Happy Podcast Tuesday, friends!
I have a lot going on today here in blog world starting with…it’s PART TWO of our trip to London! This day that I’m about to share with you was probably my favorite (although the next day was pretty darn amazing too!).
BUT before we get to that, today is also…
…a brand new episode of THE BESTIE BREKDOWN! We are BREAKING DOWN LOVE today, so if you want to hear all about “love” in our lives (from our hubby’s to our first crushes, what we do to celebrate Valentine’s Day and SO MUCH MORE), make sure you listen HERE or on your favorite podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, etc).
Okay, so yesterday, I shared PART ONE of our trip to London, so make sure you catch that first and then, go ahead and check out our very lovely Saturday on vacation (below). It was truly one of the best days I’ve ever spent with Andrew on a trip. We packed a lot in on this day and enjoyed every last second.
Settle in, friends! Here’s the second recap…
We woke up on this beautiful DAY THREE of our vacation ready to enjoy our SATURDAY!
But first…
…I had to put on all my layers (I love this hat…currently 30% off)…and then…
…we headed off to the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast. Included with our stay was a lovely full English breakfast each morning. I enjoyed the breakfast so much, but truly, I just enjoyed being in their cute restaurant the most! It was just SO CHARMING! I want my house to look like this…
…love.
If you ever visit London, you should absolutely head to Notting Hill and shop down…
…Portobello Road. BUT if you can get there on a Saturday morning, it’s even more amazing than the other days of the week. On Saturdays, vendors spill out into the street creating the most amazing market with antiques, new finds, food and more. I’ve done this many times in years past, and it’s always one of my very favorite stops in London…
How cute are the rainbow colored houses?!
Every little detail makes me happy.
We arrived around 9:00 and shopped until about noon. In years past, we’ve come home with so many fun finds, but this year, we brought back the most for Smith! We found him an antique rowing sign (Smith is very much into rowing these days) and an Abbey Road album in mint condition (he’s a huge Beatles fan…now, we’re in the market for a record player). We bought all the kids English tea (they love tea), some jewelry, a tote and more. Andrew and I stopped for coffee and split a pastry (the food on this street is delish!) and absolutely savored the whole morning.
When we were about done, we walked on over to say hello to…
…the pink house from Love Actually 🙂 .
All the happy feels.
From here, we took a cab over to the train station to pick up our…
…rental car. Listen, I might have been nervous with Andrew driving on the opposite side of the car. And the opposite side of the road. But, as Andrew likes to remind me, it was not his first rodeo. He’s driven in Bermuda, in Ireland and South Africa (four different trips!)…and he is good at literally everything, so of course, he was good at this too 😉 .
We had rented a car for this day and the following day…but (as I’ll explain in the next post), our plans got a little mixed up, and we had to rearrange a bit, so we ended up only using it one day instead of two.
Where were we headed outside of London?
Well, Windsor, of course! 🙂
We had to go see the Queen!
Our drive to Windsor was only about an hour, and it was lovely. Once we got outside of London, there was a lot to see and enjoy as we made our way to Windsor Castle. We arrived, parked and enjoyed lunch at The Duchess of Cambridge before meeting our guide.
Andrew ordered the fish and chips…
…I ordered the beef and ale pie and once again, we shared. Pub food is really the best food. Our table was right next to the window which was awesome because…
…across the street was Windsor Castle!
After lunch, we walked on over to begin our tour. I had always wanted to visit Windsor Castle (the royal residence of Queen Elizabeth), and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
We arrived and met our private tour guide for the day! We had made arrangements in advance with a tour company to have our own private guide to show us around Windsor Castle, the town of Windsor and the neighboring town of Eton. He was phenomenal, and we had the most amazing time touring with him.
Bonus, guess who was home while we were inside her castle?!
Queen Elizabeth 🙂 . Whenever she is in residence (whether here or Buckingham Palace or other properties), they fly this flag to let you know. Super, super cool!
Once again, Andrew and I will always be traveling to tourist-y spots in the winter. No heat, no crowds, no annoyed Shulls. Ha!
We couldn’t take a lot of pictures inside the palace or in St. George’s chapel, but they were both incredible places to visit. To see where kings were buried, where royal weddings and funerals had been held (especially so close to Prince Philip’s funeral), it was really such a special tour.
