Traveling To London

London is so often a pilgrimage to us that live in Australia. When you arrive in London you realise why it has such attraction to so many people from all over the world. It's a city so full of incredible art, history, food, shopping and something that’s becoming quite scarce in our world, the procession of old Royalty.

When you touchdown in London, like most Aussies, you'll rush to the Palace. The Changing of the Guard is surely the first order of business, followed by some souvenir hunting at Buckingham Palace’s Souvenir Store (ask us for directions). If you're up for one of the best sandwiches you'll ever have, then grab a Cheese Toastie from a stall in Hyde Park, right near the gates that you access from Buckingham Palace side (too good to share with the ever watchful squirrels!).

In the afternoon, try a spot of shopping at Harrods in Knightsbridge! London has many restaurants and many different types of cuisine and flavours, so remember to try as much as you can, and while you’re at it, indulge yourself in the refreshment that England is known for across the globe, Tea.

During your stay in London, there is so much to see, including – but certainly not limited to – Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, London Bridge, the Thames, London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, the London Museum, Piccadilly, the Globe theatre, Number 10...and that’s just the beginning.

Here are a few of my absolute favourites, and I hope that by sharing them with you, you will get the same amount of joy that they gave me.
First, Horseguards. When you enter Horseguards, you’ll know you’re in the correct spot because the gates will be guarded by the Queen’s Cavalry. There are two branches, the Lifeguards (red tunic, white plume on their helmet) and, my favourite, the Blues and Royals (blue tunic, red plume). Both branches are incredibly well-drilled and magnificently made out, and not once have I ever seem them snap at a tourist, regardless of how ridiculous the photo is that they are trying to take with the cavalier’s horse!

You will remember that the changing of the guard happens at Buckingham Palace at midday? Well the Cavalry changes guard an hour before that at Horseguards. So, if you’re keen to see their ceremony be waiting at the back of Horseguards before the hour.

If you’re a history buff, you might like (and not know about) Churchill’s War rooms. Located at a little doorway, marked by sandbags, just at the end of the Treasury building in Whitehall, you will find the stairs that allow you to travel down into the intriguing subterranean world from which Churchill ran the second world war. If you’re at all interested in history, go. You may be surprised as to how much you will enjoy yourself.

Lastly, my personal favourite in all of London!

Let me preface this spot with a little story. After he was retired, Winston Churchill was asked back to his alma mater to give a speech to the students regarding success. The Great Man agreed, and for the occasion the school organised a great lunch with all the boys present. At the conclusion of lunch, the headmaster introduced the talk by Churchill with a summary of all the great things that the former prime minister had achieved. It was, as you can imagine, with great eagerness that all assembled awaited the topic of his talk, the ‘secrets’ to success.

The Great Man, slowly rose, and walked to the stage. He mounted the rostrum, and gazed out at the boys, seemingly look each in the eye. He spoke in his gruff, gravely voice, and rumbled:

“Never, never, never, never, never give up!”

He then returned to his seat.

In the spirit of that unforgettable story, my favourite part of London, is a statue. It’s of course, a statue to Winston Churchill. You will find it near Big Ben, in a little spot on the square adjacent to the Houses of Parliament. Duck over (BUT WATCH FOR TRAFFIC!). Take a photo, and remember that no matter what, NEVER give up.

Imagine yourself in London!