A quick jaunt to London, Baby!

I'm not really a big fan of big cities and I don't often go to London for pleasure, but recently I had to visit to get my visa ready for my upcoming American internship. It's just so busy and fast paced, everyone is in a rush and it can get pretty tiring, especially if you have to carry your luggage around with you. It's not a place I could ever see myself settling but every now and then I don't mind a flying visit!

When I arrived in Kings Cross Station, they were filming something and there were loads of people around taking photographs. Though I hadn't the foggiest idea what it was, I joined them and took a few snaps. It turns out it is something starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kiera Knightley so I probably would've seen them if I'd have stayed around! 

I arrived in London in the afternoon and headed straight to my hotel, after first heading to completely the wrong tube station (my fault!) It was really nice, the people were friendly, staff couldn't do enough for you and it was about a minutes walk from Paddington tube station. For those of you that are interested, it was The Cardiff Hotel and I would highly recommend it! I had a nice meal in a restaurant up the road but didn't bother travelling around as I just wanted to chill out before my visa interview.

A cup of tea in my hotel room

The next day I travelled bright and early on the big red London bus to Oxford Street and went through the visa process. It felt like I was in there forever but thankfully, it was approved! I promptly headed to my favourite bakery, the one whose recipe books I use all the time to bake with: The Hummingbird Bakery in South Kensington. 

I chose a pumpkin cupcake - yum!

I headed back to the tube station but then saw a sign for the V&A museum which I have always wanted to visit so changed my plans and popped in there! It was good as I could put my luggage in a locker and have a wander around. It was huge so I didn't get to see it all but here are some of my favourite parts:

I loved the fashion exhibition

Raphael Cartoons - truly stunning

Some amazing prints!

I had NO idea what this room was but I sat in there a while.

A history of tea.

Lights in the entrance

One thing I absolutely must mention is the gift shop. I am obsessed with Museum gift shops and this has to be one of the best I've ever been in! I spent ages in there, but only bought a few nice postcards though I could've bought nearly everything. This museum also had a fashion shop and a book shop, though I didn't find the book one (luckily.) It's worth a visit just for that though in my opinion!  

Sorry about the poor quality of the photos, the lighting was really relaxed throughout which was lovely but didn't make for very good iPhone photos! 

After my lovely visit, I headed back over the stations and had a look around the shops in St Pancras station. I LOVE that place as it has all of my favourite shops; Cath Kidston, Joules, Fat Face, Paperchase and Accessorize to name a few as well as some lovely cafés. 

I had a spot of late lunch in Peyton and Byrne - great food and a much needed coffee whilst a strange man next to me struck up a conversation about suicide which was just what I wanted to talk about over lunch. Not. This happens to me ALL the time. Shortly after that, I found out that nearly all the trains going back up north had been cancelled and all passengers were being advised not to travel. That surely popped my bubble after a lovely culture-filled afternoon. 

I had to quickly find an alternative route which involved running to Euston station carrying my luggage, having to stop halfway to read the free map the hotel gave me. I arrived to find a train I could catch which I ran to and he closed the doors just as I got there at which point I almost cried. I then waited for the next one, getting a great seat but then missed my connection because we were delayed so had to wait a further 30 minutes before I could eventually get home in one piece. 

Things I have learnt: travelling is not always so fun.

Much Love xxx