Favorite Day in London

I still remember the first time I went to London. I wasn't particularly excited but I was going for work. This was my 7th trip to Europe, but before I was always on the continent in a non-English speaking country. I loved the challenge of being in countries where the language was different. I thought London, and England, was going to be too easy and not interesting.

I should have known better. I grew up watching Masterpiece Theater with all the BBC productions. I love British literature and devoured Austen, Dickens, Maugham, the Brontes, and many more. Walking down the street in London and looking up at the row houses, I could imagine that Sara, from A Little Princess, was in one of the attic rooms. Or coming upon Harley Street and finding there were still doctors' plaques by the front doors.  London is a city where I immediately felt at home.

In March, I finally made it back to London after a 16 year absence. After my first visit I had returned 6 more times, almost always for work. I was planning on going by myself this time, but as luck would have it, one of my oldest friends was able to meet me there in late March.

High Tea and Buckingham Palace

On this trip, my favorite day in London was the day we did High Tea at Fortnum & Mason, followed by an exclusive evening tour of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. If you are not familiar, Fortnum & Mason is a swanky London department store with an amazing food hall and wonderful tea room.  The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a variety of high tea options, including one that is gluten free! We didn't eat lunch and so dived into the scones and finger sandwiches. The gluten free scones were scrumptious, and even better with clotted cream and strawberry jam. The only thing I wasn't such a fan of were their gluten free pastries as most were too sweet. My friend had a savory high tea and that looked wonderful as well. They kept bringing us more of whatever we wanted until we were full. It was our lunch and dinner and we probably ate enough calories to cover both.

image by Ann Halpin

After we finished our high tea, we walked to Buckingham Palace. Even if you are not a fan of royalty, the State Rooms are definitely worth a visit! Our tour took place at 6pm, with only 30 people total. Normally the tours are much larger. Our main guide had been at the Palace for years and was able to give detailed information about the rooms and the art, along with fun anecdotes. We were not allowed to take photographs, so unfortunately I don't have any to share of the inside but here's a photo of the palace from my last morning in London.

image by Ann Halpin

Every detail in the State Rooms was beautiful. The works of art, the plasterwork, the furniture, everything was stunning. I walked through the rooms and galleries holding my hands behind my back. I wanted to touch everything to experience it and of course that was not allowed! If you happen to be in London in September, they are doing these evening tours throughout the month (weekdays as well as weekends). It's not cheap (£80 per person), but it was well worth it.

In another blog post, I will provide some suggestions of what to do and see in London.