There’s something undeniably charming about London, with its blend of historic grandeur and modern vibrancy, making my experiences in London utterly unforgettable. As a Canadian, I couldn’t help but marvel at the architecture – a delightful contrast to the grey skyscrapers back home. When I came back to Toronto after the trip, I couldn’t help but notice how “plain” our buildings were in comparison. I guess you can say that the history and wealth of the British Empire is truly depicted in London!
Maternity Leave + New Job + COVID + another maternity leave + unending lockdowns = Anam not traveling for 5 years! So when I was due to go back to work in March 2023, after my maternity leave, I had about one week during which I could travel. And I picked London for my little adventure.
It was initially supposed to be a solo trip, my first one at that, so I wanted to pick a city I hadn’t been to before and one that I could navigate rather easily. But the trip soon became a family affair. And I’m glad it did.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Queen’s Hotel in Kensington. I didn’t know it would turn out to be such a high-profile neighborhood. There were foreign embassies on our street and we were minutes away from High Park, the Royal Albert Museum, and Kensington Palace!
I knew to expect rain in London but it even snowed (we were there in March)!
Despite the weather being less than ideal, the trip was filled with warmth and wonderful experiences in London.
We checked out all the typical touristy sites in London but here are three very British things I did that made my trip extra special!
- Went for High-Tea
- Ate Fish & Chips
- Watched a Play
1. Afternoon High-Tea at the Shangri-La
Nothing screams British tradition quite like afternoon tea, and the Shangri-La Hotel offered an experience in London that was nothing short of majestic.
Perched high above the city in the Shard, the views were as breathtaking as the array of teas, sandwiches, and pastries on offer.
The elegance of the room, with its delicate china and sumptuous furnishings, made me feel like I had stepped into a Jane Austen novel.
Despite the rain tapping against the windows, the warm scones and clotted cream provided a cozy respite from the chilly weather outside. We literally came in with wet boots from the rain… haha! But then we settled in just fine with the amazing service ;)
2. Fish & Chips – A Classic British Fare
Fish and chips are a staple in British cuisine, and tasting this dish in London was a must-do. I found a quaint little shop tucked away in a cobbled street, where the aroma of battered fish and freshly fried chips wafted through the air.
The shop had a quirky, old-world charm, and it felt like I was experiencing a slice of everyday British life and getting a glimpse of history.
It was comfort food in London at its best – crispy, golden, and satisfying. It’s amazing how a simple dish can evoke so much character and tradition.
3. The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
One of the highlights of my trip was watching ‘The Lion King‘ at the historic Lyceum Theatre. The architecture of the theatre itself was a spectacle, with its ornate details and grandiose design. It felt like stepping back in time. The play was a mesmerizing display of artistry, with vibrant costumes, captivating music, and a spellbinding performance. It was a reminder of London’s rich cultural tapestry and its long-standing love affair with the performing arts.
Throughout my journey, I was constantly in awe of London’s architecture – from the Gothic spires of the Houses of Parliament to the modern glass of the Shard. It’s a city that respects its past while embracing the future, and that duality is beautifully reflected in its buildings. It was fascinating to see!
So despite all the rain and snow we got, London’s charm shone through. Each experience in London – sipping tea high above the city, relishing a classic dish, and being captivated by a theatrical masterpiece – was a testament to the local culture. I wish I had more time to explore the countryside – but you know what that means – I have to go back! London, I will be back!
