On my last day in London it proved to be another soggy day despite starting out with a glimmer of hope with patches of blue sky early in the morning. The promising conditions lured me for a long walk in Hyde Park walking the length of the long water. It is a beautiful urban green space that is obviously enjoyed by Londoners. Even though it was the middle of the week there were people jogging, walking their dogs, cycling, and even roller blading and horse back riding (there is a stable in the park).
Coots on the Long Water in Hyde Park
Horseback riders in Hyde Park
There are many monuments from Victoria and Albert in the part which are testaments of their relationship. Victoria erected a massive monument to Albert after he died in 1861 and spent 40 years in mourning. Albert built an italian water garden as a romantic gesture for Victoria.
Italian water garden
The Albert memorial across the street from Albert Hall
As the weather started to deteriorate I decided to stick with a tradition started in my first visit, and go see the Tower of London. When we were here previously the first time it rained on the trip was when we were standing in line to enter the Tower. Fortunately given the weather and time of year there were no line ups and almost no tour groups. I even managed to jump on a tour led by one of the Gentlemen Yeoman Warders of the Tower (aka Beefeater).
White Tower – the original core of the tower – now the armoury display.
Real soldier guarding the crown jewels
Legend says that when the ravens leave the tower the kingdom will fall
Tower Green – Where Anne Boleyn lost her head (note the new glass coffee table on the spot instead of the old wood block)
Gentleman Yeoman Warder of the Tower – there are 37 of them who live in the tower with their families. All retired armed forces members.
Traitor’s Gate – where high ranking prisoners were brought into the tower from the Thames
The Tower of London
I went to see the crown jewels which are housed in the Tower and consist of all the regalia (crowns, swords, sceptres etc) used during coronations. Sorry no pictures allowed (shock!). I liked to think of it as doing a little jewellery shopping!
From the tower I had a nice view of Tower Bridge. But by this time it was raining pretty heavily so I called it a day. I collected my pack from the hostel and headed out to Gatwick where I stayed the night before my early morning flight to Morocco.
Tower Bridge