One thing I love about the UK is British television. That is why it's a morning ritual to get ready for the day while watching BBC news. The big topic during this London visit was the heat wave. The presenters were amused to have sweaty nights. And what works best to distract from the hot weather? A live report about an adorable sheepdog...
For breakfast we had fresh bagels from Beigel Bake. Located 5 minutes up Brick Lane this traditional bagel bakery sells delicious bagels and pastries. No frills, down-to-earth saleswomen and hot tea on tap. What do you need more?
Beigel Bake
Strenghtened for the day we walked to Tower Gateway a DLR station. DLR stands for Docklands Light Railway. This automated metro system opened in the late 80's but is still quite impressive. It is the best option to get around in the Dockland area. Our destination was the Emirates Air Line. This cable car service is a perfect way to cross the River Thames. It gives interesting perspectives of the city of London.
Emirates Air Line cable car
The River Thames
To simplify the use of the public transport Transport for London offers the Oyster Card. The contactless smart card must be ordered online in advance. You charge the Oyster Card at a ticket machine. Afterwards you can use it to enter and exit the gates at a station. One thing that is very important about this procedure: Never forget to tap off when exiting a station. We couldn't find a tap off box at the DLR station and left just to realize that we were charged 8 pounds afterwards.
Oyster Card
Another tube ride away we arrived at the London Bridge. I love the area south of the Thames. Maybe it's just me but with all the shady brigdes and small alleys it always has a medieval gory spirit.
London South Bank
If you are in this part of London don't miss Borough Market – a foodie's dream. Hog rolls, cornish cheese, fresh fish...AAAAHH!
Borough Market
Fishmonger at the Borough Market
We bought treats at the Bread Ahead Bakery, sat on the river bank and enjoyed the colourful hustle.
Bread Ahead Bakery
Next we visited Tate Gallery. Like most museums in London entrance is free. The museum is located in the former Bankside Power Station. Whether or not you are into modern art, just the building is worth a visit. In addition you can take one of the lifts to get up to the Viewing Level which offers 360º views of the London skyline. For souvenir shopping there are two shops.
Viewing Level at the Tate Gallery
For evening entertainment we wanted something classic. That is why we decided to go to Leicester Square to look for theatre tickets. Via the Millenium Bridge you can cross the River Thames.
Millenium Bridge
You probably know the TKTS shops for discount theatre or musical tickets. The friendly guy there told us that, in case you already know which show you would like to see and you are in a wheelchair, you get better discounts at the box office of the specific theatre.
On our way to the St. Martin's Theatre we had a short ice cream stop at Gelupo. If you are into fancy ice cream flavours like 'Black chocolate and Early Grey' or 'Tropical Eton Mess' this is your place. Afterwards we did some shopping on Oxford Street before heading to the theatre.
Gelupo Gelateria
At the end of the day we saw Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap which turned out to be the right choice. The St. Martin's Theatre is old and beautiful, the play and cast were fantastic and the staff very helpful with the wheelchair. The perfect final of our London trip.
St. Martin's Theatre
Auditorium of the St. Martin's Theatre
The next day we left London. Like our outward run our train ride back on the Eurostar was comfortable. And the journey on the TGV was also smooth. The wheelchair spaces are in first class and offer lots of space and the carer gets to ride for free.
London St. Pancras station
Eurostar wheelchair ramp
TGV wheelchair space
One last tip: When in Paris don't miss the best pain aux chocolat ever 'La Tradition Chocolat' at the bakery 'La Liberté' in Rue des Vinaigriers close to Gare du Nord...
La Liberté
La Tradition Chocolat
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