As we had an early start for the MAD day out at Legoland we decided to spend the weekend in London. We travelled up by train on the Saturday morning for a day of sightseeing. With a little hindsight I may have travelled a little earlier because we just missed the trooping of the colours, however, I do think the crowds might have been a little too much so maybe that’s something to save for next year.
So were we crazy taking three small children into a big city? I had taken the Little Man on his own earlier this year and decided against using his buggy, instead having him on his reins. However, we were there for a specific reason and not walking around all day so it worked. This time, however, we decided to take the buggy simply because the Little Man wants to be picked up a lot (and he is heavy) and because he has a tendency to wander off and reins are not always practical.
My main worry was using the underground with a buggy. I know the tube is the quickest, cheapest and easiest way to travel around the city, but how would it be with a buggy? It wasn’t as bad as I had expected. There are lifts at most stations which makes life easier, because as anyone who has ever used the London Underground, there are lots and lots of stairs and escalators. Getting on and off the trains was easy enough and mostly there was enough room for the buggy. Overall, I think it was a positive experience.
We didn’t really have too much time to spare so we made a list of the places we most wanted to visit, mapped out our journeys and went for it.
First up, to please Daddy, we went to Abbey Road. I think most people know that this is the place made famous by the Beatles, particularly the crossing where they were photographed for one of their albums. I have to admit I found the whole thing quite surreal. There was a constant stream of people there from all over the world who had arrived just to have their photo taken on the crossing. I’m thinking that people who live and drive in London would purposely avoid this road at all costs, it must be infuriating.
There is even a webcam on the street, where you can watch people crossing a road all day long.
So we arrived, and it was raining pretty bad. It didn’t put people off though. I sheltered with the kids under a tree and observed the craziness that is a zebra crossing made famous by a band.
Here is Daddy doing his walk of fame (or should that be shame?)
Next up was Buckingham Palace. The kids were excited to see where the Queen lived, but they were totally wide eyed amazed at the size and grandeur of the palace.
On the way back to the underground we stopped off in Green Park to look at the water feature, and look, the sun came out!
We even made time to chase some pigeons in the park
Before heading off to the hotel we just had time to visit Westminster. The Little Man was thrilled at seeing Big Ben but seem concerned that it was broken…until it chimed 🙂
We had a wonderful day and the kids were really excited. I’ll definitely take them back again, maybe next year without the buggy.
Hoorah for team Stone / Sweet! A brave ans successful trip :o) Sounds like a fab day – you packed loads in xx
That was me btw, Tree x
It sounds like you had a fantastic time. I love the pictures, I did chuckle at daddy on the crossing, although I confess to having done this once myself 🙂
Oh wow looks like you have such an amazing time! The photos are fab too x
I am a new blogger and linking up from The Magic Moments Link Up
Ah, what a blissful day. I have friends here from France at the moment and I've just sent them off sightseeing around town, it's made me look at London through the eyes of a tourist and realise I need to start taking my three year old to things like trouping of the colour and to see Buckingham Palace!! Lovely photos btw!
What a fab day you had and I loved all the pictures especially Abbey Road. One of my fave pics I have is me next to the Penny Lane sign in Liverpool – my Uncle lives down there.
Absolutely loved this post and so pleased you all had an amazing time xx
Anne this looks like an amazing time! thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments x