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London Travel Itinerary: Big Ben, Harrods & Buckingham Palace

Well, hello again London!



I woke slowly, realizing we were still in London, its pageantry and grace charming us everywhere we looked. Yesterday we explored Paddington Station, its glamour, neighborhood spirit and transportation history stamped in time, opening in 1854 and designed by Isambard Brunel. It was also the home of a most adorable bear, Paddington, featured in numerous books and movies. 


Display panel titled "Railways at Paddington" with historic railway construction photos and text about Crossrail. Background is metallic gray.

Our visit to Notting Hill was just as memorable with storybook streets, candy colored houses and markets dating back to 1800’s. The famous movie, Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant made the area even more popular worldwide.


Rainy street scene with colorful buildings and a "Portobello Road" sign. People with umbrellas walk past market stalls. Overcast sky.

Perhaps our most endearing stop was to Portobello Road, whose old brickwork and hand-painted signage and Victorian storefronts provided a glimpse and journey through time where we shopped for antique treasures, handmade jewelry, eclectic collectables, teacups and maps. What we never expected to find was a quirky, whimsical wooden rabbit who came to live at my house, eventually landing on our front entry. His name, quite apropos, was Portobello Peter. My daughter found her own treasure, Big Henry, a heavy doorstop of a dog who sits instead quite masterfully on her kitchen counter, surveying and protecting the house whilst they’re away.


A wooden rabbit figurine with large ears sits on a black granite countertop, reflecting light. The setting is a modern kitchen.
A small vintage-style cast metal dog figurine, painted in cream and reddish-brown tones, stands on a speckled granite countertop. The dog has a textured coat, floppy ears, and a pink tongue sticking out. Background objects include a brass lamp, a glass container, and framed decor.

Our last stop was to Buckingham Palace, representing the spirit of London’s grand and royal heritage. It’s beauty stopped me mid-stride, a gasp as I took it all in. Now, this was a house. We were happy to know that we would return again, so much more to see! 


Today, I couldn’t help but contain my burgeoning excitement. This was getting to be a pattern, every morning I woke in the wee hours, around four AM, and as always, I became the wandering night bird roaming and writing. Glancing around the Airbnb, my eyes finally accommodated to darkness, as slats of light swayed in from vast picture windows, now covered for privacy and frosted over. Street lighting outside lent to the quintessential charm of the area on Vestry Street, located in Shoreditch, East London, in the Borough of Hackney.



I rose, peeking out the window, we were three stories up and everywhere I’d looked earlier in the day, I saw businesses, converted Victorian warehouses that merged tradition and sleek glass with modern chic, blending quite nicely. Now it was dark, my family and millions of others deep in slumber as I reminisced, our lovely journey unfolding before me. Today’s plans were deliciously captivating and of childhood dreams; high tea awaited as well as Westminster Abbey and much more!



Itinerary 

Thursday, January 2 — Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Harrods High Tea at The Georgian (11:45), and Buckingham Palace


A sunny winter scene in London shows grand cream-colored historic buildings under a bright blue sky. In the foreground are stone steps, black railings, and a grassy park area. A maroon “BIGBUS.COM” tour bus and a blue-and-red Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass along the street, while a few pedestrians walk toward the entrance framed by two tall stone pillars and black lanterns.

Our family was eventually rousted, all of us thrilled and exhilarated to be out in the frosty air, passing Hoxton Square, in the Hoxton area of Shoreditch. We were headed for breakfast in Haggerston, to The Breakfast Club.


A small group of people bundled in winter coats stand on a sidewalk outside The Breakfast Club restaurant in London, looking at the menu displayed on the brick wall. Bare trees, historic buildings, a cyclist with a cargo bike, and a red phone booth are visible in the background under a cool blue early-morning or evening sky. Signs above include one advertising “Offices to Let” and the round yellow Breakfast Club sign.
Menu featuring "CAF CLASSICS" and "BENEDICTS" sections. Dishes include The Full Monty, Eggs Benedict, and Veggie Spoon. Prices listed.

I was after the classic Full Monty, the breakfast of champions, and unofficial breakfast of Great Britian. I couldn’t decide, but the Full Monty sounded like a dream, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, hashbrowns, black pudding, beans, roasted cherry tomatoes, sunny side eggs and sourdough toast. We asked and were told that black pudding was a type of blood sausage made from pork or beef blood, pork fat and a cereal, like oatmeal. I decided I would try it, but I’ll admit, I had my reservations, but the old adage, when in Rome won over. I wanted a virgin Bloody Mary and a Schweppes. The food came rather quickly and was enough for a lumberjack! I dug in like a prisoner on a desert island. It was delicious and everybody loved the place, one of our faves. Told you I was a cheap date didn’t I…



Breakfast platter with eggs, bacon, potatoes, bread, beans, and cherry tomatoes on a white plate. Butter packet visible. Warm, cozy vibe.

