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.
27 comments:
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.
Happy St. Patrick's Day Jeanie.
~Sheri
...like in many cities, in sad to see glass towers dominating the skyline. The only was is up!
Wonderful place...iam reminded of my London trip long ago
I love the juxtaposition of the old tower against the newer buildings! It sounds like a lovely and relaxing day.
I 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
What a beautiful bridge. I like the skyline with some old and some new, it looks fantastic. Wonderful photos, Jeanie, thanks for sharing.
London 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.
London'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
Photographing Tower Bridge would be a dream assignment. I am particularly drawn to its robust and heavily fortified appearance.
I 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!
Tower always seems to be misleading for the type of building it is plus the extensive grounds.
What great photos you've shared with us Jeanie. Another fabulous post, thank you!
I have really enjoyed every one of Lucy Worsley's documentaries I have run across on YT!
The 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.
What an interesting day..thank you for the great tips, as usual. Virginia
I 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.”
Hello Jeanie,
Your 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!
I'm a walker too and love seeing a city that way! Thank you for sharing!
Sometimes, taking the leisure to wander at will is the best part of a vacation. Love these pictures!
Looks like you did some serious walking. That bridge is just amazing.
Wow, I would love to visit London, looks like you had the best time. Would you go back for another time?
A 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.
I'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!!
Another great post from your visit last year, I enjoyed your photographs too.
Tower 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!
Sounds 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.
Beautiful photos as always, Jeanie!
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