This post is the start of detailing our trip that took us through London, Paris, and Brussels.
I have traveled to London every year from 2014 to 2018. Luckily the 2018 trip was just for my wife and I to enjoy. There is a lot to see and do in London and the surrounding areas. This will details some of the more significant things experienced over the years.
On my previous trips, I would always stay at St Ermins Hotel which is a Marriott Autograph property. I find it to be in a great location, Westminster, which is in walking distance to many sights. Since I knew the area well, this is where my wife and I would stay during this trip.
London is known for it’s car scene. Many of the ultra rich import their cars in from Dubai. I have seen some awesome cars around Mayfair to include a Ferrari LaFerrari, Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 918, Lamborghini Aventadors and more.
A London trip wouldn’t be complete with a walk across the “London Bridge”. It is actually called the Tower Bridge, not London Bridge as many know it by. The London Bridge is about 1/2 mile up river. The bridge, built in the late 1800s, spans the Thames river and overlooks the Tower of London.
The Tower of London is home to seven Ravens, one of which is a spare.
It is said that the kingdom and the Tower of London will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress.
-Historic Royal Palaces
On one of my earlier trips, I was fortunate enough to take a river cruise up the Thames to Greenwich. The captain was very informative and entertaining along the way. The weather could not have been better for the ride. Our destination was near the Old Royal Naval College as well as the Meridian line, representing Longitude 0° 0′ 0″.
The food in London is amazing. They have cuisine from a variety of cultures, especially Indian which sadly is not really something we like. Some of our favorite places to eat are:
The Audley – This was my favorite pub in London, but unfortunately is was closed in 2019.
Belgo Centraal – This is a Belgium restaurant with great food and atmosphere.
Katzenjammers – Located next to Borough Market, Katzenjammers is a take on a Bavarian Bierkeller. It is locked underground and can get super loud due to the brick walls. The food and beer choices are great though.
The Feathers – This pub is located a very short distance from our hotel, St Ermins.
Bank Restaurant – Another short walk away is Bank Restaurant. It was an old Bank converted to a bar and restaurant. The steak and fries are my choice here! Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any photos from here.
We hired a driver for one of the days and took an early morning trip to Stonehenge and Windsor Castle.
We took a ride on the London Eye which gave an impressive view of the city.
There are street performers at every major spot.
There is great wildlife viewing in St James Park adjacent to Buckingham Palace. We also spotted a fox across the street from St Pauls Cathedral.
