Del Ray residents venture to London for history and hidden gems
: From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, Meghan and Joe Gunerman took a whirlwind trip to London, England, experiencing the iconic landmarks and timeless charm that the city has to offer.
A Lively Landing in London
When you think of London, you might picture Big Ben, the Royal Family, and gloomy weather. But this international city is so much more, filled with historic sights, a rich cultural scene, and countless corners to explore.
When you think of London, you might picture Big Ben, the Royal Family, and gloomy weather. But this international city is so much more, filled with historic sights, a rich cultural scene, and countless corners to explore.
After a red-eye flight into Heathrow and a quick Tube ride into town, we kicked things off with burgers in the West End. While British cuisine isn’t always celebrated, London is a foodie’s dream. From fish and chips to Indian, Korean BBQ, and Italian, every meal we had was a hit.
Iconic Landmarks in the Rain
Rain greeted us on day one, but we powered through jet lag with coffee and a walking tour of some of London’s greatest hits: Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament—which left the biggest impression. We wrapped up the day with a meal at Dishoom, an unforgettable Indian restaurant, and ended with a pint in a cozy pub.
Rain greeted us on day one, but we powered through jet lag with coffee and a walking tour of some of London’s greatest hits: Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament—which left the biggest impression. We wrapped up the day with a meal at Dishoom, an unforgettable Indian restaurant, and ended with a pint in a cozy pub.
We began the next day at the Churchill War Rooms, a must for history lovers. Preserved just as it was during WWII, this museum offers a powerful glimpse into Britain’s wartime leadership. Afterward, we headed to Borough Market for lunch, then on to Tower Bridge. Along the way, we stumbled upon historic gems like Shakespeare’s Globe and St. Paul’s Cathedral. A highlight? A tiny Covent Garden wine bar that once housed Charles Dickens’ office.
A Classic London Experience
No trip to London is complete without afternoon tea. We chose the elegant Fortnum & Mason, where we enjoyed flaky scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and a timeless atmosphere. That evening, we took in a performance of Les Misérables in the West End—a perfect British finale to the day.
No trip to London is complete without afternoon tea. We chose the elegant Fortnum & Mason, where we enjoyed flaky scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and a timeless atmosphere. That evening, we took in a performance of Les Misérables in the West End—a perfect British finale to the day.
Our final hours were spent in Notting Hill, exploring boutiques, admiring pastel-colored homes, and browsing the famous Portobello Road Market.
Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, London is a city that always offers more. From iconic sights to unexpected discoveries, this metropolis proves time and again why it’s one of the world’s most beloved destinations.