Rainy day in London

Last Saturday Aaron and I were on the National Express coach on our way to London. Which was his first time in the city! He wasn’t really sure what he wanted to do or see except for “Big Ben”.

Massive thanks to Ellie and Lauren for their ideas of what to do in London with a first timer.

In true British fashion it tipped it down – putting a dampener on our sightseeing walk plans. But we adapted and still had a fantastic rainy day in London.

Camden Market

We got into Victoria Coach Station at 10.30 and headed for Victoria tube station. Our first stop? Camden Lock Market for breakfast.

Showing Aaron how to swipe in and out of the tube station was an enjoyable experience. Along with teaching him how to navigate the London tube maps.

I swear by the London tube map app but also keep a screenshot of my planned route just in case I lose signal.

Tip: You can save money on the tube by using an Oyster card or a contactless bank card instead of day travel passes.

When we hit the first food area – Aaron was like a dog that had been thrown too many balls and didn’t know which one to go for. He had trouble choosing which food he liked best but ultimately went for curry.

We spent some time wandering around the variety of stalls throughout Camden Market and I couldn’t help but nip into Millennia. I managed not to buy everything I laid my hands on lol! But still think I should have got a selfie with their Deadpool or giant Incredible Hulk statues. 🤔 Next time!

If you’re spending more than one day in London, why not hop on one of the canal boats from Camden to Little Venice or London Zoo?

North Greenwich

With our bellies full we hopped back on the tube and made our way to North Greenwich. Our plan was to ride the Emirates Air Line across the River Thames, which are cable cars.

I told Aaron about the cable cars when we were planning our trip and he was excited to ride in them.

Even though it was raining hard we still had fantastic views. The high winds were also rocking our cart slightly which made me wonder how windy it would have to be to close them for the day.

During our trip across the Thames we saw the O2 Arena which we plan to climb up in the near future, and the Thames Barrier.

I’ve heard you can take river boat cruises over to the Thams Barrier which is something we’re also going to look into. Has anyone ever done this?

Tip: You can save money on the Emirates Air Line with an Oyster or Day Travel Card or by booking a trip on the boat bus.

Bus boats to Westminster and Pokémon Go

Safely back on, not so dry land, we made our way to the pier and caught the boat bus back into central London. Which had on board toilets and a cafe selling sandwiches, soft drinks and some alcoholic ones.

We managed to see all the sites we’d planned to walk around including Tower Bridge, The London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and The Shard.

Going under Tower Bridge itself was one of the highlights of the boat trip for me and I’d highly recommend it as an alternative to the tube or if the weather’s too bad for walking.

We decided to get off at Westminster so Aaron could see Elizabeth Tower (“Big Ben”) which is covered in scaffolding until ~2020.

Elizabeth Tower getting a makeover

It was a case of blink and you miss it as he didn’t recognise the monument at first! He pulled out his phone to take some photographs and was pleasantly surprised to find out it was a Pokémon Go gym. We enjoy playing the game together so decided to take the Big Ben gym for team mystic (“blue”).

… We were successful!

Buckingham Palace

We walked past Westminster Abbey and headed to our next stop – Buckingham Palace. Along our route we saw the changing of the guard and the entrance to Downing Street.

We had a lovely but wet walk through St James’ Park and collected more Pokémon along our way.

Side note: Buckingham Palace is also a Pokémon Go gym. 😉

We walked around the roundabout that surrounds Buckingham Palace and up to the gates to watch the guards pacing up and down in their stations.

Time ran away from us though and we nearly missed our coach! We left ourselves with 15 minutes to walk back to Victoria coach station and made it with 3 minutes to spare. Phew! Next time we’re planning to get a later coach back so we can fit more in.

