On our last visit to London we headed straight to the world famous trendy area of Chelsea where our hotel, the Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbor Hotel is located just off the famous Kings Road. This area is where Princess Diana had her wedding gown designed and also where the blue bloods of England go out and party. The King’s Road is full of exclusive designer boutiques, clubs and restaurants, extremely artsy and extremely expensive but is an absolute must see.
The hotel is eight floors of luxurious chic, contemporary living, voted 5 out 5 stars by Travelocity. Rates start at $221 which is quite reasonable on such an exclusive hotel property that is in a perfect location. Our spacious room-suite overlooked the Chelsea Harbor and the River Thames and our suite balcony was the perfect place to sit and watch the lights of London after a busy sightseeing day. It is worth mentioning that this hotel is very quiet and a great retreat from the city. The children were pleased to see large flat screen TV’s in every room and jumped onto the fluffy comfortable beds. As we explored the hotel we found an indoor pool, sauna, Solarium, Turkish/Steam Bath and full fitness center, a business center as well as a
restaurant and trendy bar called Aquasia that has a view of the boats in the harbor. Close by is Europe’s most famous department store, Harrods in
Knightsbridge and a ton of museums in nearby Kensington. When staying in London there is absolutely no need for a car. Public transportation is clean, safe, affordable and gets you within feet of your destination. Not only can you get around London but also there is direct train service to outlying areas like Windsor.
You will get more for your money if you use pounds instead of the euros. Cheap eat- Gourmet style sandwiches can be bought at Marks & Spencer and Boots. You will find these stores everywhere. This will save your family money when grabbing a bite and a good thing to take with you on a bus or train trip!
A completely different hotel property is 196 Bishops Gate. This is an apartment-hotel that is located in the financial district of London, one mile from the Tower of London and right across the street from the Liverpool Train Station which connects you to almost anywhere. We were able to jump off the train and pick up our groceries right in the train
station and then walk across the street to the hotel to cook in the fully equipped kitchen. Eating out in London is expensive so this can be a massive budget saver. This gives tourists a much closer look at how Londoners’ really live. Apartments are spotlessly clean and comfortable in minimalist contemporary style. 24 hour guest services are available. Choose from studio to penthouse apartments with rates that start as low as $186 per night.
My top must sees:
Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This spectacular musical has to be seen in London at the Haymarket Theatre. Not only will you be enchanted with the most lavish sets but also with the historic and beautiful Haymarket Theatre itself. The show is now in its 24th year.
For tickets visit:
www.BroadwayBox.com
London Eye. Get a bird’s eye view of London. The London Eye is like a huge Ferris wheel with glass rooms that take visitors up slowly for spectacular views of the River Thames and the City of London. You will be able to get the most amazing photographs from this one of a kind vantage point. www.londoneye.com
Windsor Polo. I can’t think of a more English way to spend a day than at a Polo game. The Guards Polo Club is located near Windsor Castle in Great Windsor Park. This is where Prince Charles and his sons can been seen playing Polo and the rest of the well healed turn out for a champagne picnic. This is a huge amount of fun. You can rent a car and drive right up to the field to tail gate or take a short train ride out to Windsor and catcha taxi. www.GuardsPoloClub.com
Go Ape. This was one attraction that gets you right into the English countryside a ‘high-wire forest adventure’. Here youcan imagine Robin Hood galloping through the woods as you zip down through the canopy of trees and tackle the obstacle courses. Very exhilarating and the best way to get to know the English countryside. Colt and Brooke wanted to do this everyday! Go Ape offers several ziplining locations scatteredthroughout England. www.goape.co.UK
London Dungeons. Here you will see the not so pretty side of how London was. You will witness the Fire of London and see how it stopped the Plague. Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd are another dark side of this attraction. This is not for young children but Colt and Brooke who are 12 and 14 years old loved it and learned a lot about the darker side of London’s history.
Leeds Castle. Beautiful manicured gardens and history. Over 900 years old with the most famous resident being Henry VIII. In 1926 the castle went into private ownership and was refurbished using French designers and architects. Today it is a designer’s dream home and has been featured in many interior and landscape publications. There is something for the entire family here. A massive well designed playground, maze and world renowned aviary. Many movies and TV shows such as Dr. Who and the Antiques Road Show have been filmed here. Set in the breath taking countryside of Kent on the Len River. www.Leeds-castle.com
Royal Windsor Racecourse. No, this is not car racing, this is flat horse racing at its finest. Set on the River Thames right by Windsor Castle. This is a British secret; you will mainly find British celebrities and royals here. Just like Windsor Polo this sport of Kings has been kept hush, hush to tourists so don’t tell them I sent you! A great way to spend an English summer night. Races from April to October. Make sure you check the dress code beforeyou visit. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk
The Original Bus Tour. Get on board a double-decker bus for a wonderful way to get a feel for London. I recommend doing this first as you will see things you will want to visit in length and find their location in a relaxing, comfortable and informative way. This live narrated tour will take you over Tower Bridge, past Buckingham Palace, museums and more. Passengers can hop on and off as needed. We grabbed sandwiches and enjoyed our lunch while enjoying the effortless tour. www.theoriginaltour.com
Windsor Castle. As you fly into London’s Heathrow Airport you might catch a glimpse of this Royal residence. Windsor Castle has been a Royal home for almost 1,000 years…how’s that for good construction! Parts of the castle are sporadically closed when the Queen is home but this just adds to the excitement of visiting. Rooms of the castle have priceless artwork like paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Gainsborough. St George’s Chapel is a great example of gothic architecture and has seen a lot of Royal weddings. Kids will enjoy seeing one of the most famous and largest doll houses in the world, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. www.royalcollection.org.uk
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