What a Year it has been for sightseeing in London! This past year has been one for the record books. We arrived on May 25, 2022 to begin our London Sightseeing. We try to visit London for a week each year at the end of May or the beginning of June. You can do this when you are traveling after retirement. This particular time period usually benefits from good weather and fewer tourists. Coincidently, this week was the start of a most incredible year for the Brits. The Platinum Jubilee Celebration was about to begin.
London Sightseeing and the Jubilee
The Platinum Jubilee celebration began on June 2, 2022. Queen Elizabeth II had been Queen for 70 years. It marked a significant milestone. Little did anyone realize that this event would lead to a chain of historical events that would forever shape the future of the British Monarchy and metropolitan London.
As the nation prepared for the celebration, Buckingham Palace became a hub of festivity. The Jubilee celebrations would showcase the rich history of the monarchy, reminding the country of its enduring connection to the past. Amidst the grandeur, whispers of change and transition could be felt. Arriving just before the celebrations, we were able to witness London at its finest. Let London Sightseeing begin!
London Sightseeing from the Lanesborough
The joyous atmosphere and the incredible street decorations made for a great background to explore the city and the surrounding countryside. As customary, we stayed at the Lanesborough Hotel at Hyde Park Corner. It was to be our home for the ensuing week. The Lanesborough is a perfect location to base our London sightseeing. Our adventures took us to iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and cultural institutions. We first, however, had to visit the neighborhood of Knightsbridge. Our pilgrimage always begins here where Patti once lived. It also, not coincidently, is where Harrod’s Store is located. A must see for every visitor to the city.
Belgravia
As we make our way from the Lanesborough to Knightsbridge, we pass through the picturesque neighborhood of Belgravia. This is a very posh area with tree-lined streets and stunning Georgian townhouses. The area epitomizes the refined elegance of London’s architecture. This delightful stroll offers a glimpse into the lifestyles of a grander time period. Surprisingly, there was a neighborhood classic car gathering in Chesham Place Garden when we passed by. We did not think the locals in attendance would have appreciated our presence so we continued on. It would have been great fun comparing notes with these Londoner cars buffs, as we have owned a British MGB Roadster for 54 years.
A London Icon
Still in Belgravia, tucked behind embassies and stately Georgian townhouses, is our favorite British Pub, the Grenadier. It is located at the end of Wilton Row. We spend an evening each trip having dinner and a few drinks at the Grenadier. This historic establishment exudes character and offers a menu featuring classic British pub fare. The cozy ambiance and warm hospitality make it a perfect spot to indulge in hearty dishes and savor traditional ales. There is always a crowd gathered outside having a couple of pints of brew before heading home after their day in the office.
London and its Parks
Three wonderful shaded parks surround Buckingham Palace; Green Park to the North and West, Buckingham Palace Gardens to the West and the South, and St James Park to the East. The Lanesborough Hotel overlooks Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch at the western end of Green Park. The Wellington Arch is a grand arch similar to, but smaller than, Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. The Wellington Arch was originally built as an entrance to Buckingham Palace. Much later the Arch became the victory arch commemorating Wellington’s defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. The thoroughfare running though the Arch to Buckingham Palace is referred to as Constitution Hill. We are not sure why it is called a “hill”. The roadway is very straight and completely flat. At the other end is the impressive Queen Victoria Monument.
Walking past the monument, on through St James Park to the Horse Guard Road you can visit Churchill’s War Rooms. This exhibit was a must see for us. To avoid long lines we were correctly advised to book in advance. The total walking distance from the Wellington Arch to the War Rooms is less than 1 1/2 miles of very easy, level, tree shaded walking. Less than a half a mile further are the Parliament Buildings, Elizabeth Tower with Big Ben and Westminster Cathedral. In total, it is an easy 35 minute walk. London sightseeing, in general, is a snap because the city is very walkable and easy to get around to most of the central city sights.
London ‘s Victoria and Albert Museum
A one mile walk in the other direction from our hotel is the esteemed Victoria and Albert Museum. This 20 minute walk brought us to a treasure trove of art and design spanning centuries. The various collections are very diverse and captivated our senses. The museum made us more appreciative of the immense creativity of humanity. Whatever your interest, there is a display for it in the V&A Museum.
For example, there are 37 galleries on furniture and interior design, 26 galleries of sculpture, ivories and casts. In the Textiles and Dress galleries you can even see an “electric muscle suit” designed to enhance the human body’s capabilities.
Kensington Palace
Further afield is Kensington Palace, only a 1 1/2 mile walk from our hotel. Needing a break we opted for a London Black Cab to take us to the Palace. Kensington Palace is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William, Kate and Family. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent with their families also live there. Interestingly, the Duke of Gloucester is the youngest grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary. Even though he was fifth in line to the Throne at the time of his birth he is now 31st in line. That is quite a demotion.
