A Royal-Inspired London Travel Guide, Part 2
Where to shop, sightsee, and play as you live your best royal life.
Hello! I cannot stop thinking—or posting about 🙃—my trip to London, so I am thrilled to share the second installment of our royal-inspired travel guide. Laura McCallen is back as our host, with where to shop, sightsee, and play.
My visit last week coupled with Laura’s fantastic suggestions have me dreaming up my next jaunt across the pond. Do you have plans to travel to London? Perhaps for the Jubilee? Please hit “Join the discussion” at the bottom of this email and share in the comments, so we can all live vicariously through you!
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Kensington Palace makes for the most relaxed royal visit. (Photo by Laura McCallen)
A Royal-Inspired London Travel Guide, Part 2
ICYMI: Check out part 1 of our royal-inspired London travel guide here! It has tips on where to stay, dine, and spot a royal, as well as more on Laura.
SHOP ROYALLY
From the King’s Road in Chelsea to the luxury mecca of Bond Street in Mayfair and the quirky pop-ups of Covent Garden, you’re sure to find the perfect royally-inspired and approved fashions and beauty treatments in London.
Fashion
The King’s Road. This shopping area in Chelsea is home to many royal favorites including Zara, Monica Vinader, Peter Jones, LK Bennett, Kiki McDonough, and more. Start at Sloane Square and make your way west, keeping an eye out for royals! I recently spotted the Countess of Wessex running errands in the area and both Beatrice and Kate have been photographed shopping here in recent months.
Warm & Wonderful. Tucked into a quiet corner of Seven Dials, near Covent Garden, Warm & Wonderful carries Diana’s famous black sheep sweater with adorable accessories to match.
Liberty London. Oscar Wilde once claimed that “Liberty is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper,” and after more than 100 years in operation, the beloved department store is still the best place in Central London to pick up designer pieces and jewelry in a setting that will make you feel as though you’ve traveled back to the days of Downton Abbey. (EH adds: The shop has more than just Liberty prints! But those iconic patterns were what I wanted most. The scarf shop is just through the main door and to your right; I bought one of the limited-edition Jubilee prints. Make sure you venture upstairs, too, for the pajama and fabric sections.)
Liberty London has a lot more than the brand's iconic prints, but they were my favorite part. (Photo by Laura McCallen)
Beauty
Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa. To get tresses like Kate, treat yourself to a trip to Richard Ward (perhaps even snag an appointment with the man himself?!) or stop by their shop to pick up products to take home.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Clinic. Take a page out of Meghan’s book and treat yourself to a Signature Bespoke Facial (as the duchess did in the lead-up to her 2018 wedding) at her friend Sarah Chapman’s famous clinic—an oasis of calm just off Sloane Square.
Nails & Brows Mayfair. Looking for some sparkle on your fingers or a brow treatment fit for a duchess? Head to Meghan’s favorite luxury London beauty boutique for the royal treatment.
EH adds: Michael Van Clarke, who has worked with nine different royal families, cut my hair on my most-recent trip. His salon in Marylebone was such an escape! You can also check out his product line, available in the US, all about helping hair grow longer.
Souvenirs
Buckingham Palace Gift Shop. For all the best royally-approved souvenirs, start at the Buckingham Palace Gift Shop, located off the entryway to The Queen’s Gallery at BP. From replicas of royal jewels to Jubilee memorabilia and royal gin, there’s something for everyone. (EH adds: I went on an epic shopping spree at BP! My haul included a silk scarf, a Christmas ornament, even a Platinum Jubilee fruitcake.)
Buckingham Palace is filled with fantastic jubilee souvenirs right now. (Photo by Laura McCallen)
Fortnum & Mason. With two royal warrants—‘Grocers and Provision Merchants to Her Majesty The Queen’ and ‘Tea Merchants and Grocers to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales’—Fortnum’s has a delicious, royally-approved selection of teas, biscuits, jams, and gin equally perfect for enjoying and gifting. (EH adds: My only tip is do not shop whilst hungry! Too many delicious options.)
