A Day of History, Adventure, and a Sprained Ankle: Our London Journey Continues

Yesterday was another action-packed day in London, filled with history, sightseeing, and a little unexpected twist! We kicked things off early starting with a WWII walking tour. Our guide, Richard, was incredibly knowledgeable, diving deep into the history of Churchill, the war, and the British Parliament. We took a quick detour to see the changing of the Horse Guard. The pageantry and ceremony were a sight to behold, and it made us feel even more connected to the rich history of the British capital. We continued on to the war rooms at this point. It was amazing to walk in the very halls where Winston Churchill himself had once tread. We explored the underground bunkers that served as his wartime headquarters. It was surreal to imagine the decisions that were made there, during some of the most critical moments of WWII.

After the tour, we wandered up to Trafalgar Square, soaking in the atmosphere of one of London’s most iconic spots, and then made our way to Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately, not everything went as planned—Jack sprained his ankle while crossing the street and taking a short cut to the palace. We had to slow down a bit because he was in a lot of pain. Luckily, we found a hop-on, hop-off 'Big Bus' tour, which allowed us to take in some of London’s other famous landmarks while Jack rested his foot.

Back at the hotel, we took a short break to ice Jack’s foot , it had swollen to the size of a grapefruit and was all the colours of the rainbow (poor guy!). He decided to stay in for the night, but the rest of us were eager for dinner. We met a few more friends and headed out to Wahaca for some Mexican food. The food was excellent, the margharitas were to die for, and the service was spot on. I’d love to show you the dishes, but I always forget to take pictures of my food (classic mistake!). Trust me, though, it was all delicious.

Today, we kicked off the day with another early start, this time heading out to Stonehenge and Bath. Our guide, Mel, was absolutely fantastic—engaging, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. He was definitely "one of my people" when it comes to enthusiasm for history and the current world situations. Stonehenge was just as impressive as I had imagined. The stones are huge! There is definatly a surreal feel to the place although there was no sign of Jamie Fraser, (if you know, you know). There’s something so captivating about standing in front of those ancient stones, knowing they’ve stood for thousands of years. Mel shared some great insights that added so much to the experience. Stonehenge is one of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in the world, located in Wiltshire, England. Its history spans thousands of years, and its purpose and construction continue to fascinate people.
The origins of Stonehenge date back to the Neolithic period (3000-2000 BCE). The first stage of construction involved the creation of a large circular ditch and bank, known as a henge, which was likely used for ceremonial purposes. By around 2500 BCE, the iconic standing stones that we associate with Stonehenge today were erected. These stones are believed to have been transported from quarries about 20 miles away, with the larger "sarsen" stones coming from the Marlborough Downs and the smaller "bluestones" from the Preseli Hills in Wales.
The exact purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, but it is widely believed to have been a religious or ceremonial site. Some theories suggest it may have been used for astronomical observations, particularly during solstices, as the stones align with the sun's movements. Others propose it was a place of healing or a symbol of unity for ancient communities.
Stonehenge continued to evolve throughout the Bronze Age. The structure was modified, and additional stones were added or rearranged. The site also became a burial ground, with cremated remains found in nearby mounds, suggesting that the site had spiritual significance over many centuries.
Stonehenge was eventually abandoned by around 1,500 BCE, and its significance faded into history. Over time, the stones fell, and the site was forgotten for centuries. The monument was rediscovered in the early 17th century, and from then on, it has been a subject of fascination, with many theories about its purpose.

Today, Stonehenge is a grade one UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its ancient beauty and ponder its enigmatic origins.

After Stonehenge, we took a two-hour drive to Bath. Bath, is a city steeped in history, known for its Roman heritage, stunning Georgian architecture, and natural hot springs. Here’s a brief look at its past:

Roman Era:
Bath's history dates back to Roman times, when it was known as Aquae Sulis. The Romans established a bathing complex around the natural hot springs, believing the waters had healing properties. The Roman Baths, which are still a major tourist attraction today, were built during this period and include a temple dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva. The baths were a hub of social and religious life.

Medieval Period:
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Bath declined, but the city's hot springs continued to be used. By the medieval period, Bath had become a center of pilgrimage, with people visiting for the waters' supposed medicinal benefits. The city also saw the construction of the Abbey Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, now known as Bath Abbey.

Georgian Era:
In the 18th century, Bath underwent significant development, particularly under the direction of the architect John Wood the Elder. The city became a fashionable spa destination for the British elite. Georgian architecture, with its elegant crescents, terraces, and squares, defines much of Bath's cityscape today. Notable buildings like the Royal Crescent, the Circus, and the Pump Room date back to this period.

Modern Day:
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Bath continued to grow as a cultural and tourist destination. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved Roman baths and Georgian architecture. Bath also remains famous for its literary connection—Jane Austen, who lived in the city for several years, often featured it in her novels.

Today, Bath is a vibrant city blending ancient history with modern life, attracting visitors from around the world to explore its rich heritage.

Once we arrived, Mel gave us a brief orientation through the beautiful city, before sending us to explore the Roman Baths on our own. The Baths were amazing! Walking through the historic site, you could almost feel the echoes of the ancient Romans who once visited the healing waters. It was one of those places where history feels alive.

Afterward, we explored the charming streets of Bath and wandered in and out of the quaint shops. We stumbled upon the cozy good day café for a late lunch. The French toast was amazing, the cappuccino was perfection and has been the case everywhere we have gone, the service was above average. We also made a stop at the Bath Bakery, where the cookies were sublime—definitely worth the detour.

The drive back to Victoria Station was about three hours, but we made the most of it by chatting and resting. Once back in London, we hopped on the tube to Covent Garden, our home for now. After a short break we were ready to hit the streets again to find some dinner. We ended up at Honest Burger, where the food was delicious and the service was even better. Our server, Dion, was so pleasant —he really made the meal special with his friendliness and excellent service.

All in all, it’s been a busy few days packed with history, fun, and a bit of drama (thanks to Jack’s sprained ankle!). London continues to amaze me with its rich history and vibrant culture. Looking forward to more adventures ahead!