London

Kristen Southwick London

We stayed at the Marriott Marble Arch.  I'm not sure why we picked it, but probably because it was centrally located and had the best rates.  It was a nice hotel and it was pretty close to the Tube, Kensington Gardens, St. James Park, Buckingham Palace etc.  I think there is another Marriott that is more centrally located, but we were paying for 2 rooms so we went with the more economical option.

What we did:  The first night we went to the British Museum and saw Matilda the Musical in the West End.  We were just trying our best to keep the kids awake.  They loved the play, but I'm sure Mady would want to see something a bit more adult.  Newsies may be coming to London in Spring 2014.  

The next day we did a day trip to Windsor Palace and to Stonehenge.  Windsor Palace is beautiful, but Stonehenge is pretty much good for just the picture.  Our friends took us there, but there may be a train service to Windsor.  

The Tower of London was really cool.  From there, we took a boat down the Thames to the Tate Modern.  Then did a few things on the South Bank of the Thames.  The Shakespeare theatre replica is here, as well as the London Eye (it was closed while we were there).   We took a boat further down the river and stopped at the other Tate Britain Museum, and then walked up to see Big Ben, 

We had high tea at the Orangery, which is a beautiful setting.  Our friends in London recommended that we have high tea here, and we weren't disappointed.  

My biggest recommendation for Mady is the Victoria and Albert Museum, if she is still into fashion.  It is a huge design museum, and always has really interesting displays of jewelry, clothing, and the creative process.  My girls could have spent hours there.  It is also located next to a bunch of the most famous London museums.

Pizza Express is a chain that we really liked--they have a few restaurants in Hong Kong so maybe you have already been there?

I have to run, but also reach out to Sylvia Updegraff... she lives there now and will have a great idea of what to do and places to see.   The Harry Potter experience opened up after we were there--I'd definitely see that too!

My London

We love the hop on and off sightseeing tour bus b/c then you hit all the MAIN sights in one day.

I think the London Eye is very cool, the views of London are great.

I think giving your kids the DINNER PUB experience is very British,

and these places are not just drinking joints anymore but family friendly

eateries.  

I love walking along Portobello Road, on the weekend there's the market,

hip shops, cool markets, etc. Don't forget to check out my friend's swimsuit

shop Pistol Panties, I think you'd love the vintage style of swimsuits.

I love the carrot cake from PRETE A MANGER, these eateries are practically

on every corner….great place to stop for juices, sandwiches, salads.  Dave

Wagner brought me back one the other week and it's STILL amazing!

I know you won't miss the HUMMINGBIRD BAKERY while you are there,

I know you will eat the cupcakes, take a photo, and facebook it for me:-)

I think the food court and food shop at Harrod's is sooo pretty with 

food from around the world.

Fish and chips is super fun to eat while you are there.

As for day trips…I think Bath, Stratford upon Avon, Cambridge, etc.

are all lovely.  If you have time to go even further, I think Cornwall on the 

coast is lovely.

I love going to high tea in London and eating scones and clotted cream.