Snapshots of London

So what can you do in London for nine days and how much will it cost? Here's what this second-time-in-London visitor did:

A tour of the Houses of Parliament booked on line from Australia. The audio tour is excellent so no need to pay extra for a guided tour. It's quite an experience to stand where so many great orators have changed the world by the power of their words. Cost: ₤15

A performance of Julius Caesar at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (replica of the original) on the bank of the Thames. These performances must be booked well in advance. A good idea to hire a cushion at the door or take something to sit on because 21^st century derrieres must be more tender than the 16^th century variety. But it's worth getting a numb bum to see such a wonderful piece of theatre. Cost: ₤45.50

A day at Hampton Court, Henry VIII's favourite home. This is a must do experience and takes the whole day to go anywhere near covering the vast palace and wonderful gardens. Cost: ₤17.60

An afternoon at Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II's favourite home. Not as much to see here as at Hampton Court in terms of floor space but just as much in interest. To see St George's Hall, reconstructed after the fire in the 1990s, is worth the trip. Cost: ₤18.50

A three hour tour of London by bicycle with the London Bicycle Tour Company, bike and helmet supplied. A great way to see the sights on a sunny summer's day. We were a group of about 15 and our tour guide, Alissa, did a brilliant job of leading us through a couple of busy bridge crossings and roundabouts. Most of the tour took us on quiet roads, stopping to hear stories and take pictures of London's iconic sights. Cost: ₤18.95

An afternoon at London Zoo. A forgettable experience, if you must visit a zoo then Melbourne, Australia has an excellent one. Cost ₤23.40

A visit to friends in the beautiful Kent countryside travelling by the Very Fast Train from St Pancras International Station to Ashford International which takes just 38 minutes. Cost for return ticket: ₤32.50

A day at the Old Bailey, both the newer courtrooms and 'Rumpole's' court sitting in on two cases in progress (no photo's allowed). Cost: Free

Evensong at St Paul's Cathedral, a memorable event in a truly wonderful church with the Lady Lord Mayor of London and the Bishop of London both in attendance. Cost: Free to attend a service, donations appreciated.

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Something you must do once to prove you can survive anything. Cost: Free, plus possible emergency medical treatment for injured feet, broken nose and black eye.

Lunch in the Rex Whistler restaurant at Tate Britain. The walls are a Whistler mural painted in 1927. A small extravagance which I thought I deserved after doing battle with the teaming hoards at the Palace. Cost of one course with glass of wine: ₤24.95

The Turner exhibition at Tate Britain including a Constable room. Cost: Free, donation appreciated.

The Photographers' Gallery, creative photography display from this year's students plus one floor devoted to my favourites, the black and white photographers from times past. Cost: Free, donations appreciated.

Mass at Westminster Cathedral, London's Catholic cathedral, a Baroque extravaganza decorated in marble and mosaic, not to be missed. Cost: Free, donation appreciated.

My last morning in the metropolis was devoted to the British Museum, so much to see I had to narrow it down to a few 'must sees'. The Colossal Bust of Ramesses II. 

A lovely statue of Aphrodite crouching to cover herself (unsuccessfully).

The Standard of Ur, a small trapezoidal box depicting, in beautiful mosaics, life in early Mesopotamia, the mosaics are done in lapis lazuli, shell and red sandstone.

The Lweis Chessmen, found in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, thought to be Nordic in origin, made of walrus ivory and shark tooth.

The Portland Vase, around 2000 years old.Josiah Wedgwood made his name when he perfected the technique copied from this vase.

Japanese netsuke, small belt toggles intricately carved in ivory or wood.

And lastly, the huge Easter Island stone statue (moai)

Cost free: donations appreciated.

My last adventure in London was a trip to Drury Lane to see War Horse at the New London Theatre. The most wonderful play. The horse puppets are so realistic that you forget they're not real horses. This is a ten tissue production, bring make-up for repairs to face at show's end. The puppeteers are extraordinarily talented and I think the goose could have a promising solo career if he scores the right manager. Cost: a bargain at ₤50

Well, there you have it, nine fabulous days in and around London for ₤246.40 plus donations. That works out at under ₤28 per day. Very good value I'd say. Food, accommodation and transport extra.