October 14, 2025: We traveled to London, England for 9 days with daughter, Jane. She had never been to England before, so this was a good opportunity for her to organize the things she wanted to see and do. I think she did a wonderful job. I believe she spent close to a year thinking about this trip, which is half the fun. She chose the time of year to coincide with her schedule at work as well as planned time off in-between her continuing education studies.
Of course, we hadn't planned on a Government Shutdown when first started considering this trip, so that gave us some concern, but it turned out not to be a major problem. Luckily we were able to get on an earlier flight to Philadelphia so we were able to make our connecting flight to Heathrow. We flew out on October 14th and got to London just before noon on the 15th. London time is 5 hours earlier that Indianapolis.
She and Janet booked a nice two bedroom Airbnb close to Russell Square and Euston Station as our home base and I thought it was very nice all things considered. We had Apartment A on the ground floor plus the lower level where the bedrooms and bathroom were located.
October 15, 2025: We took the Piccadilly line to Russell Square and walked a short distance to our Airbnb located at 5 Burton Street to drop off our luggage and head out for a bite to eat. Lunch was at Mable's Tavern. Fish & Chips and a Pint. Great! We headed back to homebase to crash for bit. Then we went grocery shopping in the evening at Brunswick Center.
5 Burton Street, London 10:25 min
October 16, 2025: Our first full day in London. We stopped at a Pret (soon to become a mainstay of our food opportunities) for a Coffee and a delicious Bacon and Egg sandwich. Jane had booked a tour of the Tower of London including a short tour given by one of the Beefeaters. That was great fun! A+! We then had time to roam around the rest of the grounds and buildings. Of course we also saw the Crown Jewels, but no pictures were allowed in that high security area.
Tower of London, Beefeater Tour 33:55 min
Tower of London on our own 10:15 min
We stopped at Prett again for lunch. Hey, they have good food! Then we got on a bus to make our way to St. Paul's Cathedral. It really is a magnificent building with great history.
St. Paul's Cathedral 18:40 min
October 17, 2025: Jane and I spent the day at Greenwich, London. But getting there was half the fun. We took the tube to Westminster, then took a narrated boat tour down the Thames River.
Thames River cruise to Greenwich 35:39 min
Jane booked us for a tour of the Painted Gallery in Greenwich. She just doesn't let up.
It was time for a little recreation. Bowling! Jane won.
Next up was the Queen's House and a walk uphill to the Royal Observatory.
Queen's House and the Royal Observatory 6:32 min
We were lucky enough to be at the right place and the right time for a Docent talk on the Harrison Sea Clocks. If you don't know anything about those inventions, take a listen and learn.
Harrison Sea Clocks talk 30:02 min
October 18, 2025: On Saturday, Janet had us going to Portobello Road for their Saturday market. If you like shopping, this is the place.
Portobello Road street market 18:19 min
On the way back, we decided to stop at St. James Park, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. There really is a lot to see in London.
St James Park, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square 15:35 min
October 19, 2025: On Sunday, Jane had planned another daytrip outside of London. She booked a trip to Dover Castle, the White Cliffs and Canterbury Cathedral. Janet opted to stay behind.
Dover Castle - Part 1 20:38 min
Dover Castle - Part 2 32:03 min
Dover Castle - Part 3 5:25 min
Dover Castle - Storytime 9:33 min
We got back on the bus for a short 5 minute ride to the White Cliffs of Dover. It was a little windy and a little wet.
White Cliffs of Dover 12:30 min
Our final stop of the day before heading back to London was Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral.
Canterbury Cathedral Part 1 8:41 min
Canterbury Cathedral Part 2 26:39 min
Monday was raining, so that made for a perfect day to visit the British Museum and Covent Garden.
Covent Garden / Pollock's Toyshop 3:44 min
On Tuesday, Jane wanted to see the London Natural History Museum. But we decided to get in a nice walk first through Hyde Park. We met Janet at the Victoria & Albert Museum for lunch and to see a little of what that museum had to offer.
Marble Arch & Hyde Park 6:32 min
Natural History Museum 26:11 min
Victoria & Albert Museum 9:23 min
Wednesday was our last full day in London. Jane booked us on the Mail Rail at the fairly new London Postal museum. Great fun! I had the afternoon to myself as Janet and Jane went shopping. I chose to spend it in Regents Park.
Mail Rail at the London Postal Museum 20:43 min
London Postal Museum exhibits 10:24 min
Night Mail by W H Auden(1936) 3:14 min
Here are all of my photos.
Here are all of Jane's photos.
This is a collection of all of Jane's little movie clips that she made in England plus some selfies. Best viewed on a phone.