London/Tilbury/Beachy Head Photo Review

I received some lovely advice on these boards regarding hotels and day trips and that I would share the end result. Perhaps other future travelers may get some ideas and inspiration.

After a 14 day cruise, we docked in Tilbury. It was the easiest disembarkation I have ever experienced. We walked off the ship, picked up our luggage and were done. We had gone through UK immigration in the Shetland Islands, so apparently did not need to do it again.

The cruise port was small but colorful with lots of bright flowers.

View from our ship

We had decided that instead of going straight to London, we would ask our driver to pick us up and we would do a day trip that ended in London.

Our first stop was Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn's childhood home. It is a smaller castle with gorgeous Italian gardens and mazes. Really stunning. It was Medieval Weekend, so there was archery, jousting and many other activities planned.

We had a warm, sunny day which made the trip quite pleasant.

The gardens

Many costumed actors to reflect the history of the castle

I have visited many castles on my travels and very much enjoyed this one. Lots to explore and enjoy. The story of Anne Boleyn is well explored and interesting.

After our visit to Hever Castle ( we spent about 2.5 hours there and could have spent more) , we headed to Beachy Head.

I have long dreamed of seeing the chalk cliffs. I had originally decided to go to Canterbury and the Dover. I decided against it as it was a weekend in mid July and I was worried about crowds.

It turns out my sixth sense was right... While at Beachy Head we stopped in a pub for a refreshment and they were reporting up to eleven hour delays in Dover and people stuck in cars.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/dover-port-delays-police-french-border-security-holiday-travel-summer-a7153106.html

We felt lucky!

Upon arriving at Beachy Head, we were enveloped in deep fog. Sigh.. We thought our day was ruined! Soon, the fog cleared and we started our hike. Wow. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The blues, greens and white cliffs were stunning.

The lighthouse in the distance

My sister and nephew met us in Tilbury ( they live in CA and we live in Brazil) and we enjoyed this time together.

As the sun came out, the colors intensified

We decided to hike down to the beach... Well worth it, but the hike back up the hill was killer!

Green meadows with many wildflowers added to the charm

My kids loved the chalk cliffs and rocks

The light and clouds constantly were changing.

There was a wonderful pub with great refreshments and a museum in the area. So glad we added Beachy Head to our itinerary.

After Beachy Head, our driver took us to London. It was a couple of hours, but worth it!

We arrived at our hotel: The Kensington. It is located in South Kensington and is very charming and extremely well located. The decor in the lobby was very inviting. We had two rooms. My children's room was very spacious and well appointed. My husband and I's was quite small, but nice. ( my sister stayed at another hotel).

On our previous visit to London, we stayed in Mayfair. I preferred South Kensington.

Our hotel's public area

Window seat ( I want this in my house!)

Across the street

That evening, we after a long day, we had a bite and went to bed.

The next day, our first stop was the V&A . It was at the top of my list. On our previous London visit, we hit the Natural History Museum, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussaud, and Hyde Park. This time we added some new stops.

The V&A did not disappoint.

The Chihuly was breathtaking.

I loved the statues checking out the lady's hat

Always a fan of fashion!

After the V&A, we decided to revisit the Natural History Museum ( my nephew hadn't been and we visited last in 2009). Our kids enjoyed it immensely. One issue... Both the V&A and the Natural History were terribly hot!! Goodness... It really was awful in some parts.

This is a museum which is great for nature and science lovers.

After a long museum day, the kids ordered room service ( older cousin babysat) and movies and the adults went to a local Indian restaurant near our hotel. It was outstanding. We explored the neighborhood. I enjoyed the street art.

Many visually interesting areas

I liked the fence with many thought provoking lines..

South Kensington had many charming cafés... We enjoyed breakfast at this one.

After our South Kensington museum day ( so close to our hotel, a very easy walk) we decided the next day we would go to the British Museum. We took the underground from South Kensington station (close to our hotel) to Holborn Station. We then walked to the Museum.

My middle son was the one who insisted we must visit the British Museum and I am so glad he did.

We visited the African exhibit ( the kids picked out what we would see according to their interest)

We had the help of a map with the highlights

The Pre-Columbian art

Egypt

And the Elgin Marbles

We had lunch and trekked to look for Sir John Soane's Museum.. Sadly we arrived and discovered it was closed on Mondays. We had a nice chat with a gentleman who worked there and he told us some great stories. We must go back next visit. We sat in the park a bit and headed back to the hotel.

We rested a bit and got back on the underground and headed to see Big Ben ( sister and nephew 's first look at it!.

It was a gorgeous evening and we enjoyed our walk among the iconic landmarks.

We visited Westminster

And enjoyed its details

As well as views of London Eye and river

The history at ever corner is wonderful

The next day, my family left for Barcelona.. My sister stayed on and enjoyed the theater, the London Eye, and Chelsea Stadium as well as other highlights.

Another wonderful visit to London and its environs.

Would be happy to give details if anyone so desires

What a great report - you should be working for the Tourist Board :)

Anyone interested in fashion and the arts should have the V&A high on their list of must sees.

By the way - Brazil did itself proud in Rio.

What a great report - you should be working for the Tourist Board :)

 

Anyone interested in fashion and the arts should have the V&A high on their list of must sees.

 

By the way - Brazil did itself proud in Rio.

Thank you...yes, the V&A is amazing. I loved the jewelry and fashion as well as the decorative arts.

Brazil did a great job...lots of fun memories.

Great report- thank you. Would you mind sharing the names of the restaurants you mentioned?

The Indian restaurant we had dinner at was called the Star of India. It was small and not so "posh", but the food and service was very good.

http://www.starofindia.eu

We had dinner at a very popular Italian restaurant ( reservations needed) called Rocca. Quite nice and very close to our hotel.

http://www.roccarestaurants.com/south_ken.htm

Bakery we had breakfast at

http://www.lepainquotidien.co.uk

We grabbed some fresh and delicious sandwiches at Pret a Manger ... They are all over and are excellent for a quick bite.

https://www.pret.com/en-us

As we were travelling with kids and had just got off a Crystal Cruise (translation= tons of amazing food), we looked for good and not so over the top food.

We liked all our choices.

And I would recommend the delicious gelato at Scoop

We had dinner at a very popular Italian restaurant ( reservations needed) called Rocca. Quite nice and very close to our hotel.

http://www.roccarestaurants.com/south_ken.htm

Just one word of caution for anyone who's thinking of taking up this recommendation: don't confuse this place with the chain of restaurants called Roka (http://www.rokarestaurant.com), which are totally different places.

Thank you for the report and the photos!

 

 

 

Just one word of caution for anyone who's thinking of taking up this recommendation: don't confuse this place with the chain of restaurants called Roka (http://www.rokarestaurant.com), which are totally different places.

The Roka restaurant chain looks wonderful! The video is very appetizing. Will check it out next time.

The Roka restaurant chain looks wonderful! The video is very appetizing. Will check it out next time.

Although many of us might need to take out a second mortgage just to be able to pay the bill!

We can dream...