My next destination after Madame Tussauds was Trafalgar Square. I knew we did not have time to go inside the National Art Gallery and take a look; but it would be a shame to come to London and not going to the Trafalgar Square. So, we got onto the Hop-On Hop-Off tour bus and got down at the Trafalgar Square. The entire area is connected to the Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey via Horse Guard Parade Road. So, we decided to take a walk from the Trafalgar Square to the Westminster Abbey.
I remember hearing about this place for the first time during an interview with Priyanka Chopra. One of her songs with Salman Khan was shot here. So, when we made the plan to come to London, I wanted to see how the place looks and feels like.
“Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, built around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. Its name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, Spain. Nelson’s Column at its centre is guarded by four lion statues. A number of commemorative statues and sculptures occupy the square but the Fourth Plinth, left empty since 1840, has been host to contemporary art since 1999. The square has been used for community gatherings and political demonstrations including Bloody Sunday, the first Aldermaston March, anti-war protests and campaigns against climate change. A Christmas tree has been donated to the square by Norway since 1947 and is erected for twelve days before and after Christmas Day. The square is a centre of annual celebrations on New Year’s Eve.”
After getting down at the bus stop, this is the first sight which greeted me. The walls behind the statue are those of the National Art Gallery.
As I was walking, I spotted this beautiful street art. 21st of April coincided with the 90th birthday of the Queen. There were celebrations in various parts of London and Trafalgar Square was nowhere behind.
This is a shot of the areas facing the main street with Nelson’s Column in the middle. It was shot from the stairs of the National Art Gallery.
This is the shot of the Gallery itself from the Fountains. I saw that there were many pennies lying on the bottom of the fountain. Just then, I saw a little child making a wish and throwing a penny in the water. It made me wonder though, whether a fountain can actually make wishes come true? If yes, then we should pray to Fairy God -Fountains more than Fairy God Mother.
Nelson’s column is guarded by four lions , each facing one of the four directions. Due to the strong sunlight, I had almost given the lions a skip; but then I saw the children sitting on the pavement. It gave me a unique frame to capture the face of a lion with the body made by a human chain.
The Gallery has various departments, and the day I visited the Archaeological department was holding an event – Advent of the Digital in Archaeological findings. This gate ‘ Golden Gate’ was built-in the entrance to the event camp. Its arch shaped structure provided a great frame to capture some photographs.
After seeing all that we could in the Trafalgar square, we decided to shift towards the Horse Guards Parade. I spotted this beautiful and elegant structure on my way.It looked like a church or a gallery, but unfortunately I did not have the time to research on it and find out what it was. If you know, please drop me a comment below .
A view of the street from the Trafalgar Square
On the Horse Guards parade I spotted various different sculptures and memorials. There was also an Armoury Museum. This shot was taken at the entrance to the museum. Men dressed in cavalry uniforms with horses stood on two ends of the museum. Another man dressed as a soldier used to come out now and then and shout loudly. What attracted me most towards the guards were the signs beside them. “Beware, Horses May Kick or Bite ! Thank You” 😛
This is the photo of the museum itself.
This sculpture has been erected in the middle of the road. It commemorates the contribution of women during the Great War.There are various uniforms which signify the jobs women undertook during the difficult times in order to support their nation.
This is the closest I could get to No. 10. But right before coming here, I took a selfie with PM Cameron at Madame Tussauds so no complains 🙂 .
This is a really majestic looking building I came across in the street . Its architecture and the intricate details made it a beautiful building to look at.
Horse Guards Parade will not fail to impress you. Everything that has ever been the definition of London can be found here- real or virtual. The various tourist shops lining the street stack themselves with little memorable goodies that you can take back home. There are also great restaurants, pubs, hotels, and even Subway and MacDonald to take care of your food. Both ends of this road are marked by famous places Trafalgar Square on one end and Parliament on the other. There are red telephone boxes scattered throughout the street. The Underground is also easily accessible from this road. It is one of the most happening places in London and one cannot give it a miss when visiting this city.
My adventures did not stop here. My next destination was Westminster’s Abbey. I did visit the Parliament and Big Ben but the Abbey holds a special place in my heart. Why? Do come back next week for the answer. . . . 🙂
by Subhadrika Sen 
This is like a dream place for me. Your big pictures almost took me there. 🙂
And that sculpture of women’s uniform hanging… great creation!
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Yes. thats one sculpture which I liked a lot . It was different than all other sculptures which usually have designs, patterns or statues.
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Was it cloudy when you get there? If so, I’m very impressed that your photos are still amazing! 🙂
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Trafalgar Square is another iconic place of London. A place that I am all too familiar through various works of English Literature. Would love to take a stroll on this illustrious and historic square.
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It indeed is iconic and one cannot miss it at any cost. Its beautiful and so many things to see.
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London has always been one of my favourite cities!
