Christmastime in London
Every year my family and I take a trip together to explore destinations around the world. My mother has always loved Harry Potter and Christmas is a big deal in our family. As my Mother’s 60th birthday fell at the end of November it only made sense for us to fly to London and explore the wonders of Harry Potter and magic of Christmas in London.
Prepping for any trip I start with the basics, where are we staying and what are we eating?
There are several things to consider when picking the right hotel for your needs. Location, price, style, amenities and in my family’s instance bed size, which is important to look out for when traveling in Europe. Ultimately, we landed on the Victory House Hotel in Leicester Square because of the price, the proximity to the London Tube, Queen Beds and the Leicester Square Christmas Market right outside.
Hotel options we considered (prices converted to USD):
1. Victory House Hotel:
- Location: Leicester Square
- Room Type: Deluxe Queen
- Price Per Night: $254.40
- Notes: Located in Leicester Square, Victory House Hotel offers deluxe accommodations with easy access to theaters, restaurants, and shops.
2. The Hoxton:
- Location: Holborn
- Room Type: Biggy with King Bed (290 sq ft)
- Price Per Night: $368.48
- Notes: Situated in vibrant Holborn, The Hoxton provides stylish accommodations with spacious rooms, perfect for a trendy and comfortable stay.
3. W London:
- Location: SoHo
- Room Type: Wonderful Room with King Bed (334 sq ft)
- Price Per Night: $486.54
- Notes: Located in the lively SoHo district, W London offers modern and chic rooms, providing a vibrant and luxurious experience in the heart of the city.
When it comes to food, this is very dependent on your travel companions. My brothers and I are very adventurous and open to trying all types of food while my parents have slightly more specific tastes. For this reason, it's important to have options. Thankfully, London has a variety of cuisines in every area so I was able to curate a list and provide suggestions. Its also important to consider your schedule and look for nearby restaurants based on our activity for the day. This cuts down on back and forth discussion as well as saves time looking around for the best place to eat.
Overview of restaurants we picked:
1. Dishoom Covent Garden:
- Location: Covent Garden
- Type: Indian restaurant
- Description: Transport yourself to the bustling streets of Bombay at Dishoom Covent Garden. With its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Indian fare inspired by the Irani cafes of old Bombay, Dishoom offers a memorable dining experience filled with flavors and aromas.
- Estimated Pricing: £15-£30 per person for a main course
2. Gymkhana:
- Location: Soho
- Type: Indian restaurant (Michelin-starred)
- Description: Step into the opulent world of Gymkhana, where the flavors of India are elevated to new heights. With its Michelin-starred cuisine and elegant ambiance reminiscent of colonial India, Gymkhana offers a dining experience that is both refined and indulgent.
- Estimated Pricing: £40-£70 per person for a three-course meal
3. Big Easy BBQ & Crabshack:
- Location: Covent Garden
- Type: American restaurant
- Description: Dive into the heart of American barbecue and seafood at Big Easy BBQ & Crabshack. With its laid-back atmosphere and hearty portions of smoked meats and fresh seafood, Big Easy is the perfect spot to enjoy a casual and delicious meal with friends and family.
- Estimated Pricing: £20-£40 per person for a main course
4. Roast:
- Location: Borough Market
- Type: British restaurant
- Description: Experience the best of British cuisine at Roast, located in the iconic Borough Market. With its focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Roast offers a menu filled with classic dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Britain.
- Estimated Pricing: £30-£60 per person for a main course
5. Ave Mario:
- Location: Covent Garden
- Type: Italian restaurant
- Description: Indulge in the flavors of Italy at Ave Mario, where traditional Italian dishes are served with a modern twist. With its lively atmosphere and stylish decor inspired by vintage Italian trattorias, Ave Mario offers a dining experience that is both authentic and contemporary.
- Estimated Pricing: £20-£40 per person for a main course
6. Bill's Covent Garden:
- Location: Covent Garden
- Type: British restaurant
- Description: Discover the charm of British cuisine at Bill's Covent Garden. With its cozy atmosphere and hearty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, Bill's offers a menu filled with classic British fare served in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
- Estimated Pricing: £15-£30 per person for a main course
With lodging and food out of the way it's time to get to the fun stuff. Our main objectives were to hit as many of the key London sites as possible, the Harry Potter studio tour, Highclere castle and Christmas Lights and Markets. A tall order for a 5 day trip but it can be done!
Here’s how we did it:
Day 1: Arrival and Evening Delights
London welcomed us with open arms as we landed in this bustling city. My brothers and I arrived first so we took advantage of time by exploring the bars and restaurants in the area.
Settling into Victory House Hotel, we took some time to freshen up and recharge. Jet lag couldn't hold us back for long, not with so much to see and do.
The Connaught Bar was our first stop, crowned the world's best bar in 2021 and famous for its custom martini cart. My personal preference for a martini is a little dirty but, being in London, I was quickly corrected that olive brine has no place in a gin martini. The bartender masterfully crafted our martinis with a vermouth washer and a bitter of our choice. A strong start to the night, if you know what I mean, but I’ll say I still missed the hint of salt in my martini :). The Connaught Bar has no reservations needed, just a short wait; where you can enjoy an evening of sophisticated indulgence amidst opulent surroundings.
