TOP TEN THINGS YOU MUST DO WHEN IN LONDON

                                       

If you have plans of visiting London and wants to get the most out of your trip, watch the photo video above and get to know the top ten things you must do when in London.

Enjoy!

P.S. Scroll down or click here for more posts with the details of the London trip that we took last summer. Yes, we did all of the top ten must-do's in London as seen in the photo video above.

Click here for tips on Getting Seat Tickets at London's West End at Half Price. There's also a link inside with a list of the latest shows in London's West End ; ). 

A GUIDED TOUR OF WINDSOR CASTLE, STONEHENGE AND THE ROMAN BATHS

Clockwise from left: The Roman Baths; Windsor Castle Visitor Entrance; Stonehenge

My friend and I took another guided tour during our London trip. The tour cost GBP 69.00 (P4,692.00 at the prevailing exchange rate) and included visits to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and The Roman Baths. 

The tour was led by a different company whose name I cannot remember now. I hope they forgive me for this. But, the experience was unlike what we had with the guided tour of Warwick Castle, Stratford Upon Avon and the Oxfords by Evan Evans Tour. In this second tour, the arrangement was for us to be picked up from Gouman Hotels and then we had to pick up other tourists from other hotels as well. The traffic was unusually heavy that day because of the on-going road repairs being conducted in preparation for the London Olympics that our arrival at the departure area, where the whole group met to gather and ride a single coach, was delayed. The departure area was uncovered such that we were exposed to the cold and we were just asked to fall in line and wait for our turn to ride the coach. This tour was slightly cheaper than the one offered by Evan Evans Tour to the same three destinations but, if I have another chance to book one again, I will definitely book the one by Evan Evans Tour.

Windsor Castle tower

Windsor Castle grounds

The crowd at the Windsor Castle was huge that it took awhile before we were able to start with the tour. Security was also tight which contributed to a few more minutes of waiting but nothing to complain about that.

When we were finally allowed to go inside, my friend and I had to think fast what to see first since we needed to go back to the coach at an appointed time, which was not very long, and there was much to see at the Windsor Castle.

We queued to view Queen Mary's Dolls' House. This was built for Queen Mary by the leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. We were in awe at the sight of this perfect replica in miniature of an aristocratic home. Queen Mary's Dolls' House fits its most magical of residences' description. The miniature collection alone was enough to make the trip worth it.

We hurried to go around the State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms. We did not have enough time anymore but I glimpsed at the ceilings of the State Apartments and they are marvelous. I also remember the apartments being lavishly furnished but my memory of it is blurred since we literally had to run back to the coach when we noticed that we only had a few minutes left to see the other places of interest outside the castle itself.

Running on our way to the coach, my friend and I took the risk of turning to our right to enter and see what's inside St.George's Chapel. St. George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. We were not able to admire the chapel so much and all I can remember about it are the tombs of kings and queens with effigies of themselves on top which are the norm.

Stonehenge, a World Heritage Site

Our next destination was Stonehenge. The ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is unique; an exceptional survival from a prehistoric culture. The monument evolved between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC. It is aligned with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset, but its exact purpose remains a mystery. Today, this World Heritage Site is a source of inspiration and fascination and, for many, a place of worship and celebration (from the English Heritage brochure, www.english-heritage.org.uk).

We were provided with free audio guides which helped us trace the evolution of Stonehenge from its beginnings as a circular ditch and bank to its final form with the huge sarsen stones and bluestones.

Entrance to The Roman Baths

The tour's final destination  was a visit to the Roman Baths. This is in the area where one of the literary greats, Jane Austen, lived. 

My friend and I decided not to look inside the Roman Baths anymore since we needed to pay an additional fee if we chose to. Instead, we walked around the area while we waited for our companions to finish. And, we were not disappointed! The shops near the Roman Baths are full of souvenir items which are cheaper than what we saw in the city. There were also many popular boutiques which sold items on sale! You guessed it right, my friend and I got excited and with undeniable delight, we shopped for accessories at the boutique store for only GBP 1.00 or P 68.00 per item. 

That mini shopping spree was a great way to cap the tour ; ).

HOW MUCH YOU WILL SAVE WHEN YOU USE A LONDON PASS

We were able to visit six London attractions for two consecutive days using the two-day London Pass that we bought at Heathrow airport for GBP 54.00 each. The London Pass is real value-for-your-money. We were able to save GBP 29.70 or P 2,000 + each as we were able to enter all six London attractions without further payment using the London Pass.

Below is a rundown of the London attractions that we visited with the normal entry price for each for your reference.

1. Westminster Abbey
    Normal entry price - GBP 16.00
    Free entry with a London Pass

The Westminster Abbey is a gothic church which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This is inside Westminster Abbey. This is the only photo inside Westminster Abbey that my friend managed to take before we were asked to stop taking photos as it is prohibited.

