As hockey families know, life revolves around the rink. Originally, our plan was to escape the Canadian winter for a February break adventure in the UK. But after seeing the four games Andin would miss, we begrudgingly rescheduled for Christmas break. It wasn’t our first choice, but hockey schedules dictate everything in our lives—even our international travel plans. (I am kidding on that last part, but also its partly true…)
See also my post on travel https://dkdesigninspirations.com/lessons-navigating-entrepreneurship/
Our adventure began with a red-eye flight from Calgary to London Heathrow. This wasn’t our first overnight flight across the Atlantic (Amsterdam, anyone?), so I came armed with neck pillows, jet lag pills, and a stubborn determination to sleep in an upright position. Spoiler alert: the human body was not designed for that.
Tiny Rooms and Giant Adventures in London
After landing, we met our private driver (fancy, right?- or the thought of trying to figure out the train system after an overnight flight was not appealing so I prepared ahead and booked a car transfer) who whisked us to our hotel: the Tudor Court in Paddington. Finding a hotel in London that doesn’t bankrupt you is a task, but finding one with a private bathroom for three people? Practically a miracle. The Tudor Court ticked all the boxes, with a prime location near pubs, restaurants, and the train station. Tripadvisor Tudor Court Hotel
However, the room size was… cozy. And by “cozy,” I mean dollhouse proportions. The bathroom was a converted closet, where turning around required careful choreography. By the end of two days, we were ready to escape our shoebox and stretch out.
We managed to pack a lot into those first couple of days, though. On Day 2, we ventured out to Stonehenge, taking in the English countryside along the way. The rocks were impressive—definitely worth seeing once—but it’s not exactly a repeat destination. Back in London, we explored the Churchill War Rooms. Wandering through the underground bunkers where history was shaped was both humbling and fascinating. Bonus: the audio guide is a must for Churchill trivia.
All Aboard to Edinburgh
On Day 3, we left London behind and headed north to Edinburgh, Scotland, via a 4.5-hour train ride. The journey across the UK was as scenic as expected—rolling hills, charming villages, and enough sheep to fill several Instagram reels. When we arrived, we were greeted by a snowstorm warning, which promptly canceled all New Year’s Eve celebrations. Disappointing? Yes. Surprising? Not at all. The UK and snow don’t exactly mix—no plows and cobblestone streets on hills make for a slippery disaster.
Undeterred, we made the most of our four days in this enchanting city. Edinburgh is small, charming, and incredibly walkable (as long as you’re dressed for the chilly weather). Over the course of our stay, we visited Holyrood Palace, explored the historic Edinburgh Castle, and marveled at the quirky Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Museum, which also has some some of the best panoramic views of the city, in my opinion. We discovered some amazing hole-in-the-wall restaurants where the food rivaled the city’s charm—proving once again that the best eats are often in the most unexpected places.
One of the highlights of our trip was a ghost tour of the underground vaults on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Now, I’ve been on my fair share of “ghost tours,” and most of the time, they’re more about the drama than the paranormal. This one? Let’s just say I walked out with an experience I can’t explain.
Andin, who doesn’t love scary movies or creepy vibes, faced the tour like a champ. I was half-expecting him to bolt out of there in terror, but he stood his ground and came out unscathed—proud mom moment. Throughout the tour, I was recording videos here and there, and in the Cobbler’s Room, I caught something none of us could explain. It wasn’t something we heard in real-time, but when I reviewed the footage later, both a sound and a visual anomaly popped up. Let me tell you, it’s enough to make me believe there’s something down there. The vaults were dark, damp but the experience was well worth the shivers.
In the daylight hours, we also hopped on a “hop-on, hop-off” bus to explore more of the city’s sights. If you ever visit Edinburgh, know that it’s perfect for wandering on foot or taking the scenic route by bus. Despite the chilly weather, we stayed bundled up and made the most of this wonderfully walkable city.
Our Edinburgh adventure had it all: history, stunning views, excellent food, and even a little brush with the paranormal. Truly a city that leaves its mark—whether it’s in your memory or your phone footage.
The Great Train Debacle: Edinburgh to Cambridge
Leaving Edinburgh for Cambridge turned into an adventure straight out of The Amazing Race. What should’ve been a straightforward 4-hour train ride with one transfer became a chaotic 7-hour ordeal involving four train switches. The reason? Someone had been hit by a train, causing a domino effect of delays and overbooked carriages.
Cue us sprinting through stations, deciphering train schedules, and laughing at the absurdity of it all. It was equal parts stressful and hilarious. Despite the chaos, we eventually arrived in Cambridge, a few hours behind schedule but still intact.
Cambridge Charm
Our reward for the travel chaos? The Clayton Hotel. https://www.claytonhotels.com/cambridge/. Unlike our London digs, this hotel was modern, spacious, and downright luxurious in comparison. It lacked the quaint, historic vibe but offered comfort and room to breathe—exactly what we needed.
Cambridge itself was delightful. A quiet university town with charming streets, cute shops, and a friendly vibe, it was the perfect place to unwind. We spent our days window shopping, sipping hot chocolate in cozy cafes, and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. Everyone we met was incredibly kind and helpful, especially during our train-hopping adventure.
Final Thoughts: Two Countries, Countless Memories
In the end, our UK adventure was full of unexpected twists, tiny rooms, and chilly walks—but it was a trip we’ll never forget. From the bustling streets of London to the historic charm of Edinburgh and the quaint serenity of Cambridge, we ticked two more countries off our list and created memories to last a lifetime.
That said, after all the snow, cold, and train chaos, we’re definitely eyeing a sunny, hot holiday for our next escape. Maybe somewhere with zero chance of a snowstorm. Cheers to new adventures—whatever the weather throws our way!
