We caught a flight early Saturday morning and despite having to wait 40 minutes at border security due to a flight from the states arriving just before us, we were walking down Oxford street before 11am. I had booked a hotel right near Paddington station so it was dead easy to catch the Heathrow express and then walk the 300 m to the hotel. I had a bit of a panic when the door to the hotel was locked but while I was wondering what to do the door was opened and we were able to store our bags there until check in time.
Oxford Street
Penelope trying on a cute English hat.
We headed for Selfridges first and headed for their toy department. It was really interactive and lots to look at. Penelope wanted to get her presents here but as we had a long day of walking ahead we decided to wait until later. We decided to have lunch at the Selfridges food court. I had a yummy Lebanese chicken dish and Penelope had pork ribs and a huge plate of rice.
Next stop was John Lewis where we once again saw cheap lego but again decided to wait. We did however manage to buy Penelope's brownie uniform and also a very cute pair of shoes.
We decided to jump on the tube at Oxford street and head for the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The last and only time I had been to the V&A was a year ago with my Mum for lunch. The cafe is gorgeous so I decided to follow tradition and take Penelope there for afternoon tea. I had a delicious scone with clotted cream and jam and Penelope had a gluten free cake.
The courtyard going across to the cafe.
The beautiful cafe in the V&A.
We had picked up a museum kids backpack on the way into the museum which had activities in it. We had chosen the glass pack and so headed up to the 4th floor to explore the glass exhibitions.
On the second floor.
Overlooking the entrance way.
We spent about an hour going through all the activities in the bag. One of the tasks was to feel objects in a feely bag and then find those objects in the gallery.
Can you spot the same object made from glass.
Another activity was that we were given coloured paddles and we had to put one in front of the other to mix the colours. We had to then find the coloured lollipops.
She then had to find her favourite coloured sculpture.
Her favourite shape.
And lastly her favourite sculpture overall.
She had to write a story about her favourite one and this is what she wrote.
"There was once a devil plant. If you went near it you would get sucked up. One day a girl knew something had to be done about the plant. So she threw her sword and killed it."
We had a bit more of a look around.
An exhibition room we stumbled across which was amazing!
We then thought it was time to head back to the hotel and check in. I had booked a twin room but ended up getting a room with a single bed and a double bed, which was great. The reviews on booking.com had been a bit varied so we were relieved that the room was nice and comfortable.
We headed off to Victoria to collect our tickets for Wicked. The idea was to get the tickets, go grab a quick tea and then go back to the theatre to see the show. The reality was we waited ages to get the tickets then ran out of time for a sit down dinner so ended up having Burger King fries sitting in the train station where it was quite chilly! We headed back to the theatre and waited in the que to get in and finally took our seats.
The show was great and I thoroughly recommend it.
We headed down to breakfast early Sunday morning and Penelope was delighted with her gluten free full English breakfast. We checked out of the hotel but as we didn't fly home till later that day were able to leave our bags in the reception.
We walked down to Hyde park and headed towards Kensington palace. I didn't think we could go in and when I told Penelope this she said "I don't want to go as what's the point if we can't go inside. Last time I thought we were going to go inside Buckingham palace and we didn't which was disappointing." There was a leaflet about Kensington Palace in the foyer of the hotel and it said we could go in so Penelope was much happier!
On the way through the park we saw lots of people out walking there dogs and saw so many different varieties including Scottie's, greyhounds, poodles all out enjoying the day before the rain.
Walking through Hyde park.
Outside Kensington Palace.
Penelope having a little rest!
Inside the palace.
The first baby tooth of Princess Vicki, made into a little pin.
There was a special display of some of the royal dresses which was lovely, although the small room containing some of Princess Diana's dresses was very full of people.
The dress that Queen Elizabeth wore when she visited NZ.
More of Queen Elizabeth's dresses.
Princess Margaret's dresses.
PrincessDiana's dresses.
We then went to the older wing of the palace where Queen Mary had lived.
Penelope was desperately thirsty so we headed down to the shop and cafe where we were able to get a drink and a few souviners.
The tulips are out!
We decided to head down Kensington High street but as it was only 11.30 most of the shops were still closed. Marks and Spencer's was open though so we managed to get most of what we wanted in there.
Next stop was Giraffe cafe for lunch where I even managed to get a glass of NZ Sauvignon blanc - yah.
Good ole fish n chips.
After lunch we jumped on the bus and headed for Harrods. Penelope's aim was to get a bear from Harrod's to be buddies with her red fox from Hamleys. There were so many lovely teddies that she told me to stop showing her any more as she just couldn't decide.
On the bus.
Outside Harrods.
Penelope with her new bear and a baby Furby. Check out the price of the mini range rover!
We made a quick dash to get Jasper's lego but as it was £15 more expensive there then elsewhere so we decided to go back to John Lewis and get it there. Hamley's is a lovely shop but wow they inflate the prices for tourists!
Back to the hotel to repack the bags, then back out to Heathrow. We just had enough time for a yummy curry at Wagamama's before catching our flight home.
Another late night for Penelope and she ended up sleeping till 9.45 the next day (so no school) but totally worth it.
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