London Adventures, Round Two

Museums, Parks, and Iconic London Views

Our second day trip to London was an adventure that left my feet aching but excited to see even more! We packed so much into that day, every moment felt like a postcard-worthy memory.

We started the morning by getting on the train from Canterbury to St. Pancras and then hopping on the Tube to the Victoria and Albert Museum. I had high hopes for this visit, and it did not disappoint. The museum itself is stunning, with grand architecture that makes you feel like you’re stepping into history. We wandered through exhibit after exhibit, marveling at everything from intricate sculptures to stunning fashion pieces. Even got to see a replica of the first camera techniques and take a picture through a camera obscura, but the real star of the show for me was the photography exhibit.

The collection was incredible—a mix of vintage photographs, modern works, and experimental pieces that made me want to pick up my camera immediately. One section focused on portrait photography, with black-and-white images that seemed to capture the very soul of the subjects. Another area showcased surrealist photography that blurred the lines between reality and imagination, leaving me in awe of the creativity behind each shot. My favorite part was a series documenting everyday life in the early 20th century. The photos felt like little time capsules, offering a glimpse into a world so different yet somehow familiar. I could’ve stayed in that exhibit all day, but eventually, it was time to move on, there was so much more on the agenda for the day!

After a quick snack (because museum-wandering is hungry work), we walked through Hyde Park and followed the Diana Memorial along the Jubilee Greenway. The park was alive with people enjoying the sunshine. The Diana Memorial was understated yet beautiful, and we took photos of the smallest details of the park!

Our path eventually led us to Buckingham Palace, and wow—what a scene! The streets were packed with people, all trying to get a glimpse of the iconic building. Unfortunately, it was closed off to visitors, so I didn’t get the iconic photo with the horse guards. But we did get a surprise treat: a military band rehearsing for an upcoming parade. Watching them perform with such precision and hearing the music echo through the streets was such a cool experience.

From there, we kept walking (and walking... and walking) past Westminster Cathedral and finally made it to Big Ben. Seeing it in person made me feel tiny—it’s one of those landmarks you grow up seeing in books and movies, and suddenly, there it was, towering above us. We took plenty of pictures, making sure to get shots from both sides because, let’s be honest, you can never have too many angles of Big Ben!

After all that sightseeing, a few of us stayed in the city and explored the shopping areas. We popped into TK Maxx (yes, TK, because apparently “TJ” just doesn’t fly here), and I couldn’t resist picking up a few goodies. Shopping in a new country is always fun because everything feels just a little different, even in familiar stores.

Finally, we took the train back to Canterbury, absolutely exhausted but so happy. This day was the perfect mix of culture, history, and fun, and it reminded me again why I could never get bored of London. Every corner of this city has something to offer, whether it’s art, music, iconic landmarks, or just the energy of the streets.