How does one compress an 11-day adventure across the UK in one blog post? I have no idea. So, I'm going to leisurely take you through the Castles and Kilts Tour my kids, my mom (who's also editor of Journeywoman.com) and I just returned from with some of my fave bits and pictures.
When Trafalgar Tours invited us to experience Great Britain with them, I was a little hesitant. I've always travelled alone - never in a large group. But who could resist magical adventures in England, Scotland and Wales with their family.
So, we waved good bye to my cute husband who held down the fort and jumped on a transatlantic British Airways flight.
There's no way around it. The flight there is long . We flew overnight. The kids crashed on our laps for a few hours while we occasionally nodded off. Basically we started our trip with no sleep.
We were met at the airport, and headed for our London base, Holiday Inn in Kings Cross. In the taxi, 7-year old Jessie asked, "Where are all the palm trees?" Wrong country sweetie pie.
Check-in to our first hotel (there were five altogether) was awesome. What I now understand about being part of a tour is you never have to register for a hotel, sign any paperwork or carry your suitcases the entire trip. It's all taken care of by your tour operator.
By the time we got into our room, we were exhausted. The tour officially began that night. So we crashed for two hours and then bravely jumped on to the Tube and headed to every kids' dream destination - Hamley's Toy Store - 5 floors of all kinds of playthings to tempt your wallet. We escaped with a few packages of DIY balloons.
How did we perform that magical feat of next to no whining for toys at one of the world’s biggest toy stores? Here's my secret!* We gave my daughter and my son each 25 pounds to spend for the ENTIRE TRIP. This meant they would have to think very carefully about how to spend their own money. Of course, they also had to do the mental math to figure out where their finances stood. *Sneaky Education alert.
Back at the hotel we met with the twenty five other international travellers we'd be touring with, with who came from Australia, South Africa, Calgary, California, and BC. Most importantly - there were eleven kids between the ages of seven to sixteen to hang out together.
And so launched our UK Tour!
Here are some highlights of our first couple of days in London:
Here's the bus that drove us all around the UK. Loved the convenience of being dropped off and picked up - no worries about transportation.
Our London tour guide Tony was incredibly knowledgeable. In fact, it takes two years of school and eleven exams to become an official London guide. Because this was a family tour, a lot of our London points of interest focused on cool Harry Potter locations and film tidbits.
Here's the famous Platform 9 3/4 where Harry took the magic train to go to Hogwarts. Although it looks real, it’s actually just a photo hung outside the Kings Cross Tube Station. The real location is under construction. But who cares, right? Looks real enough to me.
Tony took us to a special corner away from the maddening crowd of tourists so we could get up close to the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace.
This little cottage which sits across from the Palace is actually the exterior of Hagrid's House in Harry Potter.
Here's where Kate Middleton and Prince William tied the knot.
In the stunning park across the road from Buckingham Palace my kids fed squirrels. I'm not kidding, this was a highlight of their entire vacation (rolls eyes).
This is one of many memorial plaques embedded into the pathways of the park across from Buckingham Palace dedicated to the late Princess Diana. Made me sad every time I passed one.
Next stop was the Tower of London to see the Royal Crown Jewels. This is where I plan to bring my children next when they misbehave.
The day ended with us leaving the group to see a gorgeous production of Wicked.
And that was the end of first day of touring! I'm tired just writing about it! Tomorrow, I'll continue our Castles and Kilts tour with more photos and tales.
But for now, what do you think? Is this something your family would enjoy?
Wanna read Part 2?
Wanna read Part 3?
"
I can't believe my kids, my mom and I are about to embark on an amazing 11 day Castles and Kilts tour through England and Scotland! Thanks to Trafalgar Tours, the four of us are going on a trip of a lifetime, while poor hubby stays home to work.
So, here's what I need from you. I've been so busy working I haven't had time to do much research on what to bring, what cool sites to see off the beaten path, good restaurants, fun stuff for the kids to do, etc.
Also, if you're around, I'd love to meet some YMC readers in the UK! Take a look at my amazing itinerary prepared by Trafalgar Tours which I cut and pasted below. Then, I'd love your feedback and help to make this trip even more awesome!
