UK Day 1
London is a city brimming with history, where ancient landmarks stand side by side with modern architecture. From the iconic Tower of London, which has witnessed centuries of royal history, to the majestic Buckingham Palace and the historic Houses of Parliament, the city is a living museum of the past. Streets like the famous Strand, Covent Garden, and Fleet Street echo stories from centuries ago, while cultural treasures like the British Museum and the National Gallery showcase some of the world’s finest art and artifacts. With its rich blend of tradition and progress, London offers endless opportunities to step back in time while staying firmly in the present.
We started our day by taking photos at Westminster Bridge, which spans the River Thames and links the Palace of Westminster (where Big Ben is located) on the north side to Lambeth and the South Bank (home to the London Eye) on the south side. As a popular pedestrian route for tourists, it offered one of the most iconic views of London, with perfect photo opportunities of some of the city's most famous landmarks.
Passing by Big Ben, we arrived at Westminster Abbey, where we took in the stunning architecture and rich history of this iconic landmark. As one of the most important religious sites in the UK, it’s not only a place of royal burials but also the location of many royal weddings, including the famous marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
At 11 AM, we arrived at Horse Guards Parade, a historic ceremonial parade ground located on Whitehall in central London, just a short walk from Buckingham Palace through St. James’s Park. This iconic location serves as the headquarters of the Household Cavalry and is the site of the daily Changing of the King’s Life Guard, which takes place at 11:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays, featuring mounted soldiers in full ceremonial dress. The parade ground also hosts major state events like Trooping the Colour each June, celebrating the monarch’s official birthday. Connected to Buckingham Palace via The Mall, Horse Guards Parade is a key location in London’s royal and military traditions, making it an unforgettable stop on our day of exploration.
In the afternoon, we visited the British Museum, one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions. Located in the heart of London, the museum houses an incredible collection of over eight million works spanning thousands of years of human history. We marveled at iconic exhibits like the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies, each offering a glimpse into ancient civilizations from around the world. The museum’s grand architecture, especially the Great Court with its stunning glass roof, added to the experience. No reservation or ticket is needed for general entry, and best of all, it’s free.
We ended our day with a ride on the London Eye at sunset, which offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city bathed in golden light. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we watched London’s iconic landmarks—like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the winding River Thames—glow under the warm hues of dusk. The gentle rotation of the capsule gave us plenty of time to take in the scenery and reflect on the day, making it a perfect and memorable finale to our first day in London.
We made our way to London’s vibrant Chinatown, a lively hub tucked away in the heart of the West End. The colorful streets were filled with bustling markets, aromatic street food stalls, and a blend of traditional Chinese shops and modern eateries. The vibrant lanterns and red decorations added to the rich atmosphere, making it feel like a little piece of China in the middle of London. As we wandered through the streets, we explored authentic restaurants serving delicious dim sum, savory Peking duck, and exotic teas.