3rd January 2025

Another day to make ourselves a little scarce as Harry and Tina are working hard to get work done before we all leave on the next chapter of our holiday.

Stuart and I are still feeling the effects of jet lag, mostly we’re fine but last night the two of us were up drinking tea from about 2am, managed another hour of sleep before the sun was up.

Luckily that happens about 7.30 - 8am.

Plus, it is freezing, which makes it hard to do anything. -2 this morning.

Anyhoo, our plan today is to jump on bus 26 and head to Whitehall, the Mall etc.

The plan is to go to the Churchill’s War Rooms and have a good look around. We tried to see it last year but were unable to get tickets. This year we planned ahead, got tickets.

These rooms under a relatively new government building (at the time),were planed in the 1930’s and expanded as the war progressed. Many basically lived and worked in this small environment. Apparently though Churchill was forever in strife with his body guard as he liked to go outside and watch the air-raids ( like my 10year old dad!). 

These functioned until just after the war was over, they then more or less turned off the lights and shut the door which remained semi- shut until officially 1981 when with the personal backing of Margaret Thatcher preservation was underway.

Unofficially tho, the war rooms were having groups of visitors not long after the war finished.

During the Cold War visitors were surprised to find secret work was being carried out near to where they were standing.

Apologies for the history lesson but it was a truly fascinating place to visit.

Back up to ground floor, still freezing. Time to find somewhere warm for a snack and do a bit of touristing because, well, we’re here.

Home to check on the kids and hopefully they are done and all packed.

Tonight we are staying in a hotel near Heathrow as it’s an early flight tomorrow morning.

Looking out of our Hotel room before bed, apparently snowing in London tomorrow.