Bye bye, Bath – Hello, London 🇬🇧
After Scotland, the Cotswolds, and Bath (pinch us), we hopped on our final train and headed straight for London. Big city buzz, iconic neighborhoods, and the main event this entire trip was built around…let’s get into it.
ABBA Voyage – Dancing Queen moment 💃
The reason for it all: ABBA Voyage. If you’re unfamiliar, this is not your average concert. It’s a mind-blowing, immersive experience featuring digital avatars (“ABBAtars”) of ABBA performing with a live band in a purpose-built arena in East London. Futuristic, nostalgic, emotional, and wildly impressive – all at once!!
Many people go all out with sparkly jumpsuits, bell-bottoms, and full disco glam. We didn’t have room for our ABBA costumes (even if we had them!😆), but we did lean in with gold freckles.
It was incredible. Goosebumps, happy tears, spontaneous dancing, and that feeling you get when you know you’re witnessing something truly special. One of those stick-with-you-forever experiences. If you’re even remotely an ABBA fan, put this at the top of your London list.
One last London morning ☔
The next morning, we packed up and took the Tube toward Notting Hill. We had a whole day to spare before heading to Heathrow that evening. The only question: what on earth do we do with all our luggage?
Enter: a genius travel hack! Luggage Hero shows you local retail shops and businesses that will safely store your luggage for the day.
Notting Hill dreams come true!
Bags dropped. Hands-free. Spirits high.
Colorful streets & cozy corners
Notting Hill has lived on both of our to-do lists for years, so finally seeing it was awesome! The pastel buildings are just as charming in real life, and the neighborhood has the perfect mix of:
- Vintage and antique shops
- Art galleries
- Cozy cafés
- Excellent people-watching (locals + tourists alike)
It’s lively without feeling overwhelming, classic London charm with loads of personality.
Portobello Market magic
We wandered our way through Portobello Market, taking it all in stall by stall. Of course, we couldn’t leave empty-handed.
- We both scooped up beautiful tapestry pillow covers from Aristocratic Cushions
- And fell hard for screen-printed tees designed by Sahara Boston (yes, pictured—and yes, obsessed!)
This is the kind of shopping we love: unique, well-made, and full of story.
Rain, chips & a regal detour 👑
After ducking out of the rain for a proper English lunch (with chips, obviously), we realized we still had time to spare. A quick “what’s nearby?” Google search revealed we were moments away from Kensington Gardens.
…A couple of hours in Kensington Gardens
Tucked beside bustling London streets, Kensington Gardens is a dreamy 265-acre escape that blends nature, history, and a touch of royal magic. Once part of Hyde Park, the gardens are home to some of London’s most iconic sights – from Kensington Palace and the Albert Memorial to the Diana Memorial Playground and Peter Pan sculptures.
We spent our time wandering tree-lined paths, reminiscing about Princess Diana, and indulging in a few regal daydreams. The unexpected highlight? Filming what felt like 100 swans and other assorted birds confidently waddling/flying straight toward us. Slightly intimidating. Completely unforgettable.
Until next time, London 🇬🇧✨
And just like that, it was time to head to Heathrow and officially wrap up this unforgettable journey. London gave us music, color, history, markets, gardens – and one truly epic finale.
Cheerio, London. We’ll be back! 🗝️
Unlocking London