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…
Kat says
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! :-)
Emma says
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!
Mudpie Fridays says
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.
Emma says
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! (:
Frankie says
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
Emma says
Thank you Frankie! (:
susanna says
I wouldn’t have thought Canary Wharf would be a good base, but service is very important! Sounds like a great trip x #citytripping
Emma says
Thanks Susanna, it just felt more serene and peaceful staying there on a weekend. That was obviously outside of working hours though! :D x
Tanja/The Red Phone Box travels says
yes, my favourite city too:) #citytripping
Emma says
Great isn’t it? Thanks so much! (:
michelle twin mum says
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
Emma says
Thanks so much Mich! Definitely go on the clipper, it’s lovely (especially at night – we had it all to ourselves!) :D x
Emma says
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!
Emma says
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! :)
California Globetrotter says
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
Emma says
It’s definitely worth seeing! Thank you! (:
Lauretta at Home and Horizon says
I love how convenient Canary Wharf is. Your photos are fab!
Emma says
It really is! Thanks Lauretta! (:
Erin Ek Rush says
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!
Emma says
It’s such a special place, definitely worth a visit when you are in London with kids! (:
Trish says
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.
Emma says
Funny the things you can take for granted isn’t it? That’s good to know about Sutton Hoo too! :D x
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) says
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!)
Emma says
I would definitely stay there again. It’s not as hectic as other places either! Thanks Nell! (: x
Lisa (Travel Loving Family) says
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
Emma says
Oh enjoy!! There’s an amazing authentic Chinese just by the clipper dock in Canary Wharf if you like that kind of thing! :)
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
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…)
Emma says
I did that with Hampton Court Palace too… Terrible!! Thanks Cathy! :)
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
Thanks too for linking up with #citytripping
Emma says
No problem! (: x
Su Chanprasong says
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.
Emma says
It is a really special place isn’t it? Thanks Su! :)
Kara says
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
Emma says
Thanks Kara. You can’t beat a bus tour sometimes! (:
Claire at Tin Box Traveller says
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!
Emma says
So annoying when you can actually see the correct one across the Thames! :D Thanks Claire!
Sarah says
London is such a gorgeous, fun filled place to visit! I actually stayed right near Canary Wharf too when I last visited London!
Emma says
Thanks Sarah. It really is isn’t it? :)
Nayna Kanabar says
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.
Emma says
Definitely not a chance to be bored! Thanks Nayna! (:
Laura - Dear Bear and Beany says
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
Emma says
Oh you must if you get the chance Laura. I would recommend that Hilton too! :) x
Yeah Lifestyle says
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.
Emma says
Thanks so much! (:
Hayley McLean says
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
Emma says
Thanks so much Hayley!
Karen Beddow says
What a lovely few days you had and some places I’d not heard of before too, thanks for sharing.
Emma says
Thanks Karen! (: x
Carrie - Flying With A Baby ( Family Travel) says
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!
Emma says
Thanks Carrie, Coram Fields is amazing, especially in the summer! Yep, the RCJ is just stunning isn’t it? :) x
Jenny - TraveLynn Family says
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 ;-)
Emma says
Hope you get there soon Jenny! Thank you! (: x
Leona says
Can you believe I’ve lived in London for years and never been On The clipper – must rectify his soon thanks for reminding me
Emma says
It is such a lovely way to get around. The Kids loved it! (: Thanks Leona!
Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker says
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 :)
Emma says
Thanks so much Chloe! Definitely going inside the Foundling Museum next visit! (:
Bethany says
I’m from London and it is truly a great place to go sightseeing, very busy but a wonderful experience for all that visit
Emma says
It is isn’t it? Thanks Bethany! (:
Karen Edwards says
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
Emma says
Thanks Karen. It’s such a wonderful city isn’t it? :)
La French Connection says
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
Emma says
To my shame I haven’t yet made it to Edinburgh… Hopefully soon though! :)
lucie fr says
Lovely photos, there really is something about visiting a city you know well that you can walk around aimlessly and not get lost. :D
Emma says
Totally that! Thanks Lucie! (:
Midlife Singlemum says
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.
Emma says
They start to really love history at her age don’t they? Not long until your visit now! :)
Ayse says
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.
Emma says
You know that tunnel really well then! :D Thanks Ayse! :)
Laura Dove says
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!
Emma says
It’s brilliant isn’t it? Thanks Laura! (:
Laura Haley says
Sounds like a great trip, apart from the getting lost bit. I love London but driving through is a nightmare, I agree.
Emma says
I can’t stand driving there! :D Thanks Laura!
Grace says
Wow you covered loads. Lovely pictures. x
Emma says
You know us! :D Thanks Mum xx