Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Europe! Today, I’m thrilled to share a treasure trove of memories and vibrant photographs from our recent family trip to three iconic cities: London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. This journey has been a long-held dream, fueled by my lifelong fascination with the English language and its rich culture. Having grown up in Brazil, the United Kingdom, with its unique blend of history, traditions, and modernity, always felt like a world apart – a compelling draw I yearned to explore.
The opportunity arose when my husband’s work required him to be in London for a few days at the end of June. I immediately saw this as the perfect chance to turn a business trip into an incredible family vacation. We meticulously planned our itinerary three months in advance, crafting a 16-day adventure that would take us across England, Scotland, and Ireland. Yes, we navigated three distinct countries in just over two weeks, all while traveling with our energetic 16-month-old son. It sounds like a monumental task, but I can happily report that we not only survived but thrived, creating countless joyful memories along the way!
Given the inevitable extra luggage that comes with traveling with a toddler, I made the conscious decision to leave my professional camera at home. All the beautiful moments you’ll see captured below were taken with my iPhone, proving that you don’t always need elaborate gear to document spectacular travels. I hope you enjoy these candid glimpses into our European escapade!
LONDON: A Royal Introduction to UK Travel
My admiration for London began long before I ever set foot on its historic streets. During my years as an English teacher in Brazil, textbooks and cultural studies painted vivid pictures of this magnificent city and the wider UK. I arrived with a mental map of its famous landmarks, from the Tower of London to Big Ben, and the moment I stepped onto its bustling pavements, I knew I was home. It’s truly effortless to fall in love with London, isn’t it?
As one of the world’s most vibrant and expansive metropolises, London offers an unparalleled array of attractions that cater to every interest imaginable. Its multicultural fabric mirrors the diversity of cities like Toronto, and its iconic sights are recognized globally. From ancient castles to contemporary art galleries, there’s an endless stream of experiences waiting to be discovered. However, it’s important to acknowledge that London is a remarkably expensive city. Prospective visitors should certainly start saving several months in advance to fully enjoy its offerings without financial stress.
During our six days in London, we embarked on an ambitious itinerary, exploring numerous historical buildings, majestic castles, opulent palaces, serene gardens, expansive parks, the bustling zoo, ancient towers, and world-class museums. It’s astonishing how much we accomplished, especially with a curious toddler in tow! This whirlwind of discovery was undeniably one of the most rewarding travel experiences of my life, a sentiment I believe my husband and son wholeheartedly share. So, let’s dive into some visual highlights of our incredible time in England’s capital.
One of London’s most iconic modern landmarks is undoubtedly the London Eye, majestically situated on the South Bank of the River Thames. Our visit offered an exhilarating experience, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city from its highest observation point. The vistas were simply fantastic, offering a unique perspective on London’s sprawling beauty and intricate urban landscape.
EDINBURGH: A Scottish Fairy Tale Amidst Historic Grandeur
Our journey continued north to Edinburgh, the captivating capital of Scotland. This city immediately enchanted us with its incredible atmosphere. It felt as if we had stepped into a living fairy tale, a feeling almost perfect, save for the persistently wet, grey, and windy weather. Despite the dampness, we absolutely adored Edinburgh! It possesses a distinct character unlike any other place on earth, evoking a powerful sense of the Medieval Ages with its abundance of gothic buildings, the majestic Edinburgh Castle, regal palaces, and wonderfully picturesque streets and gardens. While it holds the esteemed title of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh retains a cozy, intimate feel, making it an ideal destination for relaxation, exploration, and enjoying delicious food without breaking the bank.
One of Edinburgh’s most delightful features is its exceptional walkability. Nearly every significant attraction is within easy reach, making it a dream city for those who appreciate long strolls. We happily explored its winding lanes and historic closes on foot, soaking in the atmosphere. The Old Town, in particular, is a fascinating labyrinth brimming with remnants of ancient tunnels, mysterious caves, and storied, even haunted, areas. However, for safety reasons, these more adventurous subterranean tours are typically restricted to children under five, so we explored the above-ground wonders with our little one.
Unfortunately, the persistent rain did limit my photo opportunities. However, every time the clouds parted, I seized the chance to capture Edinburgh’s unique charm. Here are some glimpses of this truly magical city – scroll down and immerse yourself!
The Elephant House coffee shop holds a special place in literary history, renowned as one of the key locations where J.K. Rowling penned parts of the beloved Harry Potter series. She found inspiration sitting in the back room, gazing out at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, letting the city’s magic fuel her imagination.
At the very heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town stands the iconic Edinburgh Castle. This magnificent fortress is truly gorgeous, a testament to centuries of Scottish history. Although the weather on the day of our visit was far from ideal, with considerable rain, we nevertheless had an enriching and enjoyable time exploring its ancient walls and commanding views.
