I am sure, like everything, there is a 'I need to get away' for a few days once the lockdown restrictions have been lifted. Whether it is to escape to the sunshine to top up on that Vitamin D or whether it is to go and visit the family you haven't been able to see for the past 12 months or longer.
I know my parents are wanting to come and visit me and that means finding a hotel for them to stay in. Here we are really lucky to have so many hotels on our doorstep especially in the city centre of London* with the likes of The Hoxton Holborn or the OYO Flagship Apollo Kings Cross, both of which are central to tube stations, train stations and are within walking distance to some of the most popular tourist attractions we have.
So where do we visit after lockdown? Well, my parents want to go to Camden and look round the market. Described as being
"A shopping experience unlike no other, Camden Market has something unique and unusual for everyone. Street food from all over the world as well as arts, crafts and things “uniquely Camden”.
Camden also happens to be one of my favourite places to walk round in London, take in the scenery, the unique offerings from food and drink to all kinds of weird and wonderful shops, stalls and goings-on. Perhaps even a boat taxi along the canal, something I have never done in my years of living here.
Having been to Buckingham Palace and seen the Changing of The Guard, the next place to visit is The Tower of London. I have been here just once many many years ago and I know my Dad would love the history and the fact you can take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders who talk you through and take you through the incredible 900-year history with all it has to offer - such as it being a royal palace, a prison and scarily also a place of execution. The most tempting is to see the Crown Jewels in all their glory.
The third and final place which we all want to visit is Kew Gardens and after several attempted visits, I've never quite made it. If you aren't aware, Kew Gardens is officially called the Royal Botanic Gardens and dates back to 1759. In 1897, Queen Victoria added Queen's Cottage and the adjoining woodland. With over 30,000 plant varieties, there is a whole heap of things to learn and discover and if you time it right, there is a host of musical and cultural events held throughout the year.
The best thing about living in London is the endless choice of places to go and visit, even as a resident the is always something to do, a place to visit, an attraction or an event to take part in and right now I would just love to book into one for one night to not have to listen to the noise of my neighbours, maybe have a bit of room service and sleep!
*In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own.