Greetings from London, England!
London, the vibrant capital of England and the UK, is home to iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. Nestled along the River Thames, it’s a city brimming with history, culture, and excitement. As someone who loves the English accent, I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the city’s unique vibe.
How Did We Get To London?
Lille Europe Train Station
Departure from Lille Europe Train Station
After taking three trains (TER 96562, TGV 9867, ES 9153) and navigating the famous Chunnel, we finally arrived in London. Though traveling by train was an adventurous choice, my anxiety almost got the best of me. The journey started off smoothly, but as we descended into the tunnels, I couldn’t help but feel a little claustrophobic.
Thankfully, first-class tickets provided comfort and a steady supply of snacks and wine, which helped me manage my nerves. The train ride turned out to be an unforgettable experience, even if my anxiety initially tried to ruin it.
Arriving at St. Pancras Station
We finally made it to St. Pancras station in London, which was an absolute marvel. The blend of old-world architecture and modern amenities is breathtaking. As we exited the station, the sight of iconic black cabs and double-decker buses made me feel like I had stepped right into a movie scene.
Driving in London: Navigating the Streets in a BMW
View of the train station
For the first time on our trip, we rented a car in London. The challenge? Driving on the opposite side of the road! We rented a BMW 3 Series, which made for a luxurious but slightly nerve-wracking driving experience. I left the driving to Seth while I clung to the passenger seat.
Our first rental car in the UK!
Notting Hill: Where Movie Magic Meets Reality
We headed straight to Notting Hill, known for its picturesque streets and quaint charm. Our hotel, the Notting Hill Hotel, was a perfect fit for our budget while still capturing the essence of the movie it was named after. Though the hotel had a quirky charm, it was an older building with limited space and an eccentric elevator that made for an interesting experience.
The smallest elevator
We couldn’t help but laugh when we got to our room. It was a very small room, with a bed. The end. You took one step inside and you were already up against the bed. Our backpacks took up the only space left in the room. And wait. Where’s the bathroom? Our bathroom was located in the hallway. It was our own “private” bathroom, but also located right in front of the stairs and the lift. I think this hotel was built for the Lilliputians. Neither of us fit in the shower. It was so narrow. The toilet was so low to the ground and so small. I still fall into fits of laughter when I picture us in there.
Our bathroom. Located in the hallway
coming out of the bathroom door
A Visit to Stonehenge: Ancient Wonders and Unexpected Challenges
The next day, we set out for Stonehenge, about a 3-hour drive from London. The scenic drive was a peaceful escape, and we enjoyed exploring the mysterious stone formations once we arrived. However, we were quickly overwhelmed by the hordes of biting insects swarming the area. After a few pictures, we ran back to the bus, eager to escape the bugs and cool off.
When we arrived, we bought our tickets and waited for the next bus that would take us to the stones. You can walk over, but it was hot, humid, and we had been walking all day every day for the last 2 weeks. We’ll wait for the bus thanks. We all packed into the bus and it took about 5 minutes to get to the stones. Once there you walk along a path that takes you around the stones. The structure is just out in the middle of a field. Large and in charge. Simply glorious.
Hyde Park: A Relaxing Final Stop in London
Before leaving London, we visited Hyde Park, a peaceful oasis in the city. Formerly a royal hunting ground, it now hosts “Speakers Corner,” a historic site for free speech and public debate. On our visit, it was quiet, serene, and a perfect way to spend our last few hours in London.
Hyde Park
The Train Ticket Debacle: A Travel Hiccup in London
Despite our meticulous planning, a ticketing issue almost ruined our departure. We had booked our Eurail tickets months in advance, but upon arrival at the station, we learned that they had been mailed to our U.S. address, and no digital copies were available. After frantic scrambling, we had no choice but to spend an additional $600 for a new train ticket—an unexpected setback that made us eager to leave.
Next Stop: Amsterdam!
Our adventure continues as we head to Amsterdam. Stay tuned to see if we can find a better shower and more exciting experiences in our next destination!
