Day trip to the Shard Building in London. January 2015

Day began with Ryanair flight.

The Shard Building

At the top you could see for miles

HMS Belfast,the Tower of London and Tower bridge.

From the top of the world to the underground

The National Gallery

Trafalgar Square

Must have been sculpted by a Rangers supporter.

Welcome to Downing Street.

The Cenotaph

Lunch in Wetherspoons

In true tradition always leave the leader till last.

On Wednesday January 14 I flew to London to visit the Shard Building and go to the top and admire the views over the great metropolis. Apart from a wee hiccup on the tube (I got on the wrong one) I arrived at London Bridge and the awesome sight of this glass greenhouse in the sky. I had pre booked my viewing ticket on line and once clear of security you go up on the first lift to the 33rd floor where you then change to another one to take you up to the 68th level. The view that greets you when the doors open has to be one I will never forget. The vista over London has to be seen to be believed , guides and notices are on hand to point out all the various landmarks that we all hear about but seldom see. It was not too busy when I was there but imagine in the summer at the height of the tourist season it could become very crowded. An opportunity is given to climb stairs to the 72nd floor which is encased in glass but this time you are open to the elements from above which today had a decidedly chilly wind blowing .As I admired the views planes were on their approach to Heathrow passing quite close to the Shard so plenty of opportunities to wave to the passengers!.
Next part of my day was a quick tube ride to Trafalgar Square with the National Gallery bathed in glorious winter sunshine before visiting Downing Street and the Cenotaph. In the afternoon I met a couple of lads I have known since schooldays in Wetherspoons to enjoy a few pints and reminisce on the good old days. Back out to Stansted airport and a bumpy flight home to end a wonderful day out visiting a building which has long been on my "must do" list.