I’ve traveled to Europe six times but this trip had a few firsts for me:
First trip to London
First non-stop flight to Europe
First time staying in one city the entire vacation
Flights
I flew Virgin Atlantic direct from Tampa to Heathrow. It was my first VA flight and it was great. Service was polite and professional. I bought my tickets for Economy Delight for both legs, but later decided to upgrade my seat on the outgoing flight to Premium for $125. So glad I did, the seat was bigger and even more leg room than in Delight.
“Mind the Gap” - getting around in London
I heard this warning so many times it became a mantra for me! I learned the Tube system fairly quickly. However, twice I got turned around in the Tube station and once ended up going the wrong direction. Some nice British people helped me out. One gentleman even walked me to the proper place in the station to get on the correct line.
Lodging
I stayed at the Park Plaza Waterloo London hotel just south of the Thames in the Lambeth area. I really liked this location. It was a little less busy than others and felt more like a neighborhood. Close to a tube stop and the Westminster Bridge. I had a city view from a floor-to-ceiling window.
Places visited
Westminster Abbey - This took my breath away. Yes, it was crowded but not too bad. I used the free audio-visual guide and thought it was quite good. I was thrilled to see the places where Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots were entombed. The stained glass was exquisite. At the risk of sounding pretentious, I learned a few years ago from my mom’s genealogical research that I am a direct descendent of Mary Boleyn through her son Henry Carey, Lord Hunsdon. I’m sure there are hundreds of people who can say the same, but it gave me a thrill to see a huge monument to him in the Abbey.
Tate Britain and Modern museums - Really enjoyed both of these. The John Singer Sargent exhibition at the Britain was outstanding. The Modern was a nice change of pace from all the other art I saw.
V & A museum - I didn’t realize how huge this was! Enjoyed seeing the items from the different countries and time frames. Lots of furniture, silver, ceramics, and fashion. Had tea and cake for lunch in the cafe and felt oh so Victorian.
Pub tour - went on London Walks’ historical pub tour and had a blast. The leader talked about authors, the Inns of Court (which we walked through), and told some fun stories. As a solo traveler, it was nice to meet some other people. I also learned I liked Bitter Ale!
Tower of London - I enjoyed this, but it was really cold and windy the day I went. I expected crowds, but wow, so many school and tour groups to navigate around! The museum in the White Tower was my favorite.
National Gallery - as an art lover I was really looking forward to this. It was quite impressive, but I was beginning to get a little art overload. There was a special exhibit of the last painting by Caravaggio that I really enjoyed. It had its own queue to get in but didn’t take too long.
Hampton Court Palace - this was my favorite of all the places I went. To walk in the same space as the kings and queens did was truly remarkable to me. When I went into the Great Hall, I was more than a bit overwhelmed. I had lunch in what was once Elizabeth I’s Privy Kitchen, so exciting! The audio-visual guide here was very good, I suggest using it.
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