Day Trip to London

September 2014

Maybury Open Door staff, volunteers and service users came together for a trip to London on Thursday 28th August 2014 to visit the Houses of Parliament, the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben, and a great time was had by everyone who attended during the day.

Sixteen people went on the trip, and when the minibus arrived in central London it was time to relax with a picnic in the Victoria Tower Gardens, which were right next door to the Houses of Parliament, and overlooking the Thames.  Then at 13.30 we arrived at our destination and went through a rigorous security check, which some found challenging, and then on to Westminster Hall, St  Stephen’s Hall and the Central Lobby, followed by visits to the House of Lords and the House of Commons.  It was fascinating to see everything in person, and most of the building was quite unlike what you see on television, as it was much smaller and more compact, especially the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

After spending 75 minutes on this tour many of the group decided to rest and have a coffee whilst the others started preparing themselves to climb the 334 steps of the Elizabeth Tower towards the top, where Big Ben was located.

The Elizabeth Tower was a real challenge to climb for the young and old members of the group, but well worth it as we ascended in three stages, allowing for resting places en route.  Eventually we arrived at the top where Big Ben was located and were excited to be right next to the bells when they rang out five times for 5 o’clock and still sounded very loud, even with ear plugs firmly in our ears.  The walk down the Elizabeth Tower was easier, and then it was back on the minibus and home.

Everyone really enjoyed the day out together and all agreed it was something we should do again soon, albeit to another exciting location with fewer stairs.