Londinium

Landing in Heathrow we feel the crisp air as soon as we exit the terminal. Summer has been left behind on the other side of the world. On the tube on our way into the city we see the typically English terraced houses, and in some ways it feels even more English with the leaves gone from all the deciduous trees. The sun hangs low in the sky even though it's only early afternoon.

Walking to our hotel we immediately fall in love with the area. Grand buildings, in close proximity to Hyde Park, and with a tube station, supermarket and shops right across the road. We spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Watching squirrels forage between the last of the fallen autumn leaves, light shining pale gold through the trees, and admiring the birds swimming in the pond.

It's cool, but nowhere near the shock of cold that we expected. Everyone looks stylish in their coats, hats and boots, which also keep us snug and warm. Dressing in winter clothes is fun when you know it's only for a couple of weeks.

Over the next week we explore London our way, on foot where possible and through the world class galleries and museums - Natural History Museum, Science Museum, National Portrait Gallery, British Museum, Tate Britain, Tate Modern and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The National Portrait Gallery is an unexpected highlight. Essentially a history of modern Britain (Tudors onward) told through portraits, housed in a stunning building. Seeing originals of well known images used as standard representations of Jane Austen, Joseph Banks, James Cook and more was fantastic.

After an enjoyable afternoon viewing the Turner and Blake collections at the Tate Britain we enjoy our walk by the Thames south to see Battersea power station.

We view London from above from the Sky Garden, the top level of the building nicknamed "the walkie talkie" and considered to be one of the ugliest new buildings on the London skyline. The views out across the Thames, to the Shard and beyond are spectacular. Part way through we're interrupted by a fire alarm and have to evacuate - 35 floors of stairs to descend certainly meant we achieved our steps that day. As tickets are free, but must be reserved online in advance, we book again to go back the next morning and finish our experience.

A repeat viewing of The Book of Mormon fills our Monday night delightfully after family high tea at the Ritz. The gold and mirrors in the Palm Court are out of this world and the scones are the best we've tasted.

On Wednesday evening we see Les Miserables live on stage for the first time. An unforgettable experience, the turning of the stage and the intricate moving set combined with such dedicated performers transport you straight to 19th century France.

Our time in London culminated in the much anticipated wedding of Maddy and Josh at Kew Gardens. Even in winter it's a spectacular venue, with the ceremony taking place as dusk gathers, drinks in the Princess of Wales Conservatory and dinner and late night party in the Orangerie. Such a joyous occasion and a huge high to end our time in London.