MISS ELAINEOUS VISITS THE SKY GARDEN AND HMS BELFAST

Situated in the heart of the city of London, 20 Fenchurch Street is a building nicknamed "The Walkie Talkie" due to its shape.  It has a magnificent, split-level "Sky Garden" at its apex and, unlike the Shard, it is free to visit, although you do need to book.  At thirty-four floors it's half the height of the aforementioned Shard and, in my opinion, offers a more personal perspective of the skyline as you can actually see people walking about on the streets below.

Although we didn't have anything to eat or drink, the coffee and alcohol bars seem reasonably priced, unlike certain other London tourist attractions.

Here's a picture of the building, taken from the south bank of the Thames.

Here's the breathtaking view from the bottom.

The building is just around the corner from Pudding Lane, where the Great Fire of London started.

Here's a photo of the Monument commemorating the 1666 fire.

Magnificent view of the Shard.

Here's a similar shot, showing London Bridge in the foreground.

London Docklands and Tower Bridge.

St. Paul's Cathedral. 

Looking west down the river.

A view of the cheese grater and the gherkin.  As far as I know, you cannot visit these buildings as they're not open to the public.

And now we come to the lovely garden itself...

It's a very relaxing experience and one which comes highly recommended!

Seating area next to the garden cafe.

This was my favourite place, nice and secluded and hiding behind a fern.  My SuperDean had to get into the shot, though!

We walked across London Bridge and visited HMS Belfast, moored on the Thames.  I can't believe I've never been on this ship before- it was a fantastic experience!  It took at least two hours to see everything ( normally I can flatten a tourist attraction in half that time- if that) and was really educational, yet fun. 

A photo of the bow of the ship.  I am the black, bat-like figure standing underneath the flagpole.

Rule Britannia!

Y'know, those of us who live in London need to behave like tourists more often, and take in all that this magnificent city has to offer.

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