July 08th, 2019

We woke up after a much needed good night’s rest early because we had 9:00 tickets for Westminster Abbey.  It was only a short walk from our hotel and since we bought our tickets online, we walked right in.  We used the headsets to get more information about the amazing monuments we were viewing.  We also paid to visit the Queen’s Jubilee Gallery which is 108 steps above the main floor!  We decided to climb instead of using the lift.  Amazing to look down at the Abbey from above!

After the tour, we proceeded to walk to see Parliament and Big Ben.  Well, a covered up Big Ben.  Not much to see there, so we walked along the Thames past Scotland Yard and over to 10 Downing Street. From there, we walked through the parks to the Princess Diana Memorial Trail.  We started through St. James Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.  A long but lovely walk.  I enjoyed seeing the Memorial Fountain.  A popular spot for little kids to wade in the different running waters.  The final spot was Kensington Palace, Diana’s former home.  Her birthday had just passed so there were still cards and flowers along the gate. 

The walk made us quite hungry so we stopped in a pub for lunch.  I tried a spritz made with blood orange Beefeater gin while Chris had a Guinness.  Chris had fish and chips while Veronica tried a beef pie.  I opted for a mushroom pie.  The food was very tasty and hit the spot after the long walk.

After lunch, we walked to Harrod’s.  Wow.  If you are looking for high end shopping, this is the place.  It was crowded with shoppers buying jewelry, shoes and purses.  Level after level of high end accessories, clothing, electronics and food!  I couldn’t believe they sold fresh produce there as well!  I’ve never seen a store like it!  We were all ready for a nap after 25k steps so back to the hotel we went to rest.  On the way to the room, we stopped one floor below our room to see the bee terrace.  The hotel has beehives you can view from the window.  The bees pollinate the flowers around the hotel as well as the nearby parks.  They were hard at work!  


We took it easy in the evening and went for a small stroll near the hotel before having dinner at the hotel.  I’d highly recommend St. Ermin’s.  It is a beautiful property and a great location.  Off to bed because tomorrow we take the train to Southhampton to board the NCL Spirit!

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