As someone with English roots, traveling to London has been a long-time dream of mine. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, my travel companion and I were finally able to make this dream a reality in April of 2022. We flew from JFK to LHR on Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy class and were impressed with the overall experience. The seats were comfortable, and we were able to get some rest on the overnight flight. The in-flight entertainment system had a great selection of movies and TV shows to choose from, and the food was delicious. Overall, I highly recommend Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy class for a comfortable and enjoyable flight.
Our hotel of choice was the hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey and was great! Located in the heart of the city, we were just a short walk away from many of the major attractions we wanted to see, including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the River Thames. The thoughtful design of the hotel rooms was impressive, with every inch of space utilized to provide maximum comfort and convenience. Despite the relatively small size of the rooms, the clever use of space made them feel surprisingly spacious. The hotel staff were also friendly and helpful, always willing to offer recommendations for local restaurants and attractions. Based on our experience, I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting London, especially those who value a great location and thoughtful design in their accommodations.
During our trip to London, we made sure to see all the major sites that the city has to offer. At Westminster Abbey, we marveled at the stunning Gothic architecture and the intricate details of the historic church. Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen, was just as grand as we had imagined it to be. At Tower Bridge, we were fascinated by the intricate engineering of the iconic bridge and the views of the River Thames from the walkway. The Tower of London, with its rich history and impressive collection of artifacts, kept us captivated for hours. From the London Eye, we were able to see panoramic views of the entire city, including landmarks such as Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral. We also enjoyed some of the bustling centers of the city by strolling through Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. Kensington Palace, the former residence of Princess Diana, was a fascinating glimpse into the life of the British monarchy. And last but not least, we really loved Covent Garden. It is such a charming and picturesque spot, with its bustling market, street performers, and stylish shops and restaurants.
We were also in town for Easter and had the unique opportunity to attend Easter Eucharist at Westminster Abbey which was a truly unforgettable experience. The service is a special Easter celebration and is one of the most important events on the Christian calendar. The choir and the organ music were truly exceptional, and the grandeur of the church made the experience even more awe-inspiring. The service is conducted in the traditional Anglican style, which can be quite different from what many people are used to. The liturgy and music were simply beautiful, and it was truly an honor to be a part of such an important religious event.
One of the most memorable moments of the service was when the bells of Westminster Abbey began to peal throughout the city after the service was over. It was a truly magical experience and it made me feel like I was a part of something special. The sound of the bells ringing in the distance was a beautiful way to end the service and it was a perfect representation of the significance of Easter in Christian traditions.
Overall, attending the Easter Eucharist service at Westminster Abbey was one of the highlights of my trip to London. It was a truly unique experience that I will never forget, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in history, religion, or simply looking to immerse themselves in the culture of London.
That afternoon we also decided to celebrate the holiday by having afternoon tea, a quintessentially British experience, and we opted for the Savoy hotel. The Savoy is an iconic hotel that has been around for over 130 years, situated in the heart of the city of London. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a stunning lobby that was beautifully decorated. We were escorted to the Thames Foyer, a breathtaking space with a glass dome that allows natural light to pour in, making the experience even more enjoyable. The service was impeccable, and we were offered a range of tea options. I wasn’t much of a tea drinker, but I took the server’s recommendation of English Breakfast Tea, which turned out to be surprisingly delightful. The finger sandwiches were all very good, especially the curry chicken salad sandwich. The pastries were also delectable, and the scones were warm and fluffy. We were delighted to have our tea served on a beautiful silver tiered stand, which added to the overall elegance of the experience. The service and food were worth every penny, and the Savoy’s afternoon tea is truly an experience to remember.
The Savoy has been an iconic landmark of London since it was built in 1889. It was the first luxury hotel in Britain, and it has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra. The hotel is known for its excellent service, luxurious amenities, and prime location on the Strand, close to many of London’s top attractions. The Thames Foyer, where we had our afternoon tea, is one of the hotel’s signature spaces, with its stunning glass dome and live piano music adding to the ambiance. The Savoy is also home to several bars and restaurants, including the American Bar, which has won numerous awards and is considered one of the best cocktail bars in the world. Overall, the Savoy is a luxurious and historic hotel that offers a truly memorable experience for visitors to London.
One of the things that impressed me most about London was the city’s public transportation system. The taxis were spacious, accessible, and eco-friendly, while the underground system was efficient and easy to navigate.
We attended two West End shows in London, and both were phenomenal. The first one was Les Misérables, which was my favorite of the two shows. The cast was amazing, and I was blown away by their performances. The set design was incredible, and it really added to the overall experience. I remember looking at my companion at intermission in disbelief at the beauty that we were witnessing. The music was also fantastic, and I found myself humming the songs for days afterward. The second show we saw was The Phantom of the Opera, which was also amazing. The effects and the scenery were stunning, and the actors were very talented. The story was captivating, and I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire performance. Overall, I was incredibly impressed with the quality of the West End shows, and I would highly recommend them to anyone visiting London.
During our time in London, we took a day trip to Oxford and had a fantastic time exploring the city’s different colleges and learning about the history of the city. Oxford is a historic city located about an hour’s drive from London. It is most famous for its prestigious university, which has produced some of the world’s greatest minds including Stephen Hawking, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Oscar Wilde. Visitors to Oxford can take a guided walking tour of the university’s campuses and colleges, including the stunning Radcliffe Camera and the world-famous Bodleian Library. Other notable landmarks include the Bridge of Sighs, the Sheldonian Theatre, and the Oxford Castle.
In addition to its academic and cultural offerings, Oxford has also become a popular destination for Harry Potter fans. Several of the university’s colleges were used as filming locations for the Harry Potter movies, including Christ Church College, which served as the inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall. Visitors can take a guided tour of the college and see the actual filming locations, as well as the famous staircase where Harry and his classmates first met.
As a huge fan of the Harry Potter book and film series, I cannot recommend the Harry Potter Studio Tour enough! Located just a short distance from London, this behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movies is a dream come true. The authentic sets, costumes, and props transport visitors into the wizarding world, and seeing the actual Hogwarts Express train and exploring the Forbidden Forest was truly a surreal experience. I even got to try a Butterbeer, just like in the books! The tour not only was entertaining but also provided insightful and fascinating glimpses into the creative process behind the making of the films. Trust me, if you are a Harry Potter fan of any age, this magical experience is not to be missed!
We also had the opportunity to explore the charming town of Windsor, home to the stunning Windsor Castle. The castle, which is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, has been a royal residence for over 900 years and is a true marvel of architecture and history. We were amazed by the grandeur of the castle’s State Apartments and the intricate details of St. George’s Chapel. As we walked through the castle grounds, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for the centuries of history that have unfolded within its walls.
During our visit, preparations for the Queen’s platinum jubilee were already underway, and there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The jubilee, which marked Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne, promised to be a momentous occasion for the United Kingdom, and we felt privileged to be in Windsor during this special time. The town was adorned with festive decorations and the local shops and restaurants were abuzz with anticipation for the celebrations to come. It was a truly magical experience, and one that we will cherish forever.
Finally, we couldn’t leave London without indulging in some of the city’s famous cuisine. Despite the high prices, we enjoyed some fantastic meals, including a delicious steak pie at St. Stephen’s Tavern Pub & Restaurant and a fun night out at Mr. Fogg’s Society of Exploration, a bar themed around Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 Days.”
Our trip to London was a truly unforgettable experience. From the famous landmarks and fantastic performances to the history and culture of Oxford and Windsor, it was something we truly enjoyed and I do believe that there is something for everyone to enjoy. London truly lived up to its reputation as a world-class travel destination.
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