Day 2 was non-Brexit day. Was thinking we might have to avoid Parliament Square due to rioting on the streets, but in the event there were just a few Union Jacks and a man dressed as a Town Crier (who may have been a Town Crier – you never know in London, there are a lot of legitimate characters in red costumes).
We decided to go for it and attend the public galleries for John Bercow’s last day in office. (No ticket needed, you can just turn up on the day.) Only had to wait 30 minutes before entering the Houses of Parliament for the start of the security searches. I offered up my hairspray on spotting an aerosol picture next to the one of the gun, but was informed this was more geared towards pepper spray and mace. Put it sheepishly back in my bag.
We had been on a family tour in the summer when Parliament was in recess, and as we made our way through the 1000 year old Palace of Westminster for the second time, remembered that we were treading the same floor as Kings and horses (who had had to leave walking backwards to avoid causing royal offence).
Were issued with a green ticket and then stood in a small row as the golden mace and Bercow himself paraded past us to open the House for the day. He was in chatty mood (last day high spirits) and waved at the children saying how glad he was to see them here.
Post procession, you then choose the public gallery or another chamber. We were right next to the gallery door – bonus. Sped through but foiled as had not completed our names on the green tickets – and did not have a pen. Waited not very patiently for the only 3 pens provided to be available, then joined a large stairwell queue which had formed in the pen interlude.
Another security check later and you take your seats in the gallery to watch the machinery of government in action, listening to banter and debate in a wide array of strong regional accents. Did some celebrity MP spotting – but no Boris, Corbyn or Rees-Mogg today (his name had been bandied about as a possible listing). Interest waned as the accounts committee took the floor.
It sounds like you had a great time in the city for the days that you were here! It is such a huge city, I’ve literally lived here six years and still not ‘done it all’ – I do love St Paul’s though! 🙂
I love the fact that you can explore a totally different part of the city every time you go.Trying to decide which bit to try next….
You managed to squeeze in sooo much, very impressive! We still need to see the Imperial War – just like yours child 1 very keen, child 2 not interested. Loving your pics and observations, pencilled it in for the spring! And Hamilton sounds so cool, I reckon our 6 years old still needs a year or perhaps 2? Thanks so much for linking in on #CulturedKids!
Hamilton is incredible to watch but quite hard to follow, even as n adult. Those rap speeds are unbelievable. A bit of pre-show word revision listening to the song helped, but 12 year old still looked a bit bewildered.
Thanks for the great ideas of what to do with kids in London. I want to take my daughter to the Aquarium as well as the National History Museum. I’ve also heard good things recently about the Transport Museum near Covent Garden. #CulturedKids
The Natural History Museum is our boys’ all time favourite. They love the weirdness of things like the two horned narwhal and also the crystal room (with glow in the dark diamonds). The building itself is incredible too.
I’d love to go inside the parliament! great day out #culturedkids
The imperial war museum is a firm favourite here, just a brilliant museum. You certainly picked some awesome places – and your parliament experience sounds fabulous! #culturedkids