We began our few days in London with my brother and sister in law in Kennington, with a visit to the ever brilliant Vauxhall City Farm (I have always been a fan. When you consider that some inner city kids haven’t ever seen a cow, places like this are vital!), followed by a fabulous Portuguese lunch, and obligatory custard tarts back at theirs afterwards. Bidding them a fond farewell, we then set off to find our hotel for the next couple of days…
As someone whose husband once studied at Brunel University, taking a wrong turning and ending up in one of Isambard’s creations – The Rotherhithe Tunnel was something of a novelty. Built in 1845, and at almost 400 metres long, it lies deep beneath the Thames connecting North And South banks to allow horse drawn traffic (back then obvs.!) to go to and from the city’s ever expanding docks. Taking everything in to consideration it’s quite a feat of engineering given the time…
The second time we drove back through the tunnel (even more lost than the previous time) we began to think how it might have been a slightly nicer experience (especially in terms of lung health) back in the horse drawn days, as we noticed the thick layer of grime on the once shiny white tiles, and the 13 year old began to worry about the amount of Thames above our heads…
Happy at the thought we had finally left the tunnel behind, we successfully navigated our way to the Hilton we were staying in (as a base for an introduction to London for the Toddler, and a reintroduction for his siblings). We made our way with cases and various other paraphernalia to the reception, to be told they had no record of our booking. Eventually, with the help of the friendly receptionist, we managed to deduce that we probably did have a booking, just not at that particular hotel.
The third time we drove back through the Rotherhithe Tunnel, most of us held our breath, hoping it would be the very last time we would see the inside of it for a few days at least. I was probably still holding my breath at the reception of the Hilton Canary Wharf, until they confirmed they did indeed have our reservation and everything was thankfully ready for us.
Canary Wharf might seem like a strange choice for a base when visiting Central London, but I wouldn’t hesitate to stay at this particular hotel again. The level of service was pretty immaculate, as were our great rooms on the 9th floor (with interconnecting doors – perfect!). Nothing was too much trouble (from our slightly awkward Eggs Benedict breakfast requests (not my idea!), to gracefully dealing with my ridiculous phone call a few hours after checking out in search of the the toddler’s new and highly prized London Bus and taxi toys left somewhere in our room). There’s a lot to see around this area too, and plenty to keep you happy in terms of eating and shopping options.
The Canary Wharf Hilton doesn’t have plentiful parking, but we were able to find a good solution close by, and given that we had secured a good last minute hotel rate it’s something we could forgive them for. It’s already somewhere we are planning on staying again. Best of all, if the weather gods are smiling upon you (as they were for us) The Thames Clipper is a short walk up the road for the quick boat ride in to central London. This really does give you some of the best views of this beautiful ancient city (and can be paid for on your Oyster card too!)…
After a comfortable and quiet first night’s sleep, we decided to start off with a little trip down memory lane for me… I started my working life in London many moons ago, working for my lovely (and much missed Uncle) just around the corner from Watling Street (one of the UK’s longest Roman roads incidentally!). To think I would take the sight of St Paul’s Cathedral for granted every single day! A decade or so later, I returned to work in Holborn for a Music Law Firm, where my lunch times would be spent wandering Leather Lane Market, Covent Garden, Fleet Street and beyond…
That morning we started our walk at the bottom of Fleet Street, past Sir Christopher Wren’s beautiful “Journalists Church” and its wedding cake spire (inspiration for many a cake, and a building whose original foundations date back some 2000 years. According to my friend GingerandBread, we should have gone inside to pay a visit to the historical crypt that predates any kind of religious building here with its Roman remains and charnel house. There are organised tours which I will absolutely book next time).
