Our trip to the UK began with an invitation to Reena Mausi’s 25th wedding anniversary. Since we’d be getting UK visas, we decided to make the most of it by exploring a few iconic spots. We kicked off our journey in London and wrapped it up in the historic city of Oxford.

Calais

19th July 2024

After leaving work a bit early, we drove from home to Calais and checked into our hotel for the night. We then headed to Calais beach and pier to catch the sunset and enjoyed a homemade dinner by the shore.

20 July 2024

After much discussion with Sonu bhaiya about the ferry, driving on the left side, and considering our options, we decided to take our car, just as he had done when driving his UK car in Europe. We booked an early morning ferry from Calais to Dover, and the check-in process was straightforward. Having watched a few videos, we knew exactly which documents to keep handy. It was my first time on a ferry, and while I felt a touch of motion sickness, I enjoyed the experience, especially the scenic views at the beginning and end of the journey.

London

We drove from Dover to London, and after a short while, Rishi adjusted to driving on the left with our right-hand drive car. The journey took around two hours, but as soon as we entered London, we hit heavy traffic. The last 30 km to our accommodation were gruelling, and we missed our 2 pm slot for the British Museum despite reaching London on time. Along the way, we passed through the bustling Wembley market, filled with Indian shops and restaurants, which felt like a slice of India with UK architecture. After finally arriving, we rested for a bit and planned out the rest of the day.

We found a nearby bus stop that took us to Wembley Station, where we then took the London Tube to Baker Street. Since I’d read quite a bit about pickpocketing in London, I kept one hand on the clasp of my purse and held my phone securely in my pocket, staying extra vigilant in crowded areas.

Stepping out of Baker Street Station, we were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves face-to-face with the iconic statue of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective. Towering and impressive, the bronze statue captures Holmes in his classic attire: a long coat, deerstalker hat, and pipe in hand, gazing off thoughtfully as if deep in deduction. As a fan of Sherlock Holmes, it was an exciting and unexpected start to our London trip, and I couldn’t resist snapping a photo with Holmes on the very street he made famous. Set against the backdrop of Baker Street, the statue is a fitting tribute to one of London’s most beloved fictional figures.

Since we were already on Baker Street, we couldn’t pass up the chance to visit the famous 221B Baker Street, the fictional home of Sherlock Holmes. The exterior, marked by the iconic black door and brass “221B” plaque, felt like stepping straight into the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective tales. While we hadn’t booked tickets to tour the inside, we still took plenty of photos of the entrance, imagining Holmes and Dr. Watson dashing out for their next case. We also wandered through the gift shop, designed to feel like part of Holmes’ study, with vintage artefacts, Victorian-style decor, and stacks of Sherlockian souvenirs. Just standing outside 221B and browsing the shop was a memorable experience that brought the stories to life.

We took the metro and walked to Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The vast, open square buzzed with energy, surrounded by historic buildings and fountains. At its centre stood Nelson’s Column, towering above the scene, flanked by four majestic lion statues at its base. The sight of the lions brought back a wave of nostalgia from my visit in 2010, when Vibhi and I posed with one of the statues, playfully pretending to have our hands bitten by the lion’s mouth. Recalling that memory made this visit even more special, as I could compare the bustling square now to how it felt over a decade ago.

From Trafalgar Square, we walked to Leicester Square, a vibrant hub known for its theatres, cinemas, and lively atmosphere. The square is surrounded by beautifully lit buildings, many housing famous cinemas and restaurants. What stood out the most were the statues scattered throughout the square, each paying tribute to iconic figures from the world of entertainment and literature. Spotting familiar faces like William Shakespeare and other notable characters added a sense of charm to our stroll. The square buzzed with energy, with street performers entertaining passersby and tourists capturing the excitement. It felt like the heart of London’s entertainment district, blending history, art, and modern culture into one delightful experience.

From Leicester Square, we strolled over to Westminster Abbey, and even from the outside, it was breathtaking. The towering Gothic spires, ornate stone carvings, and massive stained-glass windows gave it a regal presence that immediately drew us in. We didn’t go inside, but just admiring the intricate details on the facade and soaking in the atmosphere was an experience in itself.

After visiting Westminster Abbey, we walked over to see Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. Big Ben looked amazing with its gold details and striking Gothic design, and the palace stretched out beautifully along the River Thames. I had seen a spot on Instagram that showed great angles for photos, so we decided to check it out. To get there, we crossed Westminster Bridge, which also gave us some lovely views of the river and the city. The spot was perfect, and we got some great pictures of Big Ben and the palace together. Standing there, I couldn’t help but admire how grand and impressive everything looked. Hearing Big Ben chime in the background made the moment feel even more special.