Totally fortified, we headed out visiting landmarks that changed our perspective, changed our view of the world, and afterwards, we were never the same. From the minute we arrived, we saw all of the following famous Landmarks starting at 9:40 AM on Thursday, January 2nd (references from Wikipedia):


Smiling person in black coat stands on a bridge, with the Palace of Westminster in the background. Blue sky and calm river create a serene mood.

  • Our first majestic stop in London was the Palace of Westminster, the British House of Parliament, meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two Legislative Chambers for Great Britian, which occupy the building; it’s commonly called Houses of Parliament. It is of Gothic Revival style, and absolutely one of the most impressive buildings ever built, (in my opinion), becoming globally recognized for its ornate structure.


  • Our next stop was one of London’s most famous iconic landmarks, Big Ben was  completed in 1859, and weighs more than 13 tons, it’s sheer size and scale amazed and inspired us. Of Gothic Of Revival design, Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell within the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster. It survived bombings in World War II, and was named Elizabeth Tower in 2012, standing at an amazing 316 feet tall, it is the most accurate striking and chiming clock in the world.


Big Ben against a cloudy blue sky, with a white van passing by. The ornate gothic architecture of the Palace of Westminster is visible.

  • At the northwest end of the Palace of Westheimer is a square known as Parliament Square, an open green area in the center with statues of twelve statesmen.


People stand at a crosswalk near a historic building on a sunny day. A red double-decker bus passes by. Churchill statue visible.

  • Westminster Abbey (viewed from outside, no tour), is an absolutely stunning structure of soaring arches, Gothic architecture and a place of reverence, this Anglican church in the City of Westminster was founded in 960 AD and named after Saint Peter. Since 1066 it has hosted every one of the 40 British monarch’s coronations. It survived the Great Fire of London in 1666.


The west façade of Westminster Abbey in London, showing intricate Gothic architecture with pointed arches, tall spires, and a large circular rose window. A walkway leads up to the main entrance where visitors queue beneath temporary green scaffolding. The surrounding lawn and leafless tree branches frame the scene under a cloudy winter sky.

  • Middlesex Guildhall, houses the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, standing on southwestern corner of Parliament Square.


Historic stone building with intricate carvings and clock tower, pedestrians crossing at a traffic light in a city square, bare trees.

  • Queen Elizabeth 11 Centre, opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1986 for hosting conferences and exhibitions.


Methodist Central Hall in London stands at the center of the scene, its domed roof and classical stone façade framed by leafless winter trees and purple event banners. Pedestrians walk across the plaza and along the street in the foreground, with modern office buildings and traffic visible to the left under a pale blue, partly cloudy sky.

  • Trafalgar Square and the area around it is a noted landmark since 1200. It commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, the British Naval Victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain.

Crowd waiting at a street crossing with red and blue buses nearby, under a clear blue sky. Historic buildings and a statue in the background.

  • Boadicea and Her Daughters, here bronze sculptures represent Boudica, queen of the Celtic Iceni Tribe, who led an uprising in Roman Britian.


The bronze Boudica (Boadicea) and Her Daughters statue in London rises above a street vendor stall selling hats and souvenirs. The sculpture shows the ancient queen standing in a chariot drawn by two rearing horses, arms raised. Bare winter trees, traffic lights, and crowds of pedestrians fill the foreground under a bright blue sky.

  • London Eye, a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, and the world’s tallest Cantilevered observation wheel and most popular paid attraction in the United Kingdom, drawing some three million visitors annually.


People gather near the London Eye on a sunny day. The Ferris wheel stands tall against a clear blue sky, with city buildings in the background.

  • South Bank Lion, an 1837 sculpture by Frederick Woodington made of Coade stone, one of the earliest types of artificial stone. Stands next to County Hall on the South Bank of the River Thames.


Man in blue jacket near a lion statue on Westminster Bridge. The Houses of Parliament in the sunny background, people are walking, and a clear blue sky.

  • Country Hall, on the South Bank of the River Thames. Was former headquarters of the Greater London Council, and County of London.


People stroll along a riverside promenade near a tall Ferris wheel and historic building under a clear blue sky.

  • Westminster Bridge Road, a road-and-foot-traffic bridge crossing over the River Thames in London linking Westminster on the west side and Lambeth on the east side. It offers breathtaking views of the River Thames, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.


A glass-roofed tour boat travels along the River Thames under bright winter sunlight. Passengers are seated inside as the boat passes tree-lined embankments with historic buildings, statues, and other moored vessels in the background.