Aside from enjoying free entry to this place, we were also able to skip the long queue with the use of the London Pass. We were grateful for this benefit because we would have froze from the cold if we were not able to get in quickly. 

An audio tour was also included with our London Pass. This helped us greatly in appreciating the history of Westminster Abbey.

I was fascinated by the tombs of kings, queens and other people of past centuries where effigies of them above their tombs are common. The architecture was also intricate especially, when one looks up at the ceilings.

I was in awe and felt surreal when I saw the burial places of Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin, the special Scientists' corner which is home to a memorial for Isaac Newton and also King Edward's chair where many Kings and Queens, including Queen Elizabeth II, have been crowned.

2. The Jewel Tower
     Normal entry price - GBP 3.20
     Free entry with a London Pass

The Jewel Tower is minutes away from Westminster Abbey. This was designed to house the King's Privy Wardrobe (King Edward III), the branch of the King's household responsible for buying, storing and transporting the King's valuable personal property.

We were disappointed when we saw the inside of the Jewel Tower. We were expecting to see a king's elegant wardrobe and some of his most valuable personal property as described in the brochure but, there was not much to see. It was mostly empty space with boards filled with information as the photo above.

Looking back, taking photos of the building from the outside would have sufficed just to be able to say that we have visited the place.

3. The Kensington Palace
     Normal entry price - GBP 14.50
     Free entry with a London Pass

The Kensington Palace Gardens

Queen Victoria's Monument in front of the entrance to The Kensington Palace

The Kensington Palace is divided into two - the historic state apartments, which visitors are allowed to see and a separate private wing where members of the wider royal family have their homes.

I enjoyed our tour of the Kensington Palace where we were able to take a glimpse of the childhood and family life of Queen Victoria. I was especially struck by Queen Victoria's writings where she told of the love that she had for her husband. I felt her deep love for him just by reading the quotes from her writing.

The room where some of Princess Diana's wardrobe were kept was still being completed at the time of our visit. Nevertheless, we were able to get the opportunity to view several of her famous wardrobe which she wore in royal functions.

4. The Tower Bridge 
    Entry to the Tower Bridge is free
    Normal price to The Tower Bridge Exhibition - GBP 8.00
    The Tower Bridge Exhibition is free with the London Pass

London's Tower Bridge. It was when I saw this iconic landmark that I felt that I have truly arrived in London : ).

Never miss the Tower Bridge Exhibition. It is worth seeing.

I learned about other bridges aside from the common famous bridges that I've heard of like the Golden Gate Bridge and this, the London Bridge or The Tower Bridge. I was inspired to dream of travelling to those countries which are home to the other beautiful and historic bridges included in the exhibit. I actually made a mental note to seek if there are historical bridges in the countries I will visit in the future and take photos of them to put in a collection.

5. The Tower of London
     Normal entry price - GBP 19.00
     Free entry with the London Pass

The beautiful view from The Tower of London

There is so much on offer in the Tower of London. One day is not enough to visit the whole place. 

The highlight of our visit was her majesty's Crown Jewels. We were exposed to the splendid and glistening crowns and robes of royalty. Also, a grand collection of plates and mugs used in state dinners was on display.

The Crown Jewels is definitely a must-see.

6. The London Bridge Experience
    Normal entry price - GBP 23.00
    Free entry with the use of the London Pass

Although I am not a fan of horror houses,  my friend convinced me to visit The London Bridge Experience as it was advertised to have won "The Best Year Round Scare Attraction" at the Screamie Awards for two years in the running. We just had to find out how scary the experience is!   

The first part where we were brought back in time wherein the London Bridge Experience delved through the history of the bridge was quite boring. Maybe, it was because most of us in the group were not familiar with the history of the bridge that we were not able to relate very well. The real-life actors were not very successful in scaring the group.

The only thing which scared me was the experience of "The Squeeze". We were asked to fall into a single file and the person ahead would lead us through a totally dark space where there is a rubber-like curtain which squeezed our bodies like invisible hands when we went through it. 

We were just glad that entry to the London Bridge Experience was free with the London Pass since the normal entry price was expensive and was not value-for-our-money as far as my friend and I are concerned.

The London Pass is definitely worth it. We only did not save money, we also saved time : ).

FAMOUS PAINTINGS, A MUSICAL AND FINE DINING IN LONDON

The National Gallery in London, UK

"Wicked", the musical, tickets at half price in Leicester Square London, UK

Fine dining dinner at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill

You cannot go to London and not see The National Gallery. 

