Category: United Kingdom
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Scottish Highlands Road Trip Begins: Pancakes & a Ferry Adventure (Day 1)🇳🇱
Our Scottish Highlands adventure has officially begun! First stop: Hans & Gretel Pancake House in the Netherlands—because every great road trip should start with something sweet. The kids loaded up on candy-covered pancakes while we enjoyed the playful, over-the-top atmosphere. With bellies full, we headed to IJmuiden to board the overnight DFDS ferry to Newcastle….
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Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴
A 21-gun salute took place at Edinburgh Castle on Monday to honour the anniversary of King Charles III’s accession to the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth. This was an opportunity to wish The Governor of Edinburgh Castle farewell. The Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, OBE, VR, DL, retires…
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Fire Festival 🏴
The Festival of Fire has been on my bucket list for a year! Mike carried one of the torches through the procession.
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Viking Festival 🏴
🛡️ Battle of Largs (1263) A small but important clash between Scottish forces and Norwegians on October 2, 1263. Though inconclusive, it led to Norway retreating and eventually ceding the Hebrides to Scotland in 1266, ending Norse influence in the region. ⚔️ Largs Viking Festival An annual September event in Largs, Scotland, celebrating the battle with Viking…
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Layover Luxury: High Tea and The Lion King in London 🏴 🇬🇧
With just a one-day layover in London, we managed to save €1,000 on flights—and we definitely put that to good use! We met up with friends for a classic high tea, savoring finger sandwiches, scones, and endless cups of tea in a cozy, elegant spot. Later, we caught The Lion King at the theatre—a highlight…
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Snow, Stars & Stage Lights: Tromsø to London 🏴🇳🇴🇬🇧
Over Thanksgiving, we traded turkey for Tromsø snowflakes and headed north for a magical Arctic escape. Highlights included feeding reindeer, chasing the elusive northern lights, and simply soaking in the peaceful stillness of Norway in winter. The snow-covered landscapes and deep blue skies felt like stepping into a fairytale. On our way home, we had…
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Day 3: Guards, Beefeaters, and the Tower’s Secrets 🏴 🇬🇧
Our final day, February 12, started at the Wellington Barracks, where we watched the Guards prepare for the Changing of the Guard. Seeing them up close before the ceremony gave us a better appreciation of their precision and discipline. The different uniforms represented separate regiments — each with its own proud history. Many of these…
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Day 2: Big Ben, Westminster, and Royal London 🏴 🇬🇧
On February 11, we introduced our Ben to the other Ben — Big Ben, gleaming after recent restorations. The tower (technically the Elizabeth Tower) was completed in 1859 and has been London’s timekeeper ever since. During World War II, its chimes continued even as bombs fell on the city, a symbol of endurance broadcast across…
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The Magic Behind the Movies — Harry Potter Studios 🏴 🇬🇧
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter was much larger and more detailed than we expected. The sets, costumes, and props from the films were incredible — walking into the Great Hall felt like stepping straight into the movies. We strolled down Diagon Alley, peeked into Hagrid’s Hut, and watched green-screen…
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Arrival in London — Bridges, Franklin, and the Sky Garden 🏴 🇬🇧
Our family’s first trip to London began late on February 9, with a flight from Frankfurt-Hahn to Stansted Airport. By the time we reached the city, the streets glistened with rain under the glow of black cab headlights — exactly how we imagined our first London night. The next morning, February 10, we set out…