This trip was a quick trip designed around my sister's ideas of where she really wanted to go and to take care of some family business.
We flew to London Heathrow and took the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. The Elizabeth line would have worked great as well but as our tickets were only a little less than 10 pounds each we decided the speed and convenience was worth it. We stayed at the Premier Inn Paddington Station which involves simply crossing the street from the station and could not be more convenient. Location is the prime attraction of this hotel along with reasonable price and a known product.
The first full day we set out for Greenwich for our appointment at the National Maritime Museum. We took the Elizabeth Line to Canary Wharf and then then Docklands Light Railway. We had a very meaningful visit with a one of the staff archivists going over the World War I journal that my grandfather kept during his time in the Royal Navy. It was decided that this would be a valuable addition to the museum's Manuscript Collection and we felt great about leaving the journal in such capable hands.
A walk around Greenwich and we took the Uber Boat back to the Tower Wharf and ate lunch at the Wagamama's there. The tube back to Paddington for a rest, and then a short walk to the very small, very hidden Fleming Museum that highlights the history of the development of penicillin. We had dinner at an Italian restaurant next to the hotel and crashed for the evening.
The next day we checked out, walked across the street, and caught our train for Plymouth where we spent 3 nights at the Crown Plaza Hotel which was an excellent location for our purposes. We spent the afternoon walking around the Barbicon and exploring. The first full day we caught a passenger ferry across the river to Mt. Edgcumbe House and Country Park. We had a lovely 5 mile walk around the park and enjoyed the scenery, exercise, and animals. We ate lunch at the Orangery Restaurant there and it was so good! Back across on the ferry and back to the hotel for a rest break and then another walk around Plymouth.
The following day was our main purpose for being in Plymouth, the Remembrance Sunday Service at the Naval Memorial on the Hoe. Our great-uncle is one those listed on the memorial for being lost at sea when his ship went down in 1917. We wanted to honor him and all the other men and women who served. The turnout was quite large. Much more than you would see in the US. It was a long time of standing and by the end of 1.5 hours I was ready to get off my feet. Thankfully, the hotel was right there! We tried what was touted at "the third best fish and chips in England" and I am not sure about the rankings, but the food was delicious with the Cod melt in your mouth good.
Next day it was off to Cardiff where we enjoyed two nights at the Leonardo Hotel near Queen Street Station. Once again the location could not be beat. Short walk from the train station on pedestrian only streets and all the main sights were walkable.
Cardiff Castle was enjoyable as well a short river cruise to the harbor that we took. We also took a local train to the end of the line for an explore.
Back to the train station for our trip to Heathrow. Train to Reading and then transfer to the express bus which dropped us off at Terminal 5. Our hotel, the Sofitel is located at terminal 5 so once again an easy location. Our purpose this day was to go to Christmas at Kew. This was our second time attending and I can't stress enough that if you are going to be in London from mid-November to early January this is a not to be missed event. Tickets sell out early so plan to buy in advance as soon as you know your dates. We were not disappointed at the amazing light shows.
Next day it was walk down the hallway to the terminal and fly home. A good trip.