16/02/2010

Thriller Live

Not a great picture, but this was all we could get when we realised no photo's were allowed!

To finish off our trip to London and to end our first anniversary celebrations we went out for a lovely meal and to watch Thriller Live at the Lyric theatre. As massive MJ fans we of course loved the show, but we both agreed that even if you weren't fans but still enjoyed his music you would enjoy the show. The performers were top class and involved you in the story. At the end of the show they got you up out your seats and dancing, we had a brilliant night. They told the story of MJ from the Jackson Five through to his solo career.
We have made ourselves a mental note though to always get front row seats as it's quite annoying having someone constantly fidgeting and moving and spoiling your view. Despite this we thoroughly enjoyed the show and would definitely recommend it.

15/02/2010

Buckingham Palace









Although a quick visit, we couldn't go home unless we saw Buckingham Palace. We didn't go inside, but will definitely take a look next time.
We're always taken a back by the sheer size and grandeur of the palace. How amazing would it be to be able to explore every inch. The flag was flying therefore the Queen was at home when we went.
As you can imagine the place was very busy and as a result hard to take pictures. After taking in the palace we enjoyed a walk through Green Park and bought ourselves a hot dog.

03/02/2010

Madame Tussauds









As Andy had never been to London before we had to include Madam Tussuad's Waxworks and the London Dungeons.
The dungeons were a bit of a disappointment, firstly we had to queue for over an hour at least! We had a money off voucher, so stuck with it. When we finally got in we were left to just aimlessly wonder round a mirror maze which we all figured out was just another ploy to keep us waiting longer. When we finally got to start the tour only a couple of the rooms were that good. You are guided by actors and actresses dressed up from the 1800's who each tell a different story, Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd, the Great Fire of London, etc..The best rooms were the court room as the actor and actress were hilarious and the surgery room as they really made you jump, the rest were ok. Interesting tales told though.
There is a small boat ride in the dark and a pretty decent ride at the end where the ride simulates hanging you. Overall, it's ok, good for kids, but we're glad we didn't pay full price. No pictures as it was far too dark.

Now Madam Tussuad's was better, we didn't have to queue and we could move around in our own time. The bad thing was that you literally had to fight to get anywhere near the waxworks, it was ridiculously busy! Again we had a money off voucher, so we got on with it. What we like about the waxworks is actually seeing how big celebs really are as the waxworks are life size. Madam Tussuad's redeemed itself for us when we opted for the scary old London street walk, children not allowed! To be fair we've never jumped or screamed so much! There was also lots of swearing from scared adults so I can understand why children were not allowed. Basically you just walk through a set from the black death days of London and actors in costume jump out at you and chase you! Scary!

Admission to the London Dungeons is £22.50 per adult
Admission to Madam Tussuad's is £25.54 per adult
Look out for Merlin 2 for 1 vouchers. These vouchers get you 2 for 1 entry to popular UK attractions.

01/02/2010

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum











Robert Ripley was a cartoonist, adventurer, explorer, etc... He came across many wonderful and weird things on his travels. Ripley collected many souvenirs and along with these and recreations of things he saw, drew and wrote, you will find in the Believe it or Not museums.
We came across objects such as a model of the Titanic made from matchsticks to shrunken heads. Being interested in travel (obviously!) we found the museum fascinating. What was good about this museum as well was that it was open until midnight. We went in about 8.30pm and enjoyed a crowd free, leisurely visit to the museum.
Just for fun, we opted to go in the mirror maze and felt like kids running round and bashing our heads against the mirrors! We also went across a bridge that had the room spinning so it felt like you were going to end up upside down, Steph felt a little woozy on that one while you couldn't get Andy off it!
We loved the life size model of the tallest man that ever lived, the giant chair, the mini cars and the portrait of the Queen made out of one penny pieces. There were also recreations of the strange and wonderful people Ripley met on his travels. Well as Ripley would say 'Believe it or not!'

Admission to Ripley's Believe it or not museum is £25 per adult