Group Leisure & Travel readers had the chance to experience two wonderful heritage sites and a relaxing trip along the Thames on a recent Reader Club day trip to London.
There’s always something new to discover in our ever-evolving capital, from state-of-the-art exhibitions to immersive experiences and everything in between. The fast pace of things makes it easy to overlook the places that have stood in the city for generations, telling ourselves we’ll see them eventually, but they’re often the ones that leave a lasting impression - that’s why they’ve stood the test of time, after all.
I recently joined a group of GLT readers on a day out at two of London’s finest and most historic attractions - St Paul’s Cathedral and Cutty Sark. We sailed between the two on a Thames River Sightseeing cruise and also enjoyed a pie & mash lunch at a traditional pie shop. It doesn’t get more London than that!
1,400 years of history at St Paul’s Cathedral
Our day began outside the 30-foot Great West Doors of St Paul’s Cathedral, also known as the ‘Special Occasion Doors’, our tour guide Gabrielle explained, as they’re only opened for special and ceremonial events. For regular folk like us, the accessible side entrance did the job nicely.
The scale of the Baroque building is staggering from the outside, but the interior took my breath away. Huge stone columns hold up the painted Dome and guilded arches, while sculpted figures from history and religion line the aisles. It’s even more impressive when Gabrielle points out that construction was completed in just 35 years.
St Paul’s Cathedral as we know it today was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 17th century, a scientist and inexperienced architect at the time who remarkably created one of London’s most enduring landmarks. Yet the Cathedral has existed here in various forms for 1,400 years; this building’s Gothic predecessor, known as Old St Paul’s Cathedral, burned down during the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Highlights from our whistle-stop tour included the Geometric Staircase, a stunning feat of structural engineering and recognisable from the Harry Potter film series, and the crypt where we saw the final resting places of the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson and a memorial to Sir Winston Churchill. Sir Christopher Wren’s memorial felt particularly poignant, positioned directly under the cathedral’s Dome and looking up at its spectacular mural.
“The visit to the cathedral was fascinating - so much history in one building, I could have spent much more time there. I am taking a group there in January so we will explore at more leisure.”
Marion McCrindle, Watford Park u3a
Guided tours run every day, leading groups from the crypt all the way up to the Stone and Golden Galleries located in the highest levels. We didn’t get the chance to venture up to the Galleries, but I’d love to return to experience the Whispering Gallery or see the Tyndale New Testament as part of the Treasures Tour, on display until February 2027. Those with a stomach for heights can climb up to the crest of the Dome and look out over London’s skyline, but it’s worth noting that requires a level of fitness as there are hundreds of stairs involved.
Reduced entry rates are offered to groups of 15 or more, and for every 15 people one free place is offered. Find information about group visits at stpauls.co.uk/group-visits.
Sailing past bucket-list sights
We could have spent hours in St Paul’s but other sights of London awaited. We made our way to South Bank across the Millennium Bridge and hopped on board a Thames River Sightseeing cruise. This turned a journey from A to B into an insightful part of the itinerary, thanks to the crew who voluntarily provide commentary en route.
The 30-minute cruise took us from Bankside Pier, close to Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern, all the way to Greenwich. We sailed past iconic London landmarks like HMS Belfast, the Tower of London and The Shard, and even crossed paths with the historic paddle steamer Waverley on its way into the city from Southend.
Thanks to our volunteer guide, we learned about the suspected Tudor origin of the name Isle of Dogs and the fortune spent by a wealthy American who bought the original London Bridge; and we discovered the curious histories of the (many) pubs that line the river, from the launch point of The Mayflower to the final drinking place of condemned pirates and smugglers.
“You cannot beat a river cruise to Greenwich with the ever-changing London skyline. I enjoyed the commentary from a Londoner.”
Gordon Hadden, B & B Group Leisure
The full route spans from Westminster to Greenwich and docks at six piers along the Thames, five of which are primely located for exploring central London. We took advantage of the glorious September sunshine and sat on the open top deck, but there’s an enclosed lower deck with big windows to allow for sightseeing during cold or wet weather.
Groups of 15 or more can book online to receive a 15% discount. Everyone in the group will get a guaranteed seat, and a cruise booking can be combined with tickets for attractions including St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and Cutty Sark.
Plan a group cruise at thamesriversightseeing.com/groups.
Cutty Sark: tea trade to tourist landmark
After a hearty lunch of traditional pie and mash in the private dining space of Goddards at Greenwich, we walked the short distance to Cutty Sark, the sole-surviving tea clipper and once the fastest sailing ship of its time, now an instantly recognisable landmark in the maritime area of Greenwich.
We entered the glass covered dry dock where the ship has sat since 1954, suspended three metres above the ground so visitors can walk under its hull. This incredible space is now also used for atmospheric meals, live theatre and concerts. This is where we met Sophie, our guide, who led us from the very bottom of the ship through the cargo decks used to transport tea from China in the late 1800s and up to the bow overlooking the Thames.
“The combination of different interests offered on this visit made it a super day out. I have walked the Thames Path for that area many times, but the river trip is always special. The guide in St Paul’s made the visit particularly stimulating, and the visit to Cutty Sark was totally fascinating.”
Margaret Thorpe, Knole U3A / Paddock Wood U3A
Walking through each level of the ship gave us an insight into what life may have been like on board as it made its long journey from the UK to China and back. While in the lower cargo deck, Sophie pointed out the original panels of the ship which remarkably survived a fire in 2007, and highlighted the incredible craftmanship and engineering skill of those who built it in 1869.
A standout for me was seeing the “choir of figureheads”, the correct collective noun, Sophie told us, and very apt for the tiered display of colourful characters that faced the exposed hull. On the top step leading the choir was Nannie the witch, Cutty Sark’s figurehead - the story behind the name was very interesting!
During the summer months, those with strong sea legs can climb the rigging of the main mast, reaching heights of up to 16 metres from the top deck (21 metres from street level). Groups that prefer to keep their feet on the floor can instead book an afternoon tea experience beneath the hull of the famous tea clipper. Talks and tours take place daily and really bring the ship’s fascinating past to life.
Pre-booked groups of 15+ benefit from discounts on entry tickets and the Cutty Sark Afternoon Tea Experience. Discover more at rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark.
Andrea Larotella, senior manager of travel trade at Royal Museums Greenwich, said: “It was great to meet with attendees and hear insights into the needs and expectations of today’s group travel market, alongside colleagues from St Paul’s Cathedral and Thames River Sightseeing.
“The visit was also a brilliant opportunity to showcase what Greenwich, and London more widely, has to offer, demonstrating how a range of experiences can come together to create an engaging and varied group itinerary.”
Marcia Clement, travel trade & group sales manager at St Paul’s Cathedral, called it “a pleasure” to spend time with GLT readers and added: “We really enjoyed meeting the group, sharing ideas, and hearing first-hand what is important when planning itineraries for their groups and customers.
“We hope the visit demonstrated how easily these iconic London attractions can be brought together to create an enjoyable and memorable group experience.”
A huge thank you to St Paul’s Cathedral, Royal Museums Greenwich and Thames River Sightseeing for organising a fun full-day experience in London. Whether as individual attractions or an easy-to-repeat itinerary, readers left with lots of ideas to take back to their groups.
