DAY 11: London

Headed off to Buckingham Palace to see the Royal Mews and the State Rooms. It certainly wasn't cheap, but well worth the money. Saw the Australian State Coach built in 1988 for the opening of the new parliament house. It is one of the Queens favourites as it has heating and air-conditioning as well as electric windows.

Realised we didn't have time to stay with the guided tour, so rushed off to see the beautiful Gold State Coach. The coach was built in 1762 and is covered in gold leaf. There are beautiful murals all over the coach body and really is a sight to see.

Once again, we were in a rush to get in line for the State Rooms exhibition. These rooms are amazing. The architecture is incredibly beautiful and they are all full of artworks including paintings, statues and furniture. It would be a strange experience living surrounded by such opulence.

Headed out towards Hyde Park and found the Australian War Memorial in London, which I never knew existed. Took several photos and had a bit of a read on the grass before heading back to the hotel and dinner.

Went to The Swan around the corner for a nice carvery dinner. Met a guy from Sydney and sat down to chat for a couple of hours before getting an early night.