We did rent a car in London, but opted to walk to many of the top tourist attractions to avoid looking for parking in those hot spot areas. We had an Uber drop us off not too far from Buckingham Palace and took the next several hours on foot. On our way to Buckingham, we passed through some lush green parks that looked like cozy spots to spend an afternoon picnicking or just strolling through. Right across from the palace was this beautiful little garden and stream that I'm sure the queen admires from her windows.
Buckingham Palace was quite impressive as well.
Upon closer inspection though, I did think it could benefit from a good power washing with all of the dirt sticking to the stone.
We did sit on the Queen Victoria statue for a bit, then started the 40 minute walk to Kensington Palace.
I did see these pretty plaques in the ground around Buckingham that said we were on The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, so I had to snap a pic for my mama. I knew she'd love that tribute!
And, after we passed through Queen Mary's Rose Garden, we saw there was a Princess Diana Memorial Fountain too. It was a hot day, and many people were dipping their feet in to cool off.
Not too long after we passed the fountain, we arrived at Kensington Palace. They do give tours, but by the time we arrived they were already over for the day. We still enjoyed seeing the palace and gardens in person though!
Even though I am not an overly huge fan of the royal family, it was cool getting to see these palaces in person after seeing them on my television screen for so many years. I only wish my mom could have tagged along on this portion of our trip. She would have been over the moon for a first hand look at these iconic buildings!
What's your take on The Royals? Love them, or leave them?
How very uncaught of them tourists to dip their feet in the memorial or any other fountain, so tacky and not classy at all.
ReplyDeleteLovely buildings, dear. The only royal family members I like are Charles and dearest Camilla, love her to bits! Unlike Dianna who was a media whore and master manipulator, Camilla is so down to earth and calming, everybody who's met her adores her. They were here last year and we absolutely loved their relaxed, natural and warm ways. That being said, the very idea of royals is deeply offensive in this modern era we live in.
The sign outside of the memorial actually encouraged people to put their feet and hands in the water, but asked people to refrain from walking on the Cornish granite (which they still did).
DeleteI admit, I don't know anything about Camilla, though I think she's either one that people really love or really dislike. I do agree that the idea of a royal family is ridiculous in our modern times, but the little girl in me will always think being a princess would be pretty damn cool lol
Anyone these days (laws of mathematics) of any English heritage is descended from William the Conqueror to King John. Think of them as really really really really really really distant cousins.
ReplyDeleteThen I should have demanded entrance to the palaces, seeing how we're family and all ;)
DeleteI would have been nervous to drive there just because everything is on the opposite side of the street.
ReplyDeleteHow cool! I love the first photo. It's not like here at all!
Your girls are older, but they are still cute! They always will be.
I was glad Jason learned to drive on the left in London because if he would have done it in Ireland, we probably would have died. They have the tiniest streets and many don't even have speed limits. I did do my fair share of screaming and cussing at Jason on his first day driving in London though. So much so, Jason made me get in the backseat and had Mariah navigate up front LOL!
DeleteI've never been there so I loved the pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary :)
DeleteThe dirt on the stone just adds character, right? haha Sure a sight to see indeed. Although I still think royals this day in age are pointless. Plus the whole being born from a king so you're a future king thing seems dumb. What if the kids are idiots?
ReplyDeleteI tell myself that about the dirt around my house ;)
DeletePrince Harry kind of strikes me as an idiot, so I guess it was a good thing he wasn't born first lol. I do agree though. Royal families are quite ridiculous these days. The only thing the British Royals are good for is tourism dollars.
My niece had to be in Europe for a conference, so she went early so she could be a bystander at Prince Harry's wedding. We are a family of royal obsessed people. I would love to go back to see the grounds again. It's been way too long for me.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine being in that crowd. I bet it was quite exciting for her to be there that day!
DeleteThe palaces and palace gardens are so picturesque. I would love to see them one day.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to! My photos simply don't do them justice.
DeleteWhat abfantastic adventure. Regardless of whether in this day in age we do have a royal family or not, I would love to see the palaces and gardens myself.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a must see if you are in London!
DeleteLondon is just so beautiful. It will remain to be one of my most favorite cities! I think it's awesome that you got to see the palaces up close! SO worth the walk!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see those buildings and take a picture of the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk marker too. The gardens are so beautiful and well maintained! As for the Royals, I think they are just like nice, ordinary people, they just happen to be trapped in the status they were born into.
ReplyDeleteBuckingham Palace has been on my bucket list for the longest time. I wish I could just fly there this instant! I love the gardens. It sure looks very picturesque. That must cost a fortune to maintain it.
ReplyDeleteWe saw a changing of the guards there that was awesome. I didn't see the tributes to Princess Diana. That was thoughtful of them. I'd have loved to tour the palace itself but we didn't get to do so. We did see the queen's coronation chair at Westminster!
ReplyDeleteAll those brilliant photos! Reminding me of our own trip back in 2009! Oh my..9 years ago already..
ReplyDeleteGreat pics! I enjoy reading about the Royals weddings and ceremonies and births but wouldn't call myself a FanGirl of the family.
ReplyDeleteWow what a beautiful post, so many pretty things. I would love to go there someday and visit. It sounds like a wonderful time.
ReplyDelete