Visiting London thoughts
Thoughts about my recent visit to London with my family.
I recently spent the summer in London with my family, including two kids. We have not been back to London as a family in over three years (just after COVID). The kids were much younger then and a lot has changed in that period. I've been back myself a few times in the interim, but it was interesting to reflect on being there with the children this time round.
Just some high level thoughts from the trip, and focusing specifically on travelling with a family. A lot of this stuff is going to be obvious to many of you anyway and a lot were not really surprises, but just want to share my observations.
The biggest thing that stuck out was wow, everything is just so expensive now. The children did want to do more stuff this time round, but the costs really did add up from all the activities. We were not at all extravagant but admission prices to things like farms, zoos, museums, musicals were really high! And don't get me started on Legoland (both the hotel and the theme park)! Maybe we didn't notice three years ago. Also eating out has gotten more expensive (or my kids just eat more now).
London is extremely international, both in terms of tourists and locals. I do sometimes forget this. Outside of London this is not the case. Also London is really really big, especially those with little feet (like the kids).
People are really friendly, well the people we encountered. People were very kind to offer seats to us on public transport or move seats to accommodate our family. Restaurant and shop staff were also very friendly and willing to help.
Public transport is free for kids. But public transport for adults is not cheap (I do compare it to Hong Kong where public transport is very cheap).
When the weather is good, the weather is amazing. But when it's hot, you really do miss the air conditioning (I've gotten too used to this in Hong Kong!)
There are SO many kid friendly things to do, you are spoilt for choice.
Android Auto finally worked in the hire car.
Krispy Kreme is everywhere.
