In June 2017, we were able to spend 7 incredible days in London prior to embarking on the Caribbean Princess for a 12 night cruise of the British Isles.  

Day 1 - After our direct red-eye flight from San Francisco to London (premium economy on Virgin Atlantic - worth every penny spent!), we arrived to Heathrow around noon.  Unfortunately, we still did not sleep a wink on the plane. We took the express train from LHR to Paddington Station.  There we purchased our rail passes and boarded the Tube for Earl’s Court.  We immediately headed out to St. Paul’s Cathedral for the evensong.  The gorgeous sound of the men and boy’s choir filled the rotunda.  So soothing were the sounds, that we guiltily keep dozing off during the service!

Day 2 - Around the corner from our flat was Paul Bakery, our favorite breakfast spot.  We enjoyed some French pastries and coffee on most mornings.  We  then headed off to Boroughs Market to get some breakfast and lunch items for the flat, and some English Breakfast tea, of course!  In the afternoon, we headed to Westminster Abbey.  After seeing on TV the royal weddings that have taken place here, it was fascinating to see in person.  My favorite museum in all of London was our next stop - Churchill’s War Rooms.  Churchill was a fascinating character in history!  I learned things about him that made me like him even more.  Did you know that he loved his baths, as much as I do?  He took two a day!  Churchill had many, many famous quotes.  My favorite is one he said soon before his death, “I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter!”

Day 3 - On this day, we took the double decker Big Bus HOHO tour.  We basically stayed on the top deck of the bus and took tons of photos.  We only got off at one stop, the London Eye.  The London Eye provides a breathtaking vantage point to see all of London.  That evening, we enjoyed one of the highlights of our week… afternoon tea at The Savoy and 3rd row seats at the Lyceum Theatre to see The Lion King. Spectacular!

Day 4 -  We took the Tube very early to be first in line at the Tower of London.  I was able to get some people-less photos!!!  The Beefeater tour was quite entertaining!  Next we took the cruise down the River Thames to Greenwich, known for it’s maritime history.  One of the things we learned is what WHARF stands for: Ware House At River Front.  After a delicious lunch on the dock, we took the return cruise back to Westminster. While waiting in the queue for the Palace of Westminster, we experienced a true English “gully washer!”  It was fascinating to see the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Day 5 - After mailing to London for tickets, we received tickets for the Major General’s Review of the Trooping of the Colors.  This is a practice for the yearly celebration of the Queen’s Birthday.  The pageantry of this event is phenomenal!  It truly was an honor to sit in the grandstands for this event!  After the ceremony, we walked down to Buckingham Palace for a quick photo op.  Then, took the Tube to Harrods to have a late lunch in the cafe.  

Day 6 - We started our morning early by taking the Tube to Kensington Palace.  Because of the 20 year anniversary of Princess Diana's death, Kensington had a special exhibition titled, “Diana: Her Fashion Story.”  It was an exhibit of some of her most photographed dresses, such as the midnight blue silk velvet evening dress that she wore when she danced with John Travolta at the White House. My favorite quote at the exhibit was made by Diana, “Sometimes I can be a little outrageous, which is quite nice. Sometimes.”

Day 7 - Our final day in London was spent on a 12 hour tour to Windsor Palace, Stonehenge, and Bath.  When we arrived at Windsor Palace, our tour guide quickly showed us that the Royal Standard (flag) was flying over the castle.  That meant that Queen Elizabeth was at the palace while we were there!  This castle is stunning!  The gardens are breathtaking and the rooms are gorgeous!  Next we went to Stonehenge where it was so blustery!  The biggest question that remains to this day, “Why are the stones there and how did they get there?”  Our final stop was Bath where we received a  another English “shower!”  The city of Bath dates back to 70 A.D.  Here is where the Romans (who occupied England at the time) would bathe and socialize in steaming spring water that reached up to 114 degrees F.  Today, it is a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site!

You can not possibly see all that London has to offer in one week!  But here are some tips when considering a trip to London.  1.  Prioritize your wanderlist - what do you want to do or see the most?  2.  Plan to see things that are in the same general area on the same day - thus less travel time.  3.  Many London itineraries say to do up to 6 attractions a day. I suggest only 3 - you do not want to be rushed! Here is one final word of advice, “Mind the Gap!” 

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