A Day in London Before My Cruise

My visit to London, UK was far too short to do the city justice. I flew in the day before a cruise and only had a single day to see what I could before catching a train down to Southampton. Even so, London has a way of making every moment feel grand.

London has stood for centuries as a hub of history, politics, and culture. From the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey to its modern skyline with landmarks like the Shard, the city blends the old and the new seamlessly. While I barely scratched the surface, I made the most of my time with a scenic tour bus ride and a cruise along the Thames River.

The bus gave me a chance to roll past some of the city’s most iconic spots, and the cruise along the Thames added a new perspective. The river view highlighted both historic architecture and modern glass towers, showing just how much the city has evolved.

One of the best surprises of the day happened by chance. As I stood at Westminster Hall at noon, Big Ben began ringing out its bells. Hearing that sound echo through the city was a true pinch-me moment. Later on the river cruise, I had another bit of perfect timing when the Tower Bridge began to rise right as we were passing. Watching its bascules lift to let a ship through was unforgettable. Sometimes you really are just in the right place at the right time.