Imagine: A trip to London, filled with iconic landmarks, delicious food, and endless exploration. That’s what we did! We surprised our kids with a whirlwind adventure over their February 2022 school break, turning their wild guesses of Russia or the equator into a magical trip to the heart of England.
Our mission was simple: pack as much fun as possible into a short time, leaving our kids brimming with memories and ourselves with a renewed appreciation for this dynamic city. We wanted to hit all the essential landmarks, get our steps in, and most importantly, indulge in a gastronomic journey that would leave us craving more. We embarked on a journey filled with laughter, unexpected moments, and of course, a few hiccups along the way.
Day One: Landing in London’s Embrace
After a long overnight flight, we were weary travelers, further exhausted by some luggage woes at Heathrow Airport. Luckily, our hotel, the Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, welcomed us with open arms and early check-in, allowing us to recharge for a few hours. Refreshed, we wandered to the charming Popina restaurant just down the street, enjoying a delicious sandwich lunch. Unfortunately, the drizzle started, reminding us that we had made a grave error – forgetting our warm coats!
Despite our fashion faux pas, we explored the vibrant Soho district, searching for a traditional Sunday roast. However, our late arrival proved to be a challenge, with many restaurants already closed. Determined, we attempted to find a table at the popular Blacklock, only to be met with a full house. Undeterred, we hopped on the London Underground, or as locals call it, the Tube, to journey to a Hawksmoor restaurant across town.
It wasn’t long before we encountered our first comical mishap: our London Oyster card, which we foolishly believed would magically work for the whole family, failed at the turnstile! We were humiliated! We were those tourists who held up the line with bewildered faces.
But as we stumbled through the city, lost and a little panicked, we were completely immersed in the magic of London. This is the part of travel I love – being out of your comfort zone and taking it all in.
By the time we reached Hawksmoor, drenched from a downpour, we were disappointed to find that their Sunday roast was no longer available. Undeterred, we made the most of it, enjoying a delicious feast of creamed spinach, garlic mushrooms, potted beef and bacon with Yorkshire pudding and onion gravy. We raised our glasses (gin martinis for adults, Shirley Temples for the kids) and savored a decadent sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Exhausted from our adventures, we slept like logs for 11 hours.
Day Two: Taking Flight and a Harry Potter Moment
We started our day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before venturing to the Royal Air Force Museum, a true delight for our pilot-in-training. We then stumbled upon The Beaufort Pub for lunch, where the fish and chips, a dish our family typically enjoys, were absolutely divine.
Our next stop: Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station, a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. We bought VIP passes, hoping to bypass the queue (which wasn’t very long anyway). We quickly realized that the passes weren’t necessary for the whole family. A lesson learned! We also realized that if you plan to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, this experience feels a little redundant.
We wandered around the station, marveling at its grandeur, before heading to Dishoom for dinner. While it was a fine meal, it wasn’t our favorite of the week. But we were lucky enough to have an amazing server (I wish I could remember his name!) who made the experience memorable.
Day Three: Breakfast Delights and Iconic Views
We began our day with a delicious breakfast at Söderberg, a bakery known for its cardamom buns. While we enjoyed the buns immensely, we were blown away by their savory brunch tray, a perfect feast for breakfast enthusiasts like myself. We spent the afternoon exploring, making our way to the London Eye, a must-do for any visitor to London. We opted for a daytime ride, which allowed us to see the city in all its glory, and I must say, it was absolutely breathtaking!
Our adventure continued to Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, but the unrelenting rain and cold began to wear down even the most enthusiastic traveler. We retreated to the hotel for a warm-up before heading to the Natural History Museum, another fascinating stop. For dinner, we went to Maggie Jones’s Restaurant, recommended by a friend. The charm of this rustic restaurant was undeniable.
Day Four: Food, Fun, and Film Magic
Our day began with a delightful treat at GAIL’S Bakery, savoring their delectable scones. We then strolled through Hyde Park, where we visited the Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground, perfect for younger kids. We also checked out the garden, but were reminded that February isn’t the ideal time for blooming flowers!
Lunch at Honey & Co. was a bit of a disaster: we were late due to our ongoing struggles with the tube and missed our reservation. However, in a stroke of luck, we ran into food writer Leah Koenig who introduced us to Honey & Smoke, a sister restaurant just a few blocks away. The food was incredible: falafel, octopus, grilled sprouting broccoli salad, lamb skewers, and the most delicious crispy potatoes you’ve ever tasted! We were in culinary heaven.
Our afternoon was filled with magic at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, a highlight for the kids and my husband. We spent hours exploring the sets, costumes, and props, immersing ourselves in the world of Harry Potter.
After our magical journey, we were famished and in need of a late-night meal. Lucky for us, Din Tai Fung in Selfridges, near our hotel, was open until 11pm. We enjoyed a satisfying meal of soup dumplings and noodle soup, ending the day on a delicious note.
Day Five: Towering History and Delicious Discoveries
Our final full day in London started with delicious croissants at Aux Pains de Papy. We then went to the Tower of London, a historical gem. We took one of the Yeoman Warden Tours, highly recommended by many, and it was an absolute delight.
The weather, sadly, continued to be rainy and chilly, so we opted for a double-decker bus ride across the Tower Bridge instead of walking. After the bus ride, we ventured to Borough Market, a vibrant foodie haven. We enjoyed a delicious meal at Padella, indulging in the best burrata I’ve ever had, perfect cacio e pepe, and fettuccine with chicken livers and marsala, a dish that continues to haunt my dreams.
We spent the afternoon exploring the market, sampling apple crumble at Humble Crumble and a doughnut at Bread Ahead. By the end of the day, we were exhausted but happy. I barely remember the rest of the afternoon.
Day Six: A Sweet Farewell
On our last day, we enjoyed one final pastry from Fortitude Bakehouse, a delicious cinnamon roll that everyone loved.
Our London adventure was a whirlwind of experiences, packed with history, laughter, and food. From the bustling streets of Soho to the magic of Harry Potter, from the iconic London Eye to the historical Tower of London, we were captivated by the city’s charm. We came away with a renewed appreciation for this incredible city and a collection of memories that will last a lifetime.
