June 26: London

Sunday 14 June 

We had our own personal bus service when some of the roads were closed so the bus took us past the cricket club and straight into Bury.

Then we were able to hop straight onto the tram and were in Manchester Piccadilly by 10am - which was just as well as I'd had a notification to say that our second train from Crewe had been cancelled. 

After a quick consultation at the information office we were able to catch an earlier train to Crewe.  Once there we hopped off one train and straight across the platform onto another so we actually arrived in London two hours early despite our cancelled train!

Found our little bedsit, unpacked the bags then set off for a walk. 

Went down Tottenham Court Road towards the Thames and met loads of pearly kings and queens on Waterloo bridge - zigzagging across 10 bridges on a charity walk.

We had a little stop by the river for an elderflower gin cocktail. Very nice!

We walked back over Westminster bridge.

Then back past Downing Street, Trafalgar Square..

.. and Horse Guards Parade..   

.. and through Chinatown. 

Over 6 miles. 

We had an Indian meal at a restaurant literally just yards away from our digs and managed to stagger back before our legs gave out completely. 

A really good day. And lovely weather!

Monday 15 June 

I went for an early(ish) walk to Regents Park about 10 minutes away from our accommodation.

Lots of people out and about but not one smiled or said good morning - funny lot these southerners.  🙄

Still a nice walk though - very well kept park with loads of fountains. 

Then a walk up to Camden with Mike.

A wander round the locks and markets. 

Ate loads of tasters at the stalls - so many that we didn't feel hungry enough for a meal!.  🤣

We stopped for a drink - and the man offered us a slice of plum and blackberry pie with ice cream - on the house! - so all we paid was £6 something for an early grey and a breakfast tea. 

So that was very cheap eats in Camden!

Part of the music icons walkway on the Camden streets

This punk was sitting on a walk - with a baby sparrow quite happily perched on his shoulder!

 Both of them very happy.. 😁

Onto the tube to get to the Tate Modern to look at the skyscape from their viewing platform. 

Unfortunately (or probably for me . fortunately!) the terrace was closed so we could only look at it from inside. 

Not enough time to look round the museum but I hope to be back soon for the Frieda Kahlo exhibition.

Back on the tube to head to another rooftop view at Garden at 120. The view from Southwark bridge. 

The monument to the Great Fire of London built on the site at Pudding Lane. 

Lovely views of the Gherkin. 

We had to go through a scanner to get in here and travel to the 15th floor. 

A beautifully kept garden on the roof - the jasmine smelled amazing. 

So much construction work going on all over. 

The views were fabulous though between all the cranes. 

Back on the tube and a lovely 'picky' meal courtesy of Sainsbury's.. 😋 

Another grand day out. I walked over 10 miles and Mike did nearly 7! So another early night.. 🥱💤

Tuesday 16 June 

Gg

Wednesday 17 June 

Thursday 18 June 

Friday 19 June