London. The city of dreams. The city of history. The city of love. And for us, it was the perfect escape for a romantic long weekend. Yes, you read that right – just three days and nights, but packed with enough adventure to last a lifetime. We’re talking delicious food, stunning sights, and enough laughter and romance to fill a lifetime.
This trip was part of our annual tradition – a child-free journey for just the two of us. It all started with our honeymoon in Thailand, and since then, travel has become our love language. We save up for these trips, prioritizing experiences over material things. We skip the big birthday gifts and instead, gift each other with memories. And after welcoming our little ones into the world, these escapes became even more essential. It’s our chance to reconnect, to rediscover each other, and to create new adventures together. We miss our boys terribly while we’re away, but cherish the time to be just the two of us.
This year, we decided on London for a few reasons. First, we snagged incredible direct flights at an amazing price! We were able to maximize our time in the city without taking too much time off work. Second, we had the opportunity to reconnect with some amazing friends we met on a previous trip. Katie and Ben became instant friends, and we were so fortunate to have them as our London guides, showing us their favorite corners of this incredible city.
A delightful stay in the heart of London
Our home away from home for these few days was the DoubleTree by Hilton London Hotel – Westminster. This hotel is perfectly situated right on the Thames, a short walk from almost everything in Central London. The price was fantastic, and we loved the complimentary breakfast each morning and the cozy Millbank Lounge for evening relaxation. The staff was friendly, and the rooms were comfortable and inviting. What more could we ask for?
London culinary delights: From fish and chips to afternoon tea
Let’s be honest, food is a big part of travel for me. London did not disappoint! We had some incredible dining experiences, and I can’t wait to share some of our favorites with you.
Farm Girl Café in Notting Hill was our first stop. We indulged in a delicious brunch and fell in love with their beautiful rose latte.
Next up, it was time for some classic fish and chips. We heard rave reviews about Rock and Sole Plaice, and they did not disappoint! This restaurant is famous for its delicious fish and chips and also has a fascinating history, dating back to 1871.
Our friends Katie and Ben introduced us to LIMA Floral in Covent Garden, a Peruvian restaurant that truly delights all the senses. The ceviche was as good as any I’ve had since our trip to Peru a few years ago!
And finally, the most romantic meal of our trip was at Rules, London’s oldest restaurant. My husband, bless his heart, convinced me to give this place a try on our last night, and I’m so glad he did! We enjoyed cocktails in their upstairs lounge (my husband even declared it the best Old Fashioned he’s ever had!) before being seated for dinner. The Rib of Beef for Two, served with dauphinoise potatoes, spinach, and Yorkshire Pudding, was simply divine. And for my fellow Downton Abbey fans, Rules was featured in a few episodes of the show!
We also spent some evenings exploring local pubs, always a good time for conversation and laughter. But what really blew my mind was just how old these pubs and the buildings they were in were. Some were older than the United States!
And of course, no trip to London is complete without afternoon tea. Dalloway Terrace was the perfect setting for this elegant experience. Every course was delicious, and I’m still dreaming about it! I don’t understand why afternoon tea isn’t more popular in the US. I could do this every weekend!
History, shopping, and those iconic London views
London is a city that has it all: history, culture, shopping, and incredible views. With only a few days, we decided to prioritize exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks while also allowing ourselves to wander and discover hidden gems.
After brunch with Katie and Ben in Notting Hill, we walked down Portobello Road, browsing the boutiques and antique shops. We loved hearing the stories from the shopkeepers about the history of the items they had for sale. I even tried on a beautiful tiara and imagined myself as Lady Grantham hosting a grand dinner party!
We continued our shopping spree on Oxford Street and SoHo, and stumbled upon a designer consignment store. It was there that I found the most amazing pair of Christian Louboutins, in my size and at a price that was almost too good to be true! This shop has high standards for the quality of its items, so I knew these shoes were a steal.
But London is more than just shopping and dining. We spent time marveling at the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament, and strolled along the Thames.
We were also fortunate to see the Crown Jewels, a collection of priceless historical artifacts. I was absolutely awestruck by the sheer size and beauty of these diamonds!
And we couldn’t miss a visit to the Tower of London, with its fascinating history and impressive views of the Tower Bridge. We also had the opportunity to tour Buckingham Palace, admiring the state rooms and a collection of The Queen’s wardrobe.
One of my favorite moments of the trip was when Katie and Ben took us to their neighborhood in North London near Belsize Park. We walked up to the top of Primrose Hill and were treated to the most stunning view of the city. It was a moment of pure appreciation for where I was and who I was with.
A whirlwind romance: Why London is the perfect getaway
We know it sounds crazy to travel so far for just a few days, but we truly had the most perfect long weekend. It was exactly what we needed and more. It was an escape, a chance to reconnect, and an unforgettable adventure. We will be back to London again soon, and can’t wait to explore more with both the kids and just the two of us.
If you’re looking for a romantic escape, don’t be afraid to consider a whirlwind weekend like this. You might be surprised at how much you can experience in just a few days. And who knows, you might just fall in love with London all over again.
