Laura in London again

On a glorious sunny Sunday afternoon Laura set off with her family to London again for another outing.  We had a date with the BBC Proms again (Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Berlioz Symphony Fantastique played on period instruments) but as it was such a gorgeous day we decided that instead of a museum we would do some walking instead.

On the tube from Stanmore Laura had her hair tidied up

Tidying into a neat ponytail 

There, all ready for the outing in London

Laura studied the London Underground map to find the destination of Westminster

Houses of Parliament clock tower containing the bell 'Big Ben'

Laura stared through the gates at the Houses of Parliament

Next we visited St Margaret's Westminster alongside Westminster Abbey.  Unfortunately they have a policy of no photos in the church, so we couldn't photograph Laura with any of the fascinating carved memorials or the beautiful stained glass.  We did leave a donation in their box.

Laura peered up in amazement at the sheer splendour of the entrance to Westminster Abbey.  She did not go in because although it was free for her, it was very expensive tickets for the family unless we were attending a church service.

The amazing stone masonry above the West Door at Westminster Abbey

We walked through back streets (which were quiet on a Sunday afternoon) to Vincent Square then on to Westminster Cathedral - the Catholic Cathedral in London.  This was built in 1895-1903 and the internal decoration (mosaics) are still gradually being added (Byzantine style).  This was also free entry with plenty of donations boxes.  Once again, no photos were allowed in the Cathedral, however Laura was given a Peace badge by some anti nuclear campaigners who were standing outside the entrance reminding people of the terrible events in Japan 70 years ago.

Westminster Catholic Cathedral tower

We walked to Victoria where we found another branch of Giraffe (we like their food) and had an early evening meal.

Laura enjoyed some strawberries and ice cream (wearing her Peace badge)

An orange giraffe with the sugar packet on its head

Instead of catching the tube to South Kensington, as it was such a beautiful day, we decided to walk via Buckingham Palace to see the Queen.

Laura sees the Guard at Buckingham Palace

My younger girl and Laura outside Buckingham Palace

It was a warm walk from Buckingham Palace to the Royal Albert Hall with the evening sun on our faces.

Two tired girls resting outside the Royal Albert Hall waiting to go in

The Royal Albert Hall entrance opposite Hyde Park in the evening sun

Laura watched the orchestra (who stood to perform) just before they started playing Beethoven's fifth symphony in the BBC Prom

The Royal Albert Hall at night, opposite the Royal College of Music

It was a lovely day in London, the Proms were wonderful and we all enjoyed the outing.