Another highlight of our Edinburgh visit was touring The Royal Yacht Britannia. This historic vessel served as the floating royal residence for The Queen and the Royal Family for over four decades, sailing more than a million nautical miles around the globe. Our visit was truly incredible; everything on board has been meticulously preserved, appearing exactly as it did during its royal service. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of royal luxury and dedication, and its elegance is simply breathtaking.
Our little adventurer, whom I affectionately call my “nature lover,” thoroughly enjoyed the expansive green spaces Edinburgh has to offer. He reveled in the freedom of being outdoors, exploring and playing amidst the beautiful scenery.
Situated proudly in Edinburgh is The Palace of Holyroodhouse, or Holyrood Palace, which serves as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Every summer, Queen Elizabeth II traditionally spends two weeks at this absolutely gorgeous palace, continuing a long-standing royal tradition.
Adjacent to Holyrood Palace lie the evocative Holyrood Abbey Ruins, a site steeped in history. Founded in 1128 by King David I of Scotland, these ruins were once a grand Augustinian monastery. Today, they stand as a poignant reminder of Scotland’s rich past, offering a tranquil and atmospheric setting for reflection.
DUBLIN: Ireland’s Charismatic Capital and Literary Heart
Our final destination was the vibrant capital of Ireland, Dublin. What can I say about this city? It’s a place brimming with authentic pubs, lively bars, and an abundance of beautiful green spaces. We explored several magnificent parks, enjoying the surprisingly good weather that graced our visit. The Dublin Zoo was another major hit, incredibly vast and home to a diverse array of animals. It’s an absolute must-visit if you’re traveling with children, offering hours of engaging family fun.
The city center of Dublin is truly gorgeous, adorned with numerous old and impeccably maintained buildings that exude a timeless charm. We spent our days happily wandering through its streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and admiring the architectural beauty. An added bonus to our Dublin experience was its affordability. Compared to London and even Edinburgh, Dublin proved to be the most budget-friendly of the three cities, allowing us to even indulge in some clothing shopping for Thomas without stretching our budget. Now, let’s take a visual tour through our delightful time in Dublin!
This is the very popular St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, a landmark of spiritual and historical significance. Its stunning stained-glass windows are particularly noteworthy, depicting intricate artistry and vibrant narratives that captivate every visitor.
I absolutely loved how many pubs in Dublin creatively utilize beer kegs as outdoor tables! It adds such a fun, authentic, and uniquely Irish touch to the streetscape.
We had the pleasure of visiting Oscar’s Bar & Kitchen, a delightful spot where the walls are decorated with famous quotes from the legendary Oscar Wilde. I particularly love the quote featured in the picture. As he’s one of my all-time favorite English writers, being there felt truly special and inspiring.
Here we are at the Oscar Wilde Memorial Park, a fitting tribute to the literary giant. I find this statue particularly striking because of its incredibly lifelike appearance, truly capturing the essence of the writer.
This is the very house where Oscar Wilde was born, a unique and solitary structure on this street. It’s incredibly cool to visit a place of such historical and literary significance, marking the humble beginnings of a renowned literary figure.
And below, you’ll see what I consider the most amazing historical library I have ever had the privilege to visit: the Library of Trinity College Dublin. This breathtaking institution served as a key inspiration for the library in the Harry Potter movies, making it a dream destination for bibliophiles and fantasy fans alike. Within its hallowed halls, you can also behold the Book of Kells, a world-famous 9th-century gospel manuscript. It is an absolute “must-see” for anyone visiting Dublin, offering an unparalleled journey into ancient artistry and scholarship.
While the Dublin Zoo is truly awesome, I must confess I only captured pictures of the giraffes during our visit. Their elegance and sheer gorgeousness captivated me entirely! Don’t you agree they are simply magnificent creatures?
This grand European tour was, without a doubt, our best vacation to date. It was an absolutely amazing trip, filled with moments of wonder and discovery. Throughout our 16-day adventure, my husband and I often discussed how incredibly blessed we felt to be able to introduce our son to these fantastic cities at such a young age. At just 16 months old, he may not be able to articulate his experiences yet, but his joyful expressions and wide-eyed excitement at every new sight assured us that he deeply appreciated this journey.
Before this trip, I always believed it wouldn’t be particularly challenging to embark on international adventures with my little boy, but I never anticipated just how rewarding and incredibly fun it would be! This experience has ignited an even greater passion for family travel within us. We are now eagerly looking forward to many more journeys with him, eager to revisit beloved spots and explore the countless new destinations that still await us. The world is vast, wondrous, and full of incredible experiences, and we are determined to savor every moment of it, right?
Above all, I am filled with profound gratitude for the opportunity to spend such precious, quality time together as a family of three, exploring beautiful places and creating an abundance of cherished memories. These shared experiences are truly priceless, forming the foundation of our family story and reminding us of the immense joy that comes from discovering the world, hand in hand.