Walking down towards the Royal Courts of Justice (look out for the dragon statue outside – this is a boundary marker, pass this and you are now on The Strand!), and soaking in all the history, both London’s and my own, as I relived the many years treading those streets, pointing out little things such as the oldest building on The Strand to survive the fire of London and the tiny paper shop where after having to buy three bags of golden wonder cheese and onion crisps and one of those tiny chocolate spread filled hippos later one lunch break I first suspected I might be expecting the 13 Year Old…
After a slight detour through Lincoln’s Inn Fields we found Red Lion Square so I could show my offspring where I used to work. On then through Russell Square, as we had been instructed by two of our party that we were absolutely going to be spending a few hours in the British Museum…
When my company moved from High Holborn to Tottenham Court Road, I would gaze out across this museums iconic glass ceiling every single day, but didn’t once step inside, so it was really lovely to explore the place together for the first time. The half term crowds didn’t hinder our enjoyment, and we were able to get up close and personal to plenty of Egyptian artefacts, as well as a few more local ones (there’s stacks of treasure on display from Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, found by farmers and metal detectorists alike. We definitely need to visit Sutton Hoo before we move now too – incredible stuff!)…
Admittedly, the Small Toddler, wasn’t overly impressed with much of the museum, but he did enjoy exploring the outside, before setting off to Coram’s Fields not far away, which was much more his cup of tea…
This 7 acre playground and football fields have been here for 80 years (you can only visit if you have a child with you!), but its history stretches far beyond that. It’s named after Thomas Coram who founded the Foundling Hospital in 1739 to look after London’s many abandoned and unwanted children. The Foundling Museum (next door) looks fascinating, and we have a connection with it as a family friend once started life here, but sadly it will have to wait for another visit, as the Toddler had definitely had more than enough Museum for one day…
Afterwards we had a wander around Covent Garden (where Mr R was able assistant to a street artist and her acrobatic show – cue much mortified older children, who couldn’t work out why I wasn’t embarrassed – simply because I am used to it as this kind of thing typically happens to him!), before a quick bite to eat and making our way to the Clipper to enjoy the light show on the way back to Canary Wharf again…
There’s something really nice and almost comforting about visiting a city that you know well enough to not get constantly lost in (apart from the tunnel!), and that you have a long history with. Trips like this (with favourite family get togethers thrown in) definitely get added to the “things we are glad we moved back for” list…
Tate Modern and Borough Market up next…
Everyone loves London – don’t think I’ve ever come across people not liking London! I’ve only been to London 3 times and I barely scratched the surface – there’s just so much to see – and we have the rest of UK as well, gosh! :-)
I have met a few people that don’t like London, then I have to wonder whether they are worth knowing to be honest! :D Thank you!
Wow you got up to so much! I am super impressed with how much you fit in. I work in London in the city so would never have thought about staying at Canary Wharf. Although next time we need to stay over I will look at the Hilton. I think mine would like the sky scrapers there.
It’s a great place to stay, and good for those little ones with scooters on a weekend when it’s basically empty! :D Thanks so much! (:
I love exploring London, even though i’ve worked there for years there’s always something new to explore or as you say just enjoy the familiarity #citytripping
Thank you Frankie! (:
I wouldn’t have thought Canary Wharf would be a good base, but service is very important! Sounds like a great trip x #citytripping
Thanks Susanna, it just felt more serene and peaceful staying there on a weekend. That was obviously outside of working hours though! :D x
yes, my favourite city too:) #citytripping
Great isn’t it? Thanks so much! (:
I love this post Emma as all the places are ones I know. I’ve been to (and lived in) London so many times but I just never bore of it. Exploring on foot is one of my favourite things to do and I realy do need to have a go on the Clipper as I never have yet! Mich x
Thanks so much Mich! Definitely go on the clipper, it’s lovely (especially at night – we had it all to ourselves!) :D x
Travelling always comes with hiccups doesn’t it?! I adore London and think it is a fabulous city, but haven’t visited all that much since having children. The idea of driving in London makes me feel a queasy… well done you guys! The London Aquarium and The Natural History Museum is just great for little ones… definitely look at doing those next time!
Thanks so much. Yep, slightly nerve wracking. We visited both those places a few times with my older children, but need to go with the Toddler! :)
Been to London a dozen times, but have yet to make it to Canary Wharf! And I’m going in a few weeks, but won’t have time to see it again! But maybe that will all change soon! #CityTripping
It’s definitely worth seeing! Thank you! (:
I love how convenient Canary Wharf is. Your photos are fab!
It really is! Thanks Lauretta! (:
We love to visit London with the kids, it’s really amazing how much you can see in a few days! I love the look of Coram’s Fields – had no idea that was there!
It’s such a special place, definitely worth a visit when you are in London with kids! (:
I appreciate London far more now I don’t live there. Each time we go, I see something new and wonder how I didn’t come across it all those years ago!
My husband always gets drawn into this kind of thing too – surprising as he’s a quiet chap but he’s always game!
We enjoyed our trip to Sutton Hoo a few years ago but the British Museum has snaffled all the good stuff – most of the items in Suffolk are replicas.
Funny the things you can take for granted isn’t it? That’s good to know about Sutton Hoo too! :D x
You’re right, Canary Wharf might not be everyone’s first choice of a place to stay, but it’s a clean, interesting area that’s well-connected with the rest of the city, so it makes a lot of sense. I’m glad you had such a good time, despite the tunnel (I hate driving through them, too!)
I would definitely stay there again. It’s not as hectic as other places either! Thanks Nell! (: x
Hubby and I have got a child free weekend in London this weekend;) Cannot wait. Will definitely be heading to Covent Garden and Canary Wharf
Oh enjoy!! There’s an amazing authentic Chinese just by the clipper dock in Canary Wharf if you like that kind of thing! :)
Isn’t it funny how you can work somewhere and it’s only years later you return and actually visit properly – I used to work very close to the Tower, and while I enjoyed walking past every day, I never actually went in! Lovely to revisit some old haunts in London, and discover some new. I hadn’t realised the Rotherhithe tunnel was quite so old: it is even more impressive (although I admit, I try not to think about the Thames above my head if we go through it…)
I did that with Hampton Court Palace too… Terrible!! Thanks Cathy! :)
Thanks too for linking up with #citytripping
No problem! (: x
I loved it when I lived in London – I really do miss it. It’s a great city and I’m lucky that we can still hop on a train to visit.
