LONDON HIGHLIGHTS: PART 2

What started as a hunt for fish and chips, ended with stops at Temple, Covent Garden, The Strand and South Bank.

Because Covent Garden runs into heavyweights like Soho, Piccadilly and Leicester Square, there are many ways to get there. But I love to start at quiet Temple station. I discovered Temple as an expat in London and it has stuck with me ever since. The station itself is charming, perched perfectly on the river embankment. It is also secretive and hidden away. That being said, it is a gateway to some pretty fantastic sightseeing including Fleet Street and the Royal Courts of Justice. If there is one thing Temple is known for, it is law. I'm not an expert in this subject, not even close, but walking through here  made me feel like I was cast in a BBC legal drama. In reality I was just enjoying taking photos of the place. I loved admiring the beautiful Temple church and walking through the various tunnels, gardens and courtyards. Temple feels straight out of the past, and it is not until you arrive at the busy Strand you snap back into present day.

The Strand is a bustling street in London that stretches alongside the River Thames. It is home to the stunning Somerset House and beginning of Theatreland. My sign that I am getting close to Covent Garden is sighting the imposing Lyceum theatre, home to The Lion King. It is from this location on Wellington Street I make my way up to Covent Garden. Covent Garden is truly magical, a haven for west-end theatre and attractive pubs. It is one place in London I always manage to get lost in, and I mean that literally. There are just endless and wonderful distractions here. It also has some of the best shopping in town in terms of clothing and beauty boutiques. The gorgeous, Victorian era inspired market is open seven days a week. There is always something to watch, whether it be a street performer or a busker. Covent Garden is here to entertain and that's why we love it.

But for every sold out show or  crowd frenzy, there is a mysterious street to walk down or shop window to peer into. Covent Garden is a place you can return to and never see everything. I had heard of Instagram famous Goodwin's Court and decided to use that as my focal point. This street is as old as they come, built in the 16th century with tattered windows and street lamps. To find it, you have to veer off the main Path, St. Martin's Lane to be exact, and keep your eyes open for a peculiar little archway. I am also told this street inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. My knowledge of Harry Potter ends after the first book, but I can totally see it. This place has a puzzling and unusual vibe that fits in with all the wizardry. This hidden gem is also a great way to escape the crowd for a few minutes. Also, if you look closely there are little white owls in the window (yes, they are fake).

By now it was nearing noon, so lunch seemed like the next step. Despite there being fantastic fish and chip options in Covent Garden, I wanted to keep going. I circled around and ended back where I started on the Strand. But instead of going back to Temple, I crossed the Waterloo Bridge. Caught somewhere between the iconic Undercroft skatepark and Shakespeare's Globe, you will find Founders Arms. The fish and chips here are unbeatable and so is the atmosphere, located in the heart of South Bank with dazzling views of St. Paul's across the river.

Even after all that, I actually crossed the bridge again, this time going over the Millenium bridge to St. Paul's. After doing some shopping in that area (there is great shopping here, FYI!), I took the Central line back to my hotel.

As you can see, this walk had it all. It is amazing what you can do with a few hours in London.

Floral Court in Covent Garden <3