For dinner, we knew we wanted the world famous Indian food that London has to offer. Dishoom Covent Garden offered a taste of Bombay's street food, while Gymkhana promised a Michelin-starred journey through Indian cuisine. Whichever we chose, our taste buds were in for a treat. Ultimately we went for Dishoom in SoHo. Come early and be prepared to wait in line, but don’t let this deter you! The line moves quickly and the food is well worth the wait.
Traveling between the Connaught Bar and our dinner options in Soho or Covent Garden provided the opportunity to journey through one of London’s most famous Christmas Streets, Regent Street. If you’re brave, like my brothers and I, you can opt for a scooter or bike to save time on walking and enjoy the thrill of navigating traffic on the left side of the road. The cold air on my face and the beauty of Christmas lights as I flew down the street were definitely highlights of my trip.
Day 2: Icons and Markets
Getting up early, we prepped for a journey through London's iconic landmarks and festive markets.
Starting our day with a hearty breakfast at LSQ Rooftop Restaurant, we enjoyed a full English breakfast with a view to match. After filling ourselves with sausage and crumpets, we delved into a London Discovery Tour with Toot Tours, hopping on and off as we pleased, exploring hidden gems and savoring local delights. My family particularly loved the Tower of London where we got to see the Crown Jewels. Be sure to get a photo with Tower Bridge in the background as this stop provides perfect scale.
After our day of touring we opted to explore the christmas markets in our area, Covent Garden and Leicester Square. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts guided us through this winter wonderland. Another great photo op is the giant christmas tree outside the Covent Garden Christmas market.
For dinner, we indulged in classic British fare at Rock and Sole, where fish and chips reigned supreme. It was the perfect end to a day filled with sightseeing and festive cheer.
Day 3: Magic and Majesty
Today, magic awaited as we embarked on a journey to the world of Harry Potter. After grabbing a quick bite at Costa Coffee, we took the tube to London Euston Station and caught a direct train to Watford Station. From there, we hopped on the Harry Potter shuttle to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Taking transit from central London was extremely convenient and required minimal walking which was great for my parents.
Stepping into the Great Hall we opted for a magical afternoon tea. While perhaps not the best tea service we had during our trip, the experience of dining in the great hall felt worth the time spent. We then lost ourselves in the wonders of the Harry Potter Studio Tour, exploring the sets, props, and costumes that brought the wizarding world to life. You could easily spend hours exploring what the tour has to offer.
After a day of enchantment, we returned to the comforts of our hotel for a well-deserved rest. For dinner, we indulged in authentic Italian cuisine at Ave Mario, just a stone's throw away from our hotel. Ave Mario comes from the Big Mama Group that has trendy restaurants all over Europe. Don’t miss my personal favorite, La Gran Carbonara which is served in a whole round of pecorino cheese.
Day 4: History, Shopping and Afternoon Tea
Family trips are a great way to bond and spend quality time together. But there comes that time in the trip when everyone could use some space. On this day my parents and brothers explored more sites like Westminster Abbey and the British museum while my partner and I spent some time shopping and having tea at one of London’s trendiest restaurants.
Starting our day with a visit to Westminster Abbey, where centuries of history were etched into every stone. Afterward, we treated ourselves to a traditional British afternoon tea at Sketch. With its whimsical decor and delectable treats, it was an experience fit for royalty.
In the afternoon, we explored the treasures of the British Museum before immersing ourselves in the Fabulous World of Dior at Harrods. As evening fell, we came together for a final family supper at a cozy spot in the heart of London.
Day 5: Driving through History and Family Celebrations
Today is a day of exploration and celebration as we venture beyond the city limits of London.
We start our day bright and early, picking up our rental car at 7:30 AM as planned, ready for an 8 AM departure. With Highclere Castle as our destination, we set off from Euston Station at 10 AM, embarking on a journey through the picturesque English countryside. Highclere, famously known as the setting for the beloved TV series Downton Abbey, awaits us with its grandeur and history. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering scenic views along the way.
After a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and fascinating history at Highclere Castle, we return our rental car to Avis at 4 PM. The drive back to London takes us through charming villages and rolling hills, providing a peaceful conclusion to our countryside excursion.
Back in London by 4:45 PM, we have just enough time to freshen up and prepare for the evening ahead. With supper plans at The Old King's Head, we aim to leave by 5:30 PM to allow ample time for pre-dinner drinks and to explore the area around London Bridge and The Shard.
As the clock strikes 8 PM, we gather at Roast for a special Christmas dinner to celebrate Mom's birthday. With reservations confirmed, we indulge in a festive feast surrounded by the warm ambiance of this renowned London restaurant. It's a fitting end to a day filled with adventure and familial joy.
Day 6: Farewell London
As the sun rose on our final day in London, we took a moment to reflect on the memories we'd made and the adventures we'd shared. Enjoying a leisurely breakfast at Bill's Covent Garden, we explored the bustling market one last time.
Then, it was off to the theatre for the grand finale: The Cursed Child. We lost ourselves in the magic of this spellbinding production, knowing that London would always hold a special place in our hearts.
As we bid farewell to this vibrant city, we took comfort in the knowledge that the memories we'd made would last a lifetime. Until we meet again, London. Cheers to the adventures that await!
Sharing our experiences from this trip to London fills us with joy, and we hope it inspires others to embark on their own adventures in this incredible city.
