London – February 2020
Hotels: Novotel London Waterloo
I was excited to be returning to London for a second time — soon to be third now — and wander this fascinating city, taking in all its beauty while sipping tea. Visiting places I’ve been before, now with Joe, is always a whole new experience, and I cherish being able to show him the world. My first visit was filled with all the touristy things, like most first trips are, but traveling with Joe is always filled with random detours, good food, and lots of shopping too!
Day 1: Buckingham Palace, Carnaby Street, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Covent Garden
After checking in to our AirBNB, –and jigsaw puzzled our luggage in, which is why I didn’t link it — we headed out in search of the best Shepard’s pie at a restaurant Joe found online (listed below.) On our way, we passed through Buckingham Palace — check! — and after leaving lunch, we found ourselves only a street away from Carnaby Street. So we started there, and continued to Piccadilly Circus, through Trafalgar Square, and ended at Covent Garden where we had delicious tea and scones. (I even booked our third visit’s hotel right near Covent Garden, since we enjoyed spending the afternoons here so much.)
Day 2: Earl’s Court, Hyde Park, Harrods, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, The London Eye, and Big Ben
Since we had knocked out half our itinerary the previous day, we had a slower schedule for day two. Our whole trip, Joe did whatever I wanted, never even mentioned anything he wanted to do, but the one thing he did want was to head to Chelsea and see a storefront where his favorite band shot their album cover. Honestly, such a precious boy. So I walked an hour to the location for Joe, — One. Whole. Hour. Guess that’s love, man. — but not without making him stop and take my picture every quarter mile. Trip turned into a 2 hour walk real quick. Luckily, the neighborhoods we passed through were extra adorable.
Afterwards, we headed back in to the city, stopping for lunch in Earl’s Court, a cute and charming neighborhood filled with homes and restaurants.
Following lunch, we took a long stroll through Hyde Park, and an even longer stroll through Harrods. Seriously, this place is so big. The first time I went, I found myself in a back hallway and somehow landed in the shoe department, which now that I mention it, sounds like a dream come true.
We spent the latter part of the day sightseeing at Buckingham Palace again, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Big Ben (Which was under construction. Boo!)
We ended our day back in Covent Garden for afternoon tea and walking around the lively surrounding streets all night.
Day 3: The British Museum, Tower Bridge, and Tower of London
We were fortunate enough to miss the rain most of our trip, but on our last day, we caught a little in the morning. To stay dry, we spent the day inside walking around the British Museum (Free entry; woo!), then continued to Tower Bridge and Tower of London once the rain passed. We opted not to go explore inside, since this was something I had done a previous trip, but the Crown Jewels can be found here and are incredible to look at.
That night we had a very special dinner at Clos Maggiore, the “Most Romantic Restaurant in the World”. We had made reservations a month before knowing we’d be visiting, but a table in the Conservatory will require almost 6 months in advance. We were able to dine in the beautiful upper dining room, and it was the perfect ending to an even more perfect trip.
Food Recommendations:
The Windmill – This is where we had Shepard’s pie, and it was definitely worth the walk. I’ve had a plate my first visit and homemade pies before, and the one here blew all of them out the water.
Regency Cafe – Known for its famous English Breakfast, this place didn’t disappoint. Don’t let the long queue scare you, though. They have their system down, and the line moves rather quickly. For only 6£, you’ll be enjoying a feast in no time.
Dirty Bones – A funky burger place found near Kensington High Street. Stumbled across this place during my first visit, and still thinkin’ about that mac ‘n cheese burger.
• Everyday Davis • 