Here we go....!!!!!
Day 1
ARRIVE IN LONDON (3 nights)
Welcome to one of the most exciting capital cities in the world - London. Think red double-decker buses, Big Ben, the Queen and the famous black taxis and you know you are in the right city! Check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore your surroundings.
Day 3
LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Good morning! Today your city sightseeing adventure begins! You will see Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament Big Ben as well as Westminster Abbey. You will also be taken to see the location of the red telephone box where Harry and Mr. Weasley descend into the secret Ministry of Magic from the ‘Order of the Phoenix’. Plus - the magical platform 9 ¾ sign where Harry catches the Hogwarts Express! After watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (subject to event taking place) you will later have free time for lunch in St Katherine’s Dock near Tower Bridge. This afternoon enjoy an included visit to the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels and hear stories of ravens and princes. Your Tour Director will suggest attending a medieval banquet this evening with King Henry VIII and his court of fighting knights, musicians and singers.
Day 4
FULL DAY AT LEISURE IN LONDON
Today you have the entire day free to explore the city – your Tour Director will be able to point you in the right direction. Perhaps visit the Tate Modern Gallery or the scary London Dungeon or pop into the most famous toy store in the world – Hamleys on Regent Street! There are other options available too – you might want to consider a trip to Windsor Castle for the day. This evening you will have dinner at the hotel and then perhaps take a Thames cruise and London Eye excursion for wonderful views out over this great city.
Day 5
LONDON - OXFORD - LACOCK - BRISTOL
Wave goodbye to London after breakfast as the next leg of your adventure begins with a stop at one of the most famous universities in the world – Oxford. You will enjoy a walking tour of the amazing buildings of the university which is set within the town. As long as the students are not writing exams you will visit the 16th century dining hall used as the inspiration for Hogwarts Hall. Later you will make a stop in one of the most beautiful villages in England – Lacock. And yes – you guessed it – Harry Potter was here too! You will see Harry Potter's house and enjoy time to see the magnificent old buildings. Perhaps partake in some traditional tea and cakes! Finally, you will arrive in the town of Bristol for a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 6
BRISTOL - BATH - PECKFORTON CASTLE (2 nights)
Wake up to another day of adventure. Arrive in the town of Bath which is famed for its Georgian architecture and Roman Baths. You will be taken on a short orientation tour to see the very smart Georgian houses before time to discover what the Romans were up to in Bath hundreds of years ago! You will enjoy an included visit to the Roman Baths and Pump Room and hear about how clever they were all those hundreds of years ago. Make sure you go inside Bath Abbey too – this church is over five hundred years old. After time for lunch you will be taken to the most fantastic medieval style castle to stay for two nights. Imagine that – your very own castle to stay in! It was here that parts of movies like ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘Dr Who’ were filmed. They have on site falconry and a mini putting course so enough activities to keep you busy this afternoon. This evening you may choose to dine at the hotel or perhaps go to a local pub for dinner.
Day 7
EXCURSION TO LIVERPOOL
This morning there's an excursion to Liverpool where you will have a number of activities to choose from. You could visit the World Museum, a fantastic museum full of fascinating objects from all over the world. They have an aquarium, a bug house and a planetarium and the best part is that it is all free! Or you may wish to go to the Merseyside Maritime Museum to see the ship models and a ‘Life at Sea’ display. There is also a poignant gallery telling you the story of the Titanic. For something different, there is a ‘Beatles Tour’ which your Tour Director will tell you all about. After lunch make a short stop at Crosby Beach to see Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ before returning to your castle for free time in the afternoon. Tonight an extra special castle banquet will be held in your honor!
Day 8
PECKFORTON CASTLE - TATTON PARK - LAKE DISTRICT
First up today is a stop at Tatton Park to participate on an ‘upstairs and downstairs’ visit of this elegant mansion house. You may even see some wildlife in the 1,000 acre deer park which is part of the grounds of the estate. The butler and the housekeeper of the mansion will show you how the fancy people used to live in the olden days! After free time for lunch it’s time to head north to the Lake District of England which is some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. Perhaps take a steam train and cruise across Lake Windermere before reaching your hotel for an included dinner.
