We were blessed to join Andrew on a work trip to London–it really IS one of our happy places. Between the trips I took growing up, and now these back-to back trips in the last few years, I have really come to love and feel very ‘at home’ while abroad.
Our trip always takes place on/around Easter, and this year we arrived a couple days before. We typically plan an ‘easy’ day for the day we arrive, knowing we’re going to nap for a few hours after our overnight flight. We took a walk after we woke up and found some Easter eggs!
This year, we chose to hit up Soho Square for Maelle to play on the ‘rainbow playground’ and then Rudy’s Pizza for dinner. (We visited this playground MANY times during our trip, and Maelle learned how to climb to the top by herself, much to the chagrin of the other children.)
The next day was Easter, and I’d packed a simple ‘Easter basket’ using a gift bag and filled it with practical activities and squish-able items for our trip, like activity pads and a mini-Squish mallow.
That day, we took a boat ride to Camden Market, and this year I had great time. (Two years ago, I had a REALLY hard time at Camden, which I explain in this post.) The older I get, the more sensitive I am to sounds, crowds and overstimulation. But, going in knowing what to expect, and setting ourselves up for success by arriving early, really helped me not only manage my body and mind. AND even enjoy my experience!
After Camden, we visited a new playground for Maelle–one with a zip line!
The following day, we went to Kew Gardens for the first time, where we met my parents!
After our Kew Gardens trip, we all had dinner at one of our favorite places, The Builder’s Arms.
The net day, we visited The National Gallery and Maelle had fun drawing while we were there.
While Andrew was working, Mom and Dad joined us for a special production of Swan Lake. It was abridged and narrated, which helps youngsters know what’s going on. I loved it! Maelle will be taking ballet this fall.
Afterward, we all went to another of our favorite pubs, The Black Friars. They have one of the best burgers I’ve ever had!
If there is one thing we do A LOT of while in London, it’s playgrounds. Maelle has visited quite a few, and we definitely have some favorites. The ‘pirate ship playground’ (officially the Princess Diana Memorial Playground) is walkable from our hotel.
In the evening, we took Maelle to see Matilda! We’d read the book just prior to this trip and were excited to take her to see the play. We all loved it!
The next day, we visited Windsor for the first time. (Last time we went to Windsor, we just went to Legoland.). We enjoyed exploring the castle and grounds, and maybe *next* time we go to London, we’ll go to Legoland again.)
I snuck away for just a few minutes to see the Splash! exhibit at The Design Museum. It was a swimming/swimwear exhibit at one of my favorite local museums.
Sadly, all trips must come to an end. We flew home, landed in Toronto, waited for luggage and finally hit the road, SO TIRED. Unbeknownst to us, Maelle had put on the eye mask from the in-flight kids kit, and I had to do a double-take! Our girl was out like a light.
That’s a wrap on London 2025. Here’s hoping there’s another one in the near future!
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