Well, last day before I head homewards. Started packing, mailed a few items home and then hit the sightseeing trail one more time to make some more use of my British Heritage Pass.

First stop Hyde Park Corner. The Wellington Arch is essentially a victory monument following Waterloo and was also placed to mark an outer entrance to Buckingham Palace. The park area also features a statue of the Duke of Wellington and more recent monuments to British artillery and machine gun regiments.

The most recent monument at the location is notably a memorial to Australia's involvement and sacrifice in the two world wars. It is only a few years old and incorporates a discreet waterfall feature along the length of the memorial wall.

Just over the road is Apsley House, a fine Georgian mansion which was the home of Arthur Wellesley, ie the Duke of Wellington. It features majestic rooms and a stunning array of artwork. The property was transferred to public ownership by Act of Parliament after WW2, although some deal was struck to allow the family to continue to live in part of the premises. I think the 8th Duke lives there now.

St Paul's Cathedral was my next visit. It certainly is a beautiful and spectacular structure, both inside and out, with a lot to take in.

It's quite commercialised of course with gift shop, coffee shop, restaurant and conference rooms all downstairs in the vicinity of the crypt. It all seems a bit exploitative to me.

Back home after that, to prepare for tomorrow's travel.