2023.10 Edinburgh and London (part 8)

During our visit, we took the underground to get around the city.  With our hotel being across the street from a station, there was no excuse not to use it.

We did take a taxi to get to the airport.  Given the quantity of luggage we had, using the underground would have been an exercise in frustration.  Watch out if you take a taxi, especially around the downtown area, as the trip might be slow being a combination of a 20 mph limit, and congestion.  At least when you’re above ground you can take in the scenery, such as this bellhop for another hotel standing out in the middle of the street.

During our visit to Oxford Street, we ended up on a side street that was well decorated, and was waiting for the lunch crowd to fill the patio spaces.

Another random picture of London near Piccadilly Circus.

St. James’s Park

On the same day that we visited Hamley’s and the Lego Store we walked back to the hotel as the weather was exceptional, at least 20C, with clear and sunny skies. I snapped this picture as we crossed the Mall (towards Buckingham Palace) and continued to head south around the western edge of the park.

Across the street from the park was Horse Guard Parade, and the London Eye in the background.

The park near the southeastern edge was lush with a pond and large trees.

We past the line for the Churchill War Room bunker tour.

It was a great walk, and being able to have shade from trees on a sunny day was great.  Out of the several times we’ve been in central London, we never walked this section, and we found it enjoyable as it wasn’t crowded and our hotel was just a short walk away.

Hamleys

A visit to Hamleys is a must visit.  A multi-storey toy store with tons of stuff.  We spotted these Harry Potter characters made from Lego in the basement.  The rest of the Lego items were up on the floor that had Lego proudly on display.

Leicester Square Lego Store

We walked from Hamleys down to Leicester Square where we walked through the Lego store.  We did order new customized Lego minifigs from the minifigure factory.  I did like the examples and options available:

From the store, Harry Potter specific Lego:

And obviously, some of London’s landmarks were featured in the store:

And then a final slideshow of items that caught my eye during our visit.

London Bridge Station

One evening we headed over to meet a friend by London Bridge.  The weather continued to be excellent for a fall evening.  Getting a few pictures of the London skyline at night was a neat treat.

Bicester Village

We ended up at Bicester Village because an item that Little Miss wanted, was only available in the outlet location, and not regular stores.  It was not far from relatives we were visiting, so it was an easy detour.  It’s not everyday that there is valet parking at an outlet mall that is filled with luxury cars.

Five Minute Walk

One morning we were not in a rush, and while she went to have a nap, I went for a short walk down Tothill Street, where I was immediately greeted by Westminster Abbey.

I had enough time to walk over to the Parliament Square Garden where many statues were installed.  Given it was another sunny and clear day I was even able to watch aircraft on approach into London Heathrow almost as if they were flying over Parliament and the Abbey.

Explore other parts of this trip:

Part 1 – KLM Flight Toronto to Amsterdam

Part 2 – KLM Lounge, flight Amsterdam to Edinburgh

Part 3 – Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh

Part 4 – Edinburgh sights

Part 5 – Food while in Edinburgh

Part 6 – LNER, Edinburgh to London

Part 7 – Conrad London St. James

Part 8 – London (this post!)

Part 9 – Star Alliance Lounge hopping at London Heathrow

Part 10 – Air Canada London to Toronto