Tower of London

The Tower of London was built to guard London's entrance, but it is the most famous for the many prisoners that have been held, tortured, and killed here. Located next to the Tower Bridge, don't miss spending an hour or two enjoying the bloody history of the Tower of London. The photos are as follows:

the Tower of London,

the Chapel of St. John,

the Medieval Palace,

the White Tower,

Henry VIII armour,

and the crown jewels.

P.S. Watch out for the 7 ravens. According to legend, if they desert the tower, the kingdom will fall!

Crazy Homies

Get some Tex-Mex at Crazy Homies the next time you're in Notting Hill.

Notting Hill and Portobello Road

Oh yes, I've wanted to visit Notting Hill every since I saw the movie, Notting Hill. Enjoy the shops, restaurants, neighborhoods, and definitely find a park with a bench and spend some time reading! Portobello Road market also looks so fun - I can't wait to check all the funky items for sale, and the fresh produce. The final two photos are of the Notting Hill Carnival, held every August.

Museum of London

Learn about London's history at the FREE Museum of London. Enjoy the exhibits! I'm especially excited to view the Lord Mayor's State Coach. Built in 1757, it is still used at the annual Lord Mayor's Show each year. I love imagining myself in a gold coach anytime!

Tower Bridge

Take a photo in front of the Tower Bridge, tour the Tower Bridge Exhibition, and enjoy the views from the walkways on the bridge!

The Chocolate Society

Get some chocolate at The Chocolate Society! Located south of Buckingham Palace.

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Moro

Try Moorish cuisine at Moro. Located near the Museum of London.

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Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum covers 7 miles over four floors! Collections and exhibits present "ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewelery, metalwork, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings" from around the world. Be prepared to pay for exhibitions and events, but entry to the V & A is FREE! The following photos are a tiny preview:

the Victoria and Albert Museum,

The Ascension by Donatello,

Great Bed of Ware,

the Burghley Nef, a 16th Century Salt Cellar,

Tippoo's Tiger, a robot that maul's a British officer when activated,

a dress from Kylie - The Exhibition,

and platform shoes by Vivienne Westwood.

Chowki

Chowki changes their menus quarterly and focuses on a different Indian culinary region each time. With 27 culinary regions, there is always something new to try! Located north of Piccadilly Circus.

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Barrafina

Try Spanish tapas at Barrafina. Located just north of Shaftesbury Avenue.


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Natural History Museum

Check out London's FREE Natural History Museum. Eats and exhibitions cost money, of course. Don't miss the extinct dodo in the Bird Gallery!

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace looks beautiful. I love the gold and iron gates. I love that Princess Louise carved a statue of her mother, Queen Victoria, to celebrate her Golden Jubilee. I love the sunken gardens. And I love love love the Orangery (the final 5 photos picture it). Check out the top ten list on the Kensington Palace website - it looks awesome!

Kensington Gardens

J.M. Barrie was inspired to write Peter Pan while spending time in Kensington Gardens. I'd love to follow in his steps and walk, cycle, read on a bench, sail boats on round pond, enjoy the Italian Gardens, and take my kids to the the Diana Memorial Playground and view the carvings on the Elfin Oak. For some history, I'd also love to view the memorials of Peter Pan, King Albert, John Hanning Speke (discovered the Nile), and Edward Jenner (discovered the vaccine for smallpox). I'd also check the event page before I visit - I wouldn't want to miss something fun!

Bea's of Bloomsbury

Bea's of Bloomsbury is on my must-eat list for London! Open for breakfast, lunch, and tea, they have my mouth already watering. Located near the British Museum.

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Science Museum

The Science Museum in London is FREE! Prepare to pay for special exhibitions, simulators, and the Imax 3D Cinema. Check out this awesome museum and enjoy learning from the interactive exhibits.