1. Queen’s Guide Exploration
London - July 27th – 30th
Purpose: Cities are typically known for being more expensive, particularly to those only visiting. Therefore we decided to see if London could be visited “on a budget”.

2. Planning
As two of us were completing our exploration, we split many of the responsibilities. She looked at accommodation and I researched free activities. From this we were able to put together a rough itinerary. Although this took a little work, I found some real gems that really heightened the experience.

3. Accommodation (1)
Hillspring Lodge This hostel was a great surprise! We had a private room for the four of us with lockers in the room already (a real bonus when you are only using the hostel to sleep in!). The other good surprise was the quality of the breakfast. With cereal, toast, croissants and hot drinks, we were certainly able to eat well before a long day.

4. Accommodation (2)
Pax Lodge As a member of Girlguiding, this was very exciting. I had never been to a world centre, so this was even more exciting! The rooms were well equipped and, again, breakfast could not be faulted. I think the real highlight was being able to meet and get to know other Guiders and Scouters from all over the world. We ate breakfast with some Canadians, met some girls from Denmark and some girls from an island so remote I cannot remember the name of it!

5. “Nothing’s for Free”
People say that nothing is free these days, however in London you are lucky that there are lots of things to do in London that are free. We visited lots of attractions that didn’t cost us a penny. Here are some of my highlights:

6. Buckingham Palace
M&M World
Comedy Night
Platform 9 ¾
Soho Square
V&A Museum of Childhood
Natural History Museum
The British Museum
Whittards
Leicester Square/Trafalgar Square

7. A fiver or less… The Proms (£5) British Museum Audio (£4.50)
Pax Lodge Challenge Badge (£3)
Pax Lodge Pinning Ceremony (£2)

8. When in London… Girlguiding Headquarters Pax Lodge Crystal Palace
Being one of the first 1000 to visit the new HQ meant we were given a special badge with our purchase (who in Guiding doesn’t love a badge!)
Pax Lodge
Even if you cannot stay there, I would recommend a visit. You could call ahead and join in with the flag ceremony at 9am?
Crystal Palace
Although we did not visit Crystal Palace on this visit, I have visited with a friend before. It is quite a journey out of London, but it is in a lovely park and is also free. And there is a badge you can buy once you have completed it!
“Harry Potter Across London”
Pax Lodge have created a variety of Challenge Badges. You pay £3 and you receive the challenge pack and a certificate and badge upon completion. We completed the Harry Potter badge and allowed us to see some fantastic sights that we would have missed if we were just exploring London on our own.

9. Group Relationships
I had met Claire (fellow QG participant) through the QG support page on facebook. As a fellow teacher, this time of year suited her best as well. Claire had a fellow Guider of hers join us, who then asked a friend to join us. So everyone in the group had someone new to meet.