Celebration weekend shopping, eating, drinking and a film

It was a brilliant weekend. It was one where we didn't want it to end. Elv and I don't always get to spend time together just the two of us, so when we do we do like to make the most of it.

First stop the V&A Museum in Kensington, London. I had no idea you could get into the Museum from the subway, that leads from South Kensington Underground Station. There are no lifts at South Kensington Station, so if you do have a pushchair it is a bit of a mission. This time I didn't have to worry. It has been over 20 years since I last visited the Victoria and Albert Museum so wasn't sure what to expect. 

I remember the subway taking you out by the museums, but had no idea there was an actual entrance from the subway into the V&A museum. I don't think many others knew either as not many had gone into the museum that way. Most had gone through the front entrance, as we saw them in their droves coming into the museum. I did feel a little smug that we found this back way. 

I didn't take many photos in there as usually you see you a lot of people with their cameras if you can, but didn't for a while, so I wasn't sure if we could. Then I did see the odd person take a photo so I did aswell.

There used to be a lot of fashion in the V&A and they used to have it separated in different times, before the 1800's, 1900's, going through the decades up until present time, but I couldn't find this there this time. There was a bit, but not as much as I remember from last time. A lot of the setting from when I last visited had changed, and didn't appear to be a lot on the fashion, which I was disappointed with as the V&A is famous for that. Or was.  

We then walked up towards Knightsbridge to walk through Hyde Park. We had popped into a few shops on the way there, but these are mainly designer stores or tourist shops, and a few didn't have air conditioning. It was a surprising very warm day, so going into these stores did feel like going into a sauna. 

Not complaining though it was a really pleasant day. There were other couples and families out. Saw one family playing football with their son, I assume it was, and the mum shoe fell off as she went to kick the ball almost hitting the dad in the head. 

We sat in Hyde Park twice, on the way to Oxford Street and then on the way back, to have a drink and a bite to eat.
This was not the intention at first, we were looking for the wetherspoons pub that used to be on the corner, near Marble Arch, so we walked back from there after popping into Debenhams and found that it was closed. 

By this time both my husband and I were pretty hungry, not eaten since we picked up something at Wimbledon Station which had been a while, we got to the museum by half nine in the morning. So we took a walk back through Hyde Park and went to the cafe where we had been before, and had a cold drink and a burger. 

Avoid the Burger stall, very pricey. The drinks was reasonable, but the burger was about £9.00 and you just got a burger with a bit of salad. I however did get a free can of drink from the stall, and so my husband just paid for his Pint of Heineken

The shops we went into in Oxford Street, were Primark, Body Shop and as said Debenhams. I did look in the BHS aswell but the sales weren't as good as thought. I did buy some bits in Primark, 2 sleeveless tops, a pair of Jeggins, hair bands and a Owl Candle, total cost £21. I didn't try anything on, as the size of the queue for the changing rooms I wouldn't have had time to look anywhere else.

I bought some White Musk perfume from the Bodyshop. I got 40% off using a voucher code from Vouchercodes.co.uk
So instead of paying the full price of £13 or so, it only cost me £7, so got a real bargain there. I would recommend checking out UK coupon and voucher sites to get some discount codes, as it can save you a lot of money as well as having a splurge on things you love. 

We then walked from Hyde Park through to St James Park to the Southbank.

Note: Watch your bags and pockets when going to these busy places especially Oxford Street, as there are those who wish to spoil your day and try and pinch people's belongings. Sad but true, it has happened to me in London, many a time. When you have lived in London, for a long time like I have you learn to be more Streetwise and keep your belongings safe. 

Still a nice walk, but walking over the Jubilee Golden Bridge, to cross over to the Southbank, for some unknown reason I freaked out. It was vertigo, and I suddenly became aware that all around me was water and I think it was because I didn't feel so closed in and safe. I had some woman who was selling heather shouting at me, because I ignored her. It was because I just needed to reach the end and then I'll be ok. Never happened before, but it did then and completely took me by surprise. I became aware that I couldn't go anywhere and all there was, was water and I freaked out. No other word to describe it. 

Once I reached the end though and took a breather for a bit, I was fine. 
We went to our favourite bars along the Southbank the Royal Festival Hall and The Founders Arms. There was a foods festival going on, and so I had a glass of Pimms and Lemonade in there, was very chilled. They had music playing but not too loud so you could still have a conversation, which Elv and I did. 
Then went home shortly and had some Fish 'n' Chips. 

Sunday we went to see the new Jungle Book film and I thought it was brilliant. Great Adaptation and I will watch this again once it comes out and I can download it from the Sky store. I got discounted tickets to see this, through my work's perks. So didn't spend the earth but had a great time. 

There are really good well priced days out, it is all about planning, saving and making the most of the free time. 

It was a truly brilliant weekend. Next weekend will be Tears of Fears concert at the Newmarket Racecourse. 

Many thanks for reading, 


Carrie X