I highly recommend this day to everyone who has time to get a bit outside of London.
From here, our guide walked us through…
…beautiful Windsor and over…
…the bridge into Eton. As charming as I thought the town of Windsor was…
…I think I enjoyed Eton even more!
Of course, it’s known for its very exclusive boarding school where people like Prince William and Prince Harry both attended (among many other notable names), but the town itself was just so adorable…
When our tour was over, it was time to head back to the car and drive back into London…
…which looked very lovely at night 🙂 .
We freshened up, changed clothes and then headed off to dinner at…
…Galvin.
Quick bathroom selfie. Ha! My dress is so comfy and so are my booties!!
We had another VERY delicious dinner…
…before calling it a night!
What a full and F-U-N day in London!
Don’t forget, we create amazing custom vacations just like this for all of our clients at Mix and Match Travel Agency. We would love to create one for you too!
More London fun coming up in future posts but for today…
…you should make one of my Cupid’s Cocktails and listen to The Bestie Breakdown Breaking Down Love!
As a reminder, so far this season we’ve broken down HAWAII, TRAVELING TOGETHER, BINGE WATCHING, FRIENDSHIP, BOTOX, BIKINIS, FITNESS, THE BESTIES, SOCIAL MEDIA, ENNEAGRAM, RECAPPED THE FIRST TEN, BACK TO SCHOOL, BIRTH, DIET, FALL, TIME, SLOW COOKERS, AIR FRYERS AND INSTANT POTS, BOOK CLUB #1, THE BACHELOR, our hubbies broke down PODCAST EPISODES 1-20 in PART 1 AND PART 2, ADOPTION, BOOK CLUB #2, GIRL FRIEND PARTIES, BEST OF THE BESTIES #1, HOLIDAY GIFTING, NEW YEAR, SAME US, DISNEY and LIFE HACKS!
If you love us, please follow us on Instagram @thebestiebreakdown, if you have reader questions, please email us at thebestiebreakdown@gmail.com and we love positive reviews! Please listen, love us and give us a great rating! You can also leave us voice memos on Anchor to be featured as a Random Reader Question too.
That’s it for this Tuesday! I hope you all have a FABULOUS day! I’ll see you tomorrow!!
Elspeth says
This post has me wanting to take a trip! I can’t wait for part 3!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Rachel says
Shay I’d love to chat about helping with the European trips. I’ve planned many and I feel I could add a twist onto what you do. While you focus on posh hotels I tend to focus on a more “live like a local” flair. I spend hours scouting for the perfect flat/cottage/etc….and planning local places to dine etc…I’d love to chat about this!
Currently planning 10 days in Ireland/Scotland for May!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
So fun, Rachel! I like to stay at “posh” hotels, but our clients stay at a variety of places. Right now, we’re not hiring any new travel members, but I’m going to jot down your email for the future!
Ani Martinez says
What a wonderful getaway! We toured Hampton Court (the residence of Henry VIII) a few years ago and it was such an interesting tour. The kids got to dress up as members of the court and there were “in character” tour guides throught the palace that made the whole experience pretty magical. Can’t wait for the rest of the recap!
Margie says
Love the London posts. My faves are your travel and book review posts. I went to Windsor with my 8 year old and mom and we loved it BUT we missed Eton! Well, there’s a good reason to go back. What is your preferred travel insurance company and plan? Also for flights- do you think it’s better to sit in the bulkhead seats (but not have under the seat storage) or economy plus seats (extra room, under seat easy storage access but someone in front of you)? We’re doing a long flight and cannot decide which seats to reserve for my kids and me. Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We should help you with your trip, Margie! These are all things we handle when booking vacations!
Janette says
What a fun trip you had!!! Windsor is an easy train ride from London (about an hour) for those who don’t want to drive.
My husband and I rode our bicycles from the bottom most part of England to the very top of Scotland. London is great, but the rest of Great Britain is breathtaking, too. Seeing it on a bike was wonderful, even though it rained 20 of the 21 days it took us. I am headed to the Cotswolds in April for my third hike on The Cotswold Way. You would love it!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It is totally on my bucket list too!!!! Have the best time!
