In episode 123 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with Cathy Stevens, who shares her unforgettable London trip report. Cathy and her husband recently took their eleven-year-old granddaughters on the trip of a lifetime to London.
Planned with the input of her granddaughters, this eight-day adventure was packed with memorable experiences. From witnessing the changing of the guard and touring the historic Tower of London to enjoying a show at the theatre and having a VIP day at Harry Potter Studios, Cathy and her family truly made the most of their time in the city. They even took a day trip to Windsor, had a professional photo shoot, and shopped for jelly cats.
Cathy’s preparation with her granddaughters made this trip even more special. Cathy created a reading list and a book club with the girls to learn all about London before their arrival, including reading the London Eye Mystery, which added an extra layer of excitement to their ride on the London Eye.
Join us as Cathy recounts their journey with enthusiasm and detail, offering insights and tips for anyone planning a similar trip. From the excitement of Harry Potter studios to the charm of Windsor, this episode is packed with inspiration for your next UK adventure.
Don’t miss out on the reading list Cathy created for her granddaughters, which added a unique educational twist to their trip. Tune in to discover how to make your London trip just as magical!
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Episode 123 – Show Notes
1. 🎭 “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Theater Show – The family dressed up for an unforgettable theater experience, split into two parts, paired with ice cream for a magical evening.
2. 🐱 Cat Cafe – They visited a cat cafe with different lounges for various age groups, enjoyed tea, and even contemplated adopting a kitten.
3. 🚗 Driver Riz – Riz made sure they got to Warner Brothers Studios on time, ensuring a smooth and fabulous day.
4. 🏰 Warner Brothers Studios Deluxe Tour – An immersive experience with a guided tour, breakfast, and fun activities like green screen shots, butter beer, and ice cream.
5. 🧱 LEGO Store – A visit brimming with creativity as they explored fantastic LEGO constructions.
6. 🍫 M and M Store – A colorful adventure filled with a myriad of M and M varieties and exciting displays.
7. 🛍️ Harrods – A day spent at the iconic department store, reliving childhood memories and enjoying luxurious shopping.
8. 🤹 Hamleys – The famous toy store delighted the grandchildren with its vast array of toys and interactive displays.
9. 🔑 Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London – They were part of a historic event, allowing the granddaughters’ names to be recorded officially, despite an unexpectedly large crowd.
10. ✈️ Nonstop Flight from Chicago to London – Their journey began with a comfortable and well-coordinated flight, followed by excellent service from their driver upon arrival in London.
11. 🎡 London Eye Flex Ticket – They enjoyed stunning views and a smooth experience by using a flexible ticket to avoid waiting in long lines.
12. 🎖️ Changing of the Guards – Opting for a guided tour allowed them to avoid the crowd and learn about the history behind the ceremony.
13. 👑 Tower of London Tour – With a guide, they explored the Tower of London at their own pace, discovering the crown jewels and other highlights.
14. 🍨 Ice Cream Sundae at Fortnum and Mason – A delightful treat at a renowned London establishment.
15. 📷 Photo Session with Photographer Domi – A memorable photo shoot at traditional London sites, creating fun and lasting memories.
16. 🎢 Millennium Bridge – Wrapping up their London tour with beautiful views and a walk across this iconic bridge.
17. 🥼 Science-themed Tea at the Ampersand Hotel – A unique and engaging dining experience with a science twist.
18. 🏫 Eton College and Windsor Castle Tour – A day trip exploring historic education and royal heritage, including Queen Mary’s Dollhouse and Saint George’s Chapel.
19. 🍫 Chocolate Making Class at Doctor Chuck’s Windsor Chocolate Factory – Despite a scheduling mix-up, they had a sweet and educational experience making chocolates.
20. 🏢 Selfridges – A fun jelly cat hunt and shopping spree at this famous department store.
With such an eventful itinerary, Cathy and her family created a wealth of lasting memories!
Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 123
Useful resources
- 📚 Booklist prepared by Cathy for her granddaughters – click here for the PDF
- Episode #28 – Rob Bruns family trip to London
- Episode #13 – Trip Report from London with Cheryl Ridpath Conway
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