Exploring England: My Route Through Royal Roads-2025

UK Visa Approved – Granted on 18th April 2025. I have booked my flight with British Airways, and my travel dates are from 1st May 2025 to 8th May 2025.

I know this trip is very short, but I can’t be away from my country for more than 15 days because of my business commitments. The funny thing is, I’m traveling alone without my family because my mother is elderly and needs someone to take care of her while I’m away.

Here is my experience of my second international trip, especially to the Western world. I flew with British Airways from Hyderabad to London and arrived at Heathrow Airport. The airfare cost me around 86,000 INR, which included two pieces of checked luggage (23 kg each) and one carry-on bag.

My London Immigration Experience: A Story of Patience and Surprises :)

After a long flight, I arrived at Heathrow Airport, happy to finally be in London. But first, I had to go through immigration—the place that controls who can enter the country.

When I got in line, I remembered all the stories about long waits and many questions. The line was long but moved quickly. When it was my turn, the officer asked my passport.

She asked, “Why are you visiting?”

I said, “holiday vacation,” and showed her my travel plans and hotel booking.

She asked more questions: “How long will you stay? Where will you stay? Do you have a return ticket?”

I answered carefully, trying not to be nervous then she smiled and said, “Good start. Welcome to London.” I got my passport back with the visa stamp. What I learned? London immigration is serious, but being friendly—and knowing a little slang—can help a lot.

My First Day in London: The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Adventure

On my first day in London, I was excited to see the city. I decided to take a hop-on hop-off bus tour. It’s a special bus that stops at many famous places, and you can get on and off as many times as you want.

I bought my ticket and got on the big red double-decker bus. Sitting on the top deck gave me a great view of the city. The bus started moving, and I listened to the guide talking about London’s history and famous landmarks.

The first stop was the Tower of London. I got off to see the old castle and learned about the kings and queens who lived there. After that, I got back on the bus and went to Buckingham Palace, where I watched the guards standing very still.

I hopped off again at the London Eye. The giant Ferris wheel gave me a beautiful view of the whole city from above. It was amazing to see the River Thames and all the bridges.

Throughout the day, I kept hopping on and off the bus, visiting places like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square. The bus was comfortable, and I liked that I could explore at my own pace.

At the end of the day, I was tired but happy. The hop-on hop-off bus made my first day in London easy and fun. I saw so much in just one day!

Day 2 in London: Soaring High on the London Eye

On the second day of my London trip, I decided to visit one of the city’s most famous landmarks—the London Eye. I bought my entry ticket online the night before, so I could skip the long lines.

When I arrived, the giant Ferris wheel looked even more impressive up closely. It was a sunny day, perfect for seeing the city from above. I joined a small group and soon stepped into one of the glass capsules.

As the capsule slowly rose, I felt like I was floating above London. The views were incredible! I saw the River Thames winding through the city, the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben’s clock tower, and even the tiny dots of people in the parks below.

Suddenly, I noticed a group of kids pointing excitedly at something. I looked closer and realized it was a street magician performing tricks right by the riverbank. The scene made the experience feel magical.

Halfway through the ride, the capsule paused at the top, giving everyone plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the 360-degree view. I could even spot the distant hills on the outskirts of London.

After the ride, I stopped at the gift shop and bought a small London Eye model to remind me of the day I saw London from the sky.

That day, I felt on top of the world—literally!

Day 3 in London: My Magical Harry Potter Tour and Boat Ride

On my third day in London, I woke up excited because I had booked the Original Harry Potter Guided Tour. As a big fan of the movies and books, I couldn’t wait to see the real places that inspired the magical world.

The tour started in the heart of London with our friendly guide, who wore a wizard’s hat and carried a wand (just for fun!). We visited famous spots like the Leadenhall Market, which stood in for the wizarding shopping street Diagon Alley. I even got to pose under the famous “Platform 9¾” sign at King’s Cross Station, where I tried pushing my trolley halfway through the wall—just like Harry!

Next, we walked by the Millennium Bridge, the one that “collapsed” in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Our guide told us exciting stories about how the movies were filmed right here in London.

Then came the best part: a magical boat ride on the River Thames! The boat took us past some of London’s most famous sights, like the Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. As we floated along, our guide pointed out spots where scenes from the films were shot and shared fun trivia—like how they used special effects to make the Hogwarts Express appear on the water!

On the boat, I felt like I was really on a journey to Hogwarts. I even spotted a few other tourists wearing Hogwarts scarves and wands, and we shared smiles like fellow wizards.

After the tour ended, I bought a Hogwarts-themed souvenir—a wand that lights up—and promised myself to come back for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour soon.

That day, I didn’t just see London—I stepped into a world of magic and adventure!

Day 4 in London: Tower Bridge River Sightseeing Cruise

On the fourth day of my London trip, I decided to relax and see the city from a different view—the River Thames. I booked a Tower Bridge River Sightseeing Cruise, eager to enjoy the calm water and stunning sights.

I arrived at the pier just before the cruise started. The boat was sleek and modern, with big windows and a deck for fresh air. As we set off, the guide welcomed us and began pointing out famous landmarks along the river.

The first highlight was the magnificent Tower Bridge. The boat slowly passed under it, and I watched the giant blue and white bridge from below. It was even more impressive up close, with its two tall towers and beautiful details.

As we cruised, I saw the historic Tower of London on one side and the modern skyscrapers of the financial district on the other. The contrast of old and new made the city feel alive and full of stories.

