London Through Their Eyes: A Family Adventure!

There is something magical about seeing London through the eyes of your children. 

Over the years, Erin and Keilyn have become quite the little explorers! Even Alysha, when she was their age, enjoyed visiting the sights. We have spent days checking off the 'big ones', like Buckingham Palace, The Mall and Horse Guards Parade, to the world famous museums, and some of the lesser known ones, too.

We have discovered hidden 'pocket parks', public art, historic timepieces and more that many just blindly walk by. From ancient objects that are billions of years old, hidden in plain sight, to artefacts so colossal that you wonder how they ended up on the streets of London.

We have taken river boats, buses, trams, trains and the cable car. But, we have learned that it is by using our feet along the vibrant streets that we have discovered so much more, stopping for the occasional, and necessary, treat. 

Looking back through my photo library, I realised just how many versions of London we’ve experienced. We’ve seen it in the bright summer sun in the parks and under the moody, classic London clouds near the River Thames, and watched the sunset from various vantage points.

We have seen her in jubilant times, celebrating the good things, like the Olympics and royal birthdays, and we have mourned with her, when we said "Goodbye" to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Another thing that we have started doing more of is stopping to read the signs. Not just the street signs, but the informational plaques, museum displays, humourous signs and public art that most people walk right past.

My family has grown up with landmarks, both old and new. What used to be a trip focused on finding the nearest playground has evolved into exploring vibrant street art, sophisticated museum galleries, and the rich architectural history of places like the East End and the lesser known streets. 

London remains a constant for us. A place that feels familiar yet always offers something new to discover. 

Here is something to remember: London is a living museum, and every corner has a story to tell. It’s a reminder that London isn’t just about the views; it’s about the centuries of art, history, and community that built them. 

So, the next time you’re walking through London's majestic streets, take a second to read the fine print, as you might just learn something incredible.