Family Vacation in London, Part 1

This post is a continuation of Family Vacation in Paris, Part 1 and Family Vacation in Paris, Part 2.

We had a wonderful time in Paris and were excited to continue our journey in London.  I studied abroad in London for two summers when I was at Vanderbilt, so it holds a special place in my heart.  Fortunately, work and play have brought me back, and each trip has been fun and different.  It’s a huge city with so many interesting things to see and do, and it was really special to bring Raleigh there for the first time.

Sketch

We had a smooth ride on the Chunnel from Paris to London and arrived late morning.  After checking into our hotel, we headed to one of my favorite restaurants, Sketch, for early afternoon tea.  Sketch is divided into 5 restaurants, and the Lecture Room & Library, in particular, is a two-star Michelin restaurant.  We had a reservation in the playfully pink Gallery room.  One of my favorite dining experiences, it’s no surprise that they’ve won several awards for both the food and decor.  You’re surrounded by pink tulip chairs, rose gold accents, and a beautiful art gallery – Instagram goals.

 

 

 

Raleigh loved it there, especially the adorable teddy bear included in the Children’s Tea and the bathroom that looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie.  He “had to go” 3 times during the meal.

 

 

 

Natural History Museum

After Sketch, we went to the Natural History Museum, which is great for kids and adults.  It’s famous for its collection of dinosaur skeletons and sometimes called a “cathedral of nature”, with its ornate architecture inside and out.  Aside from the dinosaur exhibits, our favorites were Life in the Dark and the earthquake simulator.  If you haven’t already, check out the Paddington movie.  It’s really cute, and there are scenes from all over London, including the Natural History Museum.

 

 

We took the evening easy and picked up dinner and snacks at the Marks & Spencer Simply Food by our hotel.  Although it’s just a metro grocery store, I love going there and seeing all the different foods and carry out options that we don’t usually have in the U.S.  I think our little picnic turned out to be one of Raleigh’s favorite meals too.

Bond Street

The next morning, we shopped Bond Street.  If you’re looking to make a European designer purchase, doing so in Europe or the UK can be beneficial, as the ticket prices tend to be a bit lower than in the U.S. and you’ll get a VAT refund.  You can end up saving a substantial amount.

 

 

Original Sweet Shop

After shopping, we went to the Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair, a playful twist on the British tradition.  Here you can get a milkshake in place of your tea, if you’d like, and can take a doggy bag of candy when you leave.  This place is very kid-friendly, and grown-ups can be kids again too!

 

 

Harrods

I lived the “shopping is my cardio” life and spent the rest of the afternoon shopping Harrods, while the boys strolled the parks.  We met back up that evening for dinner in Mayfair at Burger & Lobster.  You know I love a good lobster roll!

 

 

Buckingham Palace

We spent the next morning at Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s official London residence and a working royal palace.  I don’t usually get into audio guides, but they have the best family multimedia guide.  Alice the Footman and Rex the Corgi guide you through the State Rooms of the Palace, and there are interactive games to play on the device too.

 

 

 

After touring the State Rooms, we stopped for lunch at the Phoenix Victoria, a pub around the corner from the palace, serving “scrumptious British pub food”.  The fish & chips and shepherd’s pie were delicious, and the design and decor were on point too.

 

 

 

We continued our tour of the palace at the Royal Mews, home to historic royal carriages and a working stable.  The Royal Mews is also responsible for all the road travel arrangements for The Queen and Royal Family.

 

 

 

Trafalgar Square

That afternoon and evening we made our own double-decker bus tour and wandered our favorite areas, including Trafalgar Square and Westminster.  We rounded out the evening with dinner at one of Tony’s favorites, Nando’s, and even saw John Boyega.

 

Map: Day 1

Map: Day 2

Map: Day 3

SHOP THE POST

xx,

 

 

Family Vacation in London, Part 2