Our recent day trip to London was so enjoyable we decided to visit London again the following week.
The train arrived on time but was delayed briefly due to a points issue. Once in London, we caught the Tube to Southwark where we intended to visit Southwark Cathedral and The Shard.
Before visiting either it was time for lunch. The place we had initially chosen had only two staff on so we decided not to stay because the pace was busy and we didn’t want to wait too long for our lunch. We checked out then next place on our list but instead settled upon The Ivy where we were seated in the conservatory area. It was light and airy with the doors open, which provided a cool breeze that took off the heat of the day.
The service was quick and efficient and we both chose the Smoked Salmon and Haddock Fish Cake accompanied by a glass of dry rose wine. Whilst dining, we decided to visit the Cathedral first. It had been on our itinerary for our recent London visit but we ran out of time to visit it.
We walked the short distance to the Cathedral in 80° heat. Stepping into the cool space of the Cathedral was a welcome relief. I found the Cathedral to have a peaceful feeling which perhaps reflects the rich history of the building. There are many interesting features within the Cathedral but sadly there is no guidebook to explain them in further detail.
After getting my Cathedral Pilgrim Passport stamped, we walked to the Shard. We purchased our tickets to ‘The View’, choosing the optional glass of bubbles to enjoy once we had reached the dizzy heights. The operation is very slick; bag search, green screen photos taken and then directions to the lifts that take you up to the viewing floor. The views are stunning and we took our time to spot the familiar landmarks of London. Watching the trains travelling in and out of Charing Cross station from above was like seeing trains on a model railway.
We walked to the top floor which is open to the elements although we found the view from there less enjoyable so we returned to the lower floor to enjoy our ‘bubbles’ looking out over London.
Mr C noticed the flowers in the Tower of London moat so after descending from the tower, we walked across Tower Bridge and around the moat before heading back to Euston Station.
We arrived at Euston Station to find utter chaos! All trains had been delayed due to a major problem with points near Watford Junction. Luckily for us the trains had just started running again. We caught the first train that was heading to Birmingham rather than wait for the later train which we had booked onto. When trains get messed up later trains often get cancelled, so better a train in the hand…
As expected the train was rammed full and we chose a space to stand safely next to the luggage rack. A man kindly gave up his seat for me; he didn’t like the thought of me standing all the way to Birmingham. I was grateful to him but also felt a little guilty.
During our journey the train staff decided to terminate the train a station early, Birmingham International rather than Birmingham New Street. A bit frustrating for us but entirely understandable for getting the trains back on schedule going forward.
This involved a mad dash across the platforms to get the first connecting train that was due to leave one minute after our arrival. There was a bit of Mr C not quite getting on the train whilst the guard was blowing his whistle and as I dashed across the platform, hopping on the train at the last minute. The doors closed behind me and we were on our way.
We arrived three minutes late compared to our original planned arrival which meant we were once again on time for joining our friends for last orders in a local hostelry.
The last time when I was there, I saw a lot of chimpazee sculptures.
Are they still there?
You can visit the Fenchurch Building (the Walkie Talkie) to get similar views too.
I have only been there once.
I didn’t see them, I seem to remember that they have moved elsewhere?
I am thinking my next view may be the Sky Garden which I believe is free if you arn’t dining…
But I would probably be tempted to a least a glass of bubbles whilst I was enjoying the view
The Sky Garden on the roof top of the Walkie Talkie is indeed free to visit.
But you have to pre-book it months ahead your actual visit,
the time slots go very quickly as soon as they are available online for people to book.
The Garden at 120 on Fenchurch St is easier cos you don’t need to book in advance, just turn up.
Thank you
It sounds like a lovely day in London again. The flowers in the Tower of London Moat look lovely. Sorry to hear about the train problem. My daughter recently went to London for a Taylor Swift concert and had massive train problems
We were next to a Spanish lady who had only been back in the UK for about three weeks. She said all the trains she had travelled on were in the same chaos we were experiencing on this journey,
She also helped delay the train as I ran accross the platform to jump on the train.