Welcome, fellow travelers! Over the next four weeks, we're going on an exciting 2.5-week odyssey across the stunning landscapes of the United Kingdom and Ireland. We will unfold our adventures in the storybook cities of London and the quaint, outlying towns that dot the English countryside.
Our UK adventure began with a comfortable seven-hour flight that landed us amidst the beautiful blue skies at London Heathrow Airport. With various transport options at our disposal, such as the London Black Cab, the Heathrow Express train to Piccadilly Train Station, the Elizabeth Line train (where you can use your 'Oyster card'), Uber, or a pre-booked driver, we chose door-to-door service with a pre-booked private driver.
Our temporary home was the luxurious W Hotel London in ever-vibrant SOHO. Soon after settling in, we sipped Diamond Jubilee Tea at Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly Circus, relishing delightful treats ranging from cucumber dill sandwiches to exquisite petits fours.
With our Eurail pass, an unlimited access to trains in the UK and EU countries, we explored the city's architectural marvels and cultural gems. Our exploration mode of choice: using local transportation to soak up every bit of London's bubbling energy and quirky charm. Our first destination: St Mary Aldermary, the oldest city church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Wandering through the city's vibrant streets, we veered away from the hustle and bustle. We headed toward Covent Garden's vibrant offerings, from clothing and accessories to many food options. An economical, scenic ride on bus 159 landed us amidst London's iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.
Our next stop was the Ivy Restaurant, which offers stunning vistas of the Tower Bridge and a palate-pleasing array of traditional English dishes. We then enjoyed a leisurely walk across the Bridge, followed by window shopping and tea in SOHO.
Paying homage to one of our favorite shows, Ted Lasso, we took a short train journey to the picturesque town of Richmond. A pint at The Prince's Head, Richmond's famous pub featured in the show, was a cherished part of our trip.
We concluded our London tour with a visit to the remarkable Buckingham Palace, an evening stroll through the lively streets of Chinatown, and an exploration of London's diverse nightlife. Whether you fancy theatre shows or nightclubs, London has it all.
On our third day, we visited Camden Market, a local favorite with a unique charm markedly different from the Covent Garden Market. London, with its eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary, has swiftly become one of my favorite cities.
Join us next week as we uncover the beguiling charm of the Cotswolds, immerse ourselves in the lively spirit of Manchester and Liverpool, marvel at the natural beauty of the Lake District, and journey through enchanting Wales. We'll also dabble in fan-following by spending time at Diddly Squat from Clarkson Farm. Looking forward to seeing you at the next chapter of our UK adventure,
Until then...