you did not visit the Caravaggio exhibition?
It was rather small and unobtrusive, it consisted of a few vestments…
It was overshadowed by the display that I visited in the Bishop’s Palace, Wells earlier this year.
The Chasubles seem to be following me around!!!
A visit to London with a difference, Cherie
It was a relaxing day in London
That sounds like a nice, relaxed, way of dropping in on ‘the Smoke’! The Museum of St John has been on my list for sometime – always so much to do! Browsing any bookshop is always a treat – and they are getting fewer.
You would enjoy a visit, there is so much history to enjoy. But you really need to be sure you can get on the guided tour to get the best of it
What a wonderful day out and you managed to see so much. Last time I went to London I drove (horrendous experience) probably not to be repeated! Lovely to have the chance to browse a book shop. Do hope they find someone to run the annual trip.
We saw so much because we focused on one thing rather than trying to cram in several things and missing the best of them. I always love browsing round a good book shop
Did you enjoy this little secret garden?
My office is just around the corner in Holborn!
So I know Clerkenwell quite well.
I did enjoy the secret garden
There are some other things nearby that I have on my radar to visit. Any other suggestions for the area are welcome 
Perhaps we could even meet up with LC for a cup of tea or coffee
You are always doing something interesting!
I like to get out and explore
just by the food selection, i would say this trip was a success and you also came up with some rather nice photos. the light streaming in through the glass windows and illuminating the horizontal flags is very pleasing.
Thanks Ayush, the light through the windows beautiful I am glad my photo captured some of that