Spud's London: 13 Favourite Things

Well, it's been over a year now since we visited London. And we miss it a lot. Here, in no particular order, are Spud's most missed spots:

· Hamley's Toy Shop: The 250 year old, multiple floor toy store was an obvious favourite. Spud found his treasured toy Tube trains there.

· Tower Bridge — where Spud got a tick on his life list, which was a 2-parter it turns out.

· The Tower of London — where spotting royalty was but one reason it left a lasting impression.

· The Tube — a true obsession.

· Big Ben. Although the first thing he said when he saw it in person was "It's not as big as I thought it would be". We have since learned though, that it is the 3rd tallest free-standing clock in the world and over 150 years old.

· The British Museum. Ancient Egypt and Greece. The Rosetta Stone. Clock, clocks, and more clocks. And a jaw dropping space.

· Harry Potter Studio Tour

· The London Eye

· Science Museum — Points to those who know what this is ...

· Bet you can't guess Spud's favourite part of the Tate Modern

· The Playground we stumbled across on our way to the Tower of London

· V & A

· And then there was that little kids Bookstore that someone directed us to ... a skinny shop ... with a few floors. No idea where it was now or what it was called. We enjoyed at least an hour there, browsing and picking out a few to take home. Not sure if it's on this list but we will take it with if we go again, it looks like a good one.

For all our London posts, click here.

Photo Friday: Spud's Obsession — The Tube

LONDON   |   TRAVELS WITH KID

Our dear boy was literally obsessed with the Tube while in London. Within in a day of arriving he was our self-appointed tourist navigation coordinator.

And a credit to the Tube system and its wayfinding signage; an 8 year old can get around this city with little or no help. Even I could manage it in a pinch!

It took a little while before we realized that Spud had an agenda: to ride every line at least once before our 11 days in the city were up. Sometimes, as you can imagine, that meant taking some pretty creative routes ... that could take a very long time! But we did it. We hit every line.

We got pretty good at it but sometimes our timing was terrible ... here the after work rush was lined up out into the street! That's when it's time to find a cafe (or pub!) to wait it out. And we did.

Sometimes it's more fun to play with your own Tube train.

Especially at the Tate Modern, as it turns out.

>>Thanks to Delicious Baby for hosting Photo Friday ... check it out for loads of family-friendly travel fun.

Photo Friday: A London Playground

LONDON   |   TRAVELS WITH KID

Some of the best memories of travel are when you stumble across a little gem that you would never find in a guide book but is exactly what you need, when you need it. On our way to the Tower of London we found this sweet little playground, nestled behind an ancient stonewall. We had happy break from the touristy hubbub. It was so good we came back again the next day.

>>Thanks to Delicious Baby for hosting Photo Friday ... check it out for loads of family-friendly travel fun.

Photo Friday: A Day in Greenwich

When planning our trip to London we looked up a friend who was temporarily living, well, in London, we thought. It turns out, with 2 young boys, they opted for some greener pastures; a short train ride away, to Blackheath. She invited us out for the day and took us to Greenwich.

The weather was stunning. Everyone was enjoying the park. Here we ogled at the Greenwich Mean Time clock we've heard so much about all our lives.

And here the kids are measuring their feet up against the standard measure of an imperial "foot".

And the view from the clock. More green space. We decided to walk down to find some refreshments.

But first a little cruise through the local market.

And finally a stop in a local pub. The parents talked about life living abroad. And the kids talked about math, of all things.

If you are ever in the neighbourhood, check it out.

Thanks to Delicious Baby for hosting Photo Friday.

Photo Friday: The V&A

Such clever design everywhere you look in London. Being a bit of a design geek myself, I was pretty much in my heaven. Take the Victoria & Albert Museum for example. Sure there was plenty to oggle and appreciate INside ... Spud has a particular passion for furniture so he was really happy in this section ...

And as a family we really enjoyed participating in one of the museum's Family Trails where we explored the silver treasures exhibition through scavenger hunts and other activities.

But my jaw literally dropped when I saw this sign for the entrance from the Underground ... it's the V&A's logo hanging in a long corridor with foot traffic coming at it from both directions. It goes around and around always reading properly to both sides. Simply brilliant.

Thanks to Delicious Baby for hosting Photo Friday. Check out other travel pics here.

Family Travel Friday: Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square wasn't a destination per se. We happened upon it. And those larger than life lions beckoned. But we learned to beware of these bronze beasts of Trafalgar for they will bite your hand without notice.

From experience we can also say you ought to keep your noggin out of its mouth.

Further, in the sun, these lions get extremely hot ... there were a few tears shortly after this shot was taken.

In the end we found the shaded lions cooler.

And eventually tamer.

For more of our London adventures, click here.

We are participating in a blog hop all about family travel today! Check out the other participants at Six Suitcase Travel.

Photo Friday: Tate Modern

LONDON   |  TRAVELS WITH KID

Modern Art Museum with kids? Indeed, yes. And for lots of reasons. Besides having family friendly activities ... well, there's the art. Of course. Like these ...

Thankfully this includes places to rest too.

And the incredible gift shop? If I go missing I'm buried in the art + design books, kids lit, and sketchbook + art supplies sections. And so happy.

But the most fun of all for Spud? The Tate Modern building, originally an old power station, hosts a giant indoor steep hill. Great for burning off some steam!

And for racing toy Tube trains.

At some point a security guard came over. We thought for sure he was going to put an end to the fun. But no! He just wanted to get a closer look and ask Spud some questions.

Thanks to Delicious Baby for hosting Photo Friday.

Photo Friday #57: Olympic Fever

LONDON, ENGLAND   |   TRAVELS WITH KID

The back of the rings spotted in Kings Cross / St. Pancras station.

It's been spring since we got back from our 11 days in London. And we are all missing it dearly. Of course, Olympic fever isn't helping! But it inspires this week's Photo Friday.

The rings, Kings Cross / St. Pancras.

Spotted in the British Museum.

120 days to go.

Thanks to Delicious Baby for hosting Photo Friday. Check out other travel pics here.