This England: From West End to Westminster and a Dinner to Die For!

I left off last time as we were in London's West End, just having wrapped up a lovely concert at St. Martin's in the Field. We had decided to go to Evensong at Westminster Abbey that afternoon and there is always a queue, so we thought we'd amble that way down Whitehall.

Charing Cross Road turns into Whitehall just after Trafalgar Square and as one approaches the government buildings. You'll find the Churchill War Rooms and museum in his area (highly recommended -- you can see an older post here) and 10 Downing Street. You'll also pass a number of war memorials, which I wrote about back around Veteran's Day HERE.

This time we saw some action at the Horse Guards. 

Horse Guards serves as the official ceremonial entrance to St James and Buckingham Palace. It is the headquarters of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. It is this group that provides troops for the monarch's Life Guard.

Two uniformed Life Guards guards were on the sidewalks with their magnificent horses (and a sign saying to leave the horses alone!) While there is a changing of the guard each morning, we were there in time for what is called the Four O'Clock Parade (or Dismount Parade or Punishment Parade.)

This takes place on the courtyard, just off Whitehall and in front of Horse Guards. The mounted sentries who have been guarding the official entrance to Buckingham Palace are relieved by dismounted sentries. They were attracting quite a crowd. So of course we had to join in.

It wasn't a flashy ceremony but interesting. I wouldn't add it to the must-see list but it was fun to watch if you're in the area and certainly something we're not used to seeing at home!

We also checked out the Horseguards Parade area behind this building. This is where the King does the Trooping of the Color, an annual June birthday celebration but nothing was going on that day. Still, a great view of St. James Park!

Looking back the other way, another lovely view, this time, the London Eye!

Then it was back toward the Abbey with a quick stop by the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben. 

It's really the iconic London image, isn't it? And so very beautiful. I would see it again in a few days.

We reached the Abbey quite early, admiring its impressive exterior. 

 

There is so much history in these walls -- coronations, weddings, funerals. Anyone who has stepped within is bound to feel a sense of those who helped make the United Kingdom and England what it is.  

We got there quite early and found ourselves at the back of a very long queue, which got a lot longer. We were quite certain we would be sitting in the back but amazingly, we were in the front row -- directly across from where the royals were sitting during other more celebrated events! (I actually "saw" our seats when watching the Christmas concert from the Abbey on television this past year!)

We could see everything from the procession and all that followed. No photos were allowed then, but as we left you could take pictures -- not particularly good ones as they were rushing us out (well, gently moving us all along!) 

I especially wanted to take a photo of one of my favorite war memorials. 

 

Dusk was falling as we left the Abbey. Big Ben and the houses of Parliament looked striking in the early evening light.

We returned to our hotel for a special evening out. My good friend Lin had given me a check for my birthday a few months before saying "This is for a lovely dinner out for you and Rick." So we decided to splurge and went to Bradley's, a French restaurant a few blocks from our hotel.

We enjoyed a spectacular dinner, starting with ceviche, bread and a beautiful Valpolicella. Rick had a steak and I had fish, and rather than going for dessert, we shared a cheese tray. It was a splendid way to end a wonderful day. 

It was a wonderful way to end an excellent day!

 Travel Tips:

• If you are on a tight time frame, or if you have plenty you want to see in London and not nearly the time to do it all, consider Evensong at one of London's churches. We enjoyed the history and pageantry at Westminster Abbey, but St. Paul's is another option. Check schedules for timing. Evensong is free, they don't even pass the plate, and you have a chance to experience the beautiful sound within the cathedral as well as its magnificent architecture. What you do not see during these services are such areas as Westminster's Poet's Corner or a chance to visit the Whispering Gallery at St. Paul's. Still, it's a remarkable experience in itself and will save you the 30 pound fee. (Prices vary, based on age, include an audio guide and you can get a return pass at no charge.) If you feel generous, it's easy to make a donation and the gift shop is certainly worth a look.

• The West End is a fun place to explore with no specific itinerary. You'll find street performers, plenty of galleries and museums in which to pop in for a bit (again, donation, not admission fee, apart from special exhibits) and quite likely, a noontime concert. Check publications like The Londonist (online free publication) which has a weekly list of things happening in the city, some of which might not be prime tourist but loads of fun and interesting.

Special Note:  In the last post's comments, someone asked if I could link the cross-body bag that I loved enough to buy in additional colors when I returned. HERE IT IS, currently at $9.99 US (March 10, 2025). I get no kickback from Amazon (and in fact, am boycotting them for a bit). You may be able to find it or similar styles at other places at different prices. Google cross-body purses or anti-theft bags, or similar. You can also link to the actual company from the Amazon site for most.