It is a historic parade ground where the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony is held.
As the official entrance to St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace it is guarded by the Household Cavalry.
What makes it extra special is that most people head to
Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards, which leaves the lesser-known
Horse Guards Parade very accessible
So that means you can get really close to all the action without the throngs of annoying tourists and selfie sticks.
London always has a pull for us.
In part because we lived there for 2 years, and, in part because it is such a fantastic city.
Not to mention, the weather is always so appealing.
I do have my favourite spots, and one of the top spots I always like start with is Trafalgar Square.
NOTE: The fantastic weather part is said tongue in cheek.
Ever popular is the iconic Elizabeth Tower, better known by the nickname, "Big Ben".
Technically, Big Ben is the name given to the massive bell inside the clock tower, but the name is commonly associated with the whole tower.
The Borough of Westminster, where Big Ben is located, proudly boasts that the iconic silhouette is instantly recognisable and is one of the most Instagrammed landmarks on the planet.
I can imagine that includes a lot of "selfie" photos.
Since Big Ben first rang in 1859, six monarchs and 41 prime ministers have come and gone.
Trafalgar Square commemorates the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar and the British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain. It took place off the coast of, where else, but, Cape Trafalgar.
In the centre of the square is Nelson’s Column in honour of Admiral Lord Nelson, shot and killed in action in the battle of Trafalgar.
Ummmm..... NOT!
It had more to do with a need to reintegrate into society. After spending so much time with just the two of us, we suspected that our social skills might have become a bit rusty. We figured that it would be good for us to get together with friends to practise social etiquette again.
It also had to do with the fact that London puts on a great show in December.
On Jermyn St in London you can find all kinds of shops selling men's shoes (and some for the ladies).
Most of these are made in Northampton in the UK where they have been crafting shoes there for more than 100 years.
There is always something that brings us back.
Some say its the sunny and balmy weather.
But anyone that has spent much time in London will know that it is definitely not the reason!
I had to head back to the old 'hood for a walk down Memory Lane.
As always, it makes me smile reminding me of the great times we had living in London.
Humour me as I walk you around my old stomping grounds.
The pub is a British invention and "pub culture" is an integral part of British life.
Pubs are a place to go and to socialize, relax and have a drink.
It is tucked under London Bridge and has a history spanning over a 1,000 years.
Can't remember?
I can't remember either.
So what is happening to the iconic red phone booths in the UK?
Mews are generally quiet streets with no through traffic and are located behind main streets.
Often they are in central and busy locations - but their beauty is that they are quiet and peaceful.
Mews had humble origins.
It is located in the heart of the City of London, is on the edge of the central district and is a Grade II listed building. It marked its 700 year anniversary in 2021!
It is now the home to boutiques, pubs, shops, coffee shops, restaurants, bars and "MORE" (ssshhhh)....
Everyone knows about the changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace.
Hence, the crowds of tourists flock there every morning to catch a glimpse of the pomp and pageantry. And "catch a glimpse" is pretty much all you get with all the people. (Tourists can be so annoying!)
But, a much lesser known place to view the changing of the guards is at Horse Guards Parade.
It is central and provides an oasis of calm and peace amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy international city.
War is never glamorous.
Perhaps it serves a purpose for those that start them, but, for those that fight them, or get caught up in them, it is dangerous and deadly, amongst many other horrors.
This memorial in Hyde Park is dedicated to the brave animals that have been involved in warfare.
If you are looking for shirts, ties, shaving gear or cologne, Jermyn Street has what you're looking for. But the real star attractions of this street are the shoes, glorious shoes.
If you are looking for fine apparel London has got you covered. There are two streets that epitomize the British sense of style. Savile Row and Jermyn Street.
Savile Row
For fine suits, coats and evening wear Savile Row is the place.
The establishments along here refer to themselves as makers of "bespoke" gentlemen's' clothing. The term originated on Savile Row. Technically to be "bespoke" the jacket or suit must be entirely cut and sewn by hand. It typically takes over 50 hours of hand labour to make each 2 piece suit.
I went for a casual 26 km stroll along the Thames. It started in Canary Wharf in the East and ended back in Earl's Court where we are staying. The photos are in chronological order.
Note: the clouds were a welcome relief. We've had a lot of hot, sunny days while we've been in London, believe it or not.
A little known fact is that London's Hyde Park also has a pet cemetery.
