Top 10 Reasons to Love Living in England

Now that I’ve been living in England for just under a year, one question that has been directed towards me more than once is what exactly is it that I like about living in England so much. After giving this question some thought lately, I’ve come up with these top ten reasons. Continue reading “Top 10 Reasons to Love Living in England”

Cotswolds Villages: A Picturesque Day in Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water

When you think of the English countryside, you’ll likely picture rolling hills marked by villages with quaint cottages, cozy pubs, and traditional tea rooms. The Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty in the south-west of England, is the quintessential representation of this. Continue reading “Cotswolds Villages: A Picturesque Day in Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water”

A Day Trip to Cambridge, England

Renowned for its famous university, Cambridge has a reputation as one of the most prestigious schools in the world. But, there’s more to the town of Cambridge – which also bares the school’s name – than just the university. I made my way north from London to Cambridge to find out what this town is all about.
Continue reading “A Day Trip to Cambridge, England”

Top 5 Rooftop Views in London

One of my favorite ways to see a city is from above, and London doesn’t disappoint in ways for you to do so. Below are my top five favorite London rooftop views:

Duck and Waffle – Liverpool Street

Duck and Waffle is a 24 hour restaurant and bar where you’ll get great views of the Gherkin. Come for brunch (although make reservations ahead!), or for a glass of wine at their bar.

Entrance fee: None

View of the Gherkin as seen from Duck and Waffle

Madison – St. Pauls

Madison is a rooftop bar and viewing platform (both free to enter) near St. Paul’s Cathedral. For a family friendly rooftop view, this is the place to go as the viewing platform is separate from the bar.

Entrance fee: None

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Atop Madison rooftop bar

Dalston Roof Park – Dalston

A bit of a hidden gem, Dalston Roof Park is a seasonal favorite, open from spring to the end of September. Here cocktails are served while a DJ spins music on weekends.

Entrance fee: £3 normally, more for special events


Sky Garden – Monument

Sky Garden, located in the “Walkie Talkie” building, is the only rooftop on this list that has full 360 views of London. Sky Garden is quite large, and it’s nice to take a walk around the gardens.

Entrance fee: None

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Sky Garden Halloween weekend

The Shard – London Bridge

The “View from the Shard” is the biggest rip off attraction in London at £26. However, if you enter the Shard from the restaurant entrance (it will be marked), then you can head to one of the Shard’s bars where a drink may run you £8, but entrance is free.

Entrance fee: None

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Tower Bridge as seen from the Shard

Which of these looks most appealing to you? Is there another rooftop you recommend in London?

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What’s next?

This upcoming week my friend Miriam will be visiting me in London. We have plans to check out Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland festival and go to Cahoots, an old tube station converted into a 1940s cocktail themed bar.

Over the weekend I’ll be heading to Prague, Czech Republic. I’ll be exploring the old city and also partaking in a Czech food tour with my friend John who lives in the city.

Till next time all!