Walking with family: Getting into the Christmas Spirit

Blue Ball Yard.

Friday December 12, 2025.

Erin arrived home from school, at which point Emma left to meet Keilyn from school. I arrived home shortly after and, once we were ready, waited for my mum, before booking a taxi to Watford underground station, where Emma and Keilyn were awaiting our arrival.

We boarded our train and settled into our seats for the trip to Finchley Road. Here we changed to a Jubilee line train and continued our journey to Green Park. We exited the station via the Green Park entrance and began our walk at Piccadilly and the magnificent Ritz Hotel. 

Hancocks on St James's Street.

Instead of following the crowds we turned down St James's Street and admired the various Christmas trees and window displays that the businesses and shops displayed. Jermyn Street was the first street with lights stretched across it, that we saw. We passed Hancocks Goldsmiths, before we entered Blue Ball Yard, where the American Bar was festooned with Christmas decorations.

A Christmas tree in London's smallest square.

We then crossed the road and entered Pickering Place, London' smallest square, where a Christmas tree took up much of the place. We left Pickering Place and continued down St James's Street and turned onto Pall Mall until we reached Waterloo Place, with its blue star-topped Christmas tree. Here, more 'Angel' Christmas lights stretched across the road.

The Norwegian spruce in Trafalgar Square.

We then continued along Pall Mall onto Pall Mall East, which brought us to Trafalgar Square and the giant Norwegian spruce at its centre. A Christmas market, filled with stalls selling all sorts of trinkets, gifts and food occupied the area outside the steps to The National Gallery, while a choir sang carols from in front of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree.

St Martin's Lane.

On leaving Trafalgar Square we headed up Charing Cross Road and onto St Martin's Lane, with its Theatreland Christmas lights. 

Goodwin's Court cottages.

As we approached New Row, my mum, Keilyn and I decided to walk through Goodwin's Court, while Emma and Erin continued along New Row. With its gas-fuelled lamps and cottages that have been here since the 17th century, this thoroughfare is a time capsule of old London. We weren't the only ones using the street, as a small group of people had also chosen this route, but, in their case, for its association with Harry Potter.

Covent Garden Christmas tree.

We exited Goodwin's Court, onto Bedfordbury, and joined New Row, where we headed east along King Street, where we met up with Emma and Erin by the Covent Garden Christmas tree. Emma and Erin had witnessed the 'snow' falling, which occurs every hour, but were less than impressed with it. It was a 'bubble-machine', that lasted less than a minute. 

Royal Opera House Arcade.

Walking with Keilyn: Aldgate to Westminster... and beyond

Friday October 10, 2025.

Keilyn and I had worked out that we hadn't visited London, together, in quite a few weeks, which was a shock.

So, as soon as I had finished work and Keilyn had arrived home from school, we both got changed, grabbed some snacks and took a taxi to Watford Metropolitan underground station. An Aldgate-bound train was waiting at platform 2, which we hurriedly boarded, grabbing seats near the centre of the train. Within minutes we were on our way.

Pulling into Harrow-on-the-Hill station we were informed, by our driver, that the train pulling in beside us would be leaving first. So, a mass exodus of travellers, including us, crossed the platform and boarded the other train. A ridiculous thing to do, really, as this would only shave a few minutes from our journey time. Sure enough, though, we were soon moving again.

We exited Aldgate station and headed west, turning down Fenchurch Street until we reached Fen Court, where we stopped to look at the 'Gilt of Cain', which is a sculpture that commemorates the abolition of the slave trade. 

It is a remarkable piece. Composed of a granite podium, with steps, and columns that are shaped like sugar cane acting as a congregation. Each column is etched with lines from the poem 'Gilt of Cain', by Lemn Sissay.

We then made our way towards Fenchurch Street station, where we purchased some hot food, which we ate on the benches on Fenchurch Place. 

Suitably filled with energy we made our way back to Fenchurch Street and turned down St Katherine's Row and through French Ordinary Court. This eventually brought us out onto Crutched Friars and, then, Savage Gardens which brought us to Trinity Square. I do love the City of London's street names.

Crossing Tower Hill we stopped to take some photos of His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, spotting some of the poppy installation flowing down the wall of the Medieval castle.

From here we headed down to the River Thames and onto Three Quays Walk. The light was fading as we reached the river, making Tower Bridge really stand out, with its lights illuminating its profile. Sugar Quay Jetty offered the perfect place to grab some photos of the bridge, HMS Belfast and The Shard.

Approaching Grant's Quay Wharf we noticed that the top of The Shard had lights running up its uppermost levels, signalling the time was now 19:00.

London Bridge, like the rest of the bridges we would see, was illuminated with coloured lights, reflecting off the turbulent waters of the outgoing tide.

Walking with family: Green Park to Victoria Tower Gardens... and beyond

Theodore outside Buckingham Palace.