47 Comments

  • Merkitty

    October 18, 2018 at 15:55

    Great post. I love the rain, so that’s a perfect time to go in my opinion. I loved looking at all your photos too.. and I couldn’t help but think the curry slogan “Naan of the bad stuff” is genius and made me laugh. Thanks for sharing ♥

  • Molly rose

    October 13, 2018 at 10:24

    That looks like such a nice day out! The Emirates air line across the Thames is such a good idea, I didn’t even know that existed and you managed to get some great photos despite the rain! Great post xx

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 10:00

      I found it by accident a few years ago when I saw Meat Loaf at the 02 arena. It’s a lot of fun.

  • Deanna

    October 12, 2018 at 22:51

    I’m glad you didn’t let the rainy weather stop you from having a good time. I love sight seeing.

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:58

      Thanks Deanna. 😊 I had an awful feeling he’d be disappointed we couldn’t walk around the sites, but he loved the bus boat alternative. Which was something I’d never done either.

  • Jenny in Neverland

    October 12, 2018 at 12:08

    Oooh I love a rainy day! I’d actually prefer to spend the day in London if it WAS raining! You can’t beat Camden street food – their sweet and sour chicken is the best in the actual world!

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:55

      We did have a great day – I just wish I’d brought my rain mac instead of my leather jacket. My brolly kept turning inside out due to the wind, lol.

  • Laura

    October 11, 2018 at 19:05

    Great post Kim! I love visiting London, I’d love to go on the cable cars! I did the O2 walk a few years ago, it’s really good as just make sure you get a sunny day!!

    Laura at Palette of Thoughts // http://www.paletteofthoughts.co.uk
    xx

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:53

      Thanks Laura! We’ll definitely be picking a Summer day for that. It does look like fun from the photos and videos I’ve seen of it – you can also bungee jump of it!

  • Karen Lanzetta

    October 11, 2018 at 19:03

    I want to go back to London!
    Great description of how to spend a rainy day.

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:52

      Thanks Karen. 😊

  • Gina

    October 11, 2018 at 18:15

    I’m kind of surprised that you passed Westminster Abbey. It’s one of my favorite places in London. I would have loved to ride a cable car, they didn’t have those when I was there years ago. London has changed a lot since I was there last. Of course I have loads of photos from the changing of the guard somewhere. Hopefully, it’s sunny next time you go, and don’t forget to take him to the Tower of London, another of my favorite spots.

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:50

      I’ve been past Wesminster Abbey a few times but never been inside, yet. It’s on my list of many things I want to see and do in London. I’ve been to the Tower of London before, he said he’d like to go inside when we past it on our bus boat trip.

  • Alice

    October 11, 2018 at 17:54

    I love London for exploring! There’s always so much to do and see there. I haven’t been in almost two years but my partner and I are hoping to go back soon and do Camden market and the Tate Modern museum, too! Looks like a wonderful day despite the rain 🙂
    Alice Xx

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:48

      I’ve never been to Tate Modern! Walked past it but never been in it. There are so many things to do in London, especially art galleries and museums.

  • Lisa McLachlan

    October 11, 2018 at 17:28

    It’s been years since I was last in London but I used to love Camden Market – it doesn’t look as if it’s changed at all! That cable car ride looks amazing but I’m such a wuss, I’d be too nervous about being up that high. It looks like you packed an incredible amount into your day – hopefully next time the weather will be kinder, haha xx

    Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:47

      Haha, thanks Lisa. We’re hoping for a dryer day when we go back next which should hopefully be during December. I took my mum over in the cable cars a few years ago – she hated every minute of it!

  • Lia

    October 10, 2018 at 20:38

    I love the emirate air line! I used to love going to the o2. I feel like Greenwich is the best! Looks like you had fun. It’s nice to show someone just how fun London can be! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:45

      Thanks for your comment Lia. I really enjoyed showing him around London for the first time. 🙂

  • With The DeVaulls

    October 10, 2018 at 18:48

    Looks like you two had an amazing time. I haven’t been to Camden Market. I think I will try it next time we are in London!

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:44

      We did! It was a great day even with the rain and we’re both itching to go back.

  • Tera Elliott

    October 10, 2018 at 18:31

    This is such a wonderful post! I felt like I was there the whole time. The pictures are gorgeous!

