I'VE BEEN to London many times but never as a tourist. It's been on my Things To Do Before You Die List for a long time. It's not at the top (that spot's reserved for Fiona Bruce) but it's a mite easier to arrange.

Armed with a cheap saver return Mrs B and I headed for the capital. First on the list was the Churchill Cabinet War Rooms buried underground a few hundred yards from Downing Street. It was overwhelming to believe the future of the free world rested on the decisions made here during World War II.

We wandered off in a daze to Horse Guards Parade just in time for the changing of the guard. I'm no zealot but any Englishman/woman who can witness this age-old tradition without feeling immensely proud is beyond reclamation.

Ambling back to Parliament Square I was half expecting to be tapped up for a tenner by you know who. Mrs B told me to relax; it was Friday afternoon. He was probably heading back to Congleton.

You can stand beneath Big Ben and watch the entire world go by: Japanese, Chinese, Canadians, Brazilians and half of Africa seemed to be gazing in awe. It's a truly amazing sight.

I even spotted a guy weaving in and out of the traffic driving a sofa. A real four-seat, upholstered, motorised settee - honest.

On Saturday we walked to St Paul's Cathedral passing the Old Bailey where carved in stone above the entrance were the words 'Defend the Children of the Poor and Punish the Wrongdoer'. I couldn't help wondering where we went wrong.

Saint Paul's, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710, is a stunning sight. Visited by millions of people from around the globe it's a true masterpiece in a world of growing mediocrity.

From St Paul's we sauntered the Thames embankment to the London Eye witnessing some of the most creative street entertainers imaginable. Outside the Globe Theatre were a group of street actors performing Shakespeare - now that does need confidence.

The large international crowd strolled along in the sunshine enjoying every minute and the good-natured presence of uniformed bobbies gave a really good feel to the day.

Chatting to overseas visitors made it obvious why they came to London: double-decker buses, red phone boxes, Big Ben, changing of the guard, museums, history and most of all our royal heritage.

In other words everything our politicians detest. Forget cool Britannia, overseas visitors couldn't care less; there are dozens of countries 'cooler' than Britain.

Show them a royal pageant - now that is something.

  • THE views expressed on this page are Vic Barlow's and not necessarily those of the Express.