A Day in London by Ali

It had snowed the night before, the first time in 74 years it had snowed in Hertfordshire in October.  So it was a clear bright blue sky in the morning when we set off by train for London and travelled past fields, villages and towns still cloaked in the snow. Arrived at Kings Cross and walked the short distance to St Pancras Station from where the Eurostar now operates. What a transformation this station has had and such a buzz of activity with people arriving and departing for Paris, just wanted to jump on one of the trains and take off there and then. Next time it is a must!

On to the underground and off to Bank station where we connected with the Docklands Light Rail with destination Canary Wharf. Intriguing to see all the development which has occurred throughout this area as we travel along. At Canary Wharf there is a vast underground shopping plaza, but we are not on a shopping expedition today so walk out to Canada Square. The square is home to many financial institutions with towering edifices visible from miles away. There were several outdoor cafes all doing good business in spite of the freezing cold, so we find ourselves a table under the heaters and order some warming soup.

We walk out of the square and down to the Thames and continue along the embankment until we reach the Canary Wharf Pier where we board a Thames Clipper. These catamarans run regularly and call at piers along the river. We saw the very best of the Thames with magnificent views on either bank of the redevelopment which has occurred. And so many sights that were recognized from various TV shows, especially shows like Spooks. Countless of those old wharf warehouses are now wonderful apartment buildings.

The “Gherkin”as 30 St Mary Axe is called, is constantly visible soaring above so many buildings. We sailed under Tower Bridge and saw the Tower of London, then under London Bridge, Southark Bridge, Blackfriars, Waterloo Bridge and disembarked at the Embankment. Here we espied the Golden Jubilee Bridge and climbed the steps to walk over on this magnificent foot bridge, and again from here such wonderful views of London. We are on our way to the London Eye which is just a short walk from the other side of the bridge. No we hadn’t booked and to avoid disappointment this really is essential, especially if you visit at half term on a fine day. The queues were never ending, so we didn’t get to ride but at least we saw it.

One last thing to do on this wonderful day of memories is a ride in a London cab, forget about the cost, sit back and take in more sights, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and so much more.  It was a wonderful and exhilarating day seeing London at her very best and if time is short one of the best ways to see so much..

Don’t forget that only Travelscene American Express at Samford lets you travel anywhere, any time and pay with your membership rewards points so contact us on 3289 3700 and let us help you turn your American Express membership rewards points into your next trip.