Sometimes spontaneity leads to the best adventures—and that’s exactly what happened when we decided, on a whim, to fly to London for the weekend. Time permitted, and with no children, we figured… why not? (Let’s be honest—one of the perks of being child-free is the ability to pack a bag, book a flight, and jet off without needing to find someone to babysit the goldfish.) So, off we went to London in November 2023 for a quick getaway that turned out to be one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken.
We landed in London early in the morning and checked into our hotel in the heart of the city. There’s something about London that feels effortlessly alive—red double-decker buses humming by, the faint sound of Big Ben in the distance, and that crisp, foggy air that makes every photograph look cinematic. We spent the evening wandering through the cobblestone streets, sipping hot chocolate, and trying not to spend our life savings in Harrods (unsuccessfully).
The next morning, we embarked on a guided tour to Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle—a trio of destinations that perfectly captured England’s mix of mystery, charm, and royal grandeur. But let’s start with Stonehenge, because, honestly, that’s where the comedy began.
If you’ve ever imagined the quintessential British weather—grey skies, relentless wind, and sideways rain—Stonehenge delivered it all. It was cold enough to make you question your life choices, but somehow that only added to the magic. Standing there, surrounded by those massive prehistoric stones, you can’t help but wonder how ancient civilizations managed to build something so perfectly aligned with the stars. The wind roared, the rain whipped across the fields, and yet it was breathtaking—like nature’s way of saying, “Welcome to England, now hold onto your hat.”
Speaking of holding onto things, the highlight of our visit was watching a couple valiantly attempt to defend their poor Ritz-Carlton umbrella from the elements. You could see the confidence in their eyes at first—“This is a Ritz umbrella, darling, it’ll hold!” But the universe (and a 40-mile-per-hour gust) had other plans. In one swift motion, the umbrella caught the wind, flipped inside out, and went sailing down the rolling green hills of Stonehenge like a runaway kite. The best part? The two men chasing it down with British politeness—coats flapping, shoes slipping, and determination unmatched. It was like watching a live-action Mr. Bean episode. I tried not to laugh… but I failed miserably.
After drying off, we continued to Bath, a city straight out of a Jane Austen novel. The Roman baths were serene and warm—a nice contrast to Stonehenge’s arctic blast—and the architecture was absolutely stunning. Then, to top it all off, we visited Windsor Castle, the kind of place that makes you want to sip tea with your pinky up and start speaking in an accent halfway through your sentence.
By the time we returned to London that night, we were exhausted but glowing—equal parts soaked, windblown, and elated. It’s hard to explain, but that day reminded me that travel isn’t just about seeing the sights—it’s about embracing the unexpected, laughing in the rain, and finding beauty (and comedy) in the chaos.
If you asked me whether I’d go back, my answer is simple: in a heartbeat. Even with the rain, the cold, and the airborne umbrellas—especially because of them—Stonehenge was a masterpiece of nature, history, and pure British charm.