Day 9
LAKE DISTRICT - HADRIANS WALL - EDINBURGH (2 nights)
Before crossing the border from England into Scotland today, a trip to Roman Emperor Hadrian's Wall is a must. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the start of construction of the wall was in AD122 and it is recognised as the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. You will stop at the Roman Army Museum and Roman Vindolanda for an included visit. Hear all about these brave Roman soldiers and see excavations in progress on the site. You will be able to enjoy a living history experience and walk a superb section of Hadrian’s Wall at Walltown Crags. Later travel into Edinburgh which is the capital city of Scotland. A big ‘wow’ when you see the castle up on the rocky crag! Your Tour Director will propose a fun night out.
Day 10
EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Wake up! It’s time for bagpipes and kilts as you head into the city for some sightseeing. You will see all the good stuff – the Castle, Royal Mile and the famous Scott Memorial. Your guide will take you into the Castle and tell you tales of bravery as you also see the Scottish Crown Jewels. Your guide will also tell you the story of a very famous dog called ‘Grayfriars Bobby’ – certainly one of the most loyal canine companions to have ever lived. This afternoon is completely free to explore the city. You may decide to join your Tour Director for an excursion to Leith to see the Royal Yacht Britannia. Tonight a special Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers and Tour Director as you recall all your adventures!
Day 11
DEPART EDINBURGH
This morning after breakfast, your fun-filled tour comes to an end. You will take home many special memories of your time in the lands of ‘Castles and Kilts’!
So that's the trip! If you have any tips, tricks, recommendations and/or secrets please share them with me!! Thanks so much!
The mere fact that I'm writing this post rather than calling my friend ensures my place in the "Worst Friend Hall of Fame."
As you may or may not know, before launching YMC, I spent a decade on-air at MuchMusic. Before Much I was a wanna-be manager for musicians. I had one client. Wendy Lands.
I grew up with Wendy from the time we were eight-ish. She went to my parent's summer camp, and we couldn't possibly be friends because every year she always won the lead role in the camp play. She could sing like no one I ever met. I was jealous.
But as we grew up, each of our skills developed. Wendy honed her vocal talents. I worked my way into a series of jobs in the music biz. So, when we were eighteen, our paths crossed again and I took on the challenge of making Wendy a rock star.
Life has a funny way of playing tricks on us. On my way to making Wendy a household name, I landed a job on Much and Wendy went on to have a career as a recording artist in Canada and the US without me.
Fast forward to now. Both of us have kids (our daughters are the same age), and Wendy has spent the last three years crafting a gorgeous new CD called Mumble. It's not just good - it's delicious. Norah Jones meets Ricki Lee Jones meets Wendy Lands. YOu can listen to her song Party Girl here.
There was a big launch party for the CD. I bought my tickets months in advance. I was so excited to see and hear Wendy live after all these years.
The other night I was putting the kids to bed. After an extended cuddle with my son, I got an email from my sister at 9:30 pm: "HELLO?? WHERE ARE YOU???"
At first I had no idea what she was talking about. And then it hit me in the face like a garbage truck going full speed. HOLY SHIT! IT'S WENDY'S SHOW AND I'M IN BED IN MY PYJAMAS. To make matter worse, hubby was on a plane flying home from Texas so I couldn't throw something on and race out. I was trapped.
I ran to my computer. For some insane reason, I put our date on the wrong day in my Google calendar and I. Totally. Screwed. Up.
The next day was spent racing around packing for our yearly family vacation. And then we were gone for a week. Every day a wave of guilt would smack me, reminding me I owed Wendy a big apology. BIG.
So, here it is. I'm formally and publicly apologizing to my oldest girlfriend Wendy Lands for not being there on her biggest night.
I can't fix my huge screw up. The only thing I can do is take responsibility and tell EVERYONE how amazing you are.
So, please check out Wendy's CD Mumble and if you buy it, even better. Make sure you follow her on Twitter, and like her Facebook Fanpage.
Wendy, I'm really sorry and ashamed to win the Worst Friend Award. It's my least proud moment. IOU dinner and lots of wine to hear all about the show I missed.
"
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