At one point, the boat stopped near Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where I remembered scenes from Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet. The guide told us interesting facts about Shakespeare’s life and the theatre’s history.

The weather was perfect—sunny with a gentle breeze—and the water sparkled as the boat glided along. I even spotted some swans swimming nearby, which felt like a peaceful London moment.

After the cruise ended, I felt refreshed and inspired. Seeing London from the river was a wonderful way to spend the day, soaking in the beauty and history of this incredible city.

Day 5: Exploring the Serenity of Hyde Park, London

 I visited Hyde Park, one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in London. I arrived in the morning when the weather was cool and pleasant. The park was full of green trees, colorful flowers, and people enjoying their day.

I walked along the Serpentine Lake and watched people rowing boats and feeding ducks. It was calm and relaxing. I sat on a bench for a while, just enjoying the view and fresh air.

Then I visited the Rose Garden, which looked and smelled amazing. The flowers were in full bloom, and I took some nice photos. I also saw an artist painting, and we had a short, friendly chat.

Later, I passed by Speaker’s Corner, where a few people were giving speeches. It was interesting to see this famous place where anyone can speak freely.

Before leaving, I had a cup of coffee and a small snack at the café near the Diana Memorial Fountain. I sat by the fountain, dipped my hands in the cool water, and felt completely relaxed.

Hyde Park gave me a quiet break from the busy city, and it was one of the best parts of my London trip.

Day 6 : Discovering the Vibrant Flavors of Chinatown, London

Today was all about color, culture, and delicious food as I explored Chinatown in the heart of London. The moment I stepped under the iconic Chinese gate on Gerrard Street, I felt like I had entered a different world — full of red lanterns, golden dragons, and the inviting aroma of Asian cuisine.

I spent some time walking through the lively streets, browsing small shops filled with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and herbal medicines. The area was buzzing with tourists and locals, all enjoying the energetic vibe and street food stalls.

For lunch, I chose a cozy little restaurant tucked between two bakeries. I ordered dim sum, crispy duck, and a bowl of hot wonton soup — and every bite was bursting with flavor. It felt like a real taste of Asia, right in the middle of London. I even tried bubble tea for the first time — I picked mango flavor, and it was surprisingly fun and refreshing!

After eating, I watched a street performance with traditional music and dance. The performers were dressed in colorful costumes, and the crowd clapped along with the rhythm. It added a festive touch to the whole experience.

Before leaving, I picked up a few Chinese snacks and sweets to try later. The shopkeepers were kind and helped me choose the popular ones.

Visiting Chinatown was a mix of culture, food, and fun. It showed me how beautifully diverse London really is. I left with a happy heart and a full stomach — and I’m already thinking about going back for another meal!

Day 7: From the Gates of Glory – A Visit to Buckingham Palace

Today felt truly royal. I made my way to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, and one of the most iconic landmarks in London. As I approached, the golden details of the gates gleamed in the morning sun, and the sight of the majestic façade instantly gave me chills — it was like stepping into a scene from a storybook.

The area was buzzing with visitors, cameras clicking everywhere. I joined the crowd gathered near the front, waiting for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. And wow — what a spectacle! The guards, dressed in their iconic red uniforms and tall black hats, marched in perfect rhythm to the sound of military music. It was impressive, traditional, and surprisingly emotional — a reminder of how deeply rooted history and ceremony are in this place.

After the ceremony, I walked along The Mall, lined with trees and Union Jack flags waving proudly in the wind. It led me to St. James’s Park, just a short walk away, where I paused to enjoy the peaceful lake view and some friendly ducks.

Though visitors can't enter the palace year-round, I took time to admire every detail from the outside — the grand balconies, the intricate gates, and the famous royal balcony where the royal family appears during major events. Just imagining those historic moments gave me goosebumps.

I ended the visit by grabbing a coffee nearby and reflecting on how surreal it felt to stand outside one of the most famous royal homes in the world.

Today’s visit wasn’t just about sightseeing — it was about stepping close to the heart of Britain’s history and tradition. Buckingham Palace was more than a stop on my itinerary — it was a memory I’ll always cherish.

Day 8: Packing Up and Heading to Heathrow – Journey Back to India

The final day of my trip had arrived, and there was a bittersweet feeling in the air. After an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments, it was time to pack my bags and say goodbye to this beautiful city. The excitement of returning home was mixed with a touch of sadness — leaving behind new friends, stunning sights, and the comfort of exploring a foreign land.

The morning started early as I carefully folded the last pieces of my clothes, making sure everything fit perfectly into my suitcase. I double-checked all my documents — passport, tickets, and important papers — to avoid any last-minute panic at the airport. The familiar weight of my luggage in my hands made the trip feel all the more real.

Heading to Heathrow Airport, I took one last look at the cityscape from the taxi window. The hustle and bustle, the iconic landmarks, and the energy of the place had become a part of my everyday routine over these past days. But now, the focus shifted to the journey ahead.

At Heathrow, the airport was busy but well-organized. I navigated through check-in, security, and found my gate, all the while reflecting on my experiences. The delicious food I tasted, the people I met, the culture I immersed myself in — all of it felt like a dream I had lived fully.

Waiting at the boarding gate, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Traveling always reminds me how vast and diverse the world is, and yet how connected we all are. Boarding the plane, I settled into my seat, ready for the flight back to India. As the plane took off, I looked out the window and smiled, already planning my next adventure.