2 Days in London

After a short flight from Berlin, we arrived at Southend Airport in England, excited for a week of sightseeing in London and for some family time with Dermot’s extended British family.

Dermot’s Aunt Julie and Uncle Roy greeted us with open arms at the airport and drove us back to their house on Canvey Island, where we would be staying for the week. We all sat down to a delicious dinner of fish and chips, and spent the rest of the evening relaxing and chatting. A perfect welcome.

The next day, we took their two greyhounds out for a walk with Julie and Roy, and they showed us around their neighbourhood, while also telling us about some of Canvey Island’s history – including the major flood in 1953, which caused over 50 deaths and lead to the construction of the current sea wall that stretches along Canvey’s  coast. We were so happy to spend the day hearing stories about Canvey Island and to simply take it easy after over a month of travelling under our belts. Dermot’s cousin Emma came by the house in the afternoon, and we spent some time with her and her children, Luke, Joseph and Isabelle as well.

The following day, Julie and Roy took us to Paddock Wood where we had a delicious lunch at Dermot’s Aunt Clare’s house before heading to the local pub (which also happens to be operated by Dermot’s cousin, Gary) for a big family reunion, and an early birthday celebration for Dermot! We were so overwhelmed by the amazing welcome we were shown – it was a day we both won’t forget! After several hours and great conversations at the pub, we drove home with full bellies, and warm hearts. Shortly after arriving back at Julie and Roy’s, we decided we should end the night a bit early, as we would be heading into London to celebrate Dermot’s 27th birthday the next day!

Day 1: London Eye, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St. Jame’s Park

We woke up in the morning and caught our train to London. Julie and Roy had so kindly bought us tickets for a sightseeing bus tour and the London Eye, so we were pumped for a full day of activities ahead! Once we arrived in London, we jumped right on the double decker  bus to begin our sightseeing! The bus was a great way to get our bearings, and it took us right to our first stop of the day – the London Eye.

Desta decided that a little celebration was in store for Dermot’s birthday, and the next thing we knew, we were toasting with a glass of bubbly from the top of the London Eye! This was probably one of our favourite activities on our entire trip – we were all smiles from ear to ear.

After the London Eye, we spent the rest of the day taking in the sights and atmosphere of London. We walked through Covent Garden where we got some great (and surprisingly decently priced food) at a New-Orlean’s inspired restaurant, and through Trafalgar Square, which is overlooked by the Canadian Embassy.

There was so much to see, and even with the help of our sightseeing bus, one day just wasn’t enough, so we decided a second day of exploring London would be needed. Not quite ready to call it a night however, we headed back to Canvey Island for the midnight opening of the new James Bond movie at the local cinema! Dermot says it was a perfect birthday.

Day 2: River Thames Cruise, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown, Gordon’s Wine Bar and the Shard

To start our second day in London, we took an awesome boat cruise down the River Thames from Tower Bridge to Westminster Pier. It was great getting to see the city from the perspective of the water.

Following the boat cruise, we walked over to Buckingham Palace to wave hello to the Queen, and then trekked through beautiful Green Park to hit up Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s more recognizable sites. After looking through one of the biggest souvenir shops in the area, we walked through London’s Chinatown, before deciding it was time for a drink. We had been recommended Gordon’s wine bar, London’s oldest wine bar, where guests can drink by candlelight in a vaulted cellar.

We enjoyed our glass of wine, and since a second glass was calling our name, we decided it was time to head out of the cellar and go wayyyyyy above ground to enjoy our next glass of wine on the 31st floor of London’s iconic Shard tower. The Shard was a pretty classy spot, and we were thrilled to enjoy our wine while people watching and catching some amazing views from the tower’s floor to ceiling windows.

We left the Shard and began making our way to the train station, as it was time to bid the beautiful city of London farewell. London was definitely one of our favourite cities in our whole European tour, and we would go back in a heartbeat! But we weren’t going to say goodbye to England just yet – we had several more days to visit family and a few more places, including Cambridge. England blog part two to follow!