Joy says
I LOVE today’s Podcast!!! Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is my #1 absolute favorite holiday-always has been. I know that’s not popular opinion but I’ve always enjoyed celebrating with everyone I love…boyfriends, friends, family! So I especially enjoyed today’s episode. FYI, I am sorry, but I so hate Jerry Maguire! I feel terrible for Renee Z at the end. And when she watches her wedding video-so sad! I’ll take any of the Julia Roberts movies you listed any day. We usually do a family dinner with our three kids too. One of my kids (and husband’s) favorite is ‘spaghetti and meat hearts.’ I shape meatballs (any recipe) into little hearts and you can serve with fun heart shaped pasta (Trader Joe’s!) etc. Hope you all have fun celebrating too!
Mix and Match Mama says
Joy, I need to adopt more of your Valentine’s Day J-O-Y! Thank you for sharing it all with me!!!! It made me smile 🙂 !
Camille says
Looks so fun! where is your back coat from?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s an oldie but goodie from Burberry!
Amy J says
How is international travel these days regarding paying for things? Do you use a CC? Do you exchange for local currency?
Mix and Match Mama says
We almost always just use our credit cards, but then do keep a handful of bills/coins on us for smaller purchases. We did get some pounds at the ATM a few times for more incidental purchases.
Jen says
Thank you for including photos of the menus. I love that.
Cyndi W. says
Where did you get your fabulous black coat? Love your dress – on you! Thank you for all the details about Windsor!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s an oldie but goodie from Burberry!
Valerie says
I’ve always wanted to tour Windsor Castle and spend time in Windsor. Such a fun afternoon!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
Oh yes, we discovered the secret to visiting touristy cities in winter awhile back. SO much more relaxing and less packed!! ? We also love couples vacas to the south (US) in early Fall. The weather is still gorgeous, but it’s not quite as hot, the beaches (and other attractions) aren’t busy, and most kids are recently back to school and not traveling.
KIM NaTions says
Thank you for sharing this trip. I am enjoying it so much. ❤️
Sarah says
What a wonderful day! And so close to her jubilee celebration. Can you share info on how you book the tour of Windsor and the cost?
Mix and Match Mama says
Everything was taken care of through our guide. We showed up and he had our tickets and so forth. They do have a “ticket office” out front, but I would assume advanced tickets are necessary.
Susan says
Shay, I love your posts. We are home bodies. You’ve traveled more the last year than we have the last five! We’ve been married 45 years, and, love familiar places and familiar faces. Our grown children are the same. It’s fun to see the world through your travels, though! Thank you for sharing.
Joanne says
Another amazing day! All I kept thinking of with the stalls was the movie Notting Hill (obviously!) and watching Hugh Grant walk it during the different seasons.
Robyn Beers says
I have LOVED your London posts. I traveled there in 2019 and loved it!!! I have had plans to go back the last two years (summer 2020 and 2021), but the big C has gotten in the way. Currently on for this summer and I cannot wait. I’ll have to travel there in the cooler months and really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing.
Sherry Kenney says
Loving your London recap!! When we visited London we also rented a car and we hit Windsor Castle, Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) and Stonehenge all in one day. It’s a day I will never forget!
Alison says
How awesome! I went to London about 12 years ago. Can’t believe it’s been that long. We didn’t make it to Windsor Castle. I would love to go back and explore the caste and Eton. So quaint.
Nancy M says
Loved the recap of your trip to Windsor. We lived there for 2 years and was an amazing experience. It brought back fond memories to see your picture from the pub especially.
Danielle says
We leave in a month to go to London for 10 days and it is my first time in Europe and your posts have been awesome—my biggest worry and it sounds so stupid—what kind of shoes do you bring??? I don’t want to bring too many because of the weight in my suitcase but the weather there looks so crazy right now–I went back and looked all your pictures but a lot don’t include your feet—weirdo sorry:):)
Mix and Match Mama says
I think that’s super normal! I wore a lot of Sorels because they’re warm, comfy and waterproof! Have the best trip!
Ruth Reed says
My husband and I are going to London next June. What do I need to know about traveling with Covid requirements? We have both been vaccinated.
Also does the subway go to locations like Windsor?
Mix and Match Mama says
It changes constantly, so make sure you’re up to do with the Sherpa website days before you leave. You can take the above ground train to Windsor.