Saturday July 12, 2025.

Keilyn and I had planned today's trip a few weeks back, not realising how hot the day was going to be. But, instead of cancelling, we continued with our plans.

All aboard!

My grandson, Theodore, who will be eight in September, was dropped off just after 08:00 and, once lunches were made and snacks were packed, Emma ordered us a taxi to Watford Metropolitan station, ready for Theodore's first walk around London.

We changed to a Jubilee line train, at Finchley Road, which would take us to our starting point of Green Park.

Theodore's photo of Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial.

Even with our early start the temperature was already in the mid-twenties centigrade, so we kept to the shade of the trees, as we made our way towards Buckingham Palace. On Friday Keilyn had charged a digital camera, which we gave to Theodore, so that he could take some photos, too.

Theodore's photo of the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk marker.

From Buckingham Palace we entered St James's Park, still keeping to the shade. Squirrels, ducks, moorhens, coots, various breeds of geese and more were sheltering in the shade, as we made our way towards Horse Guards Parade, where we were going to see the guards.

Members of the Belgian military, and dignitaries, prepare for their parade.

As we reached Horse Guards Road, opposite King Charles Street, we noticed that barriers were in place, with a heavy police presence. There was also a large contingent of military uniforms, of all styles and ranks, but they weren't British Army. I politely asked one of the police officers what was going on. He informed me that it was the annual Belgian Cenotaph Parade, so Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall were closed off. 

With the various roads closed and diversions in place, we headed towards Birdcage Walk and continued to Parliament Square, where Theodore was excited to see 'Big Ben', taking some photos of the Palace of Westminster and the Elizabeth Tower.

Victoria Tower.

We passed the Palace of Westminster, before we entered Victoria Tower Gardens, where we sat on a bench, overlooking the River Thames, where we ate some of our rolls and snacks. Much of the gardens were still hoarded off, while archaeological works continued. The Horseferry Playground was open, so Keilyn and Theodore took to exploring that, while I looked after the bags. 

Keilyn and Theodore exploring Horseferry Playground.

Once they had finished exploring we crossed the River Thames, via Lambeth Bridge, passing the St Mary-at-Lambeth Church Tower and the Garden Museum, continuing along Lambeth Road until we reached Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park and the Imperial War Museum.

Theodore's photo of the Imperial War Museum, with its two 15-inch naval guns.

As we passed through the gates Theodore was immediately struck by what was in front of him. Two giant 15-inch naval guns, that are so massive that they dwarfed him. He took some photos before we headed inside, with Theodore almost tripping up the steps in his excitement.

Once inside, and we had made a donation to the museum, we headed towards the stairs and the atrium. Arriving at the ground floor Theodore was visibly impressed with the V2-Rocket, Harrier jet and Spitfire as we made our way towards a small yellow trolley, where we collected two 'Story Seekers' booklets. These booklets help children explore more of the museum as they try to find clues that will help them answer six questions. Each question has a photo of what they are looking for, making it slightly easier On completion they receive a stamp and a badge.

Theodore in a World War I uniform.

With booklets and pencils, in hand, we made our way into the 'First World War Galleries'. Keilyn and Theodore set about exploring and interacting with the various displays. Just before we entered the trench, with a British Mark V tank crashing over the top, they spotted the 'Story Seekers' sticker, and so were able to answer the first question. Then it was through the trench we crept, with Theodore resting briefly in a dugout, before we exited the gallery.

The pen used to sign the armistice between France and Germany.

Then it was up the stairs to the 'Second World War Galleries'. Theodore potted another 'Story Seekers' sticker, near a lifeboat from the 'SS Anglo Saxon'. He then read out the entire story of the boat, thus discovering the answer to another of the questions.

Keilyn, meanwhile, had noticed that we had passed another of the 'Story Seekers' stickers. This one was near a large bed sheet that a nurse had used as a diary to record her imprisonment, while in a Japanese prison camp.

Keilyn takes shelter beneath a bed.

Continuing on through the galleries we explored everything, looking for the next sticker. Passing into another part of the gallery Theodore spotted the sticker and began filling in the answer. Keilyn, who had been exploring a different exhibit, soon joined us, writing down the answer.

Walking with Keilyn: Waterloo to Lambeth... and beyond

Tuesday May 27, 2025.

As I had a few days away from work, Keilyn had planned the day by saying that she wanted to revisit the Imperial War Museum. Possibly trying to learn more about the military, before she joins the Army Cadets in September.

With the weather forecast telling us that there would be intermittent rain showers, throughout the day, we set off. A gentle walk to Watford Metropolitan station was where we took a train to Finchley Road, where we changed to a Jubilee line train to complete our journey. However, Harold Stabler had designed 18 decorative tiles, that can only be found at 5 specific stations, so I suggested jumping off the train at St John's Wood, so that I could get a photo of them all. Keilyn agreed.

