London

November 11th (Remembrance Day) is a public holiday in France so we took the opportunity to have a long weekend away. We were all pretty tired from the traveling the week before but our time here has been about making the most of every opportunity so off we went to London for a few days.

It was a good time of year to go, the Christmas decorations were up so we got our first taste a Christmas in winter, yet everyone was still going about their normal routines so it wasn't as touristy as it could have been.

Day one we visited the Tower of London, Hyde Park and Harrods.

Day two was wet so we spent a lot of time in the Natural History and Science Museums, visited and interactive Minecraft experience and caught a West End Show in the evening - Hercules.

Day three we explored on foot, feeding squirrels in the park, Buckingham Palace, Parliament, Westminster, Damian Hirst's gallery, South Bank, Leicester Square, Hamley's and Selfridges.

We really enjoyed every second of it!

All sort of history at the Tower of London, from William the Conqueror and Anne Boleyn to the Royal armory and mint. Every year they have a ceramic poppy display for Remembrance too. 

Having a nosey around the department stores was fun. Selfridges outclassed Harrod's by miles, especially with their window displays.

Top of my list for things to do in London was see a show.  Hercules was absolutely amazing.

The minecraft experience was a highlight for James and surprisingly better than expected.

We were in the museums for hours, we preferred the Science Museum, although the festive update to the T Rex was entertaining. 

The kids have been getting overly excited every time they see a squirrel. A kind man gave them some nuts so they could hand feed them. A lot friendlier grey squirrels in London than the reds in France.

We saw a bit of art at the Newport Street gallery, Graffiti Tunnel, looking for Invanders and Banksy's.

Obligatory stop at the Palace, the King was home!

Nothing says London like the Houses of Parliament and a double decker red bus.