A Grand Tour of England

I was born in London, England, but we left there when I was two years old, and I could remember nothing of it. So it was very exciting when, in 1987, my father decided we would all go back to visit our relatives over there. It would be my first time on a plane that I could remember, and my first trip outside Australia since we had arrived in 1973. The reason for our visit was (primarily) to visit my grandparents, so we didn’t travel much outside the London area.

We went to all the tourist spots in London. We visited St Paul’s Cathedral, and my father and I took the 400 and something steps up to the Whispering Gallery and out onto the dome at the top, which was very spectacular. However, my brother was disgusted at the commercialism in the church itself, and was very tempted to overturn the souvenir stalls.

We saw the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, which I really enjoyed. The Queen was in residence that day, but she didn’t come out to say hello, even though my mother and I had so kindly showed up on her doorstep! I was too scared to enter the Tower of London (pictured right) but we walked around it and along the Tower Bridge. We walked along the banks of the Thames, past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. We took a river cruise down the Thames as well. We visited Madam Tassaud’s (the wax work museum). I was silly enough to go through the House of Horrors. I do not intend to do it again. It’s amazing how lifelike those things are. The rest of it was good, though.

However, for those of you who are shopaholics, let me recommend London to you. If you’ve been to Harrods, try Selfridges next time. I found that place truly amazing. A block long, and about six stories high, we spent two hours in there, only managing to get through half of three of the floors. If you like books, go to Charing Cross Road. We like books, and we spent heaps of time there, browsing through many bookstores. It was great. (This is, of course, assuming it’s all still the same now as it was in 1987!!!)

We also journeyed out to Hampton Court Palace (pictured above). It was the home of Henry VIII, and is very fascinating to anyone who likes castles and history. There are beautiful gardens there as well, and we were lucky enough to go on a beautiful day when all the daffodils were out (pictured below).
There is also a wonderful maze in the garden, and if you think it’s easy when you start, don’t speak too soon!

In addition to my grandparents, we visited my uncle and aunt, who, at the time were living in Chalfont St Giles. It is a lovely quiet English town, and I enjoyed my visit with them immensely.

We were only in England for four weeks, but we had a great time, and the weather was very nice (most of the time!). I’m hoping to go back for another visit soon.