After a jam-packed first day in London it was time for a jam-packed second day in London.
We were up and out early again and made a beeline for Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. The kids were not as impressed with Big Ben as I had thought given how excited they had been from seeing it on Peppa Pig. I was excited to hear it dong but that was also disappointingly much quieter than you’d think and we could barely hear it.
Westminster Abbey, on the other hand, was absolutely fantastic. Worth it for the sheer amount of history it contains. If you’re a history buff like us you’ll be in your element. Even if you’re not, it’s such as important place you can’t miss it. It’s the resting place of many, many kings and queens and other notable historical figures including Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. But it’s really not a fun place for kids and it is so, so busy. You’ll find yourself shuffling along with the crowds, with everyone looking through their phone cameras. I was relieved to get to the cloisters which are much more open and quiet and you can have a quick breather.
From here we separated again and while Rich took Theo for a wander around Downing Street, Buckingham Palace and James Park, I took Rose for a real treat that we had been looking forward to – afternoon tea at the Ritz. I am an avid afternoon tea fan so I wasn’t going to miss afternoon tea in London, and where better to go than The Ritz. I have been a few times before and this time was as fantastic as I knew it would be. You have to get dressed up, jackets are required for men and your fanciest dress for the ladies. It’s a sumptuous affair with a LOT of food. Sandwiches which are replenished. Cakes which are replenished. Two scones each. And just when you think you can’t eat anymore they bring round whole birthday cakes. And when you’re really starting to feel like you could burst they bring round a cake trolley with two further cakes to choose from. I mean obviously you squeeze in one more cake because it’s The Ritz. The service is excellent. It’s pricey obviously – £76 for adults at the time of writing – there’s no getting around that. But it’s a classic for a reason. And you get a lot of food. And you can take home any food you don’t eat.
After the Ritz we waddled over to Fortnum and Mason which is one of my favourite places in London. I could spend hours wandering through the food section with the chocolates, biscuits, teas, jams and any number of other treats. Travel tip – Fortnums is a great place to stock up on some gifts to take home. But again, it was so, so busy.
Next stop was Hamleys which we had really talked up to the kids before the trip as being the biggest and best toy shop in the world. Well it was big and impressive and I did like the toy demonstrations but rather than picking something uniquely London as I had hoped they went straight for the brightly coloured plastic toys which are cheaper in Kmart.
By this point we were all exhausted and could barely stumble back to our hotel for a well-deserved rest. Dinner that night was quick and casual in Pizza Express, a classic British favourite and great for kids. Although Theo did fall asleep at the dinner table.
London was exhausting us that’s for sure!
Coming up…last day in London.
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