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We had only been home a few days after our London trip when the vacation blues set in.
I hadn’t had much time to process how magical our two-week trip to London was, and I felt a pang of sadness over no longer being able to walk around gorgeous city parks, down cobblestoned streets, and across historic bridges over the River Thames.
Everything about London is so unique, from it’s red double-decker buses to its world-class museums and quaint historic pubs – I immediately fell in love with London on my first visit, and have been back several times.
Out the front of Westminster Abbey
London holds a special place in my heart, and is one of my favorite destinations in the world – especially for a city break.
It’s the best place to start a trip to Europe because it’s very easy to travel to and get around, but it’s worth staying and exploring in its own right.
If you’re ever thinking of taking a trip to the capital of the United Kingdom but not sure if it’s the right place for you, this guide is hopefully going to help you decide.
Our last London vacation was one of our best family trips ever, and here’s why…
The Illusion of Time: Memories really are lasting…
Walking across the The Millennium Bridge towards St Paul’s Cathedral
Many of our regular readers know that Craig and I previously lived in London for two years pre-kids. Since then, we’ve been back several times, including when we lived in Dublin.
Then life happened and we had our two daughters, and it was 20 years between visits – so to say we were excited about our last visit would be an understatement.
Returning to London feels magical. I slipped right back into London mode and it felt like returning home.
Riding the Tube (London Underground Train) is a fantastic way to get around London
The public transportation hadn’t changed; getting around London on the Tube (London Underground train system) felt as familiar to me as if I had suddenly grown a third arm.
Finding my way around the streets, it felt like I had never been away.
For two weeks, I existed in this weird portal of time, where it felt like I was just there yesterday and London was so fresh and alive within me, yet at other moments I’d get stressed because I couldn’t remember the names of pubs I worked in, the addresses of the homes I lived in, or how to get myself back to the most delicious jam donuts I’d have every morning on my way to teaching at a school.
How could it feel on one hand like I had never left, and on the other like it was so long ago that my memory was failing?
Exploring the upscale district of Mayfair
It’s because the experiences and the feelings that comes with a place that’s special to you – never leave.
You may read a lot about a place leaving “lasting memories” when you read travel guides, and it’s true when you visit London.
When you return, you can tap back into them in an instant the minute you return to those impactful places, but the tiny details of them that aren’t worth remembering, like phone numbers and street addresses, just can’t resurface in a brain that has to keep updated and relevant.
Mind your head in some of the pubs in the UK
There’s so much history in London
Every street and cobblestone alley has a historical story to tell that goes way beyond my concept being Australian, where our colonial history isn’t that old.
Even in the United States, you wouldn’t find a building as old as you would in London anywhere in the country.
Because England hasn’t been attacked on British soil since 1066, much of the history has been retained.
There is of course other events that have caused some buildings to crumble, such as the Great Fire of London, but generally, it’s more common than not to find a building over 500 years old in London.
All this history sets my curious mind off with endless questions and ponderings.
I guess we better have an ice cold beer and cider in a 200 year old pub to discuss these!
Boredom doesn’t live in London
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” – Dr Samuel Johnson
As we saw on a wall in the Grind Cafe near the London Bridge in neon lights this famous quote which sums up our feelings on London:
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”
How could anyone be bored in London?
Our 14 year old teenager did not complain of boredom once in two weeks.
That’s a sure sign that there are so many interesting things to do in London for teens to capture your curiosity and imagination, at any age.
It truly is one of the best cities in the world for diverse attractions. You could be watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace one minute, admiring the finest examples of modern art at the Tate Modern the next (which is free, by the way) or capturing iconic selfies in front of Big Ben the next.
This was my first time really experiencing London as a tourist. I kept saying to Craig, “What was I doing for those 2 years living here? Why did I never experience this?“
Now I can say as a traveler to London, it is a fantastic destination for all ages.
You’ll never stop learning, you’ll never stop being amazed, surprised, or entertained. Whatever your interests or style you’ll find an experience and a neighborhood to match!
Enjoying a beer at The Hawley Arms in Camden, the pub Amy Winehouse used to visit.
Londoners are willing to help
The friendliness of the people also surprised us. There’s a misconception that Londoners are rude and get frustrated with tourists.