As soon as we pulled into St John's Wood we alighted from the train and began searching for the tiles. I already had a photo of 11 of them, so there were only 7 more to find. In the three minutes before the next train arrived we found another 5. I guess I am going to have to do another trip to find the last 2.

We boarded the next train and alighted at Waterloo, from where our walk would begin. 

We headed southeast, along Waterloo Road, with the 'London Ambulance Service Headquarters' being our first stop. Three ambulances, a 1947 Daimler DC27, a 1965 Morris LD and a 2004 Mercedes Sprinter, were stood on the plaza, in front of the building, while information sheets, affixed to the rear wall, told the history of the service.

With photos taken we headed back up Waterloo Road, with the Waterloo Bus Depot being our next stop. A bus garage may not be that exciting, even if this particular one was the first to have an all electric fleet, but it does have a cafe that is open to the public. So, we went in, ordering a full English breakfast, for myself, and a small breakfast for Keilyn. The food was perfectly cooked, with the meal coming with tea, for Keilyn, and coffee for myself. The food was delicious and we demolished it all.

On leaving the 'Bus Cafe' we headed to the Waterloo MillenniuM Garden, just as rain began to fall. Not a heavy rain, but a rain that could quite easily soak you to the skin. The garden has a pond, sculptures, meadows and wildlife areas and was fun to explore.

Walking with Keilyn: Victory in Europe 80 Celebrations (VE-Day 80)

Monday May 5, 2025.

With the Victory in Europe 80th Celebrations getting  underway, today, Keilyn and I set off to enjoy the festivities. A taxi took us to Watford Underground station, where we boarded a Baker Street-bound train. My mum and uncle Martin had left earlier in the morning, heading for The Mall and St James's Park, in order to see the procession and catch the flypast from there. We changed at Finchley Road and caught a Jubilee line train, to Green Park, as Keilyn thought it would nice to catch up to mum and Martin. 

On exiting Green Park station we were herded, like cattle, down the east path towards The Mall. Vendors were selling Union flags and other merchandise, as the crowds flowed in both directions. On reaching The Mall we were given VE Day flags and then realised that there was no way we would see anything and, with my mum and Martin on the other side of the road, we retraced our steps, heading for Piccadilly.

Photo © Keilyn J A Morrissey.

Heading east, along Piccadilly, we made our way against the throng of people still heading to Green Park, before we reached Piccadilly Circus. To our surprise Piccadilly Circus was deserted of people, so we headed towards Leicester Square, stopping at Greggs to pick some nourishment, which we ate in an almost deserted Leicester Square. 

Once we had eaten we had our photos taken with Mr Bean and Paddington Bear, before heading along Irving Street and, after crossing Charing Cross Road, followed William IV Street to Strand. Again the roads were fairly clear, so we headed down Adam Street, where Keilyn had her photo taken outside the door of Number 10, before we turned down John Adam Street, heading for York Buildings.

At the end of York Buildings, on the left-hand side, is a lovely building which was the first home of GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters). A green plaque, affixed to the wall, tells us this. However, if you look at the plaque closely, it contains a hidden message, that many people miss. Can you work it out?

We then entered Victoria Embankment Gardens, beside the York Watergate, and headed for Kippo's Coffee & Gelato, as I was in need of a coffee, while Keilyn was aching for a hot chocolate. With drinks in hand we walked along Victoria Embankment, before climbing the steps to Waterloo Bridge. Our vantage point from where we would watch the flypast.

As we still had time, we crossed the bridge and visited the National Theatre, checking out the view from its terraces and using the facilities. We then headed back up onto Waterloo Bridge, which was starting to fill up with people eager to see the flypast. We found a spot, almost in the centre of the bridge, and waited. I was glad that we had dressed for the weather, as the wind began to pick up and, off beyond Canary Wharf, we could see rain falling from the clouds. We all hoped that it would pass around us, which it did, fortunately. While we waited we took pleasure in waving at the tourists on the boats, passing below us, cheering when they waved back.

I had written a list of the order of the aeroplanes taking part in the flypast, which Keilyn read from as the BBMF Lancaster came into view. Then followed a Voyager and an A400m Atlas, a C-17 Globemaster III, a P-8 Poseidon with Two Typhoons, an RC-135 Rivet Joint with 2 F-35B Lightnings, the Red Arrows brought up the rear with 4 Typhoons.

The flypast took just over 5 minutes, but was really impressive to watch... and hear.

Royal Parks

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park.

London is full of parks and green spaces, both large and small, that offer quiet areas to relax in relative tranquillity, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

These parks stretch from the City of London out to all Boroughs and come in all shapes and sizes. Some are well known, while others are only known by those in the know.

A quiet place for contemplation.

