Continuing my solo trip around London, this is the second installment of my blog series. If you haven't read the first part yet, I highly recommend doing so London Calling: My Unforgettable Week Exploring the City Solo, as this blog is a continuation. Both blogs provide itineraries, travel tips, and budget-friendly ways to enjoy London.
DAY 4:
With Christmas festivities behind me, transportation services had resumed, and I was once again eager to embark on my solo adventure. I had already secured tickets for the Winter Wonderland event in the evening (more details on that later), but apart from that, I hadn't made any specific plans. In the morning, I quickly conducted some research to find interesting activities and places to explore. Armed with a rough plan, I headed to the tube station en route to central London.
To kickstart the day, I boarded a bus that would take me to Primrose Hill. Fortunately, the weather was on my side, as it turned out to be a sunny day. This stroke of luck allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience. Upon arriving at Primrose Hill, I discovered a picturesque viewing point where I could leisurely sit, unwind, sip my coffee, and soak in the breathtaking panoramic view of Regent's Park and the London skyline. It was a delightful opportunity to relax in the warmth of the sun while enjoying the refreshing cool breeze. I spent a significant amount of time exploring the area, wandering through Regent's Park, capturing memorable videos and pictures, and thoroughly relishing my own company.
Next, I made my way to Kensington Gardens (turned it into a garden day, lol). Taking advantage of the sunny weather, I reveled in the opportunity to stroll around and soak up the sun's rays. One of the highlights was walking along the Round Pond, a sight to behold with its abundance of ducks, pigeons, and graceful swans. It felt almost surreal. I also took the time to visit Kensington Palace and admire the grandeur of the Albert Memorial. Everything seemed unbelievably beautiful, prompting me to continue exploring both Kensington Gardens and eventually Hyde Park. The views of the Long Water, the presence of more birds, the sunset painting the sky, and the lush greenery surrounding me were all truly marvelous. And, of course, I couldn't help but catch glimpses of the magnificent Winter Wonderland.
Finally, the time had come for me to experience Winter Wonderland, the highlight of my trip to London. I was ecstatic that I had the chance to visit this enchanting attraction. I had pre-booked my tickets through their application, allowing me to plan ahead for the rides, food, and drinks I wanted to enjoy. Booking in advance saved me time, but it's also possible to make on-the-spot reservations (though it may cost a bit extra). Upon arrival, all I needed to do was scan a QR code. Winter Wonderland felt like a traditional funfair, offering a myriad of activities and experiences. As darkness descended, the entire place lit up, amplifying its magical ambiance. The view from the top of the Giant Ferris Wheel alone made every penny worth it. I had booked a few exhilarating rides, keeping me thoroughly engaged. Since it was the Christmas season, the place was bustling with people, resulting in long queues for the rides. It required a bit of patience, especially since I was alone, but I found solace in striking up conversations with fellow amusement seekers.
Oh, and don't miss out on trying the mouthwatering Mr. Bratwurst sausages and hotdogs at the Bavarian Village – they were absolutely delicious. Winter Wonderland offered a wealth of entertainment options: music, dancing, more rides, delectable food, refreshing drinks, captivating shows, and so much more. I spent the entire evening there, eventually leaving around 9:30-10 PM. Like every other day of my trip, it was filled with excitement and unforgettable experiences.
DAY 5:
I woke up a bit later than usual, and to my delight, my roommates had prepared a delightful Brazilian breakfast for me. We enjoyed a pleasant conversation at the breakfast table before I set out for the day.
Having explored most of the London spots on my list, there were still a few left, and one of them was the renowned British Museum. As a history enthusiast, I couldn't miss the opportunity to visit this majestic institution. If you plan to visit, be prepared to spend at least 4 hours if you want to explore every room. I immersed myself in the museum, reading, listening to audio guides, and marveling at the diverse array of sculptures and artifacts from around the world. Time flew by unnoticed, and after a few hours, I realized that I hadn't been able to see everything due to my growing hunger and an afternoon tour I had booked.
