The new Scotland Yard building is worth visiting, though being a tourist, I think one can see it…read morefrom the outside only. The old Scotland Yard building is close by too, it's at a walkable distance. The night view of both the buildings is pretty, with all lights on especially the ever rotating "New Scotland Yard" signage. I have done both the places during the day aswell in the evening, during my different trips, I liked both the experiences. It maybe be a worth remembering landmark experience for some during their London trip, so do give it a try if you have the time during your trip.

so these are Bitish police, not Scottis Police (this is 'I was xx years old when I learned this…read morestuff) and there is an interesting story why is Scotland Yard called Scotland Yard when it's based in London - not Scotland? The original address of the Metropolitan Police headquarters was 4, Whitehall Place. The rear of the building opened onto a courtyard called Scotland Yard, from which the headquarters took its name The Scotland Yard entrance became the public entrance, and over time "Scotland Yard" came to be used not only as the common name of the headquarters building but also as a metonym for the Metropolitan Police Service The Metropolitan Police Service is responsible for law enforcement within Greater London, excluding the square mile of the City of London, which is covered by the City of London Police.

Oh I think she's a wonderful personality and I could watch youtube videos of her for hours on end…read more In 1998, I sent her a portrait drawing of herself (which was pretty good considering I've had no art training) in a rotten old jiffybag. I was surprised when it came back rolled up in a tube with a letter from her secretary and a signed photograph. A lot of the manufacturing went overseas but I think that was starting to happen anyway before she took over. She transformed Britain from 'The Sick Man of Europe' into the world's fourth largest economy. She was bang on about Britain staying out of the Euro currency zone and it was her venom at the end of her premiership that I think has echoed with successive prime ministers. Okay, so a lot of soldiers died in the Falklands war but Blair wouldn't have lifted a finger to protect British citizens from the Argentines and more British soldiers have died in the Middle East. I liked the Thatcher government's response to the AIDS crisis and its strong advertising about condoms advice that has probably saved my life. I do not like bitchy, bullying people but I do not see Thatcher as that at all. I positively like her. The people I've got sympathy for are the passengers on Pan Am Flight 103 who were blown out of the sky and then had the culprit released by the Labour government. It's the Blairs I'll be celebrating the death of!

I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to the House of Commons to attend the launch of my…read moreaunt's book. She's spent years researching the history of Catholic Goans and essentially mapped out the forces that led to the spread of Goans throughout most of Europe and Africa (and most notably out of Goa). Apparently, one of the MPs is a Goan and a big supporter of her work. To be honest, when I first read the book title (Colonialism, Migration, and the International Catholic Goan Community) I wasn't really drawn in but after hearing the speakers about the book I can't wait to read it. Anyways, enough of a plug, to the House! We've all seen Westminster Palace from the outside (and if you haven't, get over there!) but I gotta tell you, it doesn't really measure up to the feeling you get when you enter the cavernous halls with golden walls and arches (the old school Church kind, not the Mickey D's version) and ancient oil paintings of kings, lords, ladies, and other lesser beings. The entrance hall alone (where they hold State receptions that you see on tv) seems to dwarf the Turbine Hall in the Tate Modern and is infinitely more luxurious. The Jubilee Room (located just up the stairs to the right of the entrance) is suitably decadently decorated (and the free flowing wine helped with that impression). It's fairly small, but you can see it works well as a private reception room or committee meeting room. Every room has two mini tvs (one for the House of Lords and one for the House of Commons) which keeps people apprised of the current happenings in each of the two Houses. We even got a tour up to the House of Commons to see them in session. To be fair, it was late and they were talking about a Finance Bill (which I can't imagine to be that exciting), but given that it's their jobs I expected more than a handful of MPs to be there and those that were there to not be taking a nap. Credit to the lady MP from Kingston upon Hull who kept at her speech regardless but it was a bit of a let down. I would have loved to have been there for PMQs though! Overall, it's a beautiful place and makes me want to be an MP just to go to work there. I'm not one for sightseeing and I've been known to jog through a museum or two, but as far as sights to see goes, this one is a must for London.

The home of British democracy! Did you know you can just turn up, for free, and get into the…read moredebating chamber? You are behind toughened glass to prevent you throwing flour or anything more dangerous at the UK's elected representatives, but you're still super close to MPs and Ministers. Where else in the world can you get access to such an old and historic building for free, and then get to see real politics in action?

Happened upon this spot across from Westminster Abbey. We were walking by and saw a sign that said…read morefree tours and figured we had some time to check it out. You are entering a court building so there's the standard security protocols but then you are allowed to explore on your own. In the lower flore there is a small informational exhibit about the UK Supreme Court, the overall judicial governance and some of the more impactful decisions. There is also a small café if you need a place to rest. Then venture up to the first floor where you can see some of the larger court rooms, which are really quite impressive with the architecture and the set up. There's security in each room, but they were more than willing to let us explore on our own and even take a few photos and sit in some of the seats. Before you leave make sure to peek into the room on the ground floor as it was the most impressive to us. This probably isn't on many peoples tour itinerary but it was a nice spot to explore and added bonus was that it's one of the few free spots in London in a high tourist area!

The Supreme Court aka the highest court in land was pretty darn impressive…read more While visiting London in 2017, we stumbled across the courthouse while walking around the city and I spotted a familiar face...a statute of Abraham Lincoln (United States 16th President) right out front in Parliament Square. We saw that the court was open so we asked if we could go inside and check it out. The court staff were very friendly and welcomed us check it out. They mentioned that certain parts of the court were active and that cases were happening that day, but gave us a quick tour of a courtroom where the Justices sit. I was even allowed to sit in the Justices chair, but was instructed on which chair specifically I could and could not sit in. The building itself, both inside and out were very majestic and it was a great unexpected tourist sight If you find yourself in London, come check out Parliament Square and see what it's like to sit in the hot seat to pass a little judgement. ;)

10 Downing Street - is the address for the home of the Prime Minister of the UK, as you may know…read morewell, already. Can any person walk right upto the home, the answer is no. At one point of time (when we were there a few years back), the streets and the near by areas were not as heavily cordoned off as are now, for reasons obvious; one could still get a good glimpse. The gate (the picture posted) is where a person walking by at best can stand briefly and get a view, the right top side does mention that it's the "Downing Street". Enjoy when visiting London the next time!

To me it's a famous location from books and films. I didn't…read morerealize the high level of security we would see. But people do go come and go. Photographers and A DHL delivery. just a normal day.

So yea I went to the Home Office at Queen Ann's Gate, why, I don't know. How many people can say…read morethey have seen inside the Home Office? Its not fantastic, there are some really fine works of art inside which is why I arranged to go. There are even some swastikas on the tile flour, (obviously they are meant to be the original meaning which is a Tibetan good luck charm, so says my guide). That was about the only really remarkable thing I remember about the Home Office. It is a beautiful building and if you are a fan of classical architecture then you can appreciate it for its landmark sake, but yea I wouldn't put it on my must see list.