Earlier this year, my old college pal Jade texted me asking if I wanted to travel with her to London. At the time, I was a little hesitant because London wasn’t necessarily at the top of my bucket list. But I’ll never turn down an excuse to travel, so I thought, what the heck… let’s go!
Looking back now, I have absolutely no regrets. Between exploring the city, eating our way through incredible neighborhoods, and catching up on life, it turned into one of those trips that reminds you how special traveling with friends can be. Consider this your sign to book the trip.
Once we locked in the dates for London, I figured I might as well look into visiting France while I was already across the pond. After all, I hadn’t been back since leaving in 2019. (S/O to the readers who have been following my journey since then!)
Jade only had time for five days in London because #momlife, so unfortunately she couldn’t join me in France afterward. I asked my husband Sean and my mother-in-law April if they’d want to join me for both London and France, and luckily they were all in. Ever since meeting them, I’ve talked nonstop about my love for France, so it felt fitting that we’d finally all experience it together. Thankfully, Jade didn’t mind them tagging along for the first part of our London adventure.
We landed in London around 9 a.m. Friday morning, which felt much more like 2 a.m. Denver time. No matter how many international flights I take, I always convince myself I’ll magically sleep on the plane and arrive refreshed enough for a full day of sightseeing. At this point, I really need to start planning proper “recovery days.” But we had places to be and things to see.
The four of us met at Paddington Station before splitting off to drop our luggage. Jade and I headed to our Airbnb while Sean and April checked into their hotel. From one of London’s busiest train stations, our Airbnb was only about ten minutes by Tube and a quick walk away.
When we arrived, one of our hosts, Jim, greeted us warmly and gave us a tour of the house. The home was a Victorian built in the 1860s, full of charm, creaky floors, and character you just don’t see all the time.
After freshening up from the long flight, Jade and I met back up with Sean and April in search of lunch. What we quickly learned is that finding food at 3 p.m. in London is surprisingly difficult. We wandered into several places only to discover their kitchens had already closed. At one point, we even got caught in a complete downpour and huddled together under my umbrella.
Eventually, we stumbled into a cozy Italian restaurant, and honestly, it ended up being one of those meals that tastes extra good because you earned it. Carbonara and wine never disappoint.
Once properly refueled on carbs, we headed toward the South Bank and strolled along the River Thames before ending up at the London Eye.
Even though I’d been to London before, I had never ridden the London Eye, so seeing the city from above felt like experiencing it from a completely new perspective. We actually boarded with the final group of the evening, which somehow made it feel even more special.
Afterward, we continued walking along the river for views of the Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament — and, of course, Big Ben glowing against the evening sky.
We wrapped up the night at Gordon’s Wine Bar, London’s oldest wine bar and a place multiple people insisted we couldn’t miss. They were absolutely right. Between the cozy atmosphere, the historic vaulted cellar, and some of the best olives I’ve ever had in my life, it instantly became one of my favorite spots in the city.
By the end of the day, we had somehow managed to survive a transatlantic flight, a full day of exploring, and plenty of wine with zero naps. I’d call that a successful first day in London.
September 13, 2025
The morning started with breakfast made by our host Patsy, whose kindness and charming accent quickly became one of my favorite parts of our stay.
Afterward, Jade and I met Sean and April at Kensington Palace, where we wandered through the royal rooms and gardens before walking through Hyde Park on our way to afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason.
If there’s ever a time to fully lean into being a tourist in London, afternoon tea it is. Tiny sandwiches, warm scones, endless tea, elegant rooms… the whole experience felt so quintessentially British.
After tea, we did a little shopping before making our way to Buckingham Palace to admire it from the outside. We walked through Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown, then ended the evening at an Indian restaurant called Dishoom, which absolutely lived up to the hype.
Dinner was followed by a stroll through Trafalgar Square and stopping to take photos in front of The National Gallery and a store called “Audrey.”
By the end of the day, we had walked over 16,000 steps. Honestly, sore feet while traveling always feel like proof of a day well spent.
And because no travel day is complete without at least one chaotic moment, Jade nearly had a bathroom emergency on the Tube, forcing us to jump off at the next stop in a panic searching for a toilet. A true friendship bonding experience. (Sorry Jade, I had to put this in here 😂)
September 14, 2025
This was Sean and April’s last full day in London before heading to Bordeaux and eventually meeting me in Paris a couple days later.
We met at the Tube station that morning, where I somehow once again found myself helping a stranger, this time assisting an older woman with her luggage on the escalator. Maybe I just attract people who need help?
From there, we headed to Borough Market, which honestly was heaven for us foodies. Sean and I immediately gravitated toward the paella and chocolate-covered strawberries, which were both worth the food coma afterward.
We continued walking toward Tower Bridge and then visited Sky Garden for panoramic views over the city. Seeing London from above again gave me such a better appreciation for how massive and historic the city really is.
After a rainy farewell hug, Sean and April left for the airport. Then Jade and I continued exploring and headed to the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels and the famous Yeoman Warders. There was something oddly mesmerizing about seeing them in person after hearing about them for so many years (and of course seeing them in Austin Powers).
Later, we found a pub near Trafalgar Square where I finally had my first fish and chips of the trip, followed by dessert to go in Piccadilly Circus.
That evening, we returned to the Airbnb and spent about an hour chatting with Jim over tea and our dessert. One of my favorite parts of traveling is how complete strangers can briefly become part of your story.
As Jade and I planned out our final day in London, I found myself feeling incredibly grateful for this trip and for friendships that can pick right back up no matter how much time passes.
September 15, 2025
On our final full day in London, Jade and I once again started the morning with breakfast from Patsy.
Then we headed to Portobello Road, where we stumbled upon an incredible vintage map store. I ended up buying maps from 1846 for both my dad and myself — one of my favorite souvenirs from the trip.
Before our afternoon plans, we stopped at a pub for lunch and then made our way inside Buckingham Palace for a tour.
Walking through the grand halls and ornate rooms felt surreal knowing how many world leaders and historic figures had once stood in those same spaces. Everything was unbelievably elegant… gold details everywhere, towering ceilings, and rooms that somehow felt both regal and lived in.
For our final dinner in London, we had reservations at Circolo Popolare, where we shared carbonara served from a giant cheese wheel. Then a lemon meringue the size of our head. The atmosphere was lively, cozy, and exactly the kind of place you want for a last night in the city.
Back at the Airbnb, we spent one last evening talking with Jim and Patsy before packing for our early departures the next morning.
September 16, 2025
The next morning, I said goodbye to Jade and left London behind as I caught an early train to Lille, France.
Jim and Patsy kindly called me a cab so I wouldn’t have to navigate the Tube with luggage before sunrise. Saying goodbye felt bittersweet. London surprised me in the best way possible — not just because of the city itself, but because of the people, conversations, meals, and memories attached to it.
What started as a spontaneous girls trip became one of my favorite travel memories, filled with laughs, long walks, amazing food, and quality time with people I love. This trip reminded me that sometimes the places you feel unsure about end up becoming the ones you cherish most.
And as much as I unexpectedly fell in love with London, boarding that train to France felt a little like coming home. And with that, it was time for the next chapter.
The Aud Blog 