We just returned from a London adventure with the Scheers and Schneiders! Alex's parents were kind enough to take all of us on their vacation abroad. They rented a flat on the Thames just across from the London Eye and down the street from Big Ben. The location was perfect! We had great access to the Tube and could walk to almost everything. This was Harper's first trip outside of the country and she was a perfect traveler. She loved playing with her cousins and exploring London. We hit all the favorite tourist spots, had afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason, went on a Jack the Ripper Tour, and made a day trip to Cambridge to marvel at the historic university city. It was a wonderful week full of fun!
Our view from the flat!
We had perfect access to the Jubilee Bridge to cross over and visit the London Eye.
Our first afternoon in London!
We took tons of pictures of Big Ben. Of note, we learned from Harper's children's book that Big Ben is actually only just the bell within the clock tower. The building and the clock are part of the Houses of Parliament.
The Royal Horseguards Hotel
We have pictures of Big Ben from every angle.
There were many awesome buildings that I cannot remember the names of.
The Jubilee Market at Covent Garden
Family dinner
Harper and I shared this huge macaroon!
We were very lucky that the weather was so nice!
Alex, Harper and I had separated from the group to explore on our own and ended up missing a sighting of Kate and William!
Harper chased pigeons in the park across from Big Ben.
Westminster Abbey
Victoria Memorial
Buckingham Palace
The royal family was not here, but we did see them drive by!
Hoping to spy a royal baby!
Michele, Emily and I went for afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason. It is one of my favorite memories from the trip. We drank fancy tea with the most beautiful little tea sandwiches, scones and desserts in a gorgeous tea salon opened by the Queen herself!
We noticed Christmas decorations and Christmas advertisements all over London. It was nice to feel the holiday spirit early!
London at night!
The London Eye!
We were able to see a bird's eye view of London.
Auntie Em and Harper
Hello again, Big Ben!
Harper snuggles
We liked all of the flowers decorating building exteriors.
We stopped at a cheese shop in Borough Market.
Harper loved all the cheese tastings!
Alex, Dave and I went on a Jack the Ripper tour of London at night. It was awesome!
After the tour, we stopped for a drink at The Ten Bells - a bar thought to be the last place two of the victims were seen!
We had a blast exploring the city and admiring the architecture. I liked the Admiralty Arch.
Trafalgar Square with the National Gallery
Harper girlie
The Harp
Michele and Emily went to a Harry Potter play one day while the rest of us went on a six mile trek across town to explore!
We had to take the iconic telephone booth pictures.
Grandad and Harper
St. Paul's Cathedral
Shakespeare's Globe
We walked through Borough Market again for some snacks.
Tower Bridge
We walked by the Tower of London on our quest for the Tower Bridge. We came back to this site later.
Old and new buildings right next to each other.
The Traitors' Gate entrance to the Tower of London was ominous.
We finally made it to Tower Bridge!
We traveled to Cambridge by train to explore the historic university city.
Alex, Emily and I went punting on the River Cam which runs right through the heart of Cambridge.
The Mathematical Bridge
Our punting guide was a great historian. We learned a lot about the city.
The Kings College Chapel
We had fish and chips after the tour.
Silly goose in Cambridge
Dave, Alex and I went back to the Tower of London on our last full day.
Harper thought the guards had very silly hats.
We definitely made sure Harper was away to see the crown jewels. They were beautiful, especially the Koh-i-Noor.
Chip snack!
The British Museum
We saw the Rosetta Stone!
Mummies!
