As dawn rose over Newcastle railway station at 8 o’clock in the morning, a group of Year 8 students gathered haphazardly, all waiting for the train to London. Even though there was a three-hour train ride to endure, we were all more hyper than a toddler on Haribo. Some bags were more sizeable than others and some had rather strange items inside! Having eventually arrived in London, we all traipsed into the London Underground station then emerged blinking in the sunlight and into the hot, humid air of the capital. However, we had barely arrived at the hotel when it was time to get moving again. Another short journey on the tube and we arrived at the Natural History Museum.

Everything from dinosaurs to earthquakes could be found there. On the top floor, there was an earthquake simulator which could only be accessed by going through a massive escalator ascending to the very top of the museum. It was fascinating to see all the old fossils and skeletons from the various ages. The teachers were there too! It is a massive museum and there was hardly enough time to go around one section let alone the whole museum.

After an hour and a quarter, we headed to Green Park which, as its name implies, is one of the greenest spaces in London. At the end of the park is Buckingham Palace which will shortly be enjoying several million pounds-worth of improvements. After a quick photo of us all in front of the gates, the Houses of Parliament was the next stop on our whistle-stop tour. Passing through St. James Park (not to be confused with the football ground), we walked past Downing Street, Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square. Even though it was later in the day, the sun still refused to surrender.

Up the road again is the famous Trafalgar Square which was another fantastic photo op. Sitting on the stone surrounding the monument, we rested before continuing for food. This was, of course, the most important time of the day. At TGI Fridays we enjoyed burgers, chips, ice cream and coke. Not quite up to Jamie Oliver’s health standards, but nevertheless, after we were all fed and watered we went to the New London Theatre. This is where we saw ‘School of Rock’ which was very enjoyable. However, I think that if I tell you too much you won’t enjoy it as much if you decide to see it but, the kids were incredible. Another journey on the tube, brought us back to the hotel and our beds.

Next day at half eight, we went to Madame Tussauds. It could either be considered creepy or realistic. I would go with realistic. There is way too much to describe but it culminated in a 4D motion ride and of course the shop. Next, a quick visit to Tesco or Sainsbury’s (other food stores are available) to buy lunch. After passing over the Hungerford bridge, we ended up at the London Eye. There were some fantastic views to experience at the top after taking 30 minutes to go fully around. Although some of us were anxious about it, we were all pleased to know that the cables were strong and stable, and the view was enjoyed by the many, not the few. Another opportunity for views was the boat trip to the Tower of London. The Tower of London is an amazing structure and is currently where the Crown Jewels are held. It has also once been a prison. After a quick stop to see St Pauls Cathedral, we headed underground again all the way to Victoria which is where Prezzo is.

After being well fed at Prezzo, we were able to sit back and watch the other musical we were there to see: Wicked. I was in awe of the range of the voices presented by the performers which made it a great show. Some of us were also very tired and were glad when we returned to the hotel by the tube. Nobody was awake at three o’clock this time.

On the final morning, we headed for Covent Garden. We could roam freely around the square where there was a wide range of shops. Both the main market and the Jubilee market were  selling anything from make up to fidget spinners. Once visiting the delicious cookie shop, we headed for Holborn tube station. After having lunch in Kensington Gardens, we picked up our bags and headed for home, the two trains arriving slightly apart. We had really enjoyed London and returned to Gosforth tired and grubby but culturally enriched.

By Jack 8KP