We've been doing a few more touristy things around the city lately including a tour of Westminster Abbey, a ride on the London Eye and spending some time along the South Bank.
Westminster Abbey is one of the world’s most well known churches, a designated World Heritage Site and ‘Royal Peculiar’, which means the Dean is directly answerable to the monarch. The coronation of Kings and Queens have taken place on this site since 1066. Many of the past Kings and Queens are buried in the Abbey along with historical statesmen, politicians, warriors, clerics, writers, artists and musicians.
Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but some of the memorable things we saw were the tombs of: Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scott's, Charles Dickens, Robert Browning, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, who are all buried here.
After debating it for sometime, we finally decided to make the trip down to ride the London Eye. It's pretty expensive at 50 pounds for the 4 of us to ride it, not to mention the huge lineups. But it's something I really wanted to try out!
getting on at the bottom
inside our pod
\enjoying the views!
Big Ben off to the right
at the top!
looking down at the "ants"...
It was a fun ride with some amazing views of the city. It took about 30 mins to circle around. I've heard it's a great place to watch the sunset... might have to do a return trip!
Next up was a walk along the South Bank, which is the area in London along the river opposite Big Ben. It's a lively area filled with pedestrians, street performers, vendors, artists, cafes, restaurants, skate park, beach...
...and of course a carousel!
anything for a pound!
We had lunch on the Festival Terrace at the Southbank Centre where we listened to some great bands perform (for free!!).
Carter hijacked the camera to take pictures of his Swampsterz and lego knights! :)
Mike and the kids enjoying fish and chips from a vendor
loving the live music!
Further along the South Bank was a skateboard park where we watched some amateurs skate and some graffiti artists do there thing. It's hard to say who Carter was more interested in watching. He fit right in with his billabong hat...
the day ended with a walk along the beach just below the board walk
and of course some shell hunting
Jenn
