Hello, travel-lovers, as
I write these lines, I still feel as if I’m walking through the streets of
London. What I’m about to share with you is not just a travel post for me; it’s
more like a journal reminding me how precious shared moments, family trips, and
collecting memories truly are.
I’m excited to present the first chapter of our 7-part journey through the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. What made this trip even more special was that my mother and father joined me on this adventure. Travelling together, discovering new places, and creating shared memories brought a happiness that is difficult to describe.
Through this series, my
aim is not only to describe the places I visited but also to share what I felt
there, the thoughts inspired by the streets I walked and the small
details where you might find a piece of yourself. If, while reading, you can
say, “I felt like I was there,” then I will be truly happy.
From Istanbul to London – The First Morning of a Dream
Our journey began before
sunrise. At Istanbul Airport, the quiet yet exciting early morning atmosphere
set the tone for what was to come. As we boarded the plane, I felt a mix of
sweet anticipation and indescribable joy. Having my parents by my side made
everything even more meaningful.
After approximately a four-hour flight, we landed in London. From the moment we stepped out of the airport, the city’s orderliness, calm atmosphere, and unique character were immediately noticeable. Without wasting any time, we began our adventure with a panoramic city tour.
London Panoramic City
Tour – First Encounter with History
Palace of Westminster
One of our first stops
was the iconic Palace of Westminster, rising majestically along the River
Thames. Seeing it in person was far more impressive than in photographs. As my
mother and I admired the building, we couldn’t help but reflect on the centuries
of decisions made within its walls that shaped history.
Home to the House of
Commons and the House of Lords, Parliament also offers guided tours for
visitors. This time, we explored it from the outside, but I hope to see the
interior on my next visit. Walking across the nearby bridge to admire the
famous clock tower was a special experience in itself.
Big Ben feels like the
heartbeat of London. Even imagining the chimes while standing before the clock
tower is enough to create excitement. Although interior visits are currently
limited due to restoration work, seeing it from the outside is more than impressive.
My father’s words, “Now this is London,” made the moment unforgettable.
Westminster Bridge & River
Thames
Walking across
Westminster Bridge while watching the Thames is one of those moments when you
truly feel London. On one side stands Parliament; on the other, the iconic
Ferris wheel. As the breeze gently passed by, the city’s rhythm seemed to flow
through us. It became one of our favourite photo stops.
Trafalgar Square –
London’s Meeting Point
Our next stop was
Trafalgar Square, one of the liveliest areas in the city, with its crowds,
street performers, and the towering Nelson's Column at its centre. Sitting here
and watching people is a wonderful way to understand the rhythm of London.
Art lovers will
appreciate that the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery offer free
admission. Taking a short gallery break with my mother added a different colour
to our day.
London Eye – Viewing the
City from Above
For those who want to see
London from above, the London Eye is a fantastic option. Although we didn’t
ride it this time, strolling along the South Bank while watching it was
delightful. The street artists, musicians, and riverside atmosphere made us
fall in love with London even more.
Piccadilly Circus – Where
the Lights Never Fade
Later in the day, we reached Piccadilly Circus. Giant LED screens, bustling streets, and endless movement — it’s one of the best places to experience London’s modern, energetic side. Nearby Leicester Square is famous for its cinemas and vibrant atmosphere.
Buckingham Palace & Hyde
Park – Side by Side with Royalty
No visit to London is
complete without seeing Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the
British monarch. Standing before the palace gives you a unique feeling. If you catch it, the Changing of the Guard ceremony is well worth watching.
Right behind the palace
lies Hyde Park, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle. Walking
among the greenery and lakes helped us recharge after a long day.
Covent Garden – Where Art
Meets Everyday Life
We ended our day in
Covent Garden, one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods. Filled with street
performers, boutique shops, and cosy cafés, it offers a warm and lively
atmosphere. Our short coffee break at Neal's Yard was one of the most enjoyable
moments of the day.
Richmond – The Quiet Side
of the City
After the fast pace of
central London, we turned toward West London. Richmond reveals a calmer,
greener side of the city.
Richmond Park is famous
for its deer herds. Encountering them during our walk — and seeing the
surprised smile on my mother’s face — created beautiful memories. Watching the
Thames from Richmond Hill was one of the most peaceful moments of the day.
Walking along the
riverside, stopping at small cafés, and exploring the Quadrant area made
Richmond unforgettable.
Kew Gardens – Embraced by
Nature
For nature lovers, Kew Gardens is a paradise. With its botanical collections, greenhouses, and peaceful walking paths, you lose track of time. Here, time slows down, and the city noise fades completely away.
Windsor – The Heart of
Royal History
Our final stop of the day
was Windsor. From the moment you arrive, you can sense its distinct spirit.
Windsor Castle is one of
the oldest and largest occupied castles in the world. Inside, St George's
Chapel impresses visitors with both its architecture and history. Knowing that
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral was held here adds even deeper meaning to the
place.
After visiting the
castle, a peaceful walk along the River Thames allowed us to end the day on a
calm and reflective note.
Small Tips & Free
Discoveries
One of the best things
about London is that many of its museums and galleries are free. Be sure to add
these to your list:
- British Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Tate Modern
- Enjoying the view from Westminster Bridge
- Walking through Hyde Park
- Taking photos in Trafalgar Square
- Watching street performers in Covent Garden
Also, some of the best
free experiences in London include:
Our first day was filled
with long walks, countless memories, and heartfelt moments. In the next
chapter, our London adventure will continue right where it left off.
Thank you for reading — see you in the next post!