I don’t ever consider the Hop-On, Hop-Off tourist buses, as they are always so expensive compared to local public transport 🙂
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Ahh Yes they are but since I had less time and wanted to see the city completely I went on for it. 🙂
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I’ve never done the ‘tourist thing’ in London – my own capital city! Gorgeous photos, they make me really want to do it.
Kath
x
http://bendybeauty.com
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I have yet not done everything touristy myself. So, there are lots of places to visit and see.
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Great post! I love London, and I’m hoping to move there next year.
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How lucky. i would be moving back to my country India by next year 🙂
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What an amazing pictures and history. London is always in my wishlist to visit. I hope I can make it soon.
Specially when I see your pictures here. Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures.
XOX
Kintan
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I hope you visit London soon because its one of the busiest, beautiful, historic, and colourful places i have been to.
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Another fantastic London post! Thanks! As a relative local it is easy to overlook and forget about the beauty in this town.
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A very informative post! Makes me excited about my move there 😀 Hope you are enjoying your trip, it sure seems so! 🙂
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Yes. I definitely enjoyed my trip a lot. 🙂
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Those look such great architectures! I am in awe of the beauty of the buildings and the history behind
Them.
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I’ve only see this place in movies. It must be a wander to actually be there.
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Yes. There were many people in the palace. It was an undescribable feeling.
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I love all that stone and architecture! Those buildings make great pics. I wish I had more time to travel to more exotic and out of the country locations.
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I havnt been to any other place in Europe but Im enjoying the UK while Im staying here. 🙂
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Omg loving your photos!!!! This must of been one incredible adventure. Would love to visit all these places myself one day!
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Thank you. I hope you visit london one day soon. 🙂
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Your way of writing and your photos are the perfect combination to bring your reader go along with you on your London adventure. This will make a great future reference if one day I visit London.
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Thank u so much. I hope u visit london one day and share your own adventures.
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To be honest I wonder what it must be like to have a queen and a royal family.like do they still make decisions or are they just public figures ?
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Let me be very honest too, I come from India and we have a President . But UK has a monarch. The royal family is very respected and they take part in many ceremonial occassions throughout the year. different members of the family also visit other states which i suppose can be called as political and cultural exchange of head of state/ extended families / personnels. But i think from a pure political aspect, bills in the Parliament are made laws only with the signature of the Queen/monarch.In that sense the queen still has law-making powers.
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Perfect guide for the Trafalgar square and the Parade. Love the street art of the Queen! 🙂
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Aw what lovely pictures. You just reminded me how much I miss London when I’m away for work :))
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Wowzerz! The National Art Gallery is absolutely Stunning. The artwork ion the outside is to ‘die for’. To see such amazing pieces of art that have withstood time is breathtaking for me. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in London.
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I love Trafalgar Square! It is a great place and you can literally spend all day there! Looks like you had a great time.
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Omg how amazing is trafalgar square! And I can’t get over the street art, it looks incredible.
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Yes, we spoke the artist for a while. Shes really good and does street arts in different places. She has learnt art in Italy / France (Cant remember now ) but then came to London to try her luck.
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The architecture is absolutely beautiful! I would love to see the horse guards parade.
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Yes, they do have lovely architecture. In fact, during any ceremonial occassions there is an actual parade on the road.
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Lovely. I’ve only been to Europe once. I didn’t make it to London, but would love to in the future.
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Oh, But I hope the place/places you visited were equally great . I hope you do visit London some day. 🙂
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Love following along on your London adventures! Love all of these beautiful photos! Looks like you’re having a great time! XO
Anna || A Lily Love Affair
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Yes, I did have a great time. I’m planning another visit soon But that would probably be for just a day Cause I particularly want to see the Sealife and the Tower of London (like go inside , I only saw it from outside )
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This place is so iconic! Those sculptures are incredible. So much history has taken place in that area.
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I would love to visit here some day! That street art is quite impressive… also impressive that she’s 90!
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hehe yes 🙂
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I love Trafalgar Square and its a beautiful monument to London’s eclectic history. I work around the area sometimes and its a lot of fun!
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Oh thats good to know. 🙂 It was really nice to take a walk along that area. so much of history and culture present at the same place. the best was being able to Capture Downing Street 😛
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I have never been fortunate enough to be able to travel to many places. Just mostly New York, Florida & Puerto Rico. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos of your trip, they inspire me to start planning for my much needed adventure!
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Glad you liked it. 🙂 Thanks.
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I don’t remember when was the last time I walked through that area in London, several years for sure. Next time I should take some time and explore some history as well. Nice street art! It’s great how people take aprt to the Queen’s birthday – on their own way. Nice photos!
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Gorgeous photos and the whole article! Just an another great post! I’m looking forward to see more your experiences and adventures!
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Thanks a lot 🙂
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Another amazing travel post. And photos. I’m really starting to look forward to your adventures 🙂 (And ok, maybe a little jealous lol!)
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Nice story and nice photos. Like the way you write
Arcticterntalk.org
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Thanks a lot. 🙂
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