The Perfect London Layover (walking map included)
First up: Scheduling a long layover
Sure choosing the day, your favorite airline and total cost are important aspects when choosing an international flight. But, what about layover options? Sure some people like certain airports over others (looking at you Istanbul Airport you previous little gem). I’m talking about getting out and enjoying a city during your layover. Ever thought of it?
Time spent in a layover can be a drag. After all, you’re spending your precious vacation time spent in an airport. So why not make it worth the stop to begin with. Most layover destinations serve as airport hubs - most airport hubs are located in major cities around the world.
This offers the perfect opportunity to check out a new city for a day/night. And, don’t forget, the price of these flights can be some of the cheapest you’ll find. You can also think about flying multi-city, and try to match 3 flights together. Get creative!
For us, we found a 13-hour layover in London on our way to Egypt that arrives at 7AM. Perfect.
Research - Time is tight
Leaving an airport may sound easy, but trust me, it can get hectic when you haven’t done the research.
Research helps people to:
Save money
Save time
Relax more
Some of you read this and say, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I look for the Taxi sign. I walk to through the doors. People are waiting to grab my bags. And I’m gone”
For others, you might be like me and actually enjoy taking public transit as this becomes a wonderful introduction to the people and city you’re about to see. And, 4x cheaper too.
Landing in London
Heathrow Airport offers an express train that leaves the airport and arrives in central London every fifteen minutes. Even better, they offer early bird prices, so you can book your tickets in advance and save some coin; or quid: https://www.heathrowexpress.com/tickets-deals/prices-fares.
London is up-to-date with the latest in technology for people going cardless. They offer Apple pay at most of their train stations.
Sunny Day Walking Tour
Did I mention it was a sunny fall day in London when we stepped off the train? Glad we prepared a day pack (with toiletries) had clothes we were comfortable walking around in and a plan.
When we started walking the streets, I knew where we’d try to go eat ( a good reminder when choosing a place to eat, always have a plan B and if anything, choose your location where there are other interesting things to see and do) but we also wanted to explore a little bit.
It was a lovely day, and we were eager to find something. We checked Google maps, saw a green blob over to the right with what looked like some water running through. We decided that was the perfect place to begin.
St James Park
We stepped inside the park and people were sitting on the park benches talking quietly with each other; some were rushing by trying to get to some work-related function; a school band was playing off in the distance; ducks were gently stepping into the water and gliding away; birds chirping and swooping to find a low hanging branch.
The park was quite delightful. Church bells began tolling off in the distance. A smile crept over my face - This is what traveling is all about.
English Breakfast
Alright - time for some truth. I, Blake Boster, am obsessed with English breakfasts. There I said it. But it’s not just the food that I’m enamored by. Anyone can make the ol’ eggs, potatoes, toast, tomato, sausage, black pudding…But who doesn’t love eating breakfast in the atmosphere of the English breakfast? Now, Englanders, they probably think I have no idea what I’m talking about, but hear me out.
In America, the place you go for a good English Breakfast is an Irsih/English pub. And, American restauranteurs try their darndest to make the environment mirror the style back across the pond. Add to that, the only places to watch European futbol in the US as early as 9AM on a Sunday, is an Irsh or English pub…So bring on my first, legit English Breakfast!
Regency Cafe
This is the place. The place that I would put so much faith into. Of all the places I researched, this place seemed like the one.
Regency Cafe: 1) Not pricey. This isn’t because I wanted to save money - The best English Breakfasts are the greasy spoon types! 2) The feel of the place coming through from the pictures looked like you could create your own experience and nothing much is expected. My favorite. 3) It was within the range of the walking tour we had planned out.
The Experience
We walk in and there’s a line just to the door. A line! A line! This has to mean this place is legit! I’m excited.
Panning the crowd, it’s definitely a working-class spot. We hear shouting up ahead for orders. There’s a sign that says order at the counter, then sit down. Alright, alright, alright.
While the orders are called out, and us listening to the people ordering, we figure out there’s a set breakfast (eggs, beans, and toast), then you choose bacon or sausage, tomato or black pudding.
As we get closer to the front, we see the person that’s been shouting the orders. She’s a slim woman with some grit in the eyes and some demeanor in her orders. She was amazing! She encompassed the place as much as the place encompassed her.
Not only does she call out the orders for pickup, but she also makes the toast, pours the coffee or tea (strongest black tea in the world, no question) and also barks at the kitchen for changes to any order
If you don’t come to get the toast or your plate right away, she gets louder and more intense with each call.
The cafe was perfect. Our plates were perfect.
Getting Around
Now, walking through St James Park and enjoying every part of that delicious breakfast was enough for me to call London a wonderful success. But of course there’s more to see. And all very accessible.
Admire the grandeur of Westminster Abbey | Take in the restoration process of the famous Big Ben Clock Tower (expected completion 2021) | See London on the infamous London Eye while overlooking the the Westminster Bridge | Take in all the sights as you stroll over the picturesque Tower Bridge | Enjoy the people, the sounds, smells and bites of the Borough Market