We found hundreds of the most famous and beautiful paintings in the world in The National Gallery. We feasted our eyes on the works and inspiring art of the masters, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Michaelangelo, Leornardo da Vinci and many others. One can easily lose one's sense of time while viewing the breathtaking collection. And we prevented this by constantly reminding ourselves that we have a play to catch in the early afternoon.

The National Gallery is easily accessed via the Tube by getting off at the Charing Cross station. Entrance is free and a number of audio guides and tours are available to help you explore the collection and make the most of your visit. 

One must-do when in London is to see a play or musical in London's West End. We did not plan to see any though, thinking that tickets were expensive. But, while strolling at Leicester Square on our second day and before enjoying the Chinese buffet at Hongkong buffet, we came across a ticket booth selling tickets to the musical, "Wicked", at half price! How lucky can one get? No need to twist our arms then. My friend and I bought tickets and did not let this wonderful opportunity pass : ).

Having done with our visit to The National Gallery, we proceeded to the Victoria Station for a simple lunch of sandwiches and drinks at The Subway. We chose to have lunch here since The Apollo Victoria theater, where "Wicked" is playing, is near the Victoria Station.

Our friends who have seen "Wicked" were right. It was a beautiful musical. We were spellbound and went out of the theater teary-eyed. 

Dinner was at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill. It was our turn to treat our friend who lives in London and who so generously welcomed us to stay at her place. And nothing was more fitting than a fine dining experience.

My friends both had steaks and it was fish for me. The main meal was great! Proof of this is the lack of photos to show you. We only realized that we did not take any photos of the main meal after we relished it and already cleaned our plates : ). Also, the wine suggested by the person who served us was excellent! No resistance on our parts to finish it to the last drop.

That was a whole day in London steeped with art and culture! 

A GUIDED TOUR OF MEDIEVAL WARWICK CASTLE, SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACE & THE OXFORDS PART 3

Can you hear an owl hoot in the background while looking at this image of the moon showing itself as evening dawns in the Oxfords where some scenes of  the Harry Potter movie series was shot? Photo courtesy of Ms. Joy Alcantara.

Christ Church War Memorial Garden

On our way to visit the Great Hall in Christ Church

The Great Hall. Photo courtesy of Ms. Joy Alcantara

Photo courtesy of Ms. Joy Alcantara

Photo courtesy of Ms. Joy Alcantara

The colleges in Oxford date back to the 13th century and among its famous students were Bill Clinton, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carol (Evan Evans Tours).

I guess what excited us the most in this walking tour was the visit to the Great Hall and the courtyards of Christ Church. It was with great anticipation that we awaited to see the site where most of the Harry Potter scenes were filmed : ). I confess that I have read the complete Harry Potter series but I never saw the film versions.  And upon seeing the Great Hall, I was immediately transported to the world vividly described by J.K. Rowling. The place was, to me, apt to how I would envision it when reading the novel.

Where Quidditch scenes were shot

Photo courtesy of Ms. Joy Alcantara

The courtyard where they shot scenes of Quidditch was breathtaking because of the vastness and sheer size of it. 

This walking trip more than made up for what we missed when we were not able to get tickets to the Harry Potter exhibit which was up at the same time that we were there in London.

Photo courtesy of Ms. Joy Alcantara

We also saw the Bodleian library which is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodleian_Library.

Near the conclusion of our excursion, we again experienced another unexpected but pleasant surprise. It rained hail! My friend was able to capture it in video but sadly, she is not able to send the video to me for posting :(. 

What a fun trip that was : ).

Going back to London, instead of getting off at the Victoria Coach Station, my friend and I decided to get off in the area near Primark instead. Primark is a store we saw on our way to the Warwick Castle. It was really a spur of the moment decision. Ms. Joy Alcantara, who so generously shared some of her expertly taken photos above and who we met in the excursion joined us in visiting the store.

And, we did not regret going to Primark. It was the Divisoria of London! Clothes, shoes, eco bags and other items cost GBP 1.00 - 2.00 or P 68.00 - 136.00 only. A dangerous place for shopaholics! And so, with great restraint, we only bought a few eco bags with the Primark brand on them to give to friends back home : ).

A GUIDED TOUR OF MEDIEVAL WARWICK CASTLE, SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACE & THE OXFORDS PART 2

From the Warwick Castle, we set forth for our next destination, Stratford Upon Avon. Stratford Upon Avon is the birthplace of the famous playwright and poet, Shakespeare. 

We gained valuable insight into Shakespeare's life upon visiting the place. Whereas before, I only think of Shakespeare as the author of Romeo and Juliet, The Comedy of Errors (one of my favorites), A Midsummer's Night Dream, etc., I now think of Shakespeare as a person who lived a regular life and not only as an author who only wrote, after our excursion. 

