London, UK

21 Mar

There’s something about London that never stops feeling exciting. Even when you’re just popping down for the day, the city has a way of sweeping you up into its energy, its history, and its magic and this little adventure of ours was no exception.

We arrived into St Pancras, that beautiful cathedral of glass and iron, and headed straight into King’s Cross. It doesn’t matter how old we get, spotting all the Harry Potter touches in the station still makes us grin like children. Platform 9¾, the trolley halfway through the wall, the House scarves… it’s iconic. And knowing that King’s Cross itself has become such a symbol for generations of readers and fans makes it feel even more special. It’s one of those places where imagination and reality sit side by side.

From there, we wandered out into the crisp London air and made our way to Covent Garden. It never disappoints. The mix of quirky independent shops, artisan boutiques, and specialist stores is enough to tempt anyone. And of course, we couldn’t resist slipping into a traditional London pub for a drink, the kind with wooden beams, slightly wobbly tables, and that cosy hum of conversation that instantly makes you feel part of the city.

Covent Garden was its usual self: flower-filled balconies, street performers dancing or singing their hearts out, and beautiful architecture wrapped around every angle. It’s exactly the London you imagine from films, lively, colourful, and bursting with personality.

Next on the list was Trafalgar Square, always grand, always impressive. The museums, the imposing beauty of the National Gallery, the proud lions, the fountains… everything about it makes you feel like you’re standing at the very centre of London.

But the real treat was yet to come.

Before our show, we indulged in pre-theatre drinks before taking our seats for The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical. And what a night it was! The theatre itself was full of history, the kind of place where you can feel the stories in the walls and the production was phenomenal. The costumes, the voices, the energy… it all came together in a spectacular swirl of fashion, humour, and pure theatre magic. No wonder the show has earned such a glowing reputation.

From there, we wandered up through Oxford Street, Regent Street, and up toward Tottenham Court Road, soaking up the buzz of late-evening London. The district was alive, as always, and we even found ourselves strolling past the theatres just as crowds were gathering to see Tom Hiddleston, who was starring in one of the shows. Only in London do you casually cross paths with that kind of star power!

We ended our night with a drink at our hotel bar which is a gorgeous space with sweeping views over the city. Watching London sparkle below us was the perfect way to close out the evening.

The next morning was just as lovely. A relaxed breakfast, another gentle wander through the local streets, and then our next experience: the Beauty and the Beast “Be Our Guest’ Afternoon Tea. What an absolute dream! The setting was elegant and luxurious, with a harpist playing those well-known melodies from the film. The crockery was designed to look exactly like the enchanted characters, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumière and the food was almost too beautiful to eat. Magical, whimsical, and completely memorable.

Finally, we made our way back toward the station, but not before one last indulgence: the St Pancras Champagne Bar. There’s something wonderfully decadent about pressing a button and having champagne appear at your table. It felt like the perfect little finale to our mother-daughter escape, a toast to time together, to adventures, and to the joy of getting away, even just for a day.

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2025-03