Our final two days in London were just as non-stop as the previous days we spent in Ireland and London. You can rest on the plane ride home, right!? Since our London hotel had a gym, Ryan and I figured we should take advantage of the equipment and sneak in an early morning workout – the first of our trip – before heading out into the city for the day.
After more than a week away from the gym, it felt good to lift some weights and sweat, even though neither of us had a particularly butt kickin’ workout.
Once we were done at the gym, we showered and ate a quick hotel breakfast before taking the underground into the city. We had plans to join a group on a Sandeman’s walking tour through London.
Blog reader Becky recommended the free walking tour to me and I want to give her a big hug because it was AWESOME. (The tour is free, but you are supposed to tip your guide at the end with what you think the tour was worth. It seemed like everyone wasn’t shy about generously tipping because it was wonderful.)
Sandeman’s offers free walking tours in tons of different cities including Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona. While we waited for our tour to begin, Ryan and I chatted with a small group of students who were in London studying abroad who told us that the London tour was going to be their third experience with Sandeman’s tours. After our tour finished, Ryan and I agreed that we’ll definitely look into Sandeman’s tours in the future if we’re ever in a city where they’re offered again. Such a great experience!
Our tour guide, John, had so much energy and his enthusiasm for London and knowledge of fun facts kept us entertained for the two and a half hour tour. The stories he told were informative but funny and I loved the fact that we were able to walk around the city without glancing at a map every 2.5 seconds.
One of the first stops of the tour was the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
John told us not to expect to see the queen because she wasn’t at home. He could tell she was away because the Royal Standard flag wasn’t flying. (Fun fact!) I still kept an eye out for William, Catherine and Harry during our time in London, but they were no where to be seen either. What the heck, guys!?
The tour took us all over London, to the Wellington Arch, St. James’s Park, 10 Downing Street, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade and more. I cannot recommend it enough!
Since it was just before 2 p.m. when the tour concluded and Ryan and I were feeling quite cold, we decided to walk around in search of afternoon tea to warm us up! We remembered the recommendation of the concierge at our hotel and popped into the tea room at Fortnam & Mason.
We decided to share the savory afternoon tea.
I had a pot of the green tea with elderflower and loved it.
The light bites that came with our afternoon tea were delicious. My favorites included the coronation chicken sandwich (it tasted like curried chicken salad) and the mushroom tart.
Along with our savory selection, we ordered a side of two sweet scones with clotted cream, jam and lemon curd (I am officially in love with clotted cream) and cake.
It was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
Since we still had several hours before our next commitment, we spent some time walking around before grabbing a quick bite to eat and a cup of hot cocoa at a local cafe. And then it was time for a show!
The day before, we purchased half-price tickets to see One Man, Two Guvnors and arrived at the theatre 20 minutes before the show.
We were glad we got there early because we loved the live music!
The show was absolutely hilarious and included a lot of crowd involvement and improv comedy. We laughed a lot!
After the show, we headed back to the hotel and had no trouble sleeping soundly that night! It was a fun and full day!
***
World Autism Awareness Day
Before signing off for the evening, I wanted to take a minute to share some facts about autism since today is Autism Awareness Day and April is Autism Awareness Month. 
A few blog readers emailed me about this day and their stories were very moving.
- Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys
- Autism prevalence figures are growing
- Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
- Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
- Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
- Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
- There is no medical detection or cure for autism
To learn more about autism or ways you can be involved, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.
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Ah, love London! Great pictures! My boyfriend and I also did some Sandeman’s tours in different cities (they really are great guides), and afternoon tea in London. We saw a show, too, but it was Mousetrap. One Man, Two Guvnors sounds funny! Maybe next time, someday… 🙂
That afternoon tea you guys had looked so dainty and so British 🙂
I’ve never been to London but really want to go and see a show like you did as well as see the palace 🙂
You should have done the Sandeman’s tour in Dublin! I did it last year when I visited and it was awesome! I love that the tours are free but the tour guides always are so knowledgeable about their city. Hope you enjoyed London!
we totally would have if we would’ve known they offered them in dublin at the time. we LOVED it!
I’m loving all these travel posts, Julie! What a fun time – London looks like my kind of town! 😀
All of that food looks delicious! And thanks for the quick shout out to Autism. My sister is a teacher and now that I have a 2-year-old boy I am well aware of the costs/affects/stress that it can cause a family and the more awareness we can create, the better we can diagnose and treat autism in the future 🙂
They are awesome aren’t they – so passionate & knowlegable!
Your tea time looks delicious. I LOVE tea, so that would be perfect to me.
That’s interesting about Autism, but I don’t understand the fact about it costing a family $60,000 a year? Do you know what the cost is for? Childcare or special programs?
It’s sad to me that so many people suffer from it now. It’s interesting that a lot of dietary changes support lessened autistic behaviors, though.
