Why you want to make a spontaneous trip to London now
I suddenly had a London itch this week. I actually get that every time around this time of year. When it gets dark outside earlier and the Sinterklaas/Christmas atmosphere is already a bit to taste, I want to pack my bags and head that way. About five years ago, I went there for the first time and since then, there have been four trips. You just gotta love London.
That wonderful, traditional, cozy city where everyone must have been at least once in their life during winter. So. Many. Lights. And. Atmosphere. Everywhere. Such lovely people on the streets. Polite, with that delightful posh Hermione accent from Harry Potter. People live on the streets. They take city walks past Big Ben, Tower Bridge, or Buckingham Palace. On the streets, you hear one after another ‘Merry Christmas, ma'am!’ Everything, and I mean everything, smells like delicious food on the streets. You have breakfast with scones and clotted cream, lunch with fish & chips, and I haven't even mentioned the Yorkshire pudding yet. If you're doubting about a cool city trip to London at the end of November: do it. Don't even think about it anymore. Because goodness, if they know how to celebrate Christmas and Christmas shopping it's in Great Britain. Let me immediately tell you my must-sees for the best time of the year.
1. Carnaby Street
Forget Oxford Street (way too busy in November) and go to Carnaby Street. This small shopping area is right nearby and is perhaps even cozier. You have many small vintage boutiques, trendy clothing brands, and designer shops, and if it’s up to the locals, Carnaby Street is one of the more atmospheric streets in London.
2. Hamleys
This is where my tail really starts wagging. Hamleys is the oldest and largest toy store in the world and truly a must-visit for young and old. Spread over 7 (!) floors, you will find more than 50,000 toys that are all neatly categorized by floor. It's ridiculously amazing.
3. Winter Wonderland
If you go to London around November/December, you MUST go to this Christmas market in a fairytale winter landscape. They have an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, there’s a Christmas atmosphere, stalls with hot chocolate, countless food stalls, and every year the market seems to get bigger and prettier. As far as I'm concerned, skip dinner and try different small bites here. And: only go home when you're drunk from the mulled wine, okay, that's the rule.
4. Harrods
Planning to do some Christmas shopping? Then you – duh – go to Harrods. Once started as a small grocery store, now a leading department store with international allure. Besides the insane Christmas decorations (Yes. That. Tree.) Harrods is just incredibly fun for Christmas shopping.
5. Covent Garden
The name alone sounds so cute. I mean: just say it with that Hermione accent, and you’ve got it. This is really an incredibly fun neighborhood to visit in December. Be sure to go to the New Covent Garden Market, a covered historic hall with food stalls, street musicians, and terraces. Ah shit, man. I should never have written all this. Now I have to go back. But I just in my beloved Utrecht. And when you suddenly get access to 100 square meters and have no clue how you want to shape it all, panic sets in. I know very well which items I like, but I have no idea how to make it all cozy. Does that lamp match that couch? No idea. Which color looks calm but not boring? No idea. How can I get a super trendy interior without spending a fortune? Donno.. Choices to make, Kiek, choices. Next year you’ll be at the front of the line again.
P.S.: For all the lucky bastards who want to book: London is city of the month at TUI. If you book with KLM, you now get a 50 euro discount per person, four days of free parking, and free entry worth 35 euros for a visit to Madame Tussauds in London. Just so you know, okay. Jealous to the power of two. Bon voyage!
