COMMISSIONED POST
London is one of those cities that I absolutely love, but don’t ever see myself living in. There is just so much to do and see that it’s the perfect excuse to pop down for a visit, which we did over the August bank holiday weekend. It was our first time traveling with Aiden to London and I did feel a little apprehensive about taking him to such a busy environment, however, I needn’t have worried as we all had a fabulous time.
Traditionally over the summer bank holiday weekend, the Notting Hill Carnival is scheduled. I’ve been once before a few years ago, but this was way before Aiden had come along. We decided to join the crowds on Sunday, which is always advertised as the family day.
Like last time there was such a fantastic atmosphere and everyone was in high spirits waiting to see the floats and pretty costumes. By looking at many of the costumes you can tell that they had prepared them months in advance as some of them were so intricate. The crowds really appreciated all of their effort, hard work, and creativity.
As you can expect, it was a bit manic at times, but so much fun. Aiden especially loved the music and our little raver was throwing some shapes, much to the amusement of others who couldn’t help but smile at him.
With festivals and carnivals, I always look forward to the street food and there were lots on offer. It was a tough choice, but a stall selling virgin pina coladas got my vote and helped me get in the carnival mood. Also, I don’t think that you can go to the carnival without having jerk chicken, rice and peas, and plantain. We had to wait a while in the queue as it seems everyone else had the same idea, however, it was definitely worth the wait.
Summer is absolutely the time for festivals and the gorgeous weather that we had in the UK over the weekend, made our stay in London perfect. While it’s amazing to get out there and enjoy everything that’s on offer, I’m always cautious about avoiding the discomfort of bloating or trapped wind. Having something like Rennie packed in your bag can help ease some of these symptoms.
The day after the Notting Hill Carnival was just as beautiful. Our hotel was located close to the River Thames, so we took a stroll after breakfast to soak in the views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the South Bank. We also had fun looking around the Tate Modern and out of all the pieces of art including Dali, Picasso, and Mondrian, Aiden was rather taken with a huge painting of a horse. This was followed by a delicious Greek meze for lunch in the sunshine and salted caramel ice cream on the walk back to the hotel before heading home.
I wish that we could have spent longer in London, but hopefully, we will be back as a family soon to soak up some more of its beauty. There is just something uniquely magical about London. Until next time…
*This post was commissioned by Rennie, but all opinions are my own.
Yes Rennie is a good idea after street food. It can be really rich. I have to come down for this carnival sometime. Shared 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing. It’s definitely worth a visit.
London is a place I’ve always wanted to visit but never have. Looks amazing! Really hope I can go there soon.
There’s so much to do and see. You can never get bored in London.
Londons amazing! I love having day trips and weekend escapes! theres so much to see. it seems as though you had lots of fun! the pictures look really good,
We had a blast. Great way to spend the bank holiday weekend.
I love London and just went very recently. That carnival looks fab and the food looks scrummy :)x
It was so much fun and the food was amazing!
The carnival sounds amazing and I bet the food taste really good too. I’d love to try that pina colada it looks yummy.
The pina colada really tasted amazing!
Considering I basically live in London i’ve never been to the Notting Hill carnival. One year I’ll make a trip x
I bet so many that live in London haven’t been. It’s ace!
I bet there are many Londoners who have never been before.
Although we live in London, we never had the chance to visit the carnival as we are usually away in August. Looks great though!
It;s so much fun. I highly recommend it.
Ahh sounds so cool! Love stuff like this. And the food yessss. Good choice 🙂
Thanks, Anna! The food was epic, so much of it and so yummy.
I can’t believe I have lived in this city for years and never went to the carnival! I am always scared of the crowds , but it actually looks like so much fun! The street food sounds amazing and you were so lucky to get the nice sunny weather. Hope the rest of your weekend was as fun and sunny!
The crowds are huge and can be off putting, but it’s all very safe. We were lucky to have such amazing weather.
That looks like so much fun. The costumes are so colourful and everyone looks like they are enjoying themselves.
I absolutely love the costumes and how creative they are.
It was such a great carnival this year.
London definitely is so magical! We are planning a trip soon.
It’s such a special city!
It looks like you had a great time! I’ve never been to anything like this in London before, but I’d really like to 🙂
Louise x
It’s so much fun and couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
Wow it looks like such a fun weekend – those costumes are just incredible!
The costumes are one of my favourite things about it!
Notting Hill Carnival looks so colourful and vibrant – especially in the summer sun! We’d love to visit London during this time. It always seems greek and dull. Great piccys!
It’s so much fun with so much to do and see.
I was in london over the bank holiday weekend and I loved it. I didn’t actually have time to go to the carnival 🙁
The weather was beautiful wasn’t. Perfect for enjoying London and taking in the sights etc.
I love virgin pina coladas and this one is presented beautifully! Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
We did, thank you.
I would love to experience the Notting Hill Carnival, how exciting. I adore the costumes, and just love how beautifully happy everyone seems to be. A lovely time to be in London.
There really is a fantastic atmosphere and everyone is in high spirits which is nice to see.
London is an amazing city! There’s so much to do… We really need to take another trip down there.