It is a really special place isn’t it? Thanks Su! :)
Looks like you made the most of exploring London. We did a big bus tour in November and I remember the journalists church well – my grandad used to work in Fleet Street for a newspaper so I made sure we had a good look around
Thanks Kara. You can’t beat a bus tour sometimes! (:
You managed to fit so much in! And I’m not surprised that you started at the wrong Hilton – there are so many. I bet it happens often!
So annoying when you can actually see the correct one across the Thames! :D Thanks Claire!
London is such a gorgeous, fun filled place to visit! I actually stayed right near Canary Wharf too when I last visited London!
Thanks Sarah. It really is isn’t it? :)
It sounds like you packed in lots during your stay in London. London has so much to see and do that you woukd never be bored.The hilton sounds like a fab place to stay at.
Definitely not a chance to be bored! Thanks Nayna! (:
It looks like you had an amazing trip and you’ve made me really want to take our girls there this summer. We keep meaning too, but not quite got round to it x
Oh you must if you get the chance Laura. I would recommend that Hilton too! :) x
Sounds like you all had a fabulous time in London, your photo of the Journalistic Church caught my eye as I was there a couple of months ago with a friend when I went to London for a visit.
Thanks so much! (:
This is a great write up! You have me wanting to visit London again with the children this year, we went last year and it was great – but we didn’t get to the museum and I think my son would love it! x
Thanks so much Hayley!
What a lovely few days you had and some places I’d not heard of before too, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Karen! (: x
I’ve heard so much about Coram Fields and thought it would be a good pitstop to recharge our batteries around London. There is just so much to learn about London with all the history it holds. I love the RCJ – so very impressive!
Thanks Carrie, Coram Fields is amazing, especially in the summer! Yep, the RCJ is just stunning isn’t it? :) x
I miss London so much! We had a visit planned last week but had to cancel due to the snow. My boys are still yet to experience it properly. Pleased you finally got out of that tunnel ;-)
Hope you get there soon Jenny! Thank you! (: x
Can you believe I’ve lived in London for years and never been On The clipper – must rectify his soon thanks for reminding me
It is such a lovely way to get around. The Kids loved it! (: Thanks Leona!
I’ve lived and worked in London for most of my life, moved to the Midlands before I had my daughters and still haven’t managed to visit with them to show them where I grew up! It’s on the cards though – I want to show them all of my favourite places. The Foundling Museum is lovely and I can definitely recommend you have a look if you get the chance. It sounds like you had a great time exploring :)
Thanks so much Chloe! Definitely going inside the Foundling Museum next visit! (:
I’m from London and it is truly a great place to go sightseeing, very busy but a wonderful experience for all that visit
It is isn’t it? Thanks Bethany! (:
I have been away from home (London) since August and this has been a lovely reminder of everything we loved there. Vauxhall Farm was a favourite of ours. And can’t wait to read your take on Borough Market. Its right next to my work and we love nipping in for lunch .. yum
Thanks Karen. It’s such a wonderful city isn’t it? :)
London is my favourite city in the world. I am very tempted to go back to the UK and settle in central London. I also love Edinburgh as it is a bit similar but much more affordable when it comes to living there.
Mika
To my shame I haven’t yet made it to Edinburgh… Hopefully soon though! :)
Lovely photos, there really is something about visiting a city you know well that you can walk around aimlessly and not get lost. :D
Totally that! Thanks Lucie! (:
This post got me all excited about our visit at Easter. Now that my daughter is old enough to appreciate it a bit more I’m really looking forward to some serious sightseeing this time. On previous visits we’ve had one or maybe two trips into Town for specific things but I’m dying to revisit more. And she’s obsessed by the fire of London so I was very interested that there is a building still standing from then. I’ll show her later and maybe we’ll go there too.
They start to really love history at her age don’t they? Not long until your visit now! :)
I grew up in London so know it pretty well, I actually had to go through that tunnel to get to school every day so I know your pain of it. I also love a Portuguese tart! Your stay looked amazing.
You know that tunnel really well then! :D Thanks Ayse! :)
What gorgeous photos!! I love London and every time I go there I come away thinking I totally understand why Londoners never want to leave. I can’t wait to go again this year with my children and do some exploring through their eyes!
It’s brilliant isn’t it? Thanks Laura! (:
Sounds like a great trip, apart from the getting lost bit. I love London but driving through is a nightmare, I agree.
I can’t stand driving there! :D Thanks Laura!
Wow you covered loads. Lovely pictures. x
You know us! :D Thanks Mum xx