On arrival at London Liverpool Street, we headed to Westminster to see Big Ben and walk along the bridge to our first activity of the day - the Sealife Centre's London Aquarium. With our pre-booked tickets, there was no wait and we started our underwater adventure. I don't think I have heard Henry say "Amazing" quite so many times and that's saying something as it's his new favorite saying! We were very lucky on our visit, we got to hear all about the octopus that lives on the United Kingdoms coastline and the shy Dory even came out to play. She clearly knew we were talking about her.
The sharks, turtles, star fishes and penguins were definitely the highlights for us all. We were blown away with the knowledge staff had and the copious amount of conservation work the Sea Life Centre implement and support with. It was definitely an afternoon filled with wonder and lots was learned.
Feeling a little peckish, we had a little snack on the embankment followed by a stroll to watch the street entertainers and play in the sandpits. This is something we love about London, we love that you can just walk, explore and there is always something to see and do. It never gets old.
Trafalgar Square, Pall Mall and a view of the National Gallery (which I'm planning on visiting next time we're in the city) made the children's eyes wide with wonder once more. Being used to the countryside, the children loved the city scapes. Henry's constant "what's that mummy" and "oh looks" never tired. Though, as ever, Henry's sense of danger wasn't present in the city, wanting to "run, mommy run" everywhere made Jamie and I rather nervous to say the least! Thank god we had the Tula!
Typically, as we were arriving for dinner Henry fell fast asleep! We had been invited to Planet Hollywood in celebration of the almighty ‘Chocolate Comet Supernova Shake’ which launched on 14th August at Planet Hollywood, London. Featuring a spectacular kaleidoscope of colours and flavours, adorned with Maltesers, Peanut Butter Cups, M&M's, a KitKat finger, a rolled wafer chocolate curl, whipped cream, chocolate brownie wedge and chocolate shavings. It's my idea of heaven!
So whilst Henry had a little snooze (the booths were pretty perfect for us, great size so much space and room for a snoozy tot!) we tucked into starters, fully loaded Nachos which Jamie went as far to saying "they were the best he's ever had", a pretty strong statement there from Mr Burgess but they were pretty darn tasty. Deciding on mains was so hard, there was so much on offer, I was super pleased to see a dedicated gluten free menu and being a vegetarian, there was plenty for me too. Planet Hollywood has been awarded no.1 family friendly restaurant in London, and I have to agree. Their menu and portion sizes were fab and the staff was super helpful and patient ensuring they had a happy dining experience.
After mains, the kiddies tucked into their dessert which is included in the children's menu and we opted to try the epic Chocolate Comet Supernova Shake, it really didn't disappoint. It really is a must for those chocolate lovers.
After we had filled our bellies, we decided to have a walk down Regent Street and head to Hamleys. On the 8th September its Henry's birthday, so we wanted to get him a little something like we did on an earlier trip in the Summer with Darcie. At this point the children were getting tired and it was time to head back to London Liverpool Street and board the train back home.
We loved using the train, it made our journey very stress free and in reality, it's much quicker than us doing our usual drive. This trip was in collaboration with Greater Anglia's #LetTheAdventureBegin campaign and highlights the great days out you can have by rail. There are so many wonderful destinations to try in East Anglia, whether it’s traveling to London, the coast, shopping, museums, the train journey is all part of the adventure and one that my children thoroughly enjoyed.
Greater Anglia offers great value off peak fares with 2FOR1 on top London attractions and if you book in advance, tickets from Norwich to London are available at just £10, Cambridge – London at £7 and Southend-London just £5 one way. Even better, accompanying children travel for just £2 return! Why don't you plan your journey at www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Mummy B xoxox *Many thanks to Greater Anglia, Sea Life Centre & Planet Hollywood for making this trip possible. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
