Thursday 8^th May 2014

Weather was not great. Woke this morning to grey sky and rain. Maximum temperature predicted for today is 16°.

Not to be put off by the weather, we put on our wet weather gear and went to the post office to send a box of our purchases back home. Then back on to the tube to London Bridge station. Our destination was The Shard, the tallest habitable structure in Western Europe at 1016ft (309.6 metres). 

View of Tower Bridge from top of The Shard

We were told not to expect much of a view due to cloud and rain, but we went up to the observation deck on level 72 anyway and luckily the cloud cleared a bit so we were able to see some of the view and take some photos. It was well worth the visit as the views are stunning even on a cloudy and rainy day. Before heading down we needed to visit the conveniences. The toilets have the best view in London!

The best seat in the House

Back on the tube to Baker Street, (yes the street made famous by Sherlock Holmes), we had a quick lunch and then into Madame Tussauds. Did not know quite what to expect or what we were going to get for our £30 per person entry fee. It was a great experience – a little bit like being in a theme park. We had our photos taken with The Royal Family, The Queen Mother, Humphrey Bogart, George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, John Wayne, Audrey Hepburn, Lady Di and Sir Sean Connery. It was all very hands on. There was also a London cab theme ride  through wax moving displays of London’s history. Finally, a 4D movie experience of Marvel Super Heroes saving London, in Madame Tussauds own theatre.

Cool Kilt Sir Sean, would look good at a wedding

Red really suits us Nicole

Is this Ric's Bar

Who is this person Camilla

On the tube again and back to our hotel. As it was dinner time we went to the Swan Pub - fish & chips followed by spotted dick for me. Lynne had the healthier option of grilled salmon and then apple pie with ice cream.

Now back in the hotel packing our bags for the trip to Southampton tomorrow morning.