A day in London

London, United Kingdom

Morning - Buckingham Palace gates

Gold catches the morning light on the iron gates, and the stone looks pale under a blue sky. I pause and look up at the palace front. The state rooms open to ticketed visitors in late summer, while the gates and royal parks are worth seeing all year.

Morning - St James's Park bridge

Green lawns stretch under morning light, and the air feels cool and fresh as I cross this park bridge. My stride stays easy between the mature trees. May through September brings the warmest weather and extended daylight for time in the royal parks around the palace.

Midday - Thames stone embankment

Wide grey water moves past the stone embankment, and the midday light sits flat on the river. I pause at the bank and look along the horizon. London blends ancient Roman roots, royal heritage, and a modern arts scene along this historic river.

Midday - The London Eye

Steel spokes rise overhead, and the midday sun feels hot on the metal. I wait near the base and tip my head back. Glass pods on this South Bank wheel turn slowly and open views of bridges, rooftops, and the skyline.

Midday - South Bank promenade

The river sounds steady beside the wide walkway, and the midday air feels warm on my face. I keep a brisk pace along the promenade. Practical clothes help, since the weather changes often and the walking through the city is long.

Golden Hour - Piccadilly Circus

Warm orange light slides across the wet pavement, and the giant screens glow over the junction. I move through the crowd and turn my head to take them in. This busy road junction leads into the West End theatre and shopping districts.

Golden Hour - Marble Arch

Amber light from the setting sun warms the white marble, and a light breeze moves the trees. I stop near the arch and watch the traffic. John Nash designed this Carrara marble monument, which marks the boundary between Mayfair and Hyde Park.

Golden Hour - Pie and mash stall

String lights glow over the wooden table, and the pastry smells rich as the daylight fades. I sit with a paper tray of pie and mash. The minced beef pie comes with mashed potato and a savoury parsley liquor in the historic Victorian pie shops.

Night - Outdoor eel stall

Cool jelly meets the fork, and the dusk air feels cold under a deep blue sky. I eat the eels slowly from the tray. Jellied eels are an East End dish of chopped fish set in spiced stock, eaten with vinegar and white pepper.

Night - Neon London street

Neon colour spills across the wet pavement, and the streetlamps throw bright pools on the ground. I head down the street as the shopfronts glow. A practical coat is wise tonight, because the weather changes and there is still plenty of walking.