A train trip to London

One of the reasons we moved to Europe was the opportunity for travel. While there is still much for us to see in the Netherlands, I had a friend visiting London, so I was happy to be able to hop on a train to go see her and take a little mini-vacation while my husband stayed home with the animals. He previously spent a week in the U.K. and wanted me to have that same opportunity.

This was my first experience on Eurostar and traveling through Europe. I booked a seat from Amsterdam Central to London, splurging a little on an upgraded seat that included a meal and more space.

Traveling on Eurostar out of Amsterdam is an interesting experience as there are some conflicts happening right now and there are no direct trains to London (though my return trip was a direct train). That means when you board in Amsterdam, there is no security or passport control. You just board and they check your ticket once the train is underway. Once I understand that process, the whole experience became super easy.

I love traveling by train so this was perfect for me. While I love flying, the anxiety I have over the process just did not exist with the train trip. No restrictions on luggage weight or size – you just have to be able to load it on the train yourself. There is a number of bags restriction depending on which class you are traveling, but for my four-day visit, all I needed was a small carry on sized bag, which I was easily able to store above my seat.

?The train went through several stops, and I exited in Brussels to transfer to another train to London. Brussels is where I went through security and passport control. The whole process was very streamlined and easy.

Then it was on to my second leg of the trip, which included a lovely meal and fantastic views of the Belgium and French countryside before we headed underground for the short trip through the Channel Tunnel (Chunnel). I will admit this had been one of initial concerns about taking the train, but my fears were unfounded. It is about 20 minutes in a tunnel that was no different than any other tunnel. There is tons of security and fencing as you come up to the tunnel, and honestly, that was the only way I even knew where we were. The display boards in the train had fun trivia about the tunnel, including the length and the fact that it is about 100 meters below sea level. Before I knew it, we were out on the other side in Dover and then speeding on to London.

I left my house at about 8:30 a.m. and arrived in London around 2 p.m. (including the 1- hour time difference). So even with my initial train to Amsterdam (about 20 minutes) and a transfer in Brussels, in less than six hours I had traveled through four countries and arrived at my destination.

Exiting the station was breathtaking, as the train arrives at the incredible St. Pancras International station. I then walked about 20 minutes to my hotel in Bloomsbury. It was the perfect location to be able to just get out and explore the city.

?My first afternoon I just walked and came across Regent’s Park. It was a beautiful fall day, and everyone was out enjoying it - strolling through the park, viewing the sculpture exhibition, engaging with the birds and floating on the Boating Lake.

I was able to meet my friend and her family for dinner, and we had a lovely meal and conversation. It was good to have that connection time and be able to share some of my adventure with a fellow expat.

The next day dawned as a little more stereotypical British day, overcast and drizzly, so I made plans to visit the British Museum in the afternoon. But I did want to get out and explore a bit, so I just started walking toward the River Thames to see what I could see. Once I arrived, I could see so much down the way, that I just kept walking. I passed the London Eye, New Scotland Yard and so much more. I ended up at The Palace of Westminster and was surprised to see Big Ben. I had read it was under renovations, but they had been completed and I was able to not only see it, but hear it chime. From there, I walked down Birdcage Walk and through St. James Park until I came across Buckingham Palace. Then it was time to head back to the British Museum, and my path took me through Trafalgar Square by Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery.

I arrived at the British Museum and joined the line to enter. The Museum is free to enter, but you do request a ticket for your entry time. The building is incredible and overwhelming, and that continued throughout the exhibits. I really struggled with the crowd and the nature of the exhibitions, and ended up not spending all afternoon there as I had originally planned. Instead, I went back to the hotel to dry off a bit and freshen up before heading to The Queen’s Larder Pub for a local pint, then headed to another pub for dinner.

The next day I had a general idea of where I wanted to go, but let the day just take me. I did start with a reservation for brunch at a restaurant that had a vegetarian full English Breakfast. Then I wandered to Covent Garden and browsed the Jubilee Market. I continued on to Leicester Square, the home of the West End Theatre district. I saw Piccadilly Circus and walked through Chinatown and SoHo.

As I turned back toward the general direction of my hotel, I discovered the Outernet London, an immersive digital display space that aired a series of digital art experiences. I can’t even put into words how incredible it was. I think I sat there for close to an hour just taking in the amazing presentations. It was absolutely one of the highlights from my trip, and I did not even know it existed before I stumbled on it.

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I wrapped up the day by looking for historic markers near my hotel, including the site where Virginia Woolf lived for nearly two decades. That also took me to the British Library and back near the train station. Dinner at another pub topped off the day.

My final day in London I hopped on a double decker bus to travel to the Tate Modern Museum. While waiting for it to open, I walked down the river a bit to see the Millenium Bridge and the Globe Theatre.?

I loved the Tate Modern Museum. It is an amazing building full of inspiring and important modern art. After a few hours, I headed toward my final stop – the Borough Market – a food hall with restaurants and food stalls. As I headed back to the hotel to get my luggage before heading to the train station, I walked across the London Bridge and saw the Tower Bridge before I hopped on a bus.

I am really proud of myself for just getting out and exploring London. I went with no specific goals in mind, other than seeing my friend. I feel like I got a good overview of the city, and I also embraced the opportunity for random discovery. This is my favorite way to see new cities, and being able to walk or easily use public transportation makes that possible.?

I found so many amazing sights and took photos that will be the basis for future pattern designs. I am inspired to get back to creating and that is one of the best things about travel – it breaks up your routine and opens your mind. Overall, it was an amazing trip, and I can’t wait for my next train adventure.