7/26/2024

Since we spent some time in London last year, it wasn’t a priority this year. Since we were flying out of London on Saturday, it made the most sense to stay in London Friday night. This time, and last year, we stayed at the Paddington Hilton. This hotel has the best location for transportation, as it is connected to the large Paddington Station. Most appealing on this trip is that Paddington Station offers the Heathrow Express train, a 15 minute non stop train to Heathrow Airport.

To start our day, we took a direct train from Bath Spa station to Paddington Station. Upon arrival, we dropped our luggage and headed to Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace opens for a period of time in the summer for guests to tour the State Rooms and visit the garden. When we arrived, we noticed that the King’s Coat of Arms was featured on the flag flying atop Buckingham, indicating that the King was in residence. By the time we left, however, the Union Jack was flying, indicating that the King was not in residence. No pictures are allowed inside Buckingham Palace, but it was beautiful and well worth the visit. So much history, especially Victorian history, is on display in the state rooms. We got to see the Throne Room, which is featured in the wedding photos of royalty.

After exiting the Palace, we were led through the gardens. This is where the King holds his invite-only garden parties. What is special about these parties is that they are not just for the upper class. Last year, one of our tour guides had been a guest at the Queen’s Garden Party in the past, as a representative of tourism. In the garden, we stopped at go ice cream at a little stand featuring Windsor Vanilla soft serve. We all thought it was a little extra tasty, being royal ice cream.

After our time at the Palace, we ate supper at one of our favorite restaurants from last year, Harry’s Dolce Vita. This little gem is located right behind Harrod’s. I am not exaggerating when I say that Kate has been dreaming of her favorite pasta dish since our last visit. Once again, Harry’s did not disappoint.

After dinner, it was off to the Vaudeville Theater to see SIX. SIX is a musical that tells the story of the six wives of Heny VIII. Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived. It is unique because it features a 100% female cast and crew, top to bottom. It was a fantastic show.

We are headed home in the morning!