Tuesday 10 January 2017

City Break


We had three fantastic days in London just after Christmas. It was the girls' first ever
trip to the big city so we were very excited. We packed in so much in our three days.
We did a lot of sightseeing, revisited favourite places and old haunts from when
we lived and worked there, and met up with family and old friends we haven't
seen for years.



One of our first stops was Covent Garden and the the church in Maiden Lane
 where we got married seven years ago. It was really lovely to be able to take
the girls there. We went in and had a look around. It's only a short walk away
from the noise and crowd in the main market but it's always quiet and peaceful
inside. I'm really glad we took them there.

The Cutty Sark on a foggy morning

We went to a few art galleries with them but we kept those gallery visits short and sweet
and that was perfect for everyone. Lulu said that was her most favourite of the whole
trip, seeing all those paintings. Maybe there's a bit of a culture vulture in her,
who knows, but that was very pleasing to hear.

Sunset at the Mall

We stayed in Greenwich and it was very convenient and easy to explore
the city from there. The girls loved the Tube and were very amazed with the DLR
(a driver-less train?!?). On our second morning we were going to go on the River
Bus wanting to get to Westminster and Big Ben but heavy fog scuppered our plans.


We had our boat ride the next morning. It was very frosty but bright and clear and
we had a wonderful view of the city's landmarks as the boat sailed up the Thames.
I'd suggest this to anyone visiting London. You can board from any stops along
the river and you can use your Oyster card to pay. It's also a comfortable ride and
an exciting way to see the city. Highly recommended.


For all our sightseeing and socialising we managed to squeeze in a bit of shopping
as well. We took the girls to Hamley's to spend their pocket money. I was shocked at
how overpriced so many of the toys were; it was just ridiculous. Luckily we managed
to steer the girls from much of those items and they made very sensible purchases -
Lego Friends, a jewellery box kit, a small Trolls doll and a board game. I don't think
there will be a repeat visit there. Anyway, my husband went to his favourite Italian deli
in Soho and stocked up on anchovies, etc. - those are his sort of treats. Mine was
Liberty's. I only had a little time and spent it looking around the haberdashery floor.
Oh, those beautiful fabrics! I was quite content to just browse, but I did buy
a few small things for myself.


We've really enjoyed our little city break over the Holidays. We loved being tourists
with the girls. They were interested and curious and were very good with walking and
getting out and about. We were also lucky with the weather ( it was cold but dry
the whole time) and the dreaded city parking and motorway traffic were not too bad.
I really hope we can do this again this year. Over Christmas again, hopefully. That
would be very, very nice. 


10 comments:

  1. It sounds like a wonderful trip. Family excursions are so much fun. I'm a little jealous of your visit to Liberty. I would love to browse the aisles of that store.

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  2. How lovely, and what a nice festive thing to do in the Christmas holidays. Your photo of the Cutty Sark in the fog is great. We've only ever done day trips to London but a few nights would be such fun. I remember our last trip to Hamleys - so stressful, so noisy and busy and crazy. I couldn't get out of there fast enough! xx

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  3. What a wonderful selection of photos to remember your trip by. I can just imagine how excited the girls were going to London, I still get excited about trips there myself!
    We are off there at the end of this month and staying in Greenwich too.
    A Christmas time trip would be wonderful, all the festive hustle and bustle and seeing the lights!
    Lisa x

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  4. City trips with children are great, there is so much to do and see. I really enjoyed seeing your photos. I am glad you had fun!

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  5. It looks like you had a really fun time. There is so much to see in London. It's nice that each of you could bring back a special treat to enjoy too.

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  6. What a lovely trip, wonderful you got to take the girls to where you got married :) sounds like a wonderful time and such beautiful pics :) xx

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  7. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and managed to pack so much in to your few days. I remember taking my two to Hamley's when they were little but you're right, it's so overpriced. I think it's one of those places you have to visit when you've got children but when you've done it once, that's enough! How lovely that Lulu enjoyed the galleries, it's nice when they appreciate a little culture, isn't it?

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  8. I'm so glad the girls saw London in the sunshine! It sounds like you did a really good mix of something for everyone - and Liberty's is my favourite store so that would have been my treat, too. You have made memories. Happy New Year, Marion. x

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  9. How wonderful!!! You had a great time by the looks and sounds of it. Some really beautiful photos too. Glad you enjoyed Liberty, it is a wonderful place isn't it!

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