I arrived home from England yesterday after getting up very early in an airport hotel and hanging out at Heathrow for hours. Seven weeks away is a long time and I’m now completely discombobulated about what’s going on here! But, I know it’s Wednesday, so we’re going to reset regardless.
I visited lots of museums and churches and old things while in Oxford. But the Story Museum was by far my top choice. Whether you are a child, have a child, or would like to remind yourself that you aren’t a child anymore, there’s something for everyone.
St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England is a must-do for many tourists. But when you’re traveling on a budget, the £18 ticket price for one adult is a bit steep. Luckily, there is a simpler way to visit St. Paul’s – and a way to do it for free!
St. Paul’s is a London landmark, easily accessible from the St. Paul’s tube station, and right across the Thames on the Millennium Bridge. It is home not only to spectacular architecture, but also a wide range of art. There are perks to paying the entrance fee: on the sightseeing ticket, you can climb to the top of the dome for views of the city. You are permitted to take photos during non-worship hours, to remember your visit. And both guided and self-guided tours of the space are available.
But if £18 per person just isn’t in your budget, it is free to enter St. Paul’s and spend time in the space during any of the daily worship times. There are at least three services each day that are open to the public to attend. These are traditional, Anglican services – so anyone familiar with the Anglican order of service will find it all very traditional. Even if the Anglican tradition isn’t one you’ve been part of before, it is not hard to follow along, and the order of service is provided in writing (which tells you when to sit, stand, or kneel).
If you would like to attend a service for the religious aspect, of course attend whichever you like. But if it is music you are after, aim to catch the Choral Evensong, offered at least four evenings each week at 5pm. Check the online schedule for times beforehand when planning your visit.
Looking for a hotel in London? I loved my stay at the Pilgrm
Evensong is a 45-minute long sung service. It’s somewhat meditative, and is a really lovely way to hear the choir (which is excellent) in the acoustics of the cathedral.
There is plenty of seating at the cathedral, but if you arrive early enough two things could happen. You could get a really good seat near the front under the dome, and look at the choir and the altar front-on.
Or, as when I went to Evensong recently, they may invite you to sit in the choir loft if the whole choir is not in attendance. If there are extra seats in the choir loft, then those who are interested are guided through the cathedral to the front, and get to sit in the choir seats. The view is quite different; you are side-on with the choir, and get to look out over the cathedral, rather than straight at the speakers and singers. But it is very cool to sit where the choir sits. And of course, if you have time, you can go again the next night and observe Evensong from a different seat. This is by far the best way to visit St. Paul’s for free.
Have time for a day trip? Head to Brighton
Don’t forget to tour the grounds around the cathedral as well during your visit. They have some lovely gardens, and there are several spots to get cool photos of the dome. I was there in November, so the sun was setting shortly before the service started, making for lovely photography lighting.
And then – should you wish to experience the sublime to the ridiculous – head out from Evensong down Watling Street, very near to the cathedral, and enjoy a pint outside with the raucous post-work crowd. A trip to London is all about balance!
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The Midweek Reset comes out (usually) on Wednesdays, and is full of fun links, recipes, books, and articles to refresh your week. You…
Because we were traveling in the off-season, I got a winter deal that included our breakfast, and it was the best included breakfast I’ve had. You can choose off the menu, and breakfast included a coffee, a juice, and a hot dish of your choice. Even if you can’t get a deal that includes breakfast, I would highly recommend eating in the hotel at least once. The room is so delightful and quirky, and really the breakfast was very good. Our deal also came with bottomless hot chocolate, from which I’m sad to say we never did benefit!
Last week, I joined a course for small business owners to work on our ability to actually sell our products (a surprisingly difficult thing!). Although I have a service-based business that perhaps doesn’t lend itself well to Christmas presents, one of my colleagues in the course makes these beautiful notebooks. Could be a great gift for someone difficult to buy for on your list. And, purchasing from a small business makes the owner do a significant happy dance, so you’re really gifting two people a lovely Christmas.
St. Ives is known as one of Cornwall’s most famous destinations. It’s won multiple awards for its beaches and for being a great family holiday destination. All this makes it hugely popular – and perhaps for an introvert/socially anxious traveler, not a seemingly attractive option. But! I am here to tell you, St. Ives is worth the hype. There are at least 6 reasons why you must visit St. Ives. It’s beautiful, with fantastic beaches, cute shops, and has a wonderful gallery.
The room was absolutely beyond expectations. A very comfortable king-size bed, rainfall shower and separate bath tub, a seating area, a desk by the window to get work done, and coffee, hot cocoa, and shortbread biscuits all in the room. The room felt modern and was very clean, without losing any of the character – and this would be said for the whole hotel. All of the communal spaces felt fresh and up to date, but with a clear sense of the charm of the old convent.
Hello from sunny Falmouth! I’ve spent the last week wandering about the south-western most tip of England and just today the sun has finally come out in full force. I’ll have lots of content coming about being in England – check out our off season day at the arcade in Brighton if you haven’t already.
It’s always great to explore big cities, but sometimes it’s nice to get away from all the bustle and head to the riverside. Malpas Village is about a 25 minute walk from Truro, in Cornwall in the southwest of England. It’s the perfect hideaway from traffic and crowds (there’s only one street, and it only runs in one direction!). Plus, there are cute restaurants, a lovely park, a coffee shop, and views of the little boats docked in the river. A perfect afternoon out.