I’m traveling through the UK and sharing a few bits and photos from the past few days. It’s gorgeous here and is full on fall and this California girl is loving all of it.
It’s time for the weekend meander with Juliet and Elizabeth!
We flew into London and I’ll share all the details next week or so. I suffered more than usual jet lag and couldn’t sleep the first three nights. I usually don’t have such a hard time.. It did not make London easy. I would recommend bringing melatonin. I took that once traveling years ago and it helped.. You cannot buy it without a prescription in the UK.
Still, I saw the Chanel show at the V&A and it was wonderful…Got to my favorite shops and haunts… We had a fun dinner with our dear friend Emily and her beau at the coolest London restaurant… (I’ll show you next week.)
We made time to see Oxford where we took the train to picked up our car. Oxford was all I dreamed of and more and I can’t wait to share that too..
The Cotswolds are even more sweet and lovely than I remembered when we were here with small kids 20 years ago. I just loved every second there. We also adored historic and medieval York! We also got to Chatsworth House…Something I have always to see since watching the BBC Pride & Predjudice… I have thoughts on it.
The packing less things worked out, but to be honest I should have packed even less. I did end leaving my new wool coat at home and that was a good choice as the trench, raincoat and puffer are more than enough. My sneakers, loafers and boots are great.. and surprisingly the white sneakers are looking good still even in rain and mud..
Now that we are in Scotland, our final leg, we are needing more rain gear, but honestly the rains been off and on and not too bad. It’s a little colder the farther north we go too..
This is my clothes in the closet here in Scotland.. I stayed in the black/tan theme and it’s made it easy..I’ll share the whole list when I get back and what didn’t work and what did.
So far, the highlight of the trip has been Stratford-Upon Avon, York, and the Cotswolds.. We just got to Scotland tonight.
My friend Rosemary lives in Stratford. When we left the Cotswolds to drive to the Derbyshire area, we met for lunch as it’s on the way. She took us the path she walks and that goes through town and along the Avon River which is stunning..
It’s magical with swans and canal boats slowly gliding along here in the sun. Many little pubs and cute places to grab a bit along spots of the river too..
We got lucky the sun came out and we had the loveliest stroll. This town is vibrant and fun with many historic sites to see that relate to Shakespeare as it was his birthplace.. They also have the Royal Shakespeare Company here in a beautiful building along the river, so you can see a show..
One of the joys is just wandering the town and seeing these amazing half-timbered buildings that have been preserved. There are also little markers for buildings that pertain to Shakespeare.. There is more about his birthplace which you can visit, and other Shakepeare spots here..
Rosie and I met on Instagram and both love travel! It’s been years now we have chatted and enjoyed each other’s posts and photos, so to finally meet in person was really sweet. We even got to shop a little and she took me to the White Company, I’ve always wanted to go to..which did not disappoint!
She had made reservations for us at a restaurant called Lambs on Sheep St and Max and I loved it.
Such a cozy vibe and cute spot. I can see why Rosie and her husband choose to live and raise their family here. She can walk to most everything. Great outdoor spaces to enjoy, walking friendly, and culture too.. I am just sad we don’t live closer to each other. Isn’t it wonderful you can make a good friend who lives halfway around the world?
I loved the autumn feeling everywhere…especially in the town of Lower Slaughter which won an award for best kept town..
When I’m back, I’ll share my cute hotels, what we did and how we got around from London, to the Cotswolds, and Derbyshire, York and Edinburgh.. and some cool UK finds for ‘On My Radar.’ I also spotted a supermodel in the Cotswolds.. and we got in a car wreck ( luckily all okay, and not our fault.)…More next week..
I’m also sharing photos as we go on my Instagram…. If you missed any they are saved under my UK Trip story bubble on my bio.
Last week, I shared my final packing list for my fall trip to the UK, and what I took home from the Rails event last Saturday on this post.
So much has been happening in the world and I feel like I’ve been away from a lot of it. Hope you are all taking care,
Kim
Please visit Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs…
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Kim! I’m dying … dying from all your amazing pictures and videos and your entirely wonderful trip! I could have squeezed into your suitcase … after your wool coat was removed. Seriously, it’s all just too charming and perfect. I’m getting all the Jane Austen vibes. I love that you met Rosemary, an IG friend now an in person friend. So fun. Looking forward to following along on rest of your travels and hearing all the details when you’re home. By the way, when you return you’ll find that fall has arrived. Burrr. And you’ll need that coat! Miss you. xo
Juliet LOL good thing I didn’t bring that coat! I would not have really needed it until Scotland and even then, places were warm inside.
Layering helped.
Hope you’re enjoying the warm burst. xo
How wonderful that you got meet your IG friend in person. The towns are beautiful. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Thanks Rita! Was such a treat to meet in person after being online pals forever… The towns are so pretty. x
It’s been wonderful following you in the UK and I’m taking notes from you! I’m keeping a list of what worked and what didn’t on my trip back east. I’m visiting my son and DIL now in St Paul but Monday we fly back to California. I’ve had trouble with the 3 hour time difference and forgot all about melatonin! After 5 years of no travel I feel like an amateur! Stay well! I hope you enjoy Scotland. XO
Hi Sally! Oh gosh even the three hour difference matters doesn’t it? I’m with you, I had to get my travel mojo back and I had some anxiety before this trip.. Glad I did it! Yay for you too. xo
Hi Kim … lovely surprise to receive your postcards this morning! 😊I wasn’t expecting a post today.
I’m so happy for you that your trip is going so well ( apart from the jet lag and the motorway shunt 😩 ) and that you’ve been able to visit so many places.
I had the such a great time with you both earlier this week. So lovely to finally get together after all this time and realise that we can have fun and chat and laugh non stop! I treasure our friendship so it was particularly special to be able to spend this time together.