That is true for some people, but I can’t tell you how many times people stopped to ask us if we needed help.
Kensington Palace, the official residence of Prince William and Princess Kate.
It’s pretty easy to spot a confused or lost tourist. Generally, people are kind to tourists and are willing to help guide them in the direction they’re looking for, or give them recommendations.
We also had many people stop to help carry our suitcases up and down the stairs in the tube stations when we could not find a lift (elevator).
I loved the opportunity each time to say to my girls, “Isn’t that lovely. See how there are so many good people in the world who want to help you. Don’t be afraid to accept their help and thank them profusely.”
The Brits tend to be well mannered and polite, it’s part of their culture. Yes, you get a few grumpy faces, but generally, most people are courteous.
It’s inspiring for kids
During our family visit to London, I was living again the life of a young 22-year-old, so excited about her first independent adult experience in a foreign land where the doors of possibilities were first open to me.
At the same time, I was experiencing it again with my own two young daughters and seeing those doors open for them.
Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, established in the early 19th century around the area formerly known as Charing Cross
I loved seeing London through my girl’s eyes.
I was thrilled each time I saw them engage in an experience and say how much they liked it – even museums, which I thought they’d be bored by.
The thing about London is it’s so diverse, it gets young people excited about all the possibilities available to them.
We had to book in advance for Harry Potter! Both our kids loved the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour – 1 hour from London
Of course, with much of our trip following the Harry Potter trail, they couldn’t help but be mesmerized, especially when our walks around the city would takes us down alleyways that were the inspiration for Diagon Alley, or past Piccadilly Circus or Kings Cross Station that features so much in the world of Harry Potter.
Can you imagine how they felt seeing that come alive while they stood in the middle of it all in London and at the fantastic Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour?
Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station in London
I loved how this trip opened up their eyes to the magic of possibilities. It’s why I travel so much with my girls.
You only know what you know, and in expanding what they know, they can see greater possibilities and potential for their futures.
All I want for my girls is to experience their lives to the fullest, in whatever way that means for them, and to know they can truly do anything.
Someone once told Craig and I that we were terrible parents and completely selfish for living the life we have chosen with our girls, especially since we have not given them pets (sigh!!)
What we have given them is so much more. I see it in who they are, I see it in their creativity, intelligence, passion, expressed love and independence.
I see it in how they engage with life.
Creating special memories over afternoon tea at The Ampersand Hotel
Even during their challenging times, I see the strength of their character coming through (yet they are too young to recognize themselves).
I know they will thrive as independent adults. I am grateful that we have been in the position to give this to them.
So, I’m sorry, no pet could ever give them that gift.
The London Eye Riding the London Eye was also a special family moment together!
Nor will living your life to the beat of other people’s drums just to make THEM happy (who is being selfish?)
I feel that the sacrifices Craig and I have made over the years have been in large part to give our girls these gifts and opportunities.
We never remained on our comfy couch afraid to go out and live large, so we won’t’ be listening to people who try to drag us down from that position.
Cultural diversity at its finest
Craig and I were thrilled to be back in connection with a culture that is so similar to our own – it was the closest taste of Australia we could get without flying for 24 hours to get it.
We found several Aussie coffee shops with excellent coffee and lamington treats.
We sometimes heard our accent in those passing by, which is a glaring sign of how much things have changed because, usually when I walked around London, the most prevalent accents I’d hear were Australians, Kiwis and South Africans – all of it now a rare treat.
Coffee at Monmouth at Borough Market / Lamingtons at Ozone Coffee in Shoreditch
We saw memorials dedicated to our ANZAC soldiers and everyone having a conversation with us knew a lot about our country.
Our tour guide with Independence by Globus effortlessly wove in Australian stories within the tour. I didn’t even realize I missed that global connection where other cultures really know and understand you.
We loved being able to use words like toilet, bin, bill, and lift and not be looked at funny. And I love the loose personality and sense of humor of the English, which is so very similar to our own.
Where appearances don’t matter much. You can be loud in your conversations, laughter, singing and dancing, drop a few extra cuss words, rib each other a little, and it’s all just normal. It felt a lot more freeing and relaxed.
