London by Bike

Woke up to a beautiful day for cycling. Walked across the Tower Bridge to catch the RV1 bus to Waterloo Train Station to meet our bike tour. There were 12 of us in total. Mostly American, one father and daughter from Holland. Good friendly group. 

The tour starts in a very famous graffiti tunnel. Some of the art work is quite amazing and it changes all the time. From there we followed the Thames with Parliament and Big Ben across the river. Crossing the Westminster Bridge we got some great views of these very historic sights. Ellie, our guide, took us behind Westminster Abbey to the school and then around to the front. At Saint James Park we parked the bikes and stood to watch the changing of the guard as they headed down to Buckingham Palace. 

On the way to Trafalgar Square, we passed Ben Franklin's house, where he

lived for about 16 years. Story goes that he was a man who believed that the air heals, so he would sit in his front window completely naked taking in the air. Going through Admiralty Arch, Ellie pointed out a nose on the column. Apparently, an artist didn't think too much of all the cameras around London and thought it was too big brother. He put several noses around town. There are still seven left and legend has it that if you find all seven great wealth is yours!

Trafalgar Sq was very busy. Today was Turkey in London day and there

was a huge Turkish festival happening all around us. Continuing our tour, we rode up Savoy Hill and passed the opulent Savoy Hotel. Stopped at Covent Garden for about a 20 minute break. Back on the bikes, we passed under Aspiration Bridge - which is between the Royal Ballet School and the Royal Opera House. Next stop,t St. Pauls and then on to the Millennium Bridge back across the Thames passing the Tate and stopping at the London Eye. It was then back to Waterloo Station.

All tolled, the tour took about 3 1/2 hours. It was close to a hop on hop off tour. You do as much walking as you do biking between the crowds and the parks that are not accessible for biking. But it is not very strenuous at all, just a bit hairy in traffic - since it all comes from the wrong direction. We were fortunate that it was Sunday and although there might have been more pedestrians the traffic was not as bad as during the week.

Since it was only 2pm, we left our group behind and walked back to

the Eye for a rest and an ice cream - YUM. Decided to walk up to the National Portrait Museum in Trafalgar Sq. All the museums in London are free - nice touch. Spent some time there and then went on to see what Leicester Sq and Piccadilly Circus were all about. Pure madness. Checked them both off the bucket list, walked back to T. Sq where we caught the 15 bus back to the Tower of London and walked home.

5pm we were starved. Staying in tonight and reheated the tortellini with a green salad. Another chock full day. Looking forward to tomorrow. Visiting friends in Kent. Get to see some of the countryside and the sea.

Next time... A Day in Kent