I was recently lucky enough to take a 10 day trip to Europe. I had been planning this for over a year and couldn’t wait to visit places I had not been to before and have only read about. The one thing I did learn is that ten days is not nearly enough time to see everything on my agenda (but I knew that at before I left the States). However, I did accomplish my London goals.
We arrived on a late Tuesday afternoon and after settling into our room, my husband and I didn’t have much time to explore. At least not like I wished. So we walked around the area where our hotel was located in Chelsea. I was more comfortable in London but I think it has more to do with understanding the language.
Our first meal was in a quaint restaurant and I found I am not a fan of Bangers and Mash. (My husband loved the meal however and ate mine).
The next day we set off on a bus to hit the highlights. By that, we drove by Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square with Nelson’s column, with only one stop for a photo op at Westminster Abbey. The one surprise on the drive was how huge the Houses of Parliament were. I assumed it was big, just not that big.
The tour ended with the Changing of the Guard and then we were on our own for the afternoon.
After a quick hop on the subway we ended up at The Tower of London. Some shopping was done and pictures were taken. I would have loved to have gone inside but the line was long and if we would have done this I would not have had a chance to see anything else.
We then headed back to from where we had come and began the walk through London. Okay, not all of London, but the area I wanted to see above all else. This included a stop in Hyde Park then into Apsley House. Not only was it cool to be in Wellington’s home but equally cool to be inside a structure similar to what my characters may have lived in. Much of it was closed off and if I understood correctly, the upper rooms are still used by the family at times. We were able to tour the basement, entry floor and first floor containing the drawing rooms and the State Dining Room. The main level houses a museum with china, weapons and all manner of items from Wellington's life.
The walk continued down Piccadilly with detours onto St. James and into St. James Square and back out until we were at Piccadilly Circus.
We did rush this walk because I wanted to make sure we were back in time to meet the rest of the group and it turns out, we had extra time so we visited shops, had a pastry and enjoyed a cup of coffee. I should have had tea! It was the afternoon but I wasn’t thinking. Hubby did enjoy a pot of tea, however, and enjoyed it very much.
Others in our group visited Fleet Street and ate at the restaurant associated with Sweeny Todd. Personally, I am not sure I would have wanted to eat there – lol. However, I would have loved to try a meat pie. I didn’t get the opportunity this trip.
That evening we dined on Fish and Chips (I really can’t get enough of that combination) and our visit to London was done.
There is so much more that I wanted to see and tour and now that I’ve had a taste, hubby and I will be planning a trip just for the UK to see all it has to offer.
Have you ever been to England? What are some must sees so I can add them to my future itinerary
We arrived on a late Tuesday afternoon and after settling into our room, my husband and I didn’t have much time to explore. At least not like I wished. So we walked around the area where our hotel was located in Chelsea. I was more comfortable in London but I think it has more to do with understanding the language.
Our first meal was in a quaint restaurant and I found I am not a fan of Bangers and Mash. (My husband loved the meal however and ate mine).
The next day we set off on a bus to hit the highlights. By that, we drove by Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square with Nelson’s column, with only one stop for a photo op at Westminster Abbey. The one surprise on the drive was how huge the Houses of Parliament were. I assumed it was big, just not that big.
The tour ended with the Changing of the Guard and then we were on our own for the afternoon.
After a quick hop on the subway we ended up at The Tower of London. Some shopping was done and pictures were taken. I would have loved to have gone inside but the line was long and if we would have done this I would not have had a chance to see anything else.
We then headed back to from where we had come and began the walk through London. Okay, not all of London, but the area I wanted to see above all else. This included a stop in Hyde Park then into Apsley House. Not only was it cool to be in Wellington’s home but equally cool to be inside a structure similar to what my characters may have lived in. Much of it was closed off and if I understood correctly, the upper rooms are still used by the family at times. We were able to tour the basement, entry floor and first floor containing the drawing rooms and the State Dining Room. The main level houses a museum with china, weapons and all manner of items from Wellington's life.
The walk continued down Piccadilly with detours onto St. James and into St. James Square and back out until we were at Piccadilly Circus.
We did rush this walk because I wanted to make sure we were back in time to meet the rest of the group and it turns out, we had extra time so we visited shops, had a pastry and enjoyed a cup of coffee. I should have had tea! It was the afternoon but I wasn’t thinking. Hubby did enjoy a pot of tea, however, and enjoyed it very much.
Others in our group visited Fleet Street and ate at the restaurant associated with Sweeny Todd. Personally, I am not sure I would have wanted to eat there – lol. However, I would have loved to try a meat pie. I didn’t get the opportunity this trip.
That evening we dined on Fish and Chips (I really can’t get enough of that combination) and our visit to London was done.
There is so much more that I wanted to see and tour and now that I’ve had a taste, hubby and I will be planning a trip just for the UK to see all it has to offer.
Have you ever been to England? What are some must sees so I can add them to my future itinerary
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