Ruined churches, pocket parks and even cemeteries offer green spaces in which to sit and contemplate your day. Such as, Postman's Park, St Dunstan-in-the-East, Bunhill Fields and 

Holland Park.

Then there are the larger parks like Battersea, Gunnersbury, Holland, Olympic, Southwark or Victoria Parks, with their long and storied histories.

The Orangery and lake, Gunnersbury Park.

Many of these have playgrounds, for children, but others offer just peace and quiet.

However, the best known of these green spaces are the Royal Parks, of which there are eight. These Royal Parks contain memorials, ancient trees, historic buildings, flower gardens, palaces, deer, lakes and much more.

Below are the eight Royal Parks, with a little information about each one.

Bushy Park is the second largest of London’s Royal Parks and is home to wild deer and the Diana Fountain.

• Location - North of Hampton Court Palace
• Area -1,100 acres
• Date - Circa 1500s
• Open (pedestrians) - 24/7 
• Open (vehicles) - 06:30-21:00
• Rail - Hampton, Hampton Court, Hampton Wick, Teddington

The Green Park is a peaceful triangle of mature trees and grasslands and is home to the Bomber Command Memorial. It is here that you can see the Royal Gun Salute, performed by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

• Location - Next to Buckingham Palace
• Area - 47 acres
• Date - 1660
• Open (pedestrians) - 05:00-00:00
• Open (vehicles) - n/a
• Rail - Green Park

A Royal Gun Salute in Green Park.

Greenwich Park is part of the UNESCO Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site. A mix of 17th-century landscape, stunning gardens and expansive views over London, plus it is home to the Old Royal Naval College, Meridian Line, National Maritime Museum, the queen's House and the Royal Observatory.

• Location - South of the Old Royal Naval College
• Area - 184 acres
• Date - 1433
• Open (pedestrians) - 06:00-21:30
• Open (vehicles) - n/a
• Rail - Greenwich, Maze Hill, Greenwich Pier

An impressive view of London, from Greenwich Park.

Hyde Park is home to a variety of gardens, children’s playgrounds, sports facilities and historic monuments. It is also where you will find the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, Speaker's Corner and the Royal Parks Shop.

• Location - Northwest of Buckingham Palace
• Area - 350 acres
• Date - 1637
• Open (pedestrians) - 05:00-00:00
• Open (vehicles) - n//a
• Rail - Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch

The Serpentine, Hyde Park.

Walking with Keilyn: Marylebone to Kensington Gardens... and beyond

A small piece of Japan in London.

Wednesday May 29, 2024.

Another half-term for the girls and another walk for Keilyn and myself.

Normal beginning with a taxi to Watford underground station, from where we caught a train to Harrow-on-the-Hill, where we switched to the Chiltern Flyer to Marylebone. Various signal and points issues had disrupted the Metropolitan, Circle and District lines, so this was our backup route.

Harrow-on-the-Hill underground station.

Arriving at Marylebone station we left the station and walked along Daventry Street towards Edgware Road, where we turned on to Edgware Road, before turning right and headed down Praed Street.

'Real Time' by Maarten Baas.

Our first stop was at the corner of Eastbourne Terrace, where we stopped to watch the 'Man in a Clock', which is an installation by Maarten Baas, a Dutch artist. The work is called 'Real Time' and has a man perpetually cleaning the clock face and wiping off the clock hands and then repainting them, every minute. It is fun to stare at.

Leinster Gardens facade.

Continuing down Craven Hill our next stop was Leinster Gardens, where I convinced Keilyn to knock on the giant black doors. Her face when she discovered that they were not real was priceless, as she exclaimed, "It's fake!"

Behind the Leinster Gardens facade.

We stopped for a coffee and a hot chocolate at The Central Pantry, before heading to Porchester Terrace, so that I could show Keilyn the rear of the false buildings.

The Round Pond.

From here we headed down Porchester Terrace and, after crossing Bayswater Road, entered Kensington Gardens. A slow walk along the tree-lined path brought us to the Round Pond, where coots, ducks, geese, moorhens and swans made a raucous sound, as visitors got too close to their young.

Keilyn at Kensington Palace.

We headed towards the Queen Victoria Statue and entered the grounds of Kensington Palace, taking photos of the palace, its gates and the statue of William III of Orange. Following Studio Walk we found ourselves on Palace Green with its various embassies and armed police protection.

The beautiful Barkers building, Kensington High Street.

We left here and joined Kensington High Street and searched out a shop to replenish our water supply and grad some more snacks. Suitably stocked we continued along the high street, passing the impressive Barkers building and Japan House, before we found ourselves on Melbury Road.

It was along this road that we to see two more things of interest. 

The gnomes have a bar.

The first was a Gnome Garden, which, as its name suggests, is a Gnome Garden... pure and simple. However, the effort and time put into this small front garden was impressive and Keilyn and I kept spotting different things on each inspection.