London Tourist Day – A Day of Exploration
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Starting our London Tourist Day Adventure
Today is our actual day to start our tourist day in London. We have two items on today’s London itinerary – The Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey.
The Churchill War Rooms
If you’re looking for a unique and immersive experience in London, look no further than The Churchill War Rooms. Located near Westminster, the Churchill War Rooms are a museum full of history and intrigue – offering visitors a glimpse into Winston Churchill’s secret wartime bunker where he and his inner circle of advisers plotted the Allied victory during World War II.
We purchased tickets for both attractions while still in the States. This allows us to avoid lines at both places. We are first in the queue for people with tickets at The Churchill War Rooms, and the first ones let in today.
We spend two hours soaking up this place, split into two parts. There are the actual underground war rooms and then a museum area. The war rooms are maintained to look as they did during WWII, with some parts never dismantled. We see the original planning center, map room, living quarters, and more. This was the central hub where plans were made and set forth that ultimately achieved Allied victory in the great war.
The museum presented aspects of Mr. Churchill’s life in five distinct sections.
The Churchill War Rooms – A Must For History Buffs
A visit to the Churchill War Rooms is a must for anyone interested in British history and culture, giving you an inside look at one of the most iconic eras in British history. Upon entering the museum, you’ll be taken back in time as you explore the various rooms and artifacts, including interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that provide insight into some of the most momentous decisions of the war. The museum also offers a variety of interactive activities and guided tours, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. It’s a great place for people interested in learning about Churchill’s wartime leadership or simply exploring a unique piece of British history.
The overall layout in both areas was somewhat confusing to us. We walk away after two hours, enjoying the tour, particularly the war rooms. Still, we also came out feeling the story was told too narrowly, with many related aspects either barely touched on or not discussed. There is more to this story, even related to Winston Churchill than is presented at the museum.
Listen to our podcast of The Churchill War Rooms here
Take Advantage of a Tour to visit The Churchill War Rooms
Churchill’s War Rooms & London Top Sights Tour
Westminster Abbey
We spaced our entry times at today’s attractions 3 1/2 hours apart. We grabbed Asian veggie noodle bowls at Itsu before heading to Westminster Abbey, just a few blocks away.
Having been to a few English churches in the past two weeks, we set our expectations in line with what we have seen. However, the inside of Westminster is spectacular – very well preserved. We are annoyed that no photos are allowed inside the Abbey. A church service is underway while the sides are packed with wandering tourists. This feels a bit awkward.
We see hundreds of tombs of significant figures in England’s history, including famous monarchs. The Royal Air Force chapel is the one part of the church for which we would have wanted a photograph. Given the no-photo policy, we may have to see if there are images online. This chapel commemorates pilots and crew who died in multiple countries during WWII, including the USA and Poland.
This church, a world heritage site, has a history of 1000 years. It was founded by the Benedictine Monks and served as a monastery until Henry VIII ended the monastery. He is also the one notable Tudor who is not buried here.
No visit to London is complete without a trip to Westminster Abbey. Located near the Houses of Parliament, this iconic Gothic building has been the site of coronations, royal weddings, and funerals since 1066. With its grand architecture and rich history, Westminster Abbey is a must-see destination in London that allows visitors to explore centuries of British tradition and culture. Inside the Abbey, visitors can marvel at the intricate stained glass windows, tombs of illustrious figures and monuments to famous poets, as well as marvel at the breathtaking architecture that has stood for centuries.
If you are going to see one English church, see this one. Plan to spend at least two hours.
Listen to our podcast of Westminster Abbey here
Take Advantage of a Tour to Visit Westminster Abbey
Walking Through Central London
We checked the box on two critical places of our London itinerary. We spend the rest of the afternoon walking to central London. Big Ben was covered in scaffolding during our visit, so only the timepiece was visible.
Walking to the famous “eye,” we found ourselves in a far too dense crowd for comfort. It felt good to get through the packed bridge over the river Thames finally.
We enjoyed pints at the “Lamb and Flag,” noted in some places as London’s oldest pub. However, we believe this is up for debate.
We wander through the theater district into Piccadilly Circus, a popular pedestrian area with shopping and a festive street atmosphere.
There has been a lot of walking this afternoon. At just before 8 pm, we call it a day for our tourist endeavors this day in London.
Recommended Lodging in London
We enjoy the area near Kensington. Just slightly west is the affordable, highly rated The Star Hotel.
Park Grand Paddington Court – Top Recommendation on TripAdvisor
The Standard London – A Top Rated LondonHotel on TripAdvisor
London Tourist Travel Tips
- Get tickets in advance for popular locations on your London itinerary
- Try for a start time right at opening at popular attractions to avoid larger crowds that develop later in the day
- Do visit Westminster Abbey if you see any church in England
- Read up before your visit:
More London Travel Reading
A One Day Tower of London Visit
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