Jay was a little jealous of my trip to Italy with my mom. To make it up to him, we planned a trip to the United Kingdom. Today I will walk you through the packed fun we had in London. Check back tomorrow for details on our second destination, York.
We arrived in jolly ole England on December 27, 2007, after an overnight flight on British Airways from BWI. To this day, Jay still makes fun of me because I wanted herbal tea on the flight. I asked the steward what kind of tea they had, he promptly replied “British”.
Our first day, we wandered around the well known city sights with Jay’s parents. Jay’s parents asked if they could come with us for the London portion of our trip. We happily agreed!
Parliament was closed for the Holidays, so we wondered around snapping pictures of many historic and iconic places that day. We did manage a ride on the London Eye and visit Westminster Abbey. The London Eye was cool, but pricey, and I believe you can see comparable views from the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Westminster Abbey was so fascinating. I have never seen so many tombs in a church. The Poets’ Corner was one of my favorite areas of the church. The churches of England were vastly different from those of Italy. Italy’s churches are filled with famous art for the Renaissance, while England’s churches feel more Medieval. After the Abbey, we ate lunch at The Sanctuary House, recommended to us by a priest at the Abbey. By far, this was one of my favorite meals in London.
The next day we schedule a bus tour outside the city to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford. We all really loved Windsor Castle. The self guided tour was excellent. Of all the Castles in and around London, this was my favorite.
Next we headed to Stonehenge. It was very windy and cold at Stonehenge, but the monument was fascinating. Did you know that the monument was constructed in three parts, the first part being built over 5,050 years ago?!?!? Crazy huh?
Unfortunately, we did not get to see much of Oxford since it was dark, windy, raining and cold when we arrived.
On our third day in London, we did a lot shopping! Jay’s mom loves to shop, so we started the day at Portobello Market, the world’s largest antiques market. Jay’s mom collects Wedgewood, this market was a gold mine of Wedgewood. Jay and I still find pieces we bought on our trip and have yet to give to his mom.
After the market we explored Kensington Palace and Harrods before calling it a day.
The 30th was packed!!! Jay and I explored St. Paul’s Cathedral and climbed the dome. By far best view in London and fascinating. Who doesn’t want to see where Princess Diana was married?!?!?!
After the Cathedral we met Jay’s parents at the Tower of London. Another London MUST!! Our tour guide was amazing! Did you know there are a total of 13 towers in the Tower of London?? You can also view the Crowned Jewels and famous execution locations!
After the Tower, Jay and I strolled around the Thames River. We walked over the Tower Bridge, along the Queen’s Walk, past Shakespeare Globe, into the Tate Modern and eventually across Millennium Bridge. Can you tell Jay and I love to explore cities by foot?!?!?!
On New Year’s Eve, Jay and I woke early. We ventured through Hyde Park (to see the Peter Pan Statue) before meeting his parents at Buckingham Palace. There we watched the changing of the guard.
After the changing of the guard we relaxed and enjoyed Jay’s parents company before we ventured off the next morning. We enjoyed an early dinner and then Jay and I went to a local pub to bring in the New Year.
The next morning, we got up early and headed to the King’s Cross Station to catch the train to York. Of course, we first had to pose with the Platform 9 3/4 sign!!!