Melissa – much of the cost is for therapy (which is vitally important but rarely covered by insurance – and VERY expensive.) There can also be medical issues related to autism which require screening and treatment, as well as childcare. Not all families incur that great of an expense, but there is virtually no assistance for treatment or care. Hoping that will change 🙂
As Tina said, a lot of it does go to medical expenses. For my family, it goes much beyond that due to having three therapies at once and the expense of going to an alternative doctor which are not covered by insurance. Also, there is quite a bit of money spent on gluten/dairy free alternatives for my brother- he just HAS to have his bagels 🙂 I really do wonder why insurance only covers things that really doesn’t help my brother, and actually harms him instead! *sigh*
Also, I know in the case of my family, my MIL has been a Stay At Home mom in order to care for my brother-in-law for the last 20+ years. It took forever for her to get some type of monetary compensation for the day to day care that she has to provide. Unfortunately there will be a large population of adults with Autism in the coming years, so the need for funding is extremely important.
At what hotel did you stay in London? Thank you for a great blog 🙂
Marriott West India Quay. We booked a last-minute deal through Kayak.com. It was a 20-minute ride to most “hot spots” but we liked the hotel a lot!
I am LOVING these London recaps!! I used to live in London and I’m actually moving back there in 12 days, so you’re getting me really excited to go back 🙂 I never comment on blogs, but I wanted to here to say that the last time my mom came to visit me in LND, she stayed at the Marriott West India Quay (fun fact: pronounced “key” which I definitely didn’t know before I moved there hahah) (read: more than one embarrassing experience) and she loved it too! Its in a bit more “industrial” part of London, but its riiiight next to the train and had really easy access. Recommended, especially because I think it offers deals often!
I love Coronation Chicken! This is the best recipe I’ve ever run across … http://foodforthethoughtless.com/2009/05/coronation-chicken-salad-fit-for-a-queen/
awesome! thanks for sharing!
What a fun day!! I think that tour sounds simply fab. I love a good tour guide!!
I wish I had thought to do tea time when I was in London! It looks like such fun!
Also, the information on Autism is pretty alarming. I can’t believe how common it is.
Man, your trip seems like it just got better & better! I love the idea of the walking tour — a great way to see the sights!
I love seeing all of your food pictures from your trip! Everything looks delicious! I think my favorite part of traveling is the food. 😉
How perfect for you to have tea while you are in London. Very fitting! 😉
Love the idea of the walking tour! What a fantastic, active way to see the city!
I am dying over this trip and want to book something to Europe ASAP!! Too bad it isn’t quite that easy with two kids tagging along, lol!! Really though, you have inspired me to look into a European family vacation next year!!
Julie,
Thank you for mentioning World Autism Day on your post! As a teacher who has worked with kids with Autism (and my 27 year old brother-in-law to be has Autism) it means so much to see you using your blog to raise awareness! Thank you!
It looks like you’re having an awesome trip! My husband and I have done the Sandeman’s tours in many different cities we’ve visited–Edinburgh, Prague, Munich, and even in Jerusalem! They’re a great way to get an overview of a city for sure! 🙂
What an amazing tour – that looks like the perfect way to see all the sights in the city! And that’s too bad you didn’t see the royal family, I’m afraid I might have stalked Prince Harry if I were there…
So glad you could do Sandeman’s and I’m very happy that you enjoyed One Man, Two Guvnors!
The tea time looks really marvelous 🙂
I am heading to Vienna in 2 months and now I am getting really motivated to visit one of their Tea saloons, or something like that.
My brother did this kind of tour in Berlin and he could not stop talking about it for a long time. It is almost like hearing about the city from a local (a very knowledgable one though).
Vienna is one of my favorite cities on earth 🙂 Like a quaint Paris! There are some amazing spots for tea and, of course, the famous Viennese cakes!
I really love London and being there without having a cup of tea would be a sin 🙂
love proper ‘tea time!’
I love your blog so ugh, and it’s been so motivational and inspirational to me the past few weeks! (Okay, maybe since last night!) Your little dog Sadie is the cutest thing ever! Maybe you could post some more about workouts and more entries on self control. I saw the one about “office cake”. That really motivated me! 🙂
this day sounds like a blast!! English tea sounds amazing! I am so jealous of your trip!
This sounds like such a perfect day!
Julie – Thank you for including information about World Autism Awareness Day/Month in today’s post. As a stepmother to twin boys with autism, the cause is very near to my heart. I was telling my husband today as I looked at Facebook “It’s sad to me that no one is really talking about this,” while reflecting on all the attention that other platforms get on social media (especially recently.) When I read the last part of this post, I got teary. Thank you for sharing.
I also hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation! You’re making me want to go to England so badly! 🙂
Thank you for this comment, Tina. I’m sending lots of love to you and your sweet boys right now. 🙂
I am loving your London recap posts!! I’m currently having to decide between going to grad school in London and New York and really don’t know what I’m going to do right now. I’ve never been to London so I’ve been reading everything I can because I think I would love the opportunity to live there – I love your accounts of your days there!
Thanks so much for the Autism Awareness shout out. As the mother to a beautiful 4 year old with autism it really means a lot!
I hope you have a fabulous time on the rest of your vacation!
I’ve never heard of Sandeman’s…that’s a great tip!
