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Last fall, my trip to London had me buzzing with excitement! I couldn’t wait to get into the city’s rich art, history and iconic sights, and of course, the afternoon tea. Naturally, my passion for custom cookies couldn’t be left behind. I spent countless hours crafting the perfect set for my adventure – double-decker buses, the famous red telephone booths, tiny high tea sets, a cheeky Paddington Bear, and even a regal Queen Elizabeth silhouette! Talk about almost missing my flight with a last-minute cookie decorating and packaging them in bubble wraps.
Heatwave Hustle and a Fashionable Find
My initial London experience was a bit on fire. The city has a record-breaking heatwave, and the charming older buildings often lacked AC. Thankfully, my hotel was a cool oasis, which I highly recommend The Z hotel . However, battling the heat with a suitcase full of layering clothes I couldn’t wear (London prices, am I right?) was a challenge. Just when I was dying wearing head to toes black sweaters and leggings, the travel gods smiled upon me! Right next to St. James’ Cathedral, I stumbled upon a sample sale with 80% off, a fashionista’s dream come true!
Big City, Big Boroughs. Exploring London on a Budget
London is a sprawling metropolis, with each borough offering its own unique flavor. I chose Holborn for my stay, perfect for a five-minute stroll to the lively performances of Covent Garden. That said, with so much to see and do, navigating this big city could get expensive. Luckily, London offered a wealth of free activities: world-class museums (hello, free art!), the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am), last-minute musical plays tickets for around 15 pounds, Shakespearean play for a 5 pounds (standing only, but hey, it’s Shakespeare!), and breathtaking panoramic views from free Sky Garden. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer like me, remember: there’s a way to experience London’s magic, even on a budget. Just like those delicious custom cookies – a little creativity goes a long way
From Footie Fans to Foot Woes: Embracing the Cycle
While I love exploring on foot, London’s sheer size made walking impractical for hitting multiple activities across diverse boroughs. My first two days were a testament to this – trekking from Holborn to Southbank, then onwards to the Tower of London, and back – my poor Fitbit clocked over 50,000 steps, and let’s just say my feet were singing the blues. The ultimate solution? Biking! Bike rentals like Boris Bikes were my savior, offering a fun and affordable way to zip between locations for just £1.65 for 30 minutes.
London may have tested my walking shoes and budget, but the world-class museums and unexpected delights like that sample sale next to St. James’ Cathedral, made it all worth it. It’s a city that surprises you around every corner, from iconic sights like Buckingham Palace to hidden gems like all the delicious food markets So, pack your walking shoes, with a touch of adventurous spirit.– London awaits!