On a crisp autumn morning, strolling along to see the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a great way to enjoy the sunshine. You can leave the underground at Embankment and skirt round the south side of Trafalgar Square. And if you’re lucky Nelson’s Column will be in sharp relief against a deep blue sky! On the day I ventured there, the Extinction Rebellion campaigners were camped in force in the streets, parks and Trafalgar Square. I weaved my way round their tents to avoid tripping over and came face to face with a large octopus full of protesting humans.
Into The Mall…..
Just wander through Admiralty Arch and you will see The Mall open up right in front of your with Buckingham Palace at the far end. Security is in evidence when the Changing the Guard is imminent. You will see, and be reassured by the fact, that policemen and women abound. Many are on horseback, most are on foot and a smaller number are pedalling on pushbikes! As you walk along the Mall the trees are starting to turn to their beautiful autumn colours. And the sun shines brightly through the foliage in St James’s Park. It is a beautiful stroll. In the far distance, the Queen Victoria Memorial Statue shines brilliantly with Buckingham Palace in the background.
In winter the flowerbeds in front of the Palace are rather depleted. But in spring and summer these beds provide a vibrant backdrop to the pageants, state visits and other ceremonial occasions which take place there.
Where to stand
I was puzzling about where to stand and decided to just go with the flow. I reckoned that with so many selfie-sticks overhead it was not going to be easy to see the proceedings. So I wandered along, winding round the barriers and crossings and made my way to the Buckingham Palace fence. Just half an hour before it was due to start the crowd was already 3/4 people deep. Not only were there hordes of people, there was a forest of selfie sticks being held aloft so I decided that wasn’t a good idea. I made my way over to the Memorial and wandered round the statue. I took some nice pictures down the Mall and some of Buckingham Palace and waited. The drumbeat echoed along The Mall. The regiment then came along the south side and my patience was duly rewarded.
The Pageantry
Because most of the viewers were opposite the front of the palace it was possible to take some nice shots of the band marching along. British pageantry is at its best at the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. It happens daily but it’s still a thrill. On a lovely sunny day the brass instruments reflected the late summer sun. As traffic is stopped in the area for the changing of the guard, the music echoes out through the forecourt and surrounding area.
After the pageantry
The crowd dispersed once it was over and many of the viewers made their way through St James’s Park. I was lucky to see one of the famous pelicans, as well as a host of other waterfowl. The lake is a joy at this time of the year and the autumn flowers are still beautiful. You can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat at the various kiosks dotted around St James’s Park. It’s a lovely way to spend a morning in London.
Surprisingly, pelicans have lived in St James’s Park for nearly 400 years! Originally they were given to King Charles II as a gift by the Russian Ambassador.
We have some lovely short stay family apartments close to Buckingham Palace…..
Please check on the latest Covid restrictions when planning your trip to London. London is gradually re-opening but we’re not there yet!
Park Plaza Westminster
Westminster
Close to St Thomas’s Hospital in Westminster Bridge Road. From its iconic position opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the residence has London’s finest landmarks close by.
Piccadilly 4 bedrooms
St James's
Exclusive Mayfair base just off Piccadilly for business and leisure travellers. Luxury serviced apartment close to Green Park in the heart of St James’s offering splendid views.
Studio Gloucester Road
Gloucester Road
These apartments are ideal for corporate guests looking for accommodation in the capital.
Economy apartments with public transport and all amenities nearby.
London’s Top Tourist Attractions
The Coca-Cola London Eye
Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, a flight on the iconic London Eye is essential for all visitors to London – enjoy a 360 degree view round the London skyline from your pod! Bring your camera with you and spot London’s major landmarks from this stunning cantilevered observation wheel – at 135m the tallest in the world! The wheel is operational throughout the year – times vary according to season – so we recommend that you make a reservation in advance. The slow rotation of the 32 capsule wheel takes approximately 30 minutes and gives you an ever changing perspective of London. Underground stations nearby include Waterloo, Westminster and Lambeth North. If you would like to stay near the London Eye we have some lovely apartments for you to consider…..
Tower Bridge
One of the timeless London landmarks you need to visit! Take a walk across the upper walkway (with its glass floor) and enjoy magnificent views along the Thames and across the City of London from St Paul’s Cathedral to Canary Wharf and beyond. Inside the bridge you can enjoy the magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms that house the beautifully maintained coal-driven engines that once powered the Bridge Lifts. If you get your timing right you can view the Bridge Lifting below from the overhead glass floored walkway. Nearest underground station at Tower Hill. Some of our luxury apartments overlook London’s tower – imagine enjoying lovely views from your own terrace as the glowing evening sun sets over the River….
Sea Life London
Just across the River from the Houses of Parliament, the London Sea Life aquarium is one of London’s major attractions and is a must visit for families. Located in the magnificent old County Hall, former home of London’s council this classic building is a joy to visit. Children delight in the Sea Life London – there is lots to see and plenty of enjoyable hands on stuff. Shark feeding time is a particular highlight as is the magnificent Penguin Parade. Sea Life London is an enjoyable, educational experience for all ages and the aquarium boasts a huge range of fish and sea creatures for you to explore. Nearest underground at Waterloo and Westminster. One of our favourite hotel/apartment residences nearby is….