Harrods. With more than a million square feet of retail space to get lost in (and you will get lost—there’s a reason they provide maps at every entrance!), this legendary London department store is a must-see for royal shoppers and carries many brands the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex love. (EH adds: The Jubilee and Harrods-themed souvenirs are on the lower Arcade level. You’ll also find HRH upstairs, in the “Best of British” section of the books department!)
SIGHTSEE ROYALLY
For a trip full of royal sights and prime royal spotting opportunities, make sure you put these must-see royal recommendations on your to-do list.
Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington Palace. With a number of fantastic exhibitions there’s lots to see and do at the palace the Cambridges call home when they’re in London. Make sure to visit the sunken garden to see the Princess Diana statue unveiled by Princes William and Harry in the summer of 2021; the north side of the garden is the best spot for pictures of the garden with the palace in the background. Once you’ve got your shot, walk around to the south-facing side of the building and peek at the windows on the top left that overlook the walled garden—this is the Cambridge family apartment. (EH adds: I loved the Saturday morning I spent at Kensington Palace. Make sure you reserve tickets in advance, the first slot of the morning will keep the crowds at bay.)
Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. The two royal parks form the largest green space in central London with lots to explore including cafes, galleries, and the iconic Peter Pan statue. Keep an eye out for royals as both Kate and William have been spotted out for walks in the parks with the Cambridge children!
Victoria and Albert Museum. The museum’s foundation stone was laid by Queen Victoria in 1889 and Kate became the first royal patron in 2018 so it’s not a stretch to say the V&A has royalty in its blood. It also has possibly the best museum gift shop in the world with an enticing collection. Be warned: you may find yourself in need of an extra suitcase on the trip home!
Westminster
Buckingham Palace. Even if you can’t make it to the summer opening (from July 25 to October 2 this year, tickets available here), you can’t leave London without visiting the iconic palace that the Queen calls ‘the office.’ If the Union Jack is flying it means the Queen isn’t in, but if her royal standard is flying, make sure to wave—you might just catch her (or other royals) taking a peep out the window! For epic photos, you’ll want to get close and shoot through the gaps in the gates, or cross the road at the traffic lights at either side of the palace and follow the arc of the roundabout for unobstructed palace views. (EH adds: If you’re going in the next few weeks, be prepared for intermittent closures around Jubilee prep. One evening it was barricaded off, the following morning it was open. Just keep trying!)
Westminster Abbey. As the site of so many significant royal events—from Princess Diana’s funeral, to Will and Kate’s wedding, to the annual Commonwealth Day ceremonies—Westminster Abbey is steeped in royal history. On a budget? You can see the Abbey for free by attending one of their daily services. Schedule available here.
Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. Recently unveiled after a 5-year renovation that saw the landmark covered in scaffolding, the Elizabeth Tower is what most people think of when you say ‘London.’ Fun fact: did you know that ‘Big Ben’ is actually the bell inside the tower and the tower itself was renamed after Her Majesty in 2012 to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee? The view across the Thames from the far end of Westminster Bridge is a fantastic vantage point for photos, and the border of Parliament Square (just to the west of the tower) has a handful of red phone booths perfectly aligned to get ‘the shot.’
Embrace your inner tourist, the Elizabeth Tower is looking extra sparkly at the moment! (Photo by Laura McCallen)
London Eye. Float up, up and away for fab views across the Thames to the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. You’ll also get fantastic views east towards the Shard and Tower Bridge on this 30-minute journey. Not a fan of heights? Head to the north bank of the Thames to see the observation wheel in motion and snap a pic while keeping your feet firmly on the ground.
You can see St. Paul's Cathedral, where Charles and Diana were married, by attending a free service. (Photo by Laura McCallen)
City of London
St Paul’s Cathedral. Walk in Diana’s footsteps and see the place where Charles and Diana said ‘I do’ in front of a global audience of 28 million. Like Westminster Abbey, services are free to attend. Schedule available here. Head to the right of the front façade for great views across the Thames to the Tate Modern and don’t forget to look up at the sides of the cathedral as you walk around it—the architecture is picture perfect.
One New Change. This open-air shopping center is located just behind St Paul’s and the views from its rooftop over the cathedral and the River Thames are fantastic—and completely free!
Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Step back into royal history at the historic Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels up close (arrive early if you can and head straight for the Crown Jewels to avoid the inevitably long queues later in the day) before walking across the iconic Tower Bridge—whether you do so at ground level or up above is up to you! (Bridge tickets available here)
Windsor
If you have time in your schedule, consider making a day trip to Windsor to visit the Queen at ‘home.’ With regular trains from Waterloo Station, the hour-long journey will pass in a flash and you’ll soon be exploring the grounds of Windsor Castle and visiting St George’s Chapel—the site of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding in 2018 and the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in 2021. Once you’ve seen everything at the castle, stretch your legs on the Long Walk and head into Windsor Great Park, home of the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show. Finish your day with a wander through the charming streets of Windsor and take the chance to treat yourself to a souvenir to remember your royal day out. (EH adds: Windsor is stunning! I enjoyed the tea at the new Fairmont Windsor Park.)
Windsor Castle is unbelievably stunning, worth the trip! (Photo by Laura McCallen)
PLAY ROYALLY
London could really be considered a playground for children of all ages, but if you’re looking for specific spots your littles (and you!) will love, head to:
Kensington and Chelsea
The Diana Memorial Playground and Fountain in Kensington Gardens. With a pirate ship at its center, the playground encourages children to explore and follow their imaginations, and the fountain, with its modern design, is the perfect spot for littles to explore on warm summer days. (EH adds: I found the fountain particularly enchanting! It’s more like a lazy river, meant for little kids to splash in, so make sure to bring a bathing suit or change of clothes for them.)
The Science Museum. Located just down the road and around the corner from Kensington Palace, the museum is full of interactive elements and exhibitions that will appeal to kids and adults alike.
The Natural History Museum. One of London’s most iconic landmarks and a known favorite of Prince George, the museum has a spectacular collection of fossils and models. Make sure to say hello to Dippy the Dinosaur in the entry hall, who has just returned after a UK tour, and don’t miss discovering the mysterious stone monkeys who are tucked away in the arches above.
Westminster
St James’s Park. Sandwiched between Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade (the site of Trooping the Colour pageant each June), St James’s Park has lots of green space to explore and wildlife to observe, including pelicans and parakeets. Make sure to make your way to the bridge over the lake at the center of the park as it’s the best spot for pictures.
Changing of the Guard. Taking place at 10:30 every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, the changing of the guard is a fab opportunity to see the Queen’s guards in full ceremonial dress and marching with precision. To avoid the crowds that gather early in front of the Palace, make your way to St James’s Palace instead (where the new guard departs from), and then follow along as they march to BP. Your little ones will feel like they’re part of the show!
The changing of the guard is a must-see! (Photo by Laura McCallen)
Sightseeing on the River Thames. London has always been a port city so it’s no surprise that you can see most of the top highlights from the water. There are a wide variety of options to suit every budget and multiple departure times throughout the day so head to the docks at Westminster Bridge or the Tower of London to hop aboard. Happy sailing!
EH adds: One for grown ups! Tickets to SIX, the musical about the six wives of King Henry VIII. A follower recommended it for my first night in town as a way to stay awake and fight jet lag. It’s 80 minutes with no intermission, with the history of Hamilton and the energy of the Spice Girls. I LOVED IT. 10/10 highly recommend. (Themes are mature, tho—beheading and all!—so I would not take little ones.)
Soho
Hamleys. Billed as ‘the world’s finest toy shop’, Hamleys is seven floors of kid heaven. A feast for the senses, this will be the highlight of the trip for your littles. (EH adds: I picked up a few things for my kids here, including the cutest little double-decker bus and London cab.)
House of MinaLima. If your kids are wizards in training (like Will, Kate, and Harry were on their 2013 visit to Leavesden Studios, where the Harry Potter films were made) you won’t want to miss the House of MinaLima. With original props and artwork from the movies to view, it’s an exhibition and shop in one and the best place to pick up some magical souvenirs.
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So many thanks to Laura for all of her tips! You can find her on Instagram at @Laura.McCallen.
Are you headed to London anytime soon? Or do you have any tips from a trip you took before? Please hit “Join the discussion” at the bottom of this email and share in the comments of this newsletter.
Happy and safe travels, friends. I can’t wait for my next trip back!
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