Our first trip to the UK was a family adventure we’ll never forget. London greeted us with a mix of history, pageantry, and modern energy—and even though Italy still has our hearts, this little detour was unforgettable.
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Note… Although our blog is about Italy, we enjoy sharing our side adventures out of the country too. Every now and then, it’s fun to take you along on these journeys with our experiences and recommendations—and on this trip, we have two to include.
First Trip to the UK: Day One
We started with the Tower of London, a fortress dating back to 1066, once a royal palace and prison. Today, it’s best known as the home of the Crown Jewels. Unfortunately, you can’t take photos of them but all I can say is “Wow.” They were stunning! Right next door is Tower Bridge, often mistaken for London Bridge. Completed in 1894, it’s a striking symbol of the city with its towers. It was even better than any photos I had seen previously.
From there, we wandered into Borough Market, one of the oldest food markets in London, with records going back to the 12th century. It’s heaven for food lovers—though we didn’t taste anything this time, it was tempting to see everything from fresh oysters and artisan cheeses to pastries. The variety was enough to make us want to return—just for the food.
First Trip to the UK: Day Two
We also toured the Palace of Westminster, the heart of British politics. Walking through Westminster Hall—built in 1097 and still standing—was awe-inspiring. It’s hosted coronation banquets, royal trials, and speeches from world leaders. Inside, we also visited the House of Commons and House of Lords, where centuries of debate have shaped the country. Across the street is Westminster Abbey, the site of every coronation since 1066 and countless royal weddings and funerals. Just outside, of course, stands Big Ben—the nickname for the Great Bell in the Elizabeth Tower, though most people call the whole clock tower Big Ben.
First Trip to the UK: Day Three
We arrived at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the monarch for the Changing of the Guard. Not wanting to get up at the crack of dawn, we arrived knowing there was going to be a large crowd and were alright with finding ourselves in the back with not much of a view. Still, the pomp and circumstance were fun to witness, even if it was more about the atmosphere than the close-up details.
We also strolled through St. James’s Park, where we came across a group of artists painting in the sun. It was a quiet, unexpected moment amidst a bustling city. They were lovely, and I stopped to chat with a few while admiring their work.
Day Trip Out of London
One day, we left London behind for a journey into the countryside. The pace shifted almost immediately—the traffic and city noise gave way to rolling green fields and small villages. It felt like stepping into another world, one filled with deep history and slower rhythms.
Our first stop was Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It’s still a working royal residence. The State Apartments are full of treasures. The town itself was charming, but it was the sheer size of the castle that really stopped me in my tracks. Because it was a Sunday, we couldn’t enter the church—keep that in mind when planning your itinerary.
From there, we continued to Oxford University, one of the oldest universities in the world. For Harry Potter fans, parts of the films were shot in some of these buildings, including the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College’s dining hall, which inspired the look of Hogwarts’ Great Hall.
We ended the day at Stonehenge. Even with a brief drizzle and wind whipping across the open fields, it was an incredible experience. The giant stones rise out of the landscape with an energy all their own.
No one is certain why it was built, although theories range from an ancient astronomical calendar to a burial site to a place of ritual. Folklore tells its own stories too—some say giants brought the stones from Ireland, others that Merlin, the wizard of Arthurian legend, magically transported them. However it came to be, standing there reminds you that some things are bigger than any one person, timeless and powerful in a way that truly humbles you.
And now for those two recommendations we promised:
If planning a trip to the UK, we highly recommend The London Guide, Barry Houlston, +44 (0) 7808649995, email: barry.houlston@btinternet.com. Barry was personable, friendly, and made the city’s history come alive. His family has a long history in London. It felt less like taking a tour and more like exploring London with a close friend.
In Conclusion
One little highlight of this trip was hopping into one of London’s classic black cabs. The ride itself was nothing fancy, but there was something delightful about exploring the streets in one of those old taxis—it felt like a little piece of London tradition.
Another was a chance to enjoy some classic British fare at a few cozy pubs—Gary loved a pint of Guinness (well, more than one), and we both thoroughly enjoyed our first fish and chips with mushy peas. We even got to take part in the traditional Sunday Roast Lunch/Dinner. Great food traditions worth trying.
This trip gave us a chance to explore a different corner of Europe with family, and each stop held something memorable—whether it was centuries of history or simply a beautiful afternoon in the park. Although it may have been our first time in the UK, it won’t be our last. Thank you, Brett and Ally, for planning such a fantastic trip and for some unforgettable memories.
