London Highlights

A Week in London and a Day in the Cotswolds

In early July, we spent six full days in London with a day trip out to the Cotswolds in between, and what a wonderful experience it turned out to be. Since it was our first time in London, I wasn’t quite sure if I would like it, but by the end of our visit, I was completely charmed by the city’s energy, history, and character.

Exploring London’s Icons

London is a city full of landmarks, and we made sure to see many of its best-known sights. We visited Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Natural History Museum was also a highlight, with its impressive architecture and fascinating exhibits.

Our walks took us through some of London’s most colorful areas—Leicester Square, Soho Square, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, and the Millennium Bridge. We strolled along the South Bank of the Thames Path, admired the charm of Leadenhall Market, relaxed in Salter’s Garden, and paused at Trafalgar Square and The Mall. London is truly a walkable city, although the Underground (also known as the Tube) makes it easy to get around when you need to get from one point of interest to another quickly. The classic black cabs are everywhere, but London's heavy traffic makes it a slow mode of transportation. However, riding a black cab in London is a classic experience that we must try. 

Food, Pubs, and International Flavors

No trip to London would be complete without a pub experience, and we certainly enjoyed ours. We tried traditional ales and fish and chips at The White Horse in Piccadilly, Old Shades, and the Prince of Wales. We loved the Prince of Wales so much that we stayed until closing one night! These pubs gave us a taste of old-English atmosphere alongside hearty food.

London’s food scene, though, isn’t limited to traditional fare. As an international city, it offers cuisine from all over the world. We sampled Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese dishes, each delicious and memorable. In fact, we loved one Turkish restaurant so much that we went back a second time.

A Day in the Cotswolds

In the week of our stay in London, we took a day trip to the Cotswolds, an area of rolling hills and postcard-perfect villages. On the way, we passed The Farmer’s Dog, a pub featured on Jeremy Clarkson’s reality show Clarkson’s Farm. Though we didn’t stop in, it was fun to see.

We did spend time in three beautiful villages: Bibury, Burford, and Bourton-on-the-Water. Each one looks and feels as if we are in the setting of a British TV series or film, with stone cottages, stone bridges crossed over the water stream featuring swans floating along, and timeless beauty. We thoroughly enjoyed wandering through these spots and appreciated the slower pace from the hustle and bustle of London.

Staying in the Heart of the City

For accommodations, we booked a studio apartment through Booking.com. The apartment was located between Chelsea and Kensington, close enough to reach many attractions on foot or by hopping on the Tube at nearby Victoria Station. The location worked perfectly for us.

Final Impressions

At first, I wasn’t sure if London would win me over. But after six days of exploring its historic sites, enjoying its food and pubs, discovering its neighborhoods, and taking a little countryside break in the Cotswolds, I can confidently say I truly like London. The city’s lively atmosphere, easy transportation, and endless list of things to see and do make it a place we would definitely return to.

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