From our summers spent in San Sebastián to our winter ski trips in Big Sky, travel is one of my favorite topics to share about. It brings me so much joy to hear how my travel tips or packing lists are helpful when you’re planning vacations or how you were able to find the perfect outfit from my travel capsule wardrobe. I wrote about what I was packing to head to London for spring break here. Below I’ll share what I actually wore, and the entire itinerary for our spring break in London.
Last fall I mentioned to JB how I really wanted to give the boys a trip for Christmas. As their big gift from us! The older they get, the more I find experiences that create lasting memories are the way to go in terms of gifts. We decided on going to London for our spring break. The last couple of years we have gone to Nevis– we’ve been three times. But we opted for a totally different climate, London. My boys love soccer, and watch every premiere game they can. I researched who was playing the week we had off school, and was excited Wesleys favorite team was indeed playing that week. It also didn’t hurt that there is a direct flight from Tampa to London. This is key I think for going overseas, if you only have a week. It makes the travel pretty simple and painless.
A note about weather if you are planning a Spring Break trip. Our spring break is later than many schools. To be exact we were gone from March 30-April 6th. The weather was perfect. Not a drop of rain, and sun was shining most days. It did not feel like the typical “london weather”. I would always advise you to check the weather about ten. days out from your trip. That will help you pack a bit more wisely for this one!
Where we stayed in London
We decided on Rosewood London for a few reasons. First, they had a family room. Which is pretty tough to find in Europe. We were able to use points accumulated on our Amex card. Under their “fine hotels” you can get early check in (VERY nice when you’re arriving in the early am), free breakfast, and a resort credit to use on sight.
I have stayed at two other Rosewood properties – the first one in Dallas, and Little Dix Bay. Their properties all have something similar, but so far, each one is uniquely their own. They take on the personality of the city or location, but you have comforting similarities, like their bedding, carpeting, and same level of service. I loved this property! It felt like a haven from the city, which is perfect for when you just need a little calm after a big city day. They also have a couple different restaurants on site – Holborn dining (where we had breakfast every day), The mirror room (where JB and I had dinner the last night, as the boys had room service and a movie – while we kept facetime going to keep an eye), and Scarfes bar, which is one of the most fun night cap spot I’ve been to in ages.
I don’t always rely heavily on the concierge, but for this trip, I did. It’s not often the case, that the concierge gives the best advice, but I can say theirs did. They found a soccer field for the boys to play on, set up reservations, helped with train and taxi, and answered my many questions with patience. At one dinner that they set up, we were even greeted by a glass of champagne, “compliments of the Rosewood”. I was impressed with the whole property! And I always love when you are able to use the spa, even without an appointment. Both JB and I took turns doing different things with the kids, so we could work out and use the sauna.
In the middle of the trip, we took the train to Manchester to go to a Man City game. We stayed one night at their Hyatt Regency. They also had a family room, which was two rooms – a king, and two twin beds connecting. We were able to leave the majority of our luggage at the Rosewood London, and it was in our new room when we checked back in. It was a nice enough hotel. I had a harder time finding a family hotel here.
London: Days 1-3
We left on a Saturday evening. It was delayed, so the plane took off extra late. The boys had sports that morning, so were good and tired by the time we got on the plane. We skipped dinner service as we ate before, and went straight to bed. We arrived Sunday around 11am. Grabbed an uber to the hotel. Traffic was crazy, so it took a bit longer than expected. Our room was ready upon check in. We did not grab a nap! I have mentioned on this post, how sometimes we do. I think when you have a direct, it makes it a little easier to power through. The boys went off to buy a soccer ball and find some soccer fields with JB, while I unpacked
- That first night we ate at Colonel Saab. Wow! This was a recommendation from the hotel, and just a short walk. It was beautiful, and so delicious. Plenty family friendly too. If your family loves Indian, this is a can’t miss spot. Of course, we dined early, which makes it easier I think to secure reservations.
- The next morning we slept in. We all slept so well! We had breakfast at our hotel, Holborn dining room. I loved their wellness breakfast every morning. Which included an Acai bowl, Poached Eggs on avocado sour dough, and a ginger shot. We then got ready for the day. I made reservations for The Ritz London’s afternoon tea a few months in advance. It was such a beautiful place, ambiance is obviously iconic. But I thought the food was sort of … not that great. lol. Still, I’m glad we did it. I just may try something else next time. Like Claridge’s, which I’ve heard is a good one with kids.
