In this video, I went to London, England on Saturday 17 September 2022, two days before the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
My chief aim was to experience what the city looks and feels like during this hugely historic time, expecting huge crowds of people and a somber atmosphere.
I start off at Westminster where we see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, the River Thames, Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge.
I then try my luck walking to the Green Park area close to Buckingham Palace, but after deciding the crowds of people are not for me, I take a London Underground train to Embankment and instead walk to Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square (fun exercise – see if you can spot a famous UK political figure as I enter the tube stop at Westminster Station).
Before getting to Trafalgar Square, I pass by Charing Cross station, see London red buses and the iconic black cabs, pass by St. Martin-in-the-Fields and see Canada House and Uganda House. Trafalgar Square was not open for tourists, but at least we get sight of Nelson’s Column, the Lions designed by Edwin Landseer at the base of the column, and a nice view of the National Gallery. I also get to see the Golden Springbok that is part of the old South Africa house.
After this, I try my luck again walking to Buckingham Palace, but ultimately turn around when I hit more crowds of people. I decide instead to explore other parts of London, including (but not limited to) Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street. The final stop in the vlog is Walthamstow, where I visit street markets some distance away from Central London and enjoying the cultural diversity of this wonderful city.
Interesting shopping trivia – Oxford Street is Europe’s busiest shopping street, whilst Walthamstow Market is Europe’s longest outdoor market.
In summary, London felt different than I’ve ever experienced it before. Whereas some parts seemingly were operating as usual, others that usually attract many people on weekends were less busy – almost eerily so. It was a strange feeling, yet at the same time visiting London is, as always, very rewarding.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:24 Westminster area incl. Big Ben & London Eye
6:09 Chatting with policeman
6:29 Facing the crowds
9:10 Underground one
10:08 Embankment
10:57 Walking to Charing Cross
13:08 Charing Cross
13:42 London buses & taxis
14:33 Walking towards Trafalgar Square
15:01 Seeing Nelson’s Column
15:05 Trafalgar Square closed
15:16 Embassies
15:55 Trafalgar Square feat. Admiral Horatio Nelson
17:08 Lions by Edwin Landseer
17:58 Strolling around Trafalgar Square
18:43 Golden Springbok
19:24 Attempt to Buckingham Palace
23:35 No Buckingham Palace today
24:26 Alternative plan London on foot
25:58 Boris Buses
26:47 Theatre Royal Haymarket
27:23 Walking towards Piccadilly Circus
28:04 Piccadilly Circus
29:50 Underground two
30:31 Oxford Street incl. American Candy Shop
34:32 Regent Street
34:57 En route Carnaby Street incl. Liberty
36:06 Carnaby Street incl. Kingly Court
38:54 Next stop Walthamstow
39:18 Underground three
39:36 Walthamstow
45:41 Close