After a full day (HERE and HERE) and a bad sleeping night (it was time to break out the emergency medicine my doc sent with me), we decided on a day of meandering. With theatre tickets that night and a late start, we could do as much or as little as we could manage. So, we decided we'd head toward the Tower of London.
I loved his colorful, abstract look at a walk through English history, highlighting such things as William the Conqueror, Queen Elizabeth I and even the ravens of the Tower.
Now, I've never been to the Tower (and this is my fourth trip). And while I might be game on another trip, it just seemed too big for me today. And Rick wasn't for going to a place where decapitated heads used to hang on spikes outside after an execution and the walls were permeated with death. I didn't really care about the Crown Jewels, so rather than go in, we decided to give it a skip and walk around.
Because it is so large it is quite a walk around and the views were all I'd seen on the countless documentaries of this spot that I've watched, skipping the tour was a good thing! (But I would like to have had a chat with one of the Beefeaters, who led the tours.)
But I was a bit surprised Rick wasn't more interested in going in. As we walked around, reading the plaques, it was clear that much of the tower had been added onto by his ancestor, King Edward I.
And, Edward wasn't always the nicest of fellows!
St. Thomas Gate was another of Edward's additions.
And, we learned, the moat!
And, because it didn't happen if you don't have a selfie, a nice couple took our photo!
From the Tower we walked across the Tower Bridge. Many think this London Bridge. It's not. They differ very much in history and style, with London Bridge being of the 1800s and Tower Bridge dating back to Roman times.
There is a wonderful tour that shows all it's mechanisms. We didn't do that. Maybe another time.
From the other side of the Thames you could get a really good look at the contrasts between the very old (the Tower) and the more contemporary, the buildings of the City of London.
Here you can see a couple of noted contemporary buildings, including one they call the Gherkin. Can you guess which one it is?
In this photo you can see what is called "The Shard."
There's much more from this day -- a great pub, a play, an intresting church and some modern architecture -- but this post is getting a little too long! So, next time!
Travel Tips:
- If you are lucky enough to have some time on your trip, pick an area/neighborhood/attraction and walk around it. We were lucky to have a friend pass on DVDs she'd recorded of a series called "Next Stop London," which went to a different tube stop in each episode and the host explored things around there. I can't find it online but there are similar things at youtube and no doubt other sources. Check out Lucy Worsley's documentaries on various sites, including the Tower of London. You never know what you'll find!
- There are so many tours one can do to really learn the history of the spots you are seeing and they are usually pretty good, taking you into lots of nooks and crannies. But many are very expensive. If you are on a budget or a timetable, study up beforehand to see if there is something you really must see in person or can pass for the time being. I don't know how many Tower of London things I'd seen before, taking me places I would never see on the tour. The same for the Tower Bridge. And while I may do one or both in a future trip, I didn't feel I'd missed all that much this time around.
Wow, that bridge is grand! How interesting that it goes back to the Roman times. That's a nice photo of you and Rick. That's really neat that the man who led the tours was in period costume. The art is colorful, and a bit different than some of the usual pieces that you come across. A wonderful time spent just walking around and seeing the sights.
ReplyDeleteHappy St. Patrick's Day Jeanie.
~Sheri
...like in many cities, in sad to see glass towers dominating the skyline. The only was is up!
ReplyDeleteWonderful place...iam reminded of my London trip long ago
ReplyDeleteI love the juxtaposition of the old tower against the newer buildings! It sounds like a lovely and relaxing day.
ReplyDeleteI always forget about the modern contrast with the older historic buildings. Especially London when I think of all the brick and Victorian styles. If you ever go back you should do the Tower as it is very interesting, but it is a lot and there is so many other things to see, so I get why you skipped it. We've also done the Tower Bridge tour which is good but maybe better if you like construction and engineering, like my husband. As for lazier or even lazy travel days, you do need them. Being a tourist is really hard and exhausting work, but definitely rewarding. Happy St. Patrick's Day Jeanie. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bridge. I like the skyline with some old and some new, it looks fantastic. Wonderful photos, Jeanie, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLondon has some beautiful and interesting sights. We spent an entire day at the Tower of London. The tour was fascinating and not gruesome at all. The place holds so much history.
ReplyDeleteLondon's skyline is so varied, in part because much of it was bombed during WWII and rebuilt. I like the juxtaposition of old and new.
Wandering through streets and alleys is a favourite activity of ours, too.
Just love the architecture of the older buildings. I wonder what was torn down to build those newer buildings though. Not sure if I would have wanted to go into the tower myself. I think you amde the right decision not going in. Janice
ReplyDeletePhotographing Tower Bridge would be a dream assignment. I am particularly drawn to its robust and heavily fortified appearance.
ReplyDeleteI love Tower Bridge and I also enjoyed our time at the Tower of London. The tour was excellent, there is so much to see. An easy or restful day is helpful when traveling!
ReplyDeleteTower always seems to be misleading for the type of building it is plus the extensive grounds.
ReplyDeleteWhat great photos you've shared with us Jeanie. Another fabulous post, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed every one of Lucy Worsley's documentaries I have run across on YT!
ReplyDeleteThe juxtaposition of the castle and the modern tall buildings is really striking!
