Travel stories | London 2025

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GOST travel story | London 2025
I have a soft spot for London as I lived in the UK for a year when I was 22 years old. I was a waitress in a Manor Hotel in Cornwall and an Administrator in London. 35 years later and London continues to be a return destination for me.
My travel tips for a 10 day stay:
Hidden gems | Recent heritage renovations makes Southwark Cathedral a must visit. We lucked in with “Peace Doves” - a ceiling installation by Sculptor Peter Walker set to music.
Kew Gardens | Fun fact! In 1998, I paid 1 pound entry. Now it’s 25.50 pounds but worth every penny. This organisation employs gardeners, retail, hospitality staff and has amazing sculptures/buildings throughout to visit.
Walking | I do a lot of walking and love checking out different style houses, gardens and the neighborhood. I recommend South Kensington for high row houses that are classic white with green gardens; Fulham for brickwork mansions opposite the Queen’s Club and Portobello Road (the top end) for pretty row houses.
Shopping | on our way to visit the Gallery of Everything, we discovered this pocket of bespoke shops, restaurants and cafes which are away from the maddening crowds of Oxford Street. Piccadilly Circus / Regent’s street has a good range of designer clothing. On Carnaby Street I discovered London designer T/Ala creating smart casual wear. The V&A shop is perfect if you are looking for anything art focused and affordable. They have everything from ceramic buttons to prints and socks to books. I only wish I had more luggage room …
Just opened! | The Victoria & Albert East Storehouse is a must if you love the arts, see how galleries/museum package works to be shipped and see restorer’s in action through glass floors / balcony windows. It was an amazing place. Only tip is - the cafe onsite ran out of food and was only serving cakes. They are very popular with limited seating but we can certainly recommend the pistachio and courgette cake!
Riverside | we decided to walk close by near the river on a Saturday morning to discover couples jogging in their matching activewear outfits; dogs of all shapes and sizes running with their owners; and rowers lifting their boats to hit the Thames River. We found a gorgeous pub with an outdoor area overlooking the river and people watched while sipping a rose / beer.
Where to eat | we were recommended to go to this Indian pub on Portobello Road. I was a bit worried as this area is very tourist driven. As soon as we sat down and could smell the food, we thought maybe it’s okay. It was fantastic! Full of flavors, good servings and best Indian food we’ve ever had…and we’ve been to a lot of places around the world. Gail’s bakery/cafe - I think there are 5 locations in London and we had one near our apartment. We tried their coffee, tea, bread, croissants, pastries and cakes - we weren’t disappointed.
Standout | we felt Kew Gardens ticked every box. A big park with lots to see and do. Rose gardens, carbon neutral projects, formal queen’s garden, treetop views and a fantastic bee hive installation. There is something for everyone. As for the shop - it’s big! I’ve never seen so many gift ideas, books, bags, foods, clothing that’s all garden focused. It’s a one stop shop if you are short on time to get gifts for loved ones.
Travel lighter | we went overseas for 12 weeks with carry on luggage. While we checked our bags on longer flights we knew the majority of our travel would be trains/buses/cars in Spain and Portugal. I’m so glad we kept it light. Cobblestones, uneven surfaces and lots of hills/steps are endless in both countries. You are constantly lifting and carrying and it can wear you down as we saw many frustrated travellers thinking they could max their weight up to 30 kilos! Trust me…7-10 kilos is just manageable.
Enjoy your next trip - wherever it may take you.
Anne xx

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