After a many year hiatus from writing monthly recaps, I’ve decided to bring them back! There is a lot happening in my life these days, so I’d love to be able to share more with readers.
November was a month of big changes for me. Mark and I moved to England, where he is from, and on the way did a “wrong way around the world” trip to Fiji, New Zealand, and Singapore. While I did hunker down quite a bit to manage all the tasks that come with moving, I also was able to sneak in a quick trip to Manchester and a long weekend in London. Here’s what I got into in November 2025.
While London’s metropolis provides no shortage of things to see or do, there are a lot of great places outside of the city as well. From university cities to spa towns to the countryside – England outside of London has a lot to offer. Here are three perfect day trips to make the most of your time outside the city. Continue reading “3 Perfect Day Trips from London”→
December is here and this means that I can shout from the rooftops my excitement for festive cheer. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, and earlier this week I got jolly at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London. Continue reading “Tis the Season: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, 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
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
Dalston Roof Park
View from Dalston Roof Park
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
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
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.
Noelle Across The Pond 