  • Lovelocks, padlocks left throughout London, represent tokens of love by couples celebrating marriage, courtship, or special meaning for causes and profound events. Here is one on Westminster Bridge, overlooking the River Thames.


Antique bridge post with love locks, overlooking a river and the London Eye. Clear blue sky enhances the scene.

  • Old Palace Yard-paved open space lies between Palace of Westminster, and Westminster Abbey.


A decorative black and gold metal lamppost base in London features ornate carvings, including two stylized gilt dolphins and vivid red painted Tudor roses and buds. Behind it, the Gothic façade of the Houses of Parliament rises in soft winter light, with pedestrians and cyclists passing along the street.

From 9:40 Am, until 10:50 AM, we visited all the landmarks noted above! Wow, we walked and took our time, savoring awesome and spellbinding sites, completely taken by beauty and history that survived the test of time. But now, we were off, catching the tube to Harrods, and we absolutely didn’t want to be late!


Woman in a black coat and gray scarf poses outside Harrods, London. Background shows people taking photos and Harrods signage.

High Tea at the Georgian-Harrods, the iconic and stately department store was very much part of my childhood dreams. Standing outside Harrods, I had to pinch myself, but nothing prepared me for the opulence and grandeur as I stepped inside. All of us were instantly enchanted by glittering holiday decorations, gold staircases, and vast marble floors that went on and on in the 300+ departments. We were on our way upstairs to High Tea at the Georgian for our 11:30 AM reservation, but I could hardly propel myself forward, so entranced by elegant food, fashion and intricate displays that abounded in every inch of the one million square feet of retail space. I could literally feel a buzz in the air, by those that worked there, and by the thousands of visitors hoping for that just right scarf or ornament or box of chocolates. 


A white plate with three desserts: berry tart, green cream puff, and chocolate cake with a cherry. Set on a table with cups and forks.

I guess what surprised me most about Harrods were the Food Halls, huge sections of cheese, luxury candies, olive oil, truffle based products, vintage wine, handmade pasta, seasonal fruit and vegetables, British seafood and much more! I was in heaven, but I had a mission, we were expected for tea.


Two employees in green aprons stand behind a cheese counter surrounded by shelves of cheese wheels. "Cheese" sign above, sale sign visible.

Arriving at the Georgian Room, our coats were taken and we were seated straight away. I did have to restrain myself on the way to be seated though, the massive 25 chandeliers created a fairy-tale ambiance that I just couldn’t take my eyes off.


An elegant restaurant interior with ornate chandeliers, a stained-glass style ceiling, and cream-colored decorative molding. Tables are set with white linens and glassware, and a white grand piano sits to the right. Guests sit and talk beneath purple draped curtains and soft lighting, creating a refined, luxurious atmosphere.

Our tableside server was more like a historian, providing a lovely brochure: The History of Afternoon Tea At Harrods, indicating the Georgian’s opening in 1911 as London’s largest restaurant, seating 1200 guests! And more noteworthy, our exclusive teas were sourced from the world’s finest estates. We were told that their newly reimagined space brought theatrical tableside tea service from their award-winning chefs for an extraordinary experience. I knew from the second that I entered Harrods that this experience would be breathtaking and one of the day’s most memorable highlights.


Book page titled "The History of Afternoon Tea at Harrods" with an illustration of a tea room. Purple geometric pattern on the left edge.

Our youngest member was brought a basket with her very own Paddington bear to keep and a basket full of treats, which absolutely thrilled her and all of us. We all ordered our favorite blend of teas, mine decaf Earl Grey,  others ordering Darjeeling, English breakfast, Assam, Gunsmoke, Chamomile, Peppermint, and Lemongrass and Ginger. I cannot tell you how good it was.


A wicker picnic basket sits open on a table, lined with beige fabric and arranged with afternoon tea items. A small plush teddy bear rests inside the basket beside a floral ceramic plate holding miniature sandwiches, pastries, and a pinwheel wrap. A striped paper packet, a scone with cream, and small vegetables or garnishes are also included. A teapot, teacup, and cutlery sit on the white tablecloth, with a patterned black-and-white floor in the background.

Of course, the tea was warming and delicious, but the plates and trays of sweet and savory pastries and teacakes were enough to send us over the edge! There were tiny pies, fruit tarts, lemon curd, lavender scones and of course their mouthwatering chocolate cake. Savory scones, finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, and cheese scones kept appearing, absolutely delighting us!

At one point all of us got the giggles, and someone, not saying who, proceeded to spill the tea-quite literally. It wasn’t me this time! We could not stop laughing, taking turns trying to shush and corral the group, but it didn’t work, we laughed harder. I know other tables thought those Texas were raised in a barn. I have never had more fun in my life, really. 