- Afternoon Shopping: Afterward we went to Hamley’s. They had remembered it from our first trip to London. It’s five stories of toys, demonstrations galore, and a fun experience for the kids. Then we walked to Lily White’s to look at soccer jerseys. That’s a huge sports store. I went to Barbour around the corner, while they looked. Prices are better at Barbour in England than what you will get in the states. But I have too many Barbours as it is, so didn’t get anything. We took the tube back to our hotel. We then found a park that had soccer pitches nearby. Coram’s fields. We went to these fields three more times throughout our stay. The boys played pick up soccer games with whoever was around. It was pretty cute!
- Dinner at The Ship Tavern. This was another concierge recommendation. Absolutely loved it! It’s 475 years old, and it is just so British. Perfect spot for fish and chips. We ate upstairs in their dining room, which had a lovely fire going.
- The next day we took it easy, slept in a bit, and had a nice long breakfast. I had a facial at their spa, while the boys went to the field with JB to play soccer. Later for lunch we made our way down Red Lion Street (adorable!) to Honey & Co. This was probably my favorite meal of the trip! So delicious. It’s Middle Eastern. We ordered a bunch of plates to share. Pro tip: have your kids work up an appetite, and they’re more likely to try anything (: I took the kids back to the soccer field, while JB worked out and used the Sauna at the hotel.
- That evening we had the Arsenal v Fulham game. We took the tube right to the Arsenal stadium. While I used Stubhub international for our Man City tickets, I used the hotel to buy these. We were seated in a very lively spot. Seated isn’t really the word because not a single person in our section sat down for the duration of the game. My kids LOVED this. It’s a cultural experience. Even if you’re not a huge soccer – or football- whatever you say – there is something about these games!
Manchester and a Manchester City game
Day 4: We took it easy this morning. I am sensing a theme! we took it easy most mornings! lol. After breakfast, we packed up, stored most of our bags, and headed to the train station. We used Trainline.com to book our tickets the night before. We did economy, and I found the seats and space perfectly comfortable. The voyage was just over two hours long. We used a taxi to take us to the next hotel. Ate a big lunch, rested for a bit, and then headed to the stadium. We went to the merch store, and then started to line up for our tickets.
These tickets were the boys big Christmas present. They are “tunnel club” so you are able to enter before others, there is some programming, and a big dinner. Plus you get to greet the players when they arrive! Unfortunately, Wesleys favorite player, Halland, was injured and was not there. But they got to high five with many of the other players! For the game you get a cushiony heated seat. As I mentioned above, I bought these through stub hub international. But I was nervous the whole time they weren’t going to work, even though they are backed by stubhub. The family we were next to was from North Carolina, and they worked directly with Manchester City on the tickets. So it may be worth it to reach out to them instead of going rogue like I did.
Honestly, the meal was so-so. But you just can’t beat the whole vibe! And as far as stadium food, it is definitely much better than the typical! The boys had a wonderful time.
Back in London for days 5-7
We were back in London by 2pm. The boys went back to the park, while I went to Harrods. We met at Harrods to eat at the Harrods food hall. The dining area though, where you are served. We ate Italian. Delicious, low key spot for dinner. We grabbed treats at the food hall for dessert, then made it back to the hotel. JB and I went down to Scarfes bar for a night cap. Live music, so cozy, a great interior, and some fun art. We loved it!
The next day we went to The British Museum. It took a few hours. The boys were fascinated by the mummy exhibit. One thing that’s so nice about London, is that their museums are free! Afterward we had Indian at Dishoom. Wow, another amazing spot! A must! The boys went back to the soccer field and I made my way to Liberty. Liberty is a must! That evening we went to Sketch. We sat in the gallery. It is pictured above. It was so fun! The toilets can’t be missed. They are shaped like little individual eggs. Even though it’s a nice restaurant, they had a kids meal, and it felt very approachable there. The service was great!
Our last day we went to see Wicked on the west end. We grabbed pizza across the street right before the matinee. It was good, but long. My kids enjoyed it but I think they would have enjoyed Back to the Future more. That night the boys had room service, while we ate at The Mirror room downstairs.
London with kids
It’s always a good time! This one was very clearly laid back and soccer centered! Soccer, peppered in with some great restaurants, shopping, a museum, and more. We had a wonderful time! We’re looking forward to another visit. Hopefully sooner rather than later!