I quickly grabbed a cup of coffee and made my way to the Harry Potter tour organized by Strawberry Walking Tours. The tour offered a wealth of knowledge about the characters, the locations, J.K. Rowling, and countless fascinating facts about the Harry Potter series. We even visited a store that sold all sorts of magical items. It was an absolute delight for fans like me. By this point, my hunger had become quite pronounced, and I stumbled upon a Mexican restaurant near Trafalgar Square. I savored a delicious meal while observing the vibrant streets of London through the restaurant window.
In the evening, I had tickets booked for a musical theater production called "Jersey Boys." This international musical experience provided an immersive journey into the formation, success, and eventual breakup of the iconic rock 'n' roll group, The Four Seasons. As someone who adores everything related to music, this was an absolute must-see for me. The theater was packed, and the entire audience clapped, enjoyed, sang, and danced along throughout the show. You might be familiar with their hit song, "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." It was a perfect experience, in the perfect city, enjoying the show in my own company. I couldn't have asked for a better evening. The show lasted around 2-2.5 hours, and as it concluded, the bustling streets of central London, which had been teeming with activity just a few hours before, had transformed into a serene and peaceful atmosphere. This stark contrast provided a captivating conclusion to an extraordinary day.
DAY 6:
Being an ardent lover of science and history, visiting the Natural History Museum had been a long-standing dream of mine. However, due to the Christmas season, it was set to reopen on the 27th, and today was that day. Filled with excitement, I ventured out, only to discover that walk-ins were not permitted due to high demand. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. However, a kind passerby suggested an alternative just a 5-minute walk away: the Victoria and Albert Museum. Little did I know that this unplanned detour would turn out to be an extraordinary experience in its own right. With a wealth of knowledge and captivating exhibits, the museum offered a delightful 2–3-hour visit. Feeling a bit worn out from the past few days of hectic travel, I decided to head back early. After exploring the museum, I indulged in some delectable Chinese cuisine from a nearby restaurant before making my way back to central London for one last time, as I would be departing the following day.
My final evening in London was filled with memorable moments. I visited Buckingham Palace, catching a glimpse of the changing of the guards and taking a leisurely stroll around the area, immersing myself in the fresh London air. The London Eye, Westminster, and the picturesque River Thames all became part of my farewell tour. As the sun began to set, I savored every moment, spending the entire evening in the heart of the city. However, as the night wore on, I started to feel a bit under the weather. Despite this, I had made plans to cook a special Indian meal for my roommates, as it was our last night together. With that in mind, I decided to head back. I purchased the necessary ingredients from Tesco and returned home. I prepared a delicious yet mildly spicy chicken tikka and naan bread. We sat down together, enjoying our hearty and flavorful meal, cherishing each other's company until late into the night.
DAY 7:
On the final day of my London adventure, I allowed myself to sleep in a bit since I wasn't feeling my best the day before. With packing on my to-do list and the need to bid farewell to my roommates, I had a busy morning ahead. Once everything was taken care of, I made my way to St. Pancras International Station to catch my train back to the north of England. This station was a sight to behold, filled with captivating shops, restaurants, and coffee places. I even stumbled upon a piano and ended up playing it for hours, adding a musical touch to my time there. Since I had a few hours before my train departure, I took the opportunity to visit the famous King's Cross Station and Platform 9¾. Nearby, I also explored the British Library, where I found solace in reading my book while awaiting my train. Finally, I boarded the train and bid farewell to London, concluding my delightful journey.
Reflecting on my trip, I realized that I had covered more places than I had initially imagined. As a first-time visitor to this magnificent city, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and an inkling that I could envision myself living here in the future. There is so much to explore and experience in London that multiple visits would be necessary, especially for those traveling on a short timeframe and a budget.
Additionally, I discovered that London serves as a gateway to numerous captivating one-day trips. Although I didn't have the opportunity to embark on one this time, I look forward to exploring these excursions in the future and sharing my experiences. London has left an indelible mark on me, and I eagerly anticipate the chance to return and uncover more of its wonders. (soon)
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