I don’t know about you, but when I travel internationally, after I land, I like to hit the ground running. And luckily, so does my friend Jen.
So even though we flew to London on an overnight flight and slept minimally on the plane, as soon as we arrived in the city, we dropped our bags off at the hotel and took off sightseeing.
Because seriously, you can always sleep later, right?
Here’s a few things that caught our eye along the way.
By the time we called it quits on day 1, we had walked just over 16.5 miles around London. 16.5 miles!!! We were shocked.
Ground we covered on the first day:
Hyde Park. Kensington Gardens. Buckingham Palace. Big Ben. The Garden museum {more on that later}. Knightsbridge and Harrods.
We ate everything from {very bad} ice cream off a vendor cart to take away from Pret to pastries and lastly, pickety bits we procured along the way.
The only thing we missed that was on our list was the Victoria and Albert Museum. It hadn’t opened for the day yet when we started our walk, and by the time we made it back around to the same area, it had closed.
I love the V&A! It’s probably my favorite museum in all of London with all its decorative arts.
Oh well, maybe on my next visit.
16.5 miles on the first day. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Cheers!
Mary says
The Pret take always sure beat any grab and go here in the US – all fresh and organic. And Tea time! Had tea at the Tower of London, Windsor Castle and in the Cotswolds
Shari Harniss says
I’m sure you’ll make room in your carryon for that 150 pound melon. Gotta be worth it, right?
Joely says
You really made the first day count! What a great walk.
Christy says
Take a day trip to Paris and see the Paralympics in person!
Wendy C says
16 Miles! That is amazing! So excited for you!
JamieH says
16 miles on no sleep…I would probably have the best sleep of my life after that! Enjoy your trip!!!
Paula Black says
When I went to Oxford and slept very little on the plane and the hotel had a fire alarm and evacuation in the middle of the njght, I hit the the ground walking. Literally in a period of 10 minutes I tripped on the cobblestones and hit the ground. Talk about the ugly American! Never was I so glad to see the great expanse of asphalt at London’s Wembley Stadium. Asphalt. Its smooth and predictable. There’s something to be said for that.
Lynda Rees Kling says
I’ve never taken a day flight… it’s always better to power thru the day and then get a good nights sleep to put you back on track.
But flying from the East coast helps
Sharon R says
What hotel are you staying at? Do you recommend it? Have a great time!
Marcia HEIN says
Recommend Tas Pide, a wonderful Turkish restaurant near the Globe Theatre. We always go there when we’re in London. Great food, atmosphere and service.
Bernice Koelzer says
Did you only have one day there?
Lindsey says
Poppie’s in the Kensington area makes great fish and chips. https://poppiesfishandchips.co.uk We practically OD on the fish when we are in London.
Wolfe says
Thanks for the great pictures! That’s as close as I will ever get.
NeeNee says
Great pictures Mavis !! Beautiful looks wonderful you don’t realize how far you walk when you have so much to see and do !! Just think now you can eat more pastries!!
Safe travels!!
Ashley Bananas says
Living vicariously through you. Love it!! Have fun!!