We passed by the London Eye, and even though we didn’t go on the ride this time, it was still impressive to see it towering over the city. The giant wheel was beautifully lit up, reflecting the vibrant energy of London. I couldn’t help but remember the last time I visited when Manoj Mausaji took us on the ride. The views from the top were incredible, giving us a bird’s-eye view of all the iconic landmarks. This time, we just admired it from below and soaked in the lively atmosphere around it.

We walked across the Golden Jubilee Bridge and absolutely loved the view of the skyline. The bridge offered stunning panoramic views of the River Thames, with the city’s landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye in the distance. The combination of the river, the skyline, and the bridge itself made for a perfect photo opportunity. It felt peaceful yet lively, with people strolling along the bridge and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The views from there truly captured the essence of London’s charm.

On our way back to the London Underground, we crossed through Chinatown and were immediately charmed by its vibrant, bustling streets. The area was alive with energy, filled with colourful lanterns, inviting shopfronts, and the delicious scent of Asian cuisine wafting through the air. We passed by a variety of restaurants, bakeries, and markets, all contributing to the lively atmosphere. It felt like stepping into a different world, a lively mix of culture and flavour, right in the heart of London. It was a delightful, unexpected detour before we continued our journey back.

21 July 2024

We started our day at Buckingham Palace, hoping to catch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. The palace itself was grand and impressive, with its stately facade and the Union Jack flying high. However, the area was packed with a massive crowd, making it hard to even catch a glimpse of the action. The overwhelming number of people, coupled with my anxiety about pickpockets, made it tough to enjoy the experience. As soon as the ceremony began, we realised we weren’t going to see much and decided to leave the crowd behind.

We didn’t have enough time to explore the entire British Museum, so we decided to focus on the Indian section. As Indians, we were particularly curious to see the artefacts taken from India during the colonial era. Walking through the exhibits, we saw sculptures, jewellery, and other cultural treasures that once belonged to our homeland. It was fascinating yet bittersweet to see these pieces displayed so far from where they originated. The museum itself was vast and impressive, but we couldn’t help reflecting on the complex history behind the collection.

The Natural History Museum was a treat, not just for its fascinating collection but also for the stunning building itself. The intricate Victorian architecture, with its grand arches and detailed stone carvings, felt like stepping into a castle. Inside, we explored exhibits ranging from towering dinosaur skeletons to sparkling gemstones and meteorites. The detailed displays on evolution, the animal kingdom, and Earth’s history were captivating, but honestly, I spent almost as much time marvelling at the museum’s design—the tall ceilings, the beautiful staircase, and the way light streamed through the large windows. It’s a place where the architecture is as much a masterpiece as the collection it houses.

Tower Bridge was as majestic as I had imagined, its iconic twin towers and blue suspension cables standing proudly over the River Thames. We followed a photo spot recommendation I found on Instagram, which turned out to be perfect. To get there, we crossed the bridge, admiring the stunning views of the river and the city skyline as we walked. Then, we descended beneath the bridge to a spot by the Thames. From there, we captured some incredible shots of the bridge in all its glory. The vantage point gave us a unique perspective, showcasing the architectural beauty of this historic landmark against the backdrop of London. It was well worth the extra steps to find the perfect angle!

After crossing the Thames for the photo viewpoint, we decided to take public transport to our next destination. We waited at a bus stop for over half an hour, but the buses were unreliable—the board would show one arriving soon, only for it to disappear or the wait time to increase. Frustrated, we walked to another nearby stop, assuming there was an issue with the buses between the previous stop and this one. Eventually, we managed to board a bus, but after 2-3 stops, we realised it wasn’t heading in the right direction. Exhausted and out of options, we had to walk the rest of the way, even though we were too tired to keep going. It was frustrating to experience such poor connectivity on this side of the Thames, especially when the other side seemed so well-connected.

Visiting Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral was an exciting stop, especially as both a Harry Potter and Taylor Swift fan. The sleek, modern design of the Millennium Bridge made it instantly recognisable as the site of the dramatic Death Eater attack scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, adding a magical touch to our visit. At the other end of the bridge stood the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral, its iconic dome towering over the city. This historic landmark has also made appearances in Taylor Swift’s music videos. The video for End Game, featuring Ed Sheeran and Future, includes scenes filmed on the Millennium Bridge with St. Paul’s Cathedral visible in the background. Additionally, her vibrant video for ME! features a shot of the cathedral, connecting this landmark to yet another beloved moment in pop culture. Walking across the bridge with the breathtaking view of St. Paul’s in the background felt like stepping into both magical movie moments and unforgettable musical memories.

