Tower Bridge – My London+

The world feels a little flat after all the celebrations over the last four days. I didn’t attend any of the London celebrations myself, but I did go into London on Wednesday last week, the day before everything kicked off. I went to see the decorations in Oxford Street, Regent Street, and around Covent Garden., before walking on to the Tower of London and London Bridge. On Saturday there were celebrations in the town square where I live with stalls and live events, which I went to. We decorated our house, and it was my birthday on Sunday! So, I was celebrating with the best.

Here are some of my personal reflections of this time.

Today in England more Covid restrictions were lifted. Now we can eat/drink inside cafe’s and restaurants. Museums and art galleries are once more open, or will be opening in the next few days. A friend and I had arranged to walk somewhere in London today, but the weather this month has been pretty rainy. So we decided that somewhere around London Bridge would give us more places to dive into when the showers came. This worked well.

First off, we walked to Southwark Cathedral for a quick amble round before heading to their cafe for lunch and a good chat. We sat outside because we hit a sunny interval. It was so warm we took off our jackets. However, we had to dive inside with our cups of tea when a cloud burst arrived.

There goes the diet! (Note takeaway bag. I took half home)

We then took a chance and walked towards Hays Galleria, yet we had to dive under cover in London Bridge station for a few minutes before we made it. I spotted a book shop (Riverside Bookshop). I’d not come across this one before so it warranted a look. Of course I found a book to buy, as you do (well, at least me!). We walked through the Galleria and out to the Thames and walked to Tower Bridge and onwards to the edges of Bermondsey to where the River Neckinger meets the Thames. Behind us the clouds were gathering for a storm, so we headed back and took shelter at One Tower Bridge. Thank goodness we made it, as it really was a cloud burst, with thunder and lightning. The photo above was taken shortly after the storm.

Neckinger River (the River Thames is behind me)

It was getting late so we headed back to London Bridge where we went our separate ways. This is just a short part of the Thames Path (south side). There are lots of things to see. I particularly like Shad Thames where the warehouses used to be. Here, in the past, men would come to the gates each morning to see if they could get work for half a day. The area was regenerated some years ago and the warehouses converted into apartments and shops. I’d love to look inside one of the apartments, but unless you have a few million, you won’t get to buy one!

It was a lovely walk today, despite the weather. It good to be back in London again. I’m sure I will be back again very soon.

Tag: Tower Bridge

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

Stormy weather in London