By Staff Writer: Kelsie Glenn
When we moved overseas, my family traded material birthday gifts for experiences. Memories that last longer than anything ever wrapped in a box and paper. For my son’s 11th birthday this year, we hopped on the Tube, where my kids always “pretend to surf” as the subway cars take off, leaving us laughing every time. We headed to London for a full day of sightseeing and adventure, eventually racking up more than 20,000 steps.
We began at Buckingham Palace, then walked the same daily route King Charles II was known for taking through St. James Park, before heading to Trafalgar Square. While standing beneath Nelson’s Column, with the grand bronze lions guarding the base and the shimmering fountains in the autumn light, my son tossed a coin, making a special birthday wish. From there, we continued to the Marble Arch, taking in how beautifully it anchors the edge of Hyde Park. The never-ending historic sites and endless access to museums always feel like stepping into a time capsule full of Britain’s history.
Only after soaking in a day filled with history did we shift to the faster-paced side of the city, towards Regent Street, home to every store imaginable, including Hamley’s, the world’s oldest toy store, and viral restaurants such as Dave’s Hot Chicken. Even though Dave’s Hot Chicken turned out to be a bust, the day redeemed itself when my son stopped to admire a sleek Lotus in a showroom window. The manager noticed and invited him inside to sit in it, turning a simple moment into an unforgettable birthday surprise.
Coming from smaller cities, the energy, history, and wonder of London’s hustle and bustle never fade for us. Every visit feels like a gift and is the exact kind of memories we hope to keep giving our children.