Green Harrods tea tin celebrating 175 years, featuring floral patterns, sits on a marble countertop. A staircase is visible in the background.

After more than two hours of tea, we shopped, bringing home treasures that we couldn’t live without. We departed Harrods, but I really could have pitched a tent and ordered pizza delivery, staying indefinitely.


A tiled mural in an underground passage depicts St. George’s Hospital in the 18th century with a yellow brick building, blue windows, and a fenced lawn. Below, a line of horses pulling carriages is illustrated in outline. Text on the mural describes the site’s history, noting St. George’s Hospital in 1750 and its later transformation into the Lanesborough Hotel.

The tube took us to London Underground , finding the most beautiful, hand painted tiles that were part of a series of historic murals located at Hyde Park Corner Underground Station on the Picadilly Line. This tile depicts St. George’s Hospital, which once stood very near that location. Horses and carriages illustrate 18-19th century London street life. The tiles were to celebrate transformed London landmarks, wow, how stupendous.


A tiled mural in an underpass depicts an 18th-century winter scene with figures ice skating and playing on a frozen pond. Most of the figures are outlined in black and white, while a few are brightly colored in red, blue, and yellow coats. Houses and bare trees form the backdrop beneath a pale sky with clouds, and the tiled floor of the passage appears at the bottom of the image.

As we left the underground station and headed to Buckingham, we strolled finding these impressive memorials and statues:

Equestrian statue of the 1st Duke of Wellington on Hyde Park corner. As we walked amongst untold palatial historic sites, I closed my eyes, the crisp afternoon air smelling of leaves and cut grass and of freedom.


Equestrian statue with soldiers on a pedestal marked 1769-1852, silhouetted against a clear sky. Surrounding trees and buildings visible.

Further down, we encountered the Wellington Arch, Triumphal Arch of London, also known as Constitutional Arch, or Green Park Arch.


Winged statue atop arch, featuring chariot with horses against a clear blue sky. The arch is ornate with columns and decorative patterns.

The Machine Gun Corps Memorial is for the causalities of the machine gun corps in the First World War.

Statue of a muscular figure with a sword atop a war memorial in front of a modern building. Inscription honors fallen heroes. Bright blue sky.

This RAF Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park commemorates the crews of Royal Air Force Bomber Command in World War 11.


The RAF Bomber Command Memorial in London features a bronze sculpture of seven airmen standing together in uniform beneath a domed open-air pavilion. Red poppy wreaths are laid at the base of the statue. Columns, carved inscriptions, and sunlight filtering through the structure frame the scene, with city buildings and traffic visible outside.

This shows The Green Park Piccadilly, a Royal Park of London located in Westminster.


A sunlit London street scene framed by stone pillars and a stairway leading up from a park. Historic cream-colored buildings stand across the road under a bright blue sky. A maroon Big Bus tour bus and a blue Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass by, while pedestrians walk along the pavement and grass.

Victoria Memorial, a stunning memorial for Queen Victoria, located at the end of The Mall in London.

People gather around Victoria Memorial; a gilded statue on top and sculptures below. Clear blue sky; relaxed and cheerful mood.

We reached Buckingham Palace, the Royal London residence of the Monarch, since 1837 and where the British Monarch works. The palace sits at the end of The Mall We were just as impressed with the Neoclassic Architecture on this visit, reading that it miraculously survived several bomb strikes in World War 11. With its 775 rooms, one could imagine its majestic interior, and the balcony is the site of historic royal appearances that we see on television. As a gardener, I was interested to hear that the palace garden is London’s largest private garden. 

From this ceremonious day, we headed back to Vestry street, supremely impressed and overwhelmed by the beauty of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, remembering Harrods High Tea, an elegant family affair, where we savored tiny sandwiches, scones, and shared laughter over tiered trays.


Map showing a route from Hyde Park to Hoxton, passing Buckingham Palace, with landmarks like St. Paul's. Estimated time: 52 min for 12.7 miles.

Today, we began at Vestry (Central London), then onto Big Ben & Westminster Abbey (Westminster), to Harrods (Knightsbridge), then Buckingham Palace (Westminster) and back at Vestry Street (Central London).

Watch for our Next Itinerary in this Series-Bon Voyage: A Winter Abroad

Friday, January 3 — Check out, Eurostar/train to Paris (St Pancras → Gare du Nord), check in at Paris hotel, exploring & shopping


Don’t miss the next Bon Voyage itinerary — London → Paris awaits!



1 Comment

Sarah
Jan 26

The tea looked amazing!

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