Thanks so much for the autism addition at the end of your post. As an educator, I really appreciate the facts being shared with those not necessarily in the field.
Ps.. You are making want to jet set to Europe this instant!
I LOVE KATE! I wanted to see you say “GUYS I SAW KATE MIDDLETON!” but no soup for me… 😉
I love the Sandeman’s tours as well! I did the one in Edinburgh and cannot recommend them enough. The tour guides are great and really show their enthusiasm for their cities. I hear they are bringing their tours to the US soon 🙂
It sounds like a wonderful tour! Thank you for sharing about autism day/month. One of my good friends little sisters has autism and while she is the happiest, nicest girl you will ever meet I feel bad for the struggles she goes through on a daily basis.
It look like you’re having such an amazing time! I went to London about 5 years ago and I’ve been dying to go back, and I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland.
Your post came at the perfect time! My brother moved to Oxford a few months ago (from Connecticut). He’s got a friend from the States visiting next week and I think they’re going to catch a tour! I sent him a link to your review and a link to Sandeman’s website. He’s working at the University of Oxford and has been to London a handful of times but only to have a good time with coworkers! I’m bookmarking all your posts for when I visit him later this year! 🙂
i hope they love the tour! it was awesome!
I don’t usually comment, but I wanted to thank you for posting about Autism Awareness Month! I’m a speech therapist and work with children with Autism and other special needs on a daily basis. These families and children go through so much- it is just so wonderful that you are willing to use your forum to raise awareness! Thank you thank you! 🙂
thank you for doing what YOU do, christine!
I LOVE Sandemans New Europe tours! As a student traveling Europe that was my favorite way to explore new cities! So glad you found it!
My dream in London is to go to high tea! That looks amazing! The husband wants to go to a Chelsea game. 🙂
Hey Julie! It looks like you are soaking up every second of your trip! I love that you also gave a thoughtful shout out to Autism Awareness Day. As a future teacher who knows how prevalent but little-known autism is, I appreciate that! Speaking of shout-outs… I just had to pop in and say I gave you credit to introducing me to Bic Bands today on my little blog! I didn’t want to not give you credit or not tell you I gave you credit (I’m not sure if that is breaking any blogging rules!). Enjoy the rest of your trip and safe travels 🙂
-Chelsea, at girlgrowingup.com
so glad you’re a fan of bicbands! i love them!
I’m so glad you included a shout-out (?) to Autism Awareness Day. I wore my blue proudly today.
The walking tour sounds great- I will definitely include that in our trip. What is clotted cream? The name clotted grosses me out haha.
If you like elderflower tea, there’s a brand called Bottle Green (it’s also literally in a green bottle) that sells elderflower cordial (which is just the syrup that you add to sparkling water) or elderflower (something else, there are only two), anyway it’s elderflower soda! Light and refreshing 🙂 If it’s on a menu at a restaurant as elderflower cordial then it’t the soda, but in the grocery store it’s just the syrup.
I’d love to go to London someday!!! And I want to thank you for bringing awareness to a matter that is so close to my heart. My little brother has a form of autism and its very hard to deal with. He has, by the grace of God, gotten much better thanks to a gluten/dairy free diet and various therapies to the point where he is barely on the spectrum anymore! This is SUCH an important issue….God bless 🙂
Looks like so much fun! Thank you for spreading the word about autism.
It sounds like you are having a great trip! My dad is from England and I visit my grandmother in Cornwall every summer…where they are known for their Clotted Cream!! They are actually very particular about the order of the jam and clotted cream on the scone down there (jam first, then clotted cream). Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Thank you for ‘taking your readers with you’ to Ireland and London! I am 36 days away 😀 from my first trip to Europe (Italy) and to say I am excited is an understatement. I read so much at night about the area, sightseeing, etc. and can barely fall asleep!
Anyhow, I have been thinking about what to pack for a Spring trip and fell in love with your orange shirt and scarf. Do you mind sharing where you made this awesome purchase. Thanks!!!
What an amazing trip! I love the idea of a walking tour!
I went to afternoon tea once with my mom and it was heaven! I think we should have afternoon tea at least once a week.
Glad you’re having such a fantastic trip 🙂
Hi Julie,
Your trip sounded wonderful! I could use a vacation about now!
Anyway, I just wanted to Thank you for posting about Autism Awareness. My 26 year old brother has autism and it’s something I’ve been familiar with for my whole life. However, there are many people who don’t know much about it and the broad spectrum. Given that there is no cure or detection, awareness is even more important. My brother was not diagnosed until he was 7, but we were aware something was wrong when he was a baby. My parents have done so much for him and he has enriched our lives in so many ways. You had mentioned a family could spend about 60,000 a year for a child with Autism, and someone had wondered about that. In response I just wanted to add that the therapies these kids need can be very expensive, and a lot is not covered by insurance (however it’s alot better now than it has been.) Therapies can include Speech, physical, occuptional. Special classes/programs, respite care and of course medications. Just wanted to put my senses in.
Thanks!! LOVE your blog!