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Back into London for the second time in two weeks – this time was to see the F1 Exhibition at ExCel London. Jon managed to get priority booking and secured a couple of simulator rides for himself and Callum, but the earliest time slot he could book was 4.30pm. It was proving to be popular!
We caught the direct train into Paddington, then tried out the new Elizabeth Line to get down to Canary Wharf. The new entrance was to the side of the station, near Platform 1. Previously, we would have jumped on the Bakerloo Line and switched over to the Jubilee Line to get to Canary Wharf.
It was really quick and easy and we reached Canary Wharf in about 20 minutes. The plan was to complete the Canary Wharf Jubilee Place Gardens Treasure Trail and then grab a bite to eat before heading over the River to the ExCel.
The Treasure Trail just took us around the edge of Canary Wharf, and wasn’t overly scenic as other trails we have done. Every time we visit this area, more buildings have shot up, each getting taller and taller.
Some quite fun sculptures and statues – not our favourite trail but we got our steps up and saw a little more than we had done previously.
Our back-up plan for lunch was to go to the Big Easy … one of our favourites. However, as there was a table free at The Alchemist, we decided to try somewhere new. We started off with a sharing platter and that was really tasty. For mains, Callum went for Chicken in a Basket (really cool basket – nothing like the plastic baskets this was served in back in the 1980s!), Jon had a burger and I had a flatbread sandwich/wrap. All pretty good and one to go back to at some point.
Getting to the ExCel was a doddle from Canary Wharf. Back to the Elizabeth Line and just one stop further down the line.
We found the F1 exhibition and then discovered there was a Friends exhibition further along. It was a lovely day and we enjoyed sitting in the sunshine, people watching. It was fun seeing all the grown-ups walking along holding their plush Santa-Penguins!!
Once in, our first challenge was to work out how to open the lockers – no backpacks could be taken in so we left our jackets here too. Once that challenge accomplished, we went inside the halls and as there was little queue, the boys did their simulator race. Just like the F1 on the XBox but with the proper steering wheel and seat. As it turned out, a wise move as there were long queues when we had finished.
There was a lot of information to read (and hear) and a lot of exhibits. It was all really interesting. It was incredibly busy with people on the inside so a lot of patience was needed.
One of the more interesting and incredibly thought provoking sections was on the safety and deaths of drivers. A film was being broadcast on a loop featuring the team bosses from the constructors talking about the impact these accidents and deaths had on the team and the changes that were brought about. Very moving to watch.
It brought it home when they showed Grosjean’s crash in the 2020 F1 race in Bahrain. It’s the crash where his car went through the crash barriers and burst into flames. In their heart of hearts, everyone from the teams to the viewers at home, were expecting the worse. No-one was really expecting him to survive that crash but to the relief and amazement from team, drivers and the viewing public, he jumped out of the car with just a few minor burns – it was just incredible.
The burnt out cockpit from his car was on display at the exhibition and there was very little left. An absolute miracle he lived to tell the tale.
It was great to see some of the cars up close. As well as recent production cars, there were a couple of classics from way back when. Also cars from the very beginning of motor sport.
Getting home was fairly straight forward. Elizabeth Line straight back to Paddington. Once again, we had timed our arrival to perfection. The direct train to Thatcham was due to leave in 10 minutes and arrived back in Thatcham 45 minutes later.
