In June 2025, I fulfilled a dream that had been quietly simmering inside me for over two decades. My elder brother, back in 1999, wrote a school essay about Heathrow Airport. He described the giant planes, the endless terminals, and the buzzing crowd with such wonder that even then I knew, one day I had to see it for myself. That quiet dream stayed with me through the years. And finally the day came. I landed at Heathrow with my wife and our two children, Yuvi who is twelve and little YoYo who is five, ready to meet London in all its grandeur.

Home in London

We stayed at Park Plaza by Radisson, London Park Royal. The family room was just right for us, spacious, warm, and always spotless. The staff greeted us with smiles that made us feel at home. Every morning began with a buffet breakfast but as always the case abroad , options for vegetarians & vegans were limited but it was manageable. The kids missed having a swimming pool, but London had more magic in store than we could have imagined.

Getting Around

With children in tow, we chose Uber and Bolt for almost all our travel. A tip that helped us was stepping out to a more open road when booking a cab from the hotel or a busy market. It often lowered the fare since drivers sometimes had to pay extra charges for entering narrow or crowded lanes. We also booked rides only after 9:15 in the morning to avoid the peak office hour rush and its higher prices .If you are travelling solo, Bolt is a more economical choice. However, if you are with family, Uber is preferable for a more comfortable ride, often in a Mercedes or a Tesla.

Day One : A Gentle Start

Our first day was quiet. We simply wandered through the neighbourhood, letting the jetlag fade and breathing in our first taste of London air, crisp, cool, and full of promise.

Day Two : Castles and Countryside

The second day was pure enchantment. We set out to Warwick Castle. Yuvi was spellbound by the falconry show, the birds slicing through the sky with such grace. Then Stratford upon Avon, where Shakespeare was born. The old timbered houses, the scent of fresh scones from a nearby bakery, the cobbled streets, it felt like time had paused just for us. The Cotswolds took our breath away with rolling green hills, honey coloured cottages, and the sound of birdsong in the still air. It was like walking through a painting.

Day Three : The Heart of London

This day was when the city truly opened itself to us. We stood at Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard. The clatter of boots, the glint of polished brass, the sea of red uniforms, it was regal theatre under a grey London sky. Westminster Abbey loomed grand and solemn. We strolled by the Thames, admired Tower Bridge, and looked up at Big Ben’s timeless face.

We also took the Uber Boat from London Bridge to Tower Bridge. The water shimmered beneath us, the skyline opened up, and we saw glass towers rise alongside historic domes. The London Eye stood tall across the river, not for us to ride this time but graceful from a distance. YoYo tried to make the Queen’s Guard laugh, pulling faces and giggling. The Guard stayed still, but our laughter filled the air.

Later, we visited the historic Lord’s Cricket Stadium. Standing at the Mecca of cricket was an experience in itself, but the highlight came when Yuvi proudly held up a jersey of Virat Kohli, his eyes gleaming with joy. It was as if history, sport, and childhood dreams met in that one moment.

Day Four : Magic and Memory

The last day was a gift to the imagination. We joined a Harry Potter walking tour. Our guide, full of stories, took us through real filming locations and shared secrets from behind the scenes. For the children it was spellbinding, and for us it was like walking through the pages of a book. Later we stepped into the British Museum. The scent of old stone and history surrounded us the moment we entered. Sculptures, mummies, treasures from every corner of the world, it felt as though time itself had opened for us.

Food and Evenings

Being vegetarians, London felt like a treat. The city surprised us with how many options were available, each with its own flavour and warmth. Here’s where we ate:

• Maharaja of India – Classic North Indian dishes with rich gravies and fresh breads.
• Arya Bhavan – Authentic South Indian comfort food, crisp dosas, and aromatic sambhar.
• Sagar Vegetarian – A mix of vegetarian North and South Indian favourites in a cosy setting.
• Dishoom – Ordered through Uber Eats. Their smoky black dal and soft rotis turned a tired evening into a room-side feast.

Many nights, after long days of sightseeing, we leaned on Uber Eats. It became our quiet comfort, letting us enjoy good food while resting with the kids.

What We Missed

We could not visit Madame Tussauds, Greenwich, or take a ride on the London Eye. These remain waiting for us, reasons to return.

Travel Tips for London

1. Book cabs after 9:15 am to avoid peak-hour surge pricing.
2. Download useful apps like Citymapper (for easy navigation), HappyCow (to find vegetarian/vegan restaurants), Bolt and Uber (for rides).
3. For payments, prefer loading a forex card or using credit cards as cash is rarely accepted.
4. London is safe overall, but remain alert – recent news highlighted incidents of bicycle gangs snatching phones.
5. June can get unexpectedly hot, touching 33°C, so carry light cotton clothes along with an umbrella or raincoat for sudden showers.

A City That Calls You Back

I have travelled to many countries. Yet London is the one city that has carved itself into my heart. It does not let go. It calls you back again and again. For me this trip was not about ticking off landmarks. It was about fulfilling a childhood dream and watching my children discover the same wonder I once carried inside me. London gave us memories wrapped in light and laughter, and it will always remain a part of us.

*****

A special note of appreciation for Avanti West Coast Railways – they refunded our full ticket amount due to a one-hour delay caused by a technical glitch while we were travelling from Euston Station to Glasgow. Such efficiency and customer care truly deserve mention.

*****

I hope the above read proves helpful for my fellow travellers. would love to hear your feedback in the comments.

More on Scotland in the next blog… till then , experience virtual travelling with our other travel posts : All About Travel & Smiles