CC Travels

In late January, I made the spontaneous decision to travel to England, which, in a delightful twist of fate, also took me to Scotland at the last minute. At this point, it’s safe to say all my travel plans are a blend of organized chaos, but what better way to live?

I flew into London Heathrow Airport and used my hotel’s shuttle service (not free, but convenient) for my ride into the city. I stayed in Kensington at the Kensington House Hotel, which is perfectly located right next to Hyde Park. Arriving late, I opted to stay in my room for the evening to rest up for the adventures that awaited me.

My first stop was the Natural History Museum, just a short and scenic walk from my hotel. The weather was unexpectedly sunny, a rare treat at the tail end of winter.

While waiting for my time slot at the museum, I decided to explore the Victoria and Albert Museum across the street. Little did I know, the V&A is the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design, housing over 2.27 million objects. Founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, it was an unexpected delight.

The Natural History Museum exceeded all expectations with its vast exhibitions on dinosaurs, minerals, natural disasters, and human evolution. It’s a treasure trove of knowledge and fun for all ages.

After some leisurely shopping, I called it an early night to prepare for my last-minute plans to head to Edinburgh the next morning. Originally, I had planned to spend a few days on the southern coast of England near Dorset, but the idea of driving a rental car in and out of London made me nervous. Instead, I chose to fulfill a long-held dream of visiting Scotland. In hindsight, driving would have been manageable, and I look forward to returning to those original plans someday.

I caught an early train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverly station, a scenic six-hour journey. Arriving in the evening, I met a friend for dinner and marveled at the city’s nighttime beauty, even in the rain. Edinburgh, with its historic charm, looked straight out of a dream.

The next morning, after a delicious breakfast of Scottish smoked salmon at my hotel’s café, I set out to explore the city. Despite the cold and rain, I was determined to see as much as possible.

Mistake #1: Not packing an umbrella in one of the rainiest places in the UK in February.

Mistake #2: Not packing waterproof layers to combat the inevitable downpour.

By the end of the day, my hands and thighs were numb from the rain, a lesson learned the hard way. However, the weather also meant I had Dean’s Village almost to myself, offering a rare, uninterrupted glimpse of its beauty.

The next morning, I took a train to Leeds and picked up my rental car from Avis. It was my first time driving alone on the left side of the road in a foreign country. The nerves and culture shock were real, but after a few hours, it became second nature. For anyone looking to explore places not easily accessible by public transport, I highly recommend renting a car. Watching YouTube videos helped a bit, but nothing beats just diving in.

The Inn I stayed at ( Clarendon Pub) also had a full pub and restaurant on the first level, with the kindest and most welcoming staff and owners, not to mention amazing local food!

I took my dinner to bed and the next day was a mix of getting lost, making friends with horses and sheep, and navigating narrow roads not built for modern vehicles.

After I parked my car and saw many others headed for the same gate and walking path, I leisurely strolled for what felt like only 5min of walking. A very flat, easily marked, gravel pathway that would be accessible for most age groups and walking abilities.

My inspiration for visiting this area was the second season of The Witcher, which featured mesmerizing landscapes. Seeing the Gordale Scar in person was a dream come true. A short 40-minute drive from my inn, it was a beautiful, brisk, sunny day, perfect for exploring this natural wonder.

Highly recommend always taking the risk and figuring out the rest later.

After wrapping up my adventures in the serene countryside, I headed back to London early in the morning. I stayed in the Shoreditch area, known for its vibrant shopping scene and lively pubs. Although my itinerary was short and packed, and the weather wasn’t always cooperative, the trip left me with a newfound appreciation for both well-known and lesser-known locations. I can’t wait to return and explore even more.

Taking risks and embracing the unknown turned this trip into an unforgettable journey. From the bustling streets of London to the tranquil landscapes of Scotland and the rugged beauty of Yorkshire, every moment was a testament to the magic of spontaneous travel.