Oxford

2 August 2024

Our journey through the UK concluded in the historic city of Oxford, a place steeped in academic excellence and architectural beauty. After a picturesque drive from the Lake District, we arrived in this iconic “City of Dreaming Spires,” eager to explore its storied colleges, charming streets, and rich history.

We had gone to the Bodleian Library primarily to see the Divinity School, but by the time we were done with the visit, the library had closed. Still, we were able to admire the beautiful courtyard from the outside. Surrounded by stunning Gothic architecture, the courtyard was a peaceful spot with intricate stone carvings, tall arched windows, and golden-hued walls.

After checking into our accommodation, we settled into our room. We then headed back to the main college area by bus to continue exploring.

We stopped by Christ Church University to check the ticket and visiting details at the visitor centre for the following day. Even though we didn’t go inside, the exterior of the building was stunning. Its grand architecture, with beautiful stonework and tall windows, made a lasting impression. The surrounding greenery and the impressive entrance added to the charm of this iconic Oxford landmark.

We took a relaxed stroll around the main area of Oxford, wandering past the beautiful college buildings and lively shopping streets. The mix of old, ivy-covered buildings and cobblestone paths added so much charm to the place. As we walked through the busy streets, we couldn’t resist checking out some unique shops and soaking in the atmosphere. The colleges, with their grand architecture and peaceful courtyards, stood proudly among the buzz of the city, blending history with the modern energy of Oxford perfectly.

As we walked through the heart of Oxford, we passed the stunning Radcliffe Camera, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The impressive circular building, with its grand dome and classical design, stood out against the backdrop of the surrounding architecture. We couldn’t resist stopping for a few pictures to capture the beauty of this historic structure. Its neoclassical style and distinctive shape made it feel like we had stepped into another time, adding to the charm of Oxford’s university atmosphere.

As we explored Oxford, we also passed by the charming Bridge of Sighs. This beautiful, covered bridge connects two parts of the Hertford College and is a striking example of the city’s blend of history and architecture. With its elegant design and Gothic-style arches, it gave off a romantic, timeless vibe. The bridge earned its name because it’s said that students would sigh as they crossed it, reflecting on the end of their academic journey. We snapped a few photos of the bridge, which added to the picturesque charm of our stroll through Oxford.

3 August 2024

We began our day by purchasing tickets to visit the inside of Christ Church. Our entry was scheduled for 12 pm, so we decided to take a leisurely walk around to pass the time.

After exploring the main streets of Oxford, we made our way to the Covered Market, a charming and bustling spot brimming with character. The market is a mix of quirky shops, local crafts, and delicious food stalls. We wandered through the narrow aisles, taking in the delightful aromas from bakeries and coffee shops. The variety of stores, from florists to vintage boutiques, gave the market a unique and lively vibe. It was the perfect place to soak in the local culture and enjoy a slower pace amidst the historic surroundings of Oxford.

Visiting Christ Church from the inside was an incredible experience. We started with the Hall, famously known as the inspiration for the Great Hall in Harry Potter. Its high ceilings, long wooden tables, and walls adorned with portraits of historical figures exuded grandeur. Walking through, it felt as though we’d stepped into a scene straight from Hogwarts. The grounds of Christ Church were equally impressive, with their beautifully manicured lawns and tranquil pathways. The architecture, with its intricate stone carvings and towering spires, was a testament to the college’s rich history. The setting felt almost otherworldly, like something out of a historical novel. The church itself, Christ Church Cathedral, was awe-inspiring. Its stained-glass windows, soaring arches, and serene ambience made it a place of quiet reflection. We marvelled at the detailed craftsmanship and historical significance of the cathedral. The entire visit was a blend of history, artistry, and charm, making it one of the highlights of our Oxford experience.

The Oxford Outdoor Market was our final stop in the city and a lively, vibrant place to wrap up our visit. Filled with a mix of food stalls, handcrafted goods, and local produce, it offered a charming, bustling atmosphere. The aroma of freshly cooked meals filled the air, and we stopped here for lunch, enjoying a hearty meal surrounded by colourful displays of fruits, flowers, and artisanal items. It was the perfect spot to relax, people-watch, and soak in the local vibe. With full hearts and full stomachs, we then set off for our next exciting destination—the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a magical way to conclude our journey.

4 August 2024

Finally, we took a morning ferry from Dover to Calais. After the ferry ride, we continued our drive back home, arriving by evening and bringing our long and enjoyable UK trip to a close.