We laughed at how Americanized we had become. We’d walk into a pub looking around for the host to be seated, only to realize in the UK, like back home, you find your own seat and order at the bar.
Pub lunch at the Camden Head Pub, The Angel
Of course, this is our experience being Australian, but we’ve heard other friends of ours from other nationalities say they felt the same connection in London.
London is a very diverse city with many cultures intertwined in one. There is every nationality under the sun living in London, and they bring their unique cultures with them.
If you ever go to famous foodie places such as Brick Lane or Borough Market, you will find all cuisines and they are cooked by people from that country – you could have Nigerian food next to Polish food next to Korean. If cultural diversity is something you’d love to experience, then London is for you.
The pub culture is second to none
Craig enjoying a pint at the Camden Head Pub in The Angel District, close to Kings Cross Station
A pub in England is not a place to go for a party or nightlife. Pubs are gathering spaces, where friends come together after a hard day of work and share stories, laugh, and smile together.
It’s been that way for centuries, and many of the pubs in London are some of the most historical buildings in the city.
The beers are great and Craig loved tasting plenty local cask ales – they’re a little on the warm side, which suits the weather, and the ciders were fantastic. My tip for you is Old Mount Berries Cider. In a cup with ice – delicious.
Pubs are also places to eat. They are not just places to drink, they usually have a kitchen with an a la carte menu – and most are family-friendly.
One thing to note is it took us several days to train ourselves to ask for water, as we’ve become so used to having excellent and attentive service in the US and a pint full of iced water as soon as we sit down (by our table server) and then have it constantly refilled without asking.
I was massively dehydrated for days as a result. This was possibly our biggest culture shock! And when there was a water jug sitting on the bar for you to fill your own glass, the glasses were tiny, so I’d have to stand there, chug 4 glasses before taking the tiny one back to my table.
At the Edinboro Castle Pub in Camden which has a great beer garden!
And, warning, the size of the coffees in England are also TINY. You won’t find any 16oz massive cups here. 8oz is the norm!
What we loved so much about the alcohol in the UK is that it’s a low percentage. My ciders were only 4% so I could have 1-2 a day and feel totally fine and wake up feeling great.
Craig and I agreed the ABV% in the US is just too high, especially the strong IPA beers which on average here are 6.2% going up to as strong as 10%.
What goes great with a pint of beer in the UK? Well, classic fish and chips or pie and chips, which we also love in Australia and can’t get similar in the US. Unfortunately I avoid gluten so Craig took his fair share for the team!
Pie at Chequer’s Pub, Oxford Classic pub grub: Cod & chips / Steak pie
No need to tip in London
We absolutely loved not having to worry about tipping. What a treat it was to walk up, tap and pay, and then walk away knowing the servers are getting paid a decent hourly wage.
Sure, the service isn’t as good as the US, I don’t think anywhere is, but it still wasn’t that bad.
British television is fantastically entertaining
Our evenings were for meals and pub drinks, or lying in bed laughing our heads off at British TV and the Australian ones on it.
You might think it would be boring to come back from a day of exploring and just watch TV, but the Brits really do know how to make an entertaining TV show.
Shows like Love Island, Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, and Gladiators all started in the UK.
We also loved watching Neighbours, a classic Australian TV show which is hugely popular in England, and other soap operas like Eastenders and Coronation Street give you a glimpse into British culture.
British TV also has panel shows like Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You and 8 out of 10 Cats show British humour perfectly – the way they laugh at political events and the news of the week makes a bleak situation feel much more positive.
London is walkable
Exploring Kensington on foot
Whilst we utilized the amazing London tube system a lot, we still walked 8-10 miles every day, without any complaints.
There was so much to see and do along the way they didn’t even really care, nor protest much, when I told them at our 7-mile point in the afternoon that we’d been slacking and needed to fit in at least another mile.
They’d just roll their eyes and giggle and start walking with me.
Savannah would protest each time I’d start walking up or down the very long Tube escalators, but would then acquiesce and join me.
She and I found a fun way to pass the time together on the Tube – Wordle. I swear I’d never play that trending game, but she pulled me into it. Now I miss our Wordle time together on the train.
London has a lot of nature
St James’s Park is a 23-hectare park in central London
During our first few days in London we had a miracle run of blue skies and warm(ish) weather – even stripping down to a T-Shirt for an hour or so which we didn’t expect for late March.
