London & Oxford

I haven’t watched the recent cable shows such as Downton Abbey, Bridgerton and The Crown.

But their success shows that England seems to always capture our attention here in the States

and it always begins with London and its allure of centuries old castles, palaces and royalty.

London combines history, style and an endless list of things to experience. Places like the

Tower of London and Kensington Palace let you wander through centuries of royal stories, and

you’ll feel almost like royalty yourself as you stroll those grand halls.

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Nothing makes you feel more like royalty than the essential British tradition: afternoon tea.

Whether it’s a chic hotel tea service or at Harrod’s Tea Room, it is a moment of charm, calm and

indulgence – and an excuse to wear something fabulous! London’s style scene is perfect

blending classic elegance with contemporary flair, so go all out with an outfit that’s both polished

and personal.

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For WWII buffs, the Churchill War Rooms, found in the heart of London, is a museum dedicated

to the iconic Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister during the war. Here, you’ll explore

the underground bunker where Churchill and his wartime government strategized during the

darkest days of the war. The exhibits detail his leadership and the significance of the rooms

themselves to the success of the Allied Forces.

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Then, there’s Oxford.

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No, I haven’t read the Harry Potter books, but I fell in love with everything Tolkien ever since I

first read The Hobbit while in 9 th grade. For book lovers, a train ride to Oxford from Paddington

station opens up a world dedicated to literary giants J.R.R. Tolkien & C.S. Lewis. Wandering

through the same halls and grounds as they did, you might even picture scenes from The

Hobbit & Chronicles of Narnia coming to life.

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Oxford also has a connection to WWII. There are numerous tributes to the women who played

essential roles during the war, both on the front lines and at home. You can find plaques and

memorials dedicated to women for their efforts, from nurses to factory workers.

And one of Oxford’s lesser-known but historically significant sites is a bench dedicated to the

first female graduate of the University. Serving as a tribute to Dorothea Beale, educational

reformer who fought for women to study at Oxford, this tribute bench is a quiet place for

reflection on women’s academic progress.

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London & Oxford brings an energy that’s leaves you enchanted and inspired. It’s the blend of

past and present, tradition and progress, which makes these two cities such a fantastic place to

visit.