A Weekend in England

March 21, 2025- March 24, 2025

A weekend spent traveling around England to London, Braintree, Essex, and more is a weekend well spent. I have been looking forward to this trip for quite sometime not just because I have never been to London despite having been to England two times before this, but also because it was my first international trip traveling with my best friend from home, Lauren, who is studying abroad in Florence, Italy this semester.

Big Ben in London, England

This was an ambitious trip, but I loved every second of it. With plans to go to a concert on the first night we arrived, stay with Lauren’s aunt and uncle in the countryside, and to see Hadestown at the West End theatre it felt as though there was never a dull moment. However, these piled up plans ended up making the trip as enjoyable as it was despite any transportation difficulties, accommodation issues, and just straight up exhaustion.

Our first excursion of the trip was an evening spent going to a Tempesst concert, per my request. If there is ever a time when I am struggling to decide where to take my next trip, I will look at tour dates and locations and let that decide for me. Over the years I have noticed that concert ticket prices in Europe are exceptionally cheaper than tickets in the United States, so not only are you getting an even cooler story to tell about seeing your favorite band perform in a different country, but you get to do so at a discounted price.

Tempesst performing at Village Underground

The day following that of the concert was a complete 180 going from late night, rock shows to early morning, train rides to the British countryside to visit Lauren’s aunt and uncle. This had to be the highlight of the trip. I find it so much more enjoyable when you get the chance to stay with locals during your travels because it allows you to experience a much more genuine, authentic, and realistic way of life in a foreign area that you would not be able to recreate on your own.

Flatford Mill

After strolling through a vast prairie surrounded by horses and twisting trees lining the outskirts, we arrived in Flatford in Suffolk County. This charming town consisted of historic paintings, quaint tea rooms, and flowing rivers that made me feel like I had just stumbled into a fairytale. I was introduced to the English delight of cream tea and the proper way to enjoy it which I guarantee I could have never figured out on my own.

This day trip to the hidden gem that was Flatford reignited my love for traveling with locals because without the guidance of Lauren’s aunt and uncle I never would have known this place existed, and it turned into one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.

Hadestown marquee

On the final eve of this lovely trip, Lauren and I had plans to watch Hadestown on West End of the Lyric Theatre in London. Although, this was Lauren’s idea I was more than excited to get to do this with her because it felt as though her and I were able to reconnect with our theatre roots from high school where we met.

I absolutely loved every second of this musical. It was my first time seeing it, and it truly had me leaving the theatre with my jaw on the floor and my heart in shambles… I couldn’t recommend it more.

If I had to describe this trip in one word, it would be “full.” This trip was full of events and experinces as well as love and laughter. Any chance I have to travel with Lauren is a chance that I will hop on in a heartbeat because I feel that it is safe to say that I hardly ever come across travel companions whose interests and travel styles align so perfectly with my own. And, of course, it helps that we just so happen to be best friends.

If you are interested in seeing more about my trip to England you can check out my YouTube video as well as my Instagram for more in depth updates and reactions throughout the trip!