We returned the car and would enjoy London by foot and public transport. We spent the last three nights in London at Thistle Kensington Gardens on Bayswater Road in the fashionable Royal Borough of Kensington – one of the best spots in town, away from all the hustle and bustle. But just minutes from the West End, Marble Arch and Oxford Street shopping.

All this plus the leafy acres of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park right across the road! So, not only delightful views, but also plenty of green space to enjoy.

You can also check out William and Kate's home, Kensington Palace or watch the kids have fun in the Diana Memorial Playground. Not to mention taking a stroll past the beautiful Serpentine lake or enjoying a concert at London's most historic venue, the Royal Albert Hall.

Getting to other parts of the city was easy. There were 4 underground stations within walking distance, Paddington mainline train station is about half a mile away and several bus routes pass right by the hotel.

We spent the afternoon leisurely enjoying Kensington Gardens Park which is planted with formal avenues of magnificent trees and ornamental flower beds, and covers 100 hectares (275 acres). It is home to Kensington Palace, the peaceful Italian Gardens, Peter Pan statue, the stunning Albert Memorial and the Serpentine Gallery. There are mature trees, grasslands and many types of wildlife. There are two playgrounds, including the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground near Black Lion Gate. After 3 weeks of driving we also had a quiet evening just enjoying the surrounds and the beautiful city lights.

Monday night we had tickets for Kinky Boots at Adelphi Theatre in the West End. Our first West End show. During the days we became typical sightseers with so many things to be seen.

Things to see:

*** Kew Gardens - one of the world's most famous gardens. more than 130 hectares of landscapes and gardens, stroll a soaring treetop walkway and wander through tropical glasshouses
*** Abbey Road - Probably the most famous road crossing in the world, Abbey Road was brought to popular attention when it became the location for the shooting of the cover of The Beatles last album: Abbey Road. The nearest Underground Station to Abbey Road is St. John’s Wood. There is only one exit at this station. