A Royal Anniversary Kickoff: London's Charm and the Magic of Bath
Cheers, Oaties! Our 7th anniversary adventure began in style as we touched down in London. From the moment we stepped off the plane at Heathrow, the city's vibrant energy was palpable, and we couldn't wait to dive in.
Why Europe? Every other anniversary, we make it a point to spend time outside of the country together, no kids allowed! It's our way of celebrating the beautiful life we've built together. We work, play, and go hard for these special moments. After a tropical escape to Jamaica for our last international anniversary, this year felt like the perfect time to embrace Europe's rich history and culture. Plus, with our anniversary falling during Europe's off-season, we knew it was an ideal opportunity to plan an incredible trip and save money at the same time. I love warm, sunny vibes, while King gravitates toward historical gems-and Europe offered the perfect balance for both of us.
Our first stop? The Park Tower Knightsbridge, a luxurious haven chosen for its impeccable reputation and our Marriott Bonvoy Elite perks. After dropping off our bags and a quick refresh, we set out to explore London on foot. Our first day was filled with iconic sights: the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the timeless beauty of Westminster Abbey, and the lively buzz of Piccadilly we set out to explore London on foot. The crisp autumn air and London's unmistakable charm made every step feel magical.
For dinner, we kicked things off with an incredible meal at Rock & Sole Plaice (https://www.rockandsoleplaice.com) , London's first fish and chips shop, established in 1871 and a witness to two world wars. Shoutout to the amazing team on site: Lola, our superb server; Tim, the manager; and Dupey, the head chef. They went above and beyond to make our first meal in London unforgettable, offering us premium seating, a back-of-the-kitchen entry, and top-tier service. The fish and chips were outstanding, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Their warm hospitality and the rich history of the location set the perfect tone for our adventure.
Day two began bright and early with a 6:30AM wake-up call. We bundled up for a brisk 15- minute walk to grab a quick breakfast at Pret a Manger. Think Starbucks in America, but with a distinctly British twist. Pret is on nearly every corner in London, and their fresh, grab-and-go options were the perfect start to our busy day. By 7:30AM, we were en route to meet our coach for the highly anticipated Stonehenge and Bath tour. Pro Tip: Sit in the first seat on the second level of the double-decker bus for unbeatable views!
Our first stop was the mysterious Stonehenge. Not only did we marvel at the iconic rock formations, but we also explored replicas of the homes once inhabited during that era, which brought the history to life. A special shoutout to our amazing tour guide, Richard, and his flying lion! Though the skies poured rain during our visit, it only added to the mystical atmosphere. But as soon as we left, the sun broke through, blessing the rest of our journey with perfect weather.
The drive to Bath was nothing short of dreamy. Rolling English countryside gave way to a city that felt like stepping into a storybook. Bath's Roman history came alive during our tour of the ancient baths. The highlight? Drinking from the hot springs said to grant longevity (here's to living to 104!). As we wandered the cobblestone streets, we stumbled upon a bustling weekend market filled with holiday-spiced liqueurs, artisanal treats, and unique crafts. We couldn't resist indulging in the festive flavors and picking up a few treasures to bring home.
After a full day of exploring, we struck out for dinner and drinks back in London. King discovered a high-end speakeasy called Nolita Social (nolitasocial.co.uk), where the vibes were immaculate, the cocktails divine, and the live entertainment enchanting. We connected with the bartenders and the general manager, who made our experience even more memorable. Though we were weary from the day's adventures, the atmosphere quickly revived us. We even made new friends and vowed to return, grown and sexy, during our boomerang back to London the following week.
A fun side note: During our visit, London was alive with energy, as many Americans were in town for two NFL games being hosted in the city. The unique blend of British charm and American football excitement made our time there even more unforgettable.
From the rich history of London to the quaint charm of Bath, our first two days set the tone for an anniversary trip filled with discovery, connection, and a touch of luxury.
Tips for Your Own London & Bath Adventure:
1. Walk whenever possible. London's landmarks are best experienced on foot, where you can soak in the city's essence.
2. Choose your tour wisely. Double-decker buses offer a unique vantage point, especially if you're headed out of the city.
3. Explore Bath's markets. You never know what delightful finds await in this charming city.
4. Pack for all weather. Rain or shine, England's beauty never disappoints.
Next stop? Paris! But that's a story for the next post. If Oaties are interested in getting an in- depth look at our European adventure, including links to all of our hotels, tours, restaurants, cab services, and shows. It's available to purchase in our shop! For now, we're savoring the memories of London and Bath, two places that have left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Have you experienced London or Bath? Share your favorite memories or must-see spots with us in the comments or on YouTube and Instagram!
Stay royal, Oaties! Remember, your journey is your kingdom.
хx,
Golden
