Amber Hayes
A Stopover in London
From the moment we touched down on the storied streets of London, it was clear that this trip was going to be one for the books! We started with the dizzying views from The Shard to get a lay of the land. At almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in London, it offers visitor’s unparalleled 360-degree views for up to 40 miles. Next, tucked beneath the giants of architecture, Borough Market beckoned with a cornucopia of scents and flavors. A culinary carousel, from artisan cheeses to rich truffle oils, each stall was a love letter to the palate. Here you can find a variety of different foods to satisfy your every wish.
And let’s not forget the commanding presence of the Tower of London, standing as a sentinel by the river's edge. No trip to London is truly complete without delving into the tales that these ancient stones guard jealously. With centuries of royal secrets and priceless jewels nestled within its walls, this iconic fortress housed kings, queens, and even the mischievous ravens. Prowling through the grounds, I could feel the weight of history pressing close, from the cold kiss of dungeon stone to the crown jewels' dazzling dance of light. Each turret and tower had a story, each echoing corridor a shadowed tale of intrigue.
Big Ben stood grandly, its chimes like the heartbeat of London itself, echoing through the corridors of power in Westminster. A stone's throw away, Westminster Abbey whispered ancient tales through its Gothic arches, as I walked on the same grounds where monarchs were crowned, poets rested, and history was sculpted in stone.
Just a short train ride from the city, the regal majesty of Hampton Court Palace unfolded in a tapestry of Tudor history and gardens, where whispers of Henry VIII's larger-than-life presence lingered among the roses and courtyards. It was as if we had stepped into the pages of a history book, each moment enlivened by the sounds, sights, and spirits of the past. Truly, London's chronicle was ours to wander, a saga of splendor and stories unveiled with every step.