A Vote 100 inspired trip to London

On Wednesday 24 October, eight of our empowered young women went on an inspiring trip to London to visit the House of Commons, watch Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), and complete the Girlguiding LaSER London Challenge badge.

First up was the train journey there. It was a mode of transport to tick off for the Challenge, but also a location for planning, preparing, and playing the Monopoly card game – which could have gone better. “Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t quite work out the rules, but we had fun trying,” said Lanna, 15.

Our first stop when we arrived in London was the Houses of Parliament, with a short tube ride there helping us tick off another mode of transport. We were greeted by MP Tim Loughton who gave us a quick tour.

This included a tour of the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft. Rihanna, aged 16, thought the architecture was "magnificent”. We also had a look at the cupboard in which Emily Wilding Davison hid in during the 1911 census, so that she could register as living in the House of Commons.

We then watched the Speaker's procession before going on to watch PMQs. Victoria, aged 14, said it was "an unforgettable and interesting experience”.

After PMQs and on the way to lunch we saw Boris Johnson. Anna, 14, thought that his hair was "much fuller in person”!

After lunch we visited the memorial for Lord and Lady Baden-Powell.

Next, we got on the bus to Girlguiding HQ and ICANDO, where we had a quick pitstop before going to see Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard.

We then had a lovely walk through Green Park to get the tube to London Bridge. There, we took a trip up the Shard. In total, we went up 72 stories and had a fantastic view of London! Ayesha, 14, thought it was “a stunning view.” Michelle, 14, said that going to the Shard was "my favourite part of the day because I loved the glass design”.

Once we were back on solid ground we headed back to Victoria to catch the train home – but not before getting a drink and a cake for the train home.