I'd say you saw a lot without going on any tours. Maybe even had more fun and had more people watching. ;)
that bridge is just plain awesome. British history is fascinating to me ... and I can only hope that someday we'll get there.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting day..thank you for the great tips, as usual. Virginia
ReplyDeleteI love to walk as you know, Jeanie, and I can still do fifteen kilometres without even breaking a sweat, but walking in a crowded city with less than pristine air quality is not my idea of a pleasant stroll. To each her own. Maybe Rick’s lack of interest was reflecting an inner desire to be on his bike “far from the madding crowd.”
ReplyDeleteHello Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteYour photos bring back many memories of my trip to London.
The trip included a tour of the Tower. The views from the area are great, I love the Bridge. I am sure during my visit in the 1980's all the glass buildings were not there. It is interesting to see all the new and old buildings together around the city.
Take care, have a wonderful day!
That bridge is my highlight:). Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm a walker too and love seeing a city that way! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSometimes, taking the leisure to wander at will is the best part of a vacation. Love these pictures!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you did some serious walking. That bridge is just amazing.
ReplyDeleteWow, I would love to visit London, looks like you had the best time. Would you go back for another time?
ReplyDeleteA beautiful bridge for sure as is the skyline .... Beautiful pictures in this post. Thanks for showing me what I will probably never see for real. I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI've only been to London once but I did go to the London Tour. I think we did a self-guided tour. I recall taking a lot of pictures with cannon balls and such. But I don't think you missed much skipping it! I love the Tower Bridge! It's so pretty! Sorry to hear you had trouble sleeping, though!!
ReplyDeleteAnother great post from your visit last year, I enjoyed your photographs too.
ReplyDeleteTower Bridge always looks good but I still find it strange to see the more modern design buildings... can't decide if I like them or not, but they are different!
All the best Jan
The modern buildings are quite a reminder of how much has changed since I spent time in London in the 1970s. I suspect I don't remember most of them because they hadn't yet been built!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful day of wandering through history! Sometimes, just soaking in the atmosphere and views from the outside can be just as rewarding as a full tour.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos as always, Jeanie!
Thank you for the memories of our trip to London! I was amazed at the new versus Old architecture. Edinburgh, Scotland is the same.
ReplyDeleteI love the bridge! You saw a lot and took great pictures. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Your photos are great and your walk around the area sounds perfect, Jeanie! The Tower tour by the Beefeaters is worth it on your next trip, IMO. THey have lots of interesting tidbits.
ReplyDeleteI think I did the crown jewels tour once with my parents--you're basically on a conveyor belt through the display--and they complained a lot about all the jewels that have been looted from India and all over the world. It was worth it just to hear them :)
The Tower features prominently in the book I'm reading right now, Wolf Hall. I am with Rick; no need to go into a place like that!
ReplyDeleteA relaxed day exploring London, taking in the sights from a different perspective, and enjoying the contrasts between history and modernity. Sometimes, skipping the typical tourist experience offers a fresh, more personal view of a place.
ReplyDeleteI love especially the colorful part but, ohhh, quite some huge bridges, too! Impressive. Looking forward to next time!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful guide of London.
ReplyDeleteOh how I would love to visit there. I will have to through your eyes for now. That bridge is a work of art for sure.
ReplyDeleteThis is so fun! I love reading through your adventures. I've never been to London, but it's on my bucket list. Maybe once works slows down a bit I can take a trip. Looking forward to your next post!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, thanks for the tours, the only way I'll ever see London again! I checked out J. Sheekey, definitely not in our budget either. If I were to go again, my strategy would be breakfast and afternoon tea every day, maybe the odd lunch or dinner a time or two.
ReplyDeleteWe get a tour of the Tower of London when on our UK trip, and as you noted, it is a very large place so we would have liked a bit more time. The Tower Bridge was magnificent and I have a number of hotos of it. We were amazed by the contrasts in the old buildings and the ultra-modern structures and it was interesting to hear the names of them, most of which I can't recall.
ReplyDeleteLondon is full of contrasts. I think one day I'll visit it again. London's art always amazes me :)
ReplyDeleteI think what is most fascinating is your picture of the contemporary along side the historic buildings. If ancestors could come back and see it now, they would be astounded. What a wonderful adventure. I have been to London several times and never been interested in visiting the Tower of London, though I have seen it from the river and walking about.
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring, Jeanie! It was nice to visit the Tower and the bridge again, through your eyes. I also skipped the tour, just walked around. It was so crowded when I was there. I found the bridge more interesting, actually. Those modern buildings were a surprise! Not what I was expecting although I suppose I should have realized, that of course there would be new buildings!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely! Joe always wanted to go to England. I had to tell my son in Vancouver that we cannot visit. Joe simply isn't well enough. It is sad.
ReplyDeleteyou take such beautiful pictures jeannie, of both the sights and gorgeous pictures of you and rick. i forgot to say that in my last comment. the paintings in the tunnel are so colorful, unusual and unexpected!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Tower and the Tower Bridge. Visiting it takes a few hours though and it is quite tiring. You've had a lovely day, so it sounds like a good idea to walk around it though.
ReplyDelete