Day 3 – Monday 16 September 2024

After a great sleep and an even better breakfast at the Holiday Inn, we decided to take the cheapest method to the city which is the underground.

Those that know our travel style are aware that we research and plan carefully and thoroughly. Even though we do this, we are flexible and take each day as it comes using the planning as a time saving guide. However, when it comes to the blue print of the holiday we work out first what we want to see, then how to get there, and finally book accomodation that is best positioned for both.

The Holiday Inn at T2 Heathrow, was specifically chosen for cost effectiveness, a quick bed after travel, and ease of connection to the city. We are only the one day in London, therefore deceived it was not worth the much higher accommodation costs to be in the city. Additionally, we are picking up a hire car tomorrow and did not want to navigate the city unnecessarily.

The underground to London runs from T2 and takes about 35 minutes, costing us 13GBP for both of us one way. This compared to the Paddington express at around 30GBP each – represents a great saving, especially with our exchange rate of only .46 cents GBP for 1NZD.

The trip into town was pleasant, full of commuters and very English suburban scenery when above ground. I am still having to pinch myself that I am here. It feels all so natural and comfortable my brain has not registered I am on the other side of the world yet.

We disembarked at Green park, and popped up on the edge of the gardens surrounding Buckingham Palace. It was a warm and beautiful day of around 21 degrees and we could hear the changing of the guard in the distance.

The walk to the Abbey would normally take about 20 minutes, however, we enjoyed the day and beautiful gardens including the pelicans! Yep, who would have thought.

You need to buy your tickets for the Abbey online which we did and then spent the next 4 hours enjoying the magnificent cathedral and surrounds. The reverend in residence is called R Latham, there you go!

Founded in 960ad, and build as we see it today in the 13th and 14th centuries the Abbey is considered an architectural masterpiece. It is the place of royal coronations, weddings and burials. Within the Abbey grounds is the oldest garden and oldest door in England and it houses other treasures such as a copy of the Magna carta.

We have had the privilege of experiencing a few places of worship across the globe and Westminster holds its own. Yes, it is beautiful, however it is the richness of history and the famous remains that add a special layer. Henry the 3rd, Queen Elizabeth the 1st, Mary Queen of Scots to name a few. The serenity of the Abbey surrounds and the location with Big Ben watching guard. It gets a 5 out of 5 for a visit from us except….

The cafe – omg we ordered a cream tea (scones) with our cuppa and they were the densest, ugliest cones of carbohydrate we have ever seen. The waitress was called back hastily to remove them. I got a free tea for my complaint. Save yourself the experience and don’t go there.

After wandering around in awe for that long we were a might tired, but pushed on and got a seat by the river Thames and tried to google where to eat. Our ‘three’ data on the iPad would not connect, however it picked up on the free wifi of the London Eye (Ferris wheel) across the river! Onward we put one foot in front of the other and 15 minutes later found an eat street not far from Trafalgar Square.

Ramen sounded nice and was affordable so we went inside a small cheerful authentic eatery. It was nice, however not as good as what we get at home. Belly’s comforted and full we slowly made our way up the small rise to Trafalgar Square and down to the underground station for our trip home.

Back at the hotel before we knew it, musing over the day as the train rocked our weary bodies. A shower was very welcome and sleep did not delay.