Day Nine 20th July 2010 - Westminster Abbey / Cabinet War Rooms

Today we have four Blue badge guides waiting for us to take us into Westminster Abbey and show us some of the history in the area too.  We meet by the London Eye and walk over Westminster Bridge on our way towards the Abbey.  It is a warm day and London is busy as usual but the sights of Big Ben and Parliament and then the Abbey are incredible.  Westminster Abbey was begun in 1065 and is the resting place of many monarchs, including Elizabeth 1.  The coronation chair, on which all British monarchs have been crowned since 1066is a highlight, but then so is Henry V11's chapel and the grave of the Unknown Soldier.  Leaving the Abbey each group makes its way to St James' Park for lunch and the magnificent backdrop of Horseguards Parade.

After lunch we walk down through the park to the Cabinet War Rooms.  Here Winston Churchill and his Cabinet conducted War operations from 1939 - 1945.  The rooms are as they were in that period and offer a fascinating insight into life during those dark years.

A walk back through Horseguards and up to the Mall before entering Trafalgar Square.  The Square, laid out in honour of Nelson's victory at Trafalgar (1805) is the very heart of London.  It is busy as always but a great place to be.  Up through Leicester Square and across to Piccadilly Circus where we have some time to explore.  Today has been given us the chance to see some of the iconic images of London and learn something about them.