In addition to it being a Royal Residence it is also a museum, displaying period art and furnishings from as long ago as the late 1600’s. We walked back to our hotel through the Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Kensington Gardens is a place where people can spend a leisurely day walking, cycling, touring the various gardens and even picnicking. The Princess Diana Memorial Garden should be visited as it is located here too. Definitely include the Kensington Palace in your London sightseeing.
Hampton Court Palace
On previous trips we have taken trains to outlying areas to visit castles, palaces and historical sites such as Windsor Castle, Cambridge, Oxford and the Cotswolds. This year we are taking TWO, DAY TRIPS out of the City. On this day we are taking a train from Waterloo Train Station to East Molesey to explore Hampton Court Palace. Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent royal palace with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It was originally built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, then acquired by King Henry VIII, who expanded and transformed it into one of the grandest palaces in England.
The palace showcases a stunning blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture. We explored the majestic Tudor courtyards, the opulent State Apartments, the Great Hall, and the beautiful Chapel Royal. The palace is also renowned for its vast and meticulously maintained gardens, including the famous Privy Garden, the Great Fountain Garden, and the Wilderness.
London offers so much to see and do without a Platinum Jubilee happening.
The Passing of a Monarch
On September 8, 2022, the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing echoed across the United Kingdom and the world. Grief engulfed the nation as it mourned the loss of an iconic figure. And as the country laid their beloved queen to rest, a profound shift began to unfold within the walls of Buckingham Palace.
Prince Charles, the Heir Apparent
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles stepped into his destined role as the heir apparent. The public watched with anticipation as he embraced the responsibilities that came with the crown. Charles navigated a path adorned with trials and tribulations, determination shining through.
The Coronation in London
The days leading up to the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023, were filled with anticipation. The grandeur and symbolism associated with this historic event captured the imagination of the people. Amidst the fanfare, the new king and queen emerged, ready to lead the nation into a new era while honoring the legacy of their predecessors.
London Sightseeing 2023
During our recent visit, we had the privilege of experiencing the majestic beauty of the city while staying, once again at the Lanesborough Hotel. From the awe-inspiring Buckingham Palace, resplendent after the Coronation of King Charles III, to the vibrant streets of Westminster and the enchanting neighborhoods of Belgravia and Knightsbridge, our itinerary was filled with incredible sights and unforgettable experiences.
Trooping the Colour
We were fortunate to witness the remarkable preparations for the Trooping the Colour, commemorating King Charles’ birthday, well, not his actual birthday. It seems the Royals select a date, usually in the summer, for the birthday celebrations. The whole vicinity around Buckingham Palace was adorned in celebration. Walking down the length of The Mall from Admiralty Arch to Buckingham Palace, and further to the Wellington Arch, without the usual traffic was a rare experience. We indulged in a delightful meal at Two Chairmen’s Pub along the way, fueling us for the exploration that awaited us at Westminster.
Highclere Castle
One day we embarked on a trip to Highclere Castle on an antique British Pullman train from Paddington Station in London. Highclere castle is the setting of the long running TV series, Downton Abbey. This enchanting castle allowed us to immerse ourselves in the world of the aristocratic Crawley family.
Blenheim Palace
Another day’s journey took us to Blenheim, home to the magnificent Blenheim Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, surrounded by stunning gardens and landscapes. It’s hard to imagine that this was the home of Winston Churchill. This palace has been in his family for over 300 years. We also visited the Village of Woodstock and the Town of Bladon. It is in Bladon where Churchill and his family are interned.
Maps then Mayfair
While strolling through Chelsea to Knightsbridge we stumbled upon the charming Map Store, near Patti’s flat where we perused a collection of antique maps of London for sale. Having a rather large reproduction of a map of Paris we inquired about the prices of the London maps. The smallest was the price of a vacation. Needless to say we did not buy a London Map. In Mayfair, we savored delectable cuisine at the Mount Street Restaurant. It’s a trendy restaurant above the Audley. These are two establishments renowned for their culinary excellence. Our adventure continued with a visit to the Bag Of Nails Pub in Westminster. Further indulging ourselves in the local atmosphere.
Piccadilly and Covent Garden
A hike across Piccadilly led us to the enchanting neighborhood of Covent Garden, a vibrant hub of shops, entertainment, and cultural delights. The bustling streets were lined with charming boutiques, while the stunning architecture added to the allure of the area. We delighted in exploring the Theater District, home to an array of musicals and plays, and even had the opportunity to witness the grand London Opera House. Being a typical Sunday, Leicester Square is a favorite locale, attracting families and offering the chance to admire all of the famous statues randomly placed around the Park, including the famous Harry Potter statue.
We will be back in 2024 for sure. There still remains many places to visit and restaurants to sample. Maybe next year one of the day trips will take us east towards the English Channel countryside.
