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I was in London for a couple of days before leaving for Edinburgh. This allowed me to rediscover this vibrant city, and the changes since my last visit in 2015 were impossible to ignore. The city's pulse seemed faster, streets more congested, and traffic more relentless. Due to this, mostly I preferred the train system over buses. Thanks to London Transit, you can reach anywhere in the city by using public transport which is the best thing when traveling around.
Below is the view of Tower Bridge that I captured on a full moon night.
LONDON
First of all, get an oyster card from any train station, they have multiple vending machines for it. Top up the card to access the transit within London, works on buses and trains. My first stop was the iconic London Eye, a behemoth on the skyline that draws millions of tourists annually. Having taken a spin on the wheel during my previous visit, I decided to forgo the £50 admission this time. Opting instead for a leisurely walk around central London, and covering other major attractions.
Crossing Westminster Bridge, I looked at the postcard-perfect view of the majestic Westminster Palace and the renowned Big Ben. I kept walking on the road towards Big Ben, till I reached St. James Park where I was greeted by the kaleidoscope of fall colors and a serene lake at the heart of the park When you cross the park, you reach Buckingham Palace, the grandeur of testament to the city's regal charm.
From Buckingham Palace, take the road called "the Mall" which will take you straight to Trafalgar Square. You will notice many historic buildings around, the National Gallery of London, fancy restaurants, and other top attractions. I grabbed a quick munch in the middle and then started walking towards London Bridge.
From Trafalgar Square to London Bridge, it is roughly an hour's walk by the riverside. On my way, I crossed the unique Winchester Palace and one of the most popular buildings called the Shard. Winchester Palace is an impressive architectural example from the 12th Century and The Shard is believed to offer the highest viewpoint of the city where you experience the panoramic views of London.
Also, I made a stop at one of the biggest markets in London - The Borough Market. I could not stop myself from buying the main hype which is chocolate-covered strawberries. You can see so many food stalls selling a variety of cuisines from around the world. And the last thing to see was the famous Platform 9¾ from Harry Potter on King Cross station.
BIRMINGHAM
I booked the bus ticket online from Flixbus, the journey was no more than 3 hours. I went to Birmingham just to meet my uncle who resides there with his family. Even though I was there for a day, my uncle took me on a little tour around the city. Credits to him that I saw the first-ever factory of Cadbury in the historic village of Bournville. I noticed that they named one of their chocolates after the name of the village.
Birmingham's streets echoed tales of the 18th century, showcasing houses, schools, and other structures that gave medieval old town vibes. Exploring the University of Birmingham's campus revealed a glimpse of the city's canal system, a nod to its industrial past. Our journey also led us to the renowned Edgbaston Cricket Stadium, adding a modern twist to the city's historical narrative.