I did not know that the name of his wife was Anne Hathaway! When our guide mentioned the name of Shakespeare's wife, the image of Anne Hathaway, the young actress of the popular movies, Princess Diaries and Les Miserables, came to mind. I must admit that information confused me a bit then : ).

Shakespeare's birthplace

A puppet show went on outside of Shakespeare's birthplace to entertain kids

A play of  Shakespeare's work in the garden of the poet's birthplace. The actor is actually camera shy : ).

This is the street along Shakespeare's birthplace. There are a lot of shops nearby to serve the regular influx of tourists in the place.

One of the shops we went into to look at.

The Jester in Shakespeare's "As You Like It."

Photo courtesy of Ms. Joy Alcantara

We were not allowed to take pictures inside of Shakespeare's birthplace. What remained in my memory was the humble interior of the place.

The Shakespeare Giftshop. Photo courtesy of Ms. Joy Alcantara

The path outside of the poet's birthplace led to a very nice gift shop which sold children's books of his works aside from many other souvenirs. I bought several of the books as gifts for my nephew and also for myself to read : ).

The Buzz, a namesake of one of our popular local TV shows

 

Tea served with milk. The way the British take their tea.

With time still in our hands before our group heads to the Oxfords, we went into one of the shops named, The Buzz, to have tea. I loved the place because of its ambiance. There was a section in it where women gather to make some crafts and other activities giving the place a neighborly feel to it.

This excursion, truly, was an experience steeped in history and culture!

A GUIDED TOUR OF MEDIEVAL WARWICK CASTLE, SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACE & THE OXFORDS PART 1

On our itinerary on this day was a full day tour through the enchanting Costwolds, visiting Medieval Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's Stratford Upon Avon and a walk through the cobbled streets of Oxford (Evan Evans Tours).

The full day tour cost GBP 79.00 or about P 5,700 +. The tour departed from Victoria Coach Station which is walking distance from Victoria Station when travelling via the London Tube.

The tour package included the services of a professional tour guide and riding a first class luxury motor coach.

My friend and I were among the first to arrive in Victoria Coach Station. In fact, we were very early that the check-in counter was not yet open when we arrived. Well, we did not want to come in late and risk being left behind. We were very eager to join this trip not only because of the price we paid for it but also because of the exciting places we will visit as well : ).

The Royal Mews out for their morning exercise. No, this was not part of the tour package. It was a pleasant surprise that we saw this when our coach passed by the area on our way to our first destination, The Warwick Castle.

The scene which was proof that we have arrived at The Warwick Castle

Although it was a long drive going to The Warwick Castle, it was not at all boring as we were treated to very scenic and colorful country side spots along the road.

Our tour guide also kept us awake with her very interesting stories and anecdotes. Our tour guide was a very professional, patient, kind and warm lady. You can still hear the passion in her voice while talking of something I assume she talked about a hundred times already.

Our Tour Guide with the umbrella so we could see her while we explore the place

Entrance to The Warwick Castle

The Warwick Castle grounds

This reminded me of fairy tales like Cinderella and Snow White 

The smoke provided an air of mystery

The mound. This is one of the oldest part of Warwick Castle which was first built in 1068 as part of the Norman castle's defense system. It is the perfect vantage point for defending against marauding troops but today is used for taking in the beautiful views.  Click here to read more, http://www.infobarrel.com/Englands_Premier_Castle

I was thrilled upon seeing the Warwick Castle's grounds. We were taken back 1,000 years in history to a time of bloody battles. 

The grounds of the Warwick Castle are lovingly tended and well preserved

I bet they did not smile 1,000 years ago when put through this!

There were a lot to cover aside from the Warwick Castle's grounds. We had to choose from Merlin: Dragon Tower, The Castle Dungeons and Secrets and Scandals of the Royal Weekend Party. My friend and I chose the latter as we were curious about the secrets kept by The Earl of Warwick and his family.

Inside the Warwick Castle are Madame Tussaud's waxworks display depicting extravagant banquets and a royal ceremony which took place 1,000 years ago.

Helping dress the Earl of Warwick's wife, Daisy

I was invited by some of the guests at The Royal Weekend Party to have tea : )

The secret was revealed. The Earl of Warwick's wife had a lover! They did not mind it then as long as they knew how to behave in public, tsk, tsk...

A handsome knight whom we saw right after we came out of the castle after about an hour of exploration

Originally, the Warwick Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1608. The castle is often referred to as England's Premier Castle.

The tour of Shakespeare's birthplace and the Oxfords in my next post.

TIPS:

1. Be early when joining guided tours as you would not want to left behind when you come in late.

2. Bring easy to eat foods like sandwiches in case you become hungry and there's nothing available in the places that you will visit. My friend and I bought sandwiches from a branch of Pret A Manger near the Victoria Coach Station before we checked in the departure area.