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:43

      Thanks Tera. 😊 xx

  • joy

    October 10, 2018 at 17:40

    have you seen the Harry Potter scene where Harry shows Mr. Weasley how to swipe in to the tube? 😀

    Joy at The Joyous Living

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:42

      Haha, yes I have! 😅

  • Chloe Chats

    October 10, 2018 at 17:37

    Looks like you had a wonderful day out! I haven’t visited London for about 5 years or so now probably… but reading this makes me want to go and visit! I went to Camden Market all those years ago and loved it but it’s probably changed a lot since I last went!

    Lovely blog.
    Chloe x
    http://www.chloechats.com/

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:42

      Thanks for your comment Chloe. Hopefully you’ll get to explore more of London – I think it was 10 years between the time I first went (on a school trip) and when I went as an adult. Now I seem to visit at least once a year, and there’s always something new to do.

  • Atowle

    October 10, 2018 at 17:23

    OMG! I’m dying I love how you went to a monument and started playing Pokemon Go. Atowle|https://formationvacations.com/

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:40

      Lol! 😂 We do it with The Parish Chruch in Cirencester town centre as well. x

  • Helen C

    October 10, 2018 at 16:48

    Another fab post Kim, I find your travel related content interesting! Camden market looks great, the curry must have been so yummy although I find I take a while choosing things from menus too! I’ve never played Pokémon go but it seems fun. I’ve been to London a long time ago, and would love to revisit. 🙂 xx

    Helen | Helen’s Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:38

      Thanks Helen. 😊 I think I go to London about once a year now and there’s always something new for me to explore. xxx

  • Caroline Agoba

    October 10, 2018 at 12:17

    This place looks amazing would love to visit! And the pictures you took are lovely.

    Caroline | http://caroomakeupblog.com

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:34

      Thanks Caroline. 😊

  • Janice

    October 10, 2018 at 11:54

    I loved this post. Beautiful pictures. Also loved your logo.

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:33

      Thanks Janice! 😍

  • Bexa

    October 10, 2018 at 11:13

    Wow Kim! It looked like you had a wonderful day, dispute the rainy weather. I went to Camden a few years ago and really loved it, I’d love to visit again soon, the shops are amazing. The cable car across the River Thames looks like a really cool experience, the views are awesome! I really loved reading about your day, you managed to do so much, glad you both had a great time! Thank you for sharing <3 xx

    Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:33

      Thanks Bexa! 😊 It really was a great day and we’re both itching to go back soon.

  • Tilly Haines

    October 10, 2018 at 10:25

    Love this post!! I’m off to London in December for a weekend, will definitely be visiting Camden.

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:32

      I love London in December. Oxford Circus is a must just to see the Christmas lights.

  • Peanuts & Cacahuetes

    October 10, 2018 at 08:59

    That sounds like a great and intense day for you!
    I live in London but never been to Greenwich so far! (And never took the airline either!)
    I really like the tour you did! Great choices!
    The camden market is such a great place for food 😊 I hope you’ll get the chance to come back soon then!!

    Laura
    https://peanutsandcacahuetes.com/

    1. Kim

      October 14, 2018 at 09:31

      I know what you mean. I live in the Cotswolds but there are so many “tourist” type activities I’ve never done. Thanks for your comment.

  • Megan

    October 10, 2018 at 08:30

    Looks like a lovely day out! I’d love to go to Camden specifically someday, it seems like a fantastic area.

    Megan // https://pixieskiesblog.wordpress.com/

    1. Kim

      October 13, 2018 at 19:27

      It was a lot of fun, even with the down pour. Camden is one of my favourite places in London.

  • Bailey Armitage

    October 10, 2018 at 08:12

    The city still looks amazing in the rain

    1. Kim

      October 13, 2018 at 19:26

      It really does! 😊

  • Andrew Comte

    October 9, 2018 at 21:34

    Sounds like such a good time. I would be so excited to ride the Emirates Air Lines. The canal boat would be fun too.

    1. Kim

      October 13, 2018 at 19:26

      I’d really recommend both of them.

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