London is completely magnificent. It was also three weeks ago. How’s that possible? Anyhow, after the Peak District, we arrived in London on a drizzly (at least, I think so?) evening. We stayed at a great Airbnb right by the Queens Park tube station. Pros and cons: you’re not in the MIDDLE of London, but because of that you don’t pay quite as much for a place, the tube is ridiculously efficient (and speedy!) at getting you around, and there’s a Gail’s Bakery right around the corner. So, let’s call it a big, fat win.
Now, there’s a lot more pictures (and words) but let’s do an after the jump, k?
Click below!!
That’s the Royal helicopter. OH YES. Bridget and family arrive in London and within the first twelve hours see not one but two princes! (Harry and William, did that need to be said?) It was pretty great. Better still–if only Kate and Pippa had stepped off! We met my friend Lauren and her family at Granger & Co. that morning. How do they do those scrambled eggs? It was a perfect first morning in London. The weather was beautiful (in fact, we didn’t have rain once except the morning of departure. London in November, are you kidding me?!), we had a delicious meal with fabulous company, and then we strolled Portobello Road, Notting Hill, Kensington Gardens, and let the kids play at the Diana Memorial playground–that’s when the helicopter flew in. What charm!
Steve has been getting Parker all hyped up for the Royal Guards, the palace, the Tower of London, the horses, all things boy + war related (awesome, says the peace-loving, Mother!), so on and so forth for months. So, of course, there was some Changing of the Guards to watch, a Beefeater tour of the Tower of London, and just a general talk about all the pomp and circumstance that London brings. To be honest? I loved it. It’s all so ceremonious and traditional and exciting. Sometimes it felt a little bit ridiculous but mostly it was just awesome.
We took so many tube rides that week. What a system. We didn’t wait for more than 2 minutes ever. If we arrived just as one was pulling away, there’d be another one seconds behind. And, oh man, the tube stations at rush hour are intense. London is packed. (Though somehow feels less packed than Rome. More green space? Bigger sidewalks? I’m not sure.) We ate out frequently because we were on the go most of the time. I tried all the classics–fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a sort of meat pie. The last being my favorite. Though I think I could pass on the mushy peas.
We took a morning to venture over to Borough Market. What a place. You want it, I think you could find it there. I had a falafel and a Pimm’s cup. Strange pairing? Perhaps. It was delicious. The fresh fruit and juice stand was particularly beautiful, pictured below. I think that was the night we ate at a burger place after the Tower of London too. Good Burger? Was that the name of it? I don’t know, but it was delish. In our grand tour of European burger joints, Rome’s Brillo burger still wins though.
We managed to get to Westminster Abbey and I’m so glad we did. They hand out audio tours at the start (we got Parker one too, so that we might actually all get to listen and learn something). I loved the history of the place, the record of famous events, all the burials and memorials, especially in Poet’s corner. We also went to the Churchill War Rooms and Museum which I would say is an absolute must for anyone interested in history (even the least bit). It’s amazing.
The people in London! How could I forget? Everyone was so friendly. The policemen (a quick question for one turned into a 30 minute history lesson complete with references to Oliver Cromwell and Queen Victoria!), the waiters, tube-riders, everyone. I like you, Brits! A definite feeling I had in London was that I didn’t have enough time! I wanted to see more! See everything! And, I must admit, being in an English-speaking country again was pretty swell after two and a half months elsewhere. So, London, you’re a ten outta ten. I’ll be back!
Love this city, and I enjoyed seeing it through your lens. Looks like you got some gorgeous weather (and sunshine! woo!) I remember scoffing a bit at my friends who went there to study abroad (my vision of the whole purpose of it was to learn a new language. what! so snobby.) anyways, I went to visit them and changed my tune pretty quickly. Marrying a Londoner probably helped a teeny bit too 😉
My all time dream is to finally make it to England. Looks as wonderful as I always expect it to be!
So glad you guys enjoyed everything! It is so magical!!
I am so glad you enjoyed your visit to London. It's my favourite place to visit! I have to say, I think you did more in one visit than I have done in the 10 years I have been visiting. If you visit again, try to go back in the summer, it can be rather hot and muggy but it's a completely different city and a really fun place to visit xx
Glad you enjoyed your visit! 🙂 I am a native Londoner and still discovering new places to see and explore so definetely worth another visit! Beautiful photos too!
Oh my gosh Bridget (said like I know you)!! I live near Borough Market and have been lurking in like forever (before Parker was born I think!). And you were right up the road!!! So glad you enjoyed London!!! Come back soon! 🙂
two gorgeous ladies!
Love it! I do love London and you sound like you had a wonderful time!
Yay, Queen's Park – that's been my neck of the woods for over two decades now 🙂 It really is a great place to live, only 15 mins to Oxford Circus on the Bakerloo Line and yet feels leafy and quiet compared to Zone 1. I'm glad you got to the Abbey as well as Regent's Park and Borough Market – definitely three of the nicest things to see and do in the city! x
Tamsin / A Certain Adventure
Gourmet Burger Kitchen! (GBK)