Your “capsule wardrobe” for this trip seems to have worked so well … not just on a practical note but it’s so stylish as well! Plus everything layers and coordinates so well.
For example how great your black sweater looked worn over your dress … plus you’re prepared for all the varying occasions, modes of travel and and the varying weather that you’ve experienced.
Always good to have options on this sort of trip … from smarter city wear to relaxed, more casual outfits for the countryside and you totally achieved this. I’m making notes!!
Enjoy exploring Edinburgh! Take care,
Rosie xxx
Thanks so much Rosie! Wasn’t it fun? I felt like we have been pals forever and we have so much to chat about.. Thank you for the lovely tour and the shopping- and finding the great lunch place! We had a lovely sunny day too. Stratford has a place in my heart now. It’s very pretty.
I’m glad my smaller wardrobe worked out! I hate lugging too much.. xo
Such a fun trip. Can’t wait to hear more, Kim!
Thanks Mary Ann!
Ah, you are making me miss the U.K. So lovely in fall! Last time I was there I based at a castle and took a spring garden tour. I always love the V&A . I wonder if the Chanel show will travel stateside. Keep the photos and tips coming and enjoy every moment.
Penelope it’s really incredible in fall! I loved seeing all the pretty leaves and wearing a scarf and boots. I thought the weather was nice and only got chilly in Scotland! Aw thanks. xx
Good morning from Cali! I’ve really enjoyed following the trip on Instagram, and thanks for updating us with today’s Postcard. I’m looking forward to more details when you return. How nice to meet your blogger friend Rosie. Don’t you just love the Cotswold’s?! I know that jet lag is a real bear. Next time you will be packing melatonin! Enjoy beautiful Scotland.
Hi Karen.. Thank you it’s been easy to post this way on Instagram as I go.. I was so lucky to get together with Rosie!
Yes I think melatonin might have helped! xo
Kim,
You have been visiting all of my favorite places! I LOVE the Cotswolds,, Broadway, York, Stratford, etc. It has been so fun to follow and travel along with you.
A magical trip!
Enjoy every moment in Scotland!
Thankfully you are ok after the accident.
Have a wonderful and safe trip!
xo Elizabeth
Elizabeth, Yes so much charm and darling spots.. I don’t have enough time! xo
Loving traveling with you so much! Your hotels look fabulous and you are as stylish as ever. Goals! Safe travels!
Aw thank Molly. xo
Hi Kim,
I’m so glad you and Max are having a good trip. Gosh, I love England, and Fall, and bundling up to explore new places is just the v best IMO!
Car crash, yikes! Scary. Glad you’re ok. We had a few misadventures ourselves when traveling down the “wrong” side of the road.
I bet you are one of the best dressed CA ladies in the UK!
Have fun, safe travels, and I want to hear more when you get back!
Xo Heidi
Heidi thank you. We were okay luckily..I’ll share more on my post about the drive through the country..
You are sweet. xo
Are you going to stop in the new RH over there? It looks like a castle on the outside (at least to me). Safe travels and enjoy lots of time away.
Thank you for sending. Sadly, I did not see where it was. It is in Banbury and we were near it. The historic building looks like a dream. I would go next time and have tea in the Orangery! xo
For anyone reading you can find it here!
https://rh.com/us/en/store-locations/701.jsp
Hi Kim,
What a delightful surprise to hear from you. I was telling my Bear where you were vacationing and he mentioned if you have time to see Robbie Burns Cottage in Scotland, I know you have limited time and the places to see has probably already been mapped out.
Bear left England in 1953. He still has family in West Coast Ayrshire. Some families traced back so far to the 16th Century.
I have so enjoyed you taking us along on your travels. The pictures are wonderful. So nice you have visited friends and spent time with your IG friend Rosie. The picture of you both warms my heart.
Sorry about the jet lag and the inability to sleep for three nights. No fun to deal with that. How unfortunate about the car accident. A blessing no one got hurt. The inconvenience of it all and being in a rental car. Glad Max is doing well doing the driving. Like you, I could not and did not do any of the driving when we were in England and Scotland.
Take continued care.
Katherine I didn’t know your Bear was from the UK and Scotland! Wow. Don’t you love how long people’s families have been in some spots! I will look up Robbie Burn’s cottage.. I wish we had more time here.. It’s magical.I need to come back. I know I was so glad Max was the driver.. xo
I’m so glad you got to The Chanel exhibition, I’m definitely revisiting very soon. The Cotswolds are fabulous aren’t they? As are Oxford and York. Enjoy Bonnie Scotland, and keep posting on your stories on Instagram, it’s absolutely super following your trip.
Jude x
Jude, Sorry for the late reply on this..
I was so excited to get to the exhibit and back to the V&A!
Thank you.. I loved the Cotswolds too… So much charm in the UK! xo
I wish I pack coordinated outfits when I travel but my love of colour makes it very difficult. Looks like you are having a wonderful time. It makes me wish I had a trip planned somewhere. London sounds so enticing right now and I would love to be somewhere cooler as it is still in the mid to high 20s here. Enjoy Scotland. I love it.
Lorna, I am sorry I am answering this late.. Somehow my replies in the UK got lost.. Well, this did make it easy. I don’t usually, but I started noticing how I was going in sort of a color theme so went with it.
I bet you can get to London easily right? I so want to see Malta one day too. xo
Its been great traveling along with you, in spirit! When just my husband and I travel together, I never need as many clothes as when I travel with other people-or on a cruise!! I guess he doesn’t really notice any great wardrobe changes!! CANT WAIT TO HEAR MORE!
Martha, Thanks for your tips too and recommending the carry-on bag! Ha so true.. Traveling with the hubs is so different. Max is like why do you need more than two pairs of pants? xo