Those are the moments where London comes fully alive – probably more alive than any other place I’ve been to. I was swept up by London Summer Euphoria and exclaimed several times “I want to move back to London.” And, ”I don’t know how, but London will be a large part of my future.”
The reason for this is because when the sun is shining, you can go for long walks through beautiful English parks and along the Thames River. There are so many green spaces in London, you don’t have to go far to escape the chaos.
Hyde Park is accessible from Paddington Station. It’s 350-acres of historic Grade I-listed urban park and features several sprawling lawns, a lake, bile and running tracks, and a pond.
Walking through Kensington Gardens
It’s the largest royal park in London, and you can walk through it to get to Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens.
In fact, I would walk through it to get to…
Amazing Museums
The London museums are some of the best in the world. In Kensington, you have the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, which are all free to visit and some of the best museums in the world.
The British Museum is our favorite, as it’s full of relics and historic archeological finds from across the world. The Brits laugh about the British Museum and say it’s the place where “we keep all the things we stole from other countries.”
But to be fair, they do take good care of Cleopatra’s sarcophogi, the Rosetta Stone, Assyrian reliefs, and so much more. And it’s free to visit.
If art is more your thing, the Tate Britain and Tate Modern are world renown art galleries that are also free to visit and have some of the world’s finest works in them.
Final Thoughts: Celebrating 12 years of Travel Blogging
This trip was really about celebrating for us. Over the past 12 years we’ve overcome many obstacles, setbacks, criticisms, crises, and failures to keep fighting for what we believed in and create our dream life for our family. Not just for us now, but for our girl’s future. And to help thousands of people along the way do the same with their own lives.
I’ve only just realized that this trip was taken during our 12th anniversary of our travel blog. What a way to acknowledge how far we’ve come. (here’s the lessons we’ve learned from travel blogging)
Of course we had to pay Buckingham Palace a visit.
We almost felt like the pandemic would be the thing that finally took us out. But we held on tight. We pivoted, we dug deep, and we worked hard again to survive.
Somehow, we made it through the darkest days that any of us have faced, particularly in the travel industry.
We didn’t lose everything like we thought we would. We may have slid back several years, but because of how much we have grown and learned over the past 12 years, we were able to come back a little faster.
In a world of hustle, it’s hard, and often rare, to actually stop, put your head up and acknowledge your achievements, the battles won, and the scars that tell the strongest stories.
Afternoon tea at The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington was fantastic!
This trip to London was that acknowledgement for us. It was a gift as it has inspired us to do even better and has brought us back to our initial mission and passion of this blog – to share the stories of the people and the countries we visit to help people discover and explore their own paths of joy.
In three days since our return, I have written our post on Bath, Oxford and completed a 40-minute TBEX presentation – that’s some kind of writing inspiration I have not seen in years.
Regents Park Regents Park was pretty.
This is why I travel and have made it the core focus of my life since I moved to London in 1997.
Craig and I have contemplated giving it up a lot the past two years and as we said to each other on this trip, as we snuck away to the local Camden pub while the girls played Wordle on the hotel room bed “I don’t know how I can ever give up traveling. I’ve tried and it just doesn’t work. I live for it. There is nothing else that brings me as much joy or makes me feel so alive.”
Sorry girls. Your parents can’t help but sweep you into that vibrating pulse of life.
The Tower of London was fascinating!
While I knew we were having such a magical experience together while we were there, we often don’t process just what an indelible touch something leaves upon us until after it.
So now, as I’m writing and processing it all, it’s hit me just how incredible our London trip was!
We had two weeks of discovery and joy and wondrous moments. We didn’t argue with each other, no one complained, and we had many, many laughs. While we did do some social media updates – mostly Instagram Stories and Reels – it was the first time in 12 years where we switched off from everything else and didn’t work while we traveled.
And to you, our faithful readers and followers, we hope we can help sweep you up into it as well.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. You, as always, were a part of our trip, with the tips you gave us, and the comments you shared with us on social media and via email as we traveled.
We’re so happy we could show you a small part of the UK, and one of our favorite cities in the world. We can’t wait to take you on our next journey, wherever it may be.
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