Madame Tussauds
Close to Baker Street Station, you can enjoy rubbing shoulders with an amazing array of wax models of the rich and famous of today and yesterday – all displayed in their own fabulous costumes. Sporting heroes, politicians, celebrities and stars…and of course the British Royal Family are all there! The exhibition has over 250 lifelike characters on display! And you have a chance to star in immersive experiences where you can have your photo taken alongside a whole host of famous people. This attraction is particularly fun for older children. Nearest underground at Baker Street. We have some competitively priced apartments nearby…..
The Science Museum
Lots of hands on fun for children and adults alike at London’s iconic science museum. Visitor participation and interactive exhibits ensure that the Science Museum experience is enjoyable for all. The IMAX Theatre shows an ongoing programme of educational science movies. Welcoming over 3 million visitors a year, the museum aims to make sense of the science that shapes our lives, inspiring visitors with iconic objects, award-winning exhibitions and incredible stories of scientific achievement. The Science Museum’s world-class collection forms an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from around the globe. See hotels and apartments nearby…..
The View from The Shard
Superb 360 degree views of the amazing London skyline from London’s iconic Shard, renowned as Western Europe’s tallest building reaching some 800ft or 244m. On a clear day visitors can see up to 40 miles away into the English countryside! Twice as high as any other vantage point in the city, it is the only place that offers visitors a view of the entire city. It was designed by master architect Renzo Piano, the Shard has become a dynamic symbol of London. Nicely iluminated at night. Apartments nearby…..
The London Dungeon
Explore the ancient capital’s most horrible history at the London Dungeon and experience live actors, thrilling rides and exciting special effects taking you back into the darkest of times… Are you brave enough? Enjoy Vengeance: the UK’s first 5D laser ride unleashed at the London Dungeon – just for you! A Victorian séance gone wrong… Spin around in the darkness and duck, dive, dodge and shoot your way out… A high speed, high adrenaline ride, this is the ultimate ghost hunt with you at the heart of the action. Nearest underground station at Waterloo. See the apartments we are offering nearby….
Hop on hop off bus tour
This is the best way to get a glimpse of the best sights London has to offer. We recommend that you take this tour in the early part of your weekend or vacation to enable you to decide which parts of our lovely City you wish to return to and visit at your leisure. There are bus stops at all London’s major landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and many more! During you London trip, hop off the bus to see the points of interest that appeal to you. Then, hop back on and skip the ones that don’t. The London bus tour has never been this simple. Book an apartment in central London…..
The British Museum
Located in London’s Bloomsbury, the British Museum was founded in 1753 and houses a most remarkable collection spanning over two million years of human history. At this iconic venue you can enjoy a unique comparison of the treasures of various world cultures under one roof, centred around the magnificent Great Court. World-famous objects on display include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies and these are visited by up to six million visitors per year. In addition to the vast permanent collection, the museum’s special exhibitions, displays and events are all designed to advance understanding of the collection and cultures they represent. Nearest underground stations at Russell Square, Holbron and Goodge Street. Stay in this lovely area…..
The Tower of London
See the Crown Jewels, enjoy a guided tours and watch infamous Tower ravens. This is your opportunity to experience history where it happened in this historic royal palace. You can discover London’s castle – a secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison. Nearest underground station Tower Hill. See accommodation nearby…..
Westminster Abbey
Initially built by Henry III in 1245 Westminster Abbey is one of the most important Gothic buildings of England. At first home of Benedictine monks, the coronation church since 1066 and the final resting place of 17 monarchs. It contains a treasury full of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles, books and various other artefacts. It also houses the most significant collection of monumental sculptures of the UK. In the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries in the Abbey’s Triforium you can explore over 1,000 years of history in this truly unique space, high above the Abbey floor. Apartments nearby…..
The Victoria & Albert Museum
Offering an amazing permanent collection of art, photography and design throughout the ages, this major London museum runs a wide and varied programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year. Also here, you can enjoy coffee or a lunch with friends and rest your weary bones in the grassy quadrangle. The closest underground station is at South Kensington. Apartments and hotels nearby…..
The National Gallery
Explore the story of European art at the National Galley, masterpiece by masterpiece, with its collection which includes a lovely collection of works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir and Van Gogh. There are free guided tours, audio guides available in multiple languages and free family activities for children of all ages. Nearest underground stations at Charing Cross and Leicester Square. Accommodation nearby – ideal for weekends and vacations…..
Buckingham Palace
The official London residence of Her Majesty The Queen is open to tourists during each summer. Here, you can take a tour – highlights include the 19 beautiful State Rooms used for official functions, the Throne Room, the magnificent Grand Staircase and fine art including works by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Vermeer. Nearest underground station is St James’s Park. Accommodation close to Buckingham Palace…..
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