I had a lovely nights sleep. After filling my belly with hotel breakfast, I walked over to Kensington Gardens for my tour of Kensington Palace. Strolling through the park was incredible. Groups of people gathered for picnics, bike rides, even yoga in the park. In the center sits a massive pond with ducks and swans. Directly facing the pond, sits the magnificent Kensington Palace, former home of the late Princess Diana and current home of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge: William and Kate. Before my tour commenced, I had some time to explore the Sunken Garden. Last year a new memorial statue dedicated to Princess Diana was unveiled to commemorate her royal highnesses 60th birthday. What an absolutely stunning garden. #gardengoals

Now for the tour… Stepping into the palace was like stepping back in time. The palace is split into two sections: public and private areas. The private areas are where William and Kate live with their children. The public is where the plebes like me can visit. Within the public area, the exhibitions span hundreds of years, starting with William and Mary in the 1690s, through the Georgians of the 1700’s, and Queen Victorias royal childhood. I loved visiting the Jewel Room and getting the opportunity to see some of my favorite tiaras.

My favorite exhibition though, was “Life Through Royal Lens.” As I meandered the halls, I was privy to iconic royal photographs, some never before seen from the personal albums of the most photographed family in the world. I love, love, love Royal history so this was so incredibly special to see.

Something else special to see…. Bob Ricard Soho. Located in Soho, Bob Bob Ricard is on one Londons most instagrammable restaurants . The interior is strikingly opulent. Orient express, meets late Victorian, meets Art Deco. It works. Each table comes with its very own “Press for Champagne” button. And press it, I did! Twice! Such an unforgettable experience. One that would not be complete without me making a fool of myself. When I was seated, in front of me sat a plate of pink, gold, and white. After I ordered my food, they took that plate away. When my food came, they put another plate down, and next to that was my plate of food. I now had two plates in front of me. Before the server walked away, I asked if I should put the plate of food on top of the empty plate. She responded, “I would if I were you.” LOL. What? So I did. Any fancy people out there that can explain this to me? Thanks!

After dinner, I walked around Piccadilly Circus. Basically like British Times Square, if you’re not familiar with it. This hub is packed full of people, lights, sounds, and street performers. On my way back to the tube, I passed Leicester Square and had a blast trying to find all the statues of notable movie characters. My favorites included Mary Poppins, Batman (up on top of a building!), and of course, Harry Potter.

Tips, Links, and Locations:

Castle Kensington Palace Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, United Kingdom

Press for Champagne Bob Bob Ricard 1 Upper James Street Soho, London, W1F 9DF, UK

London Times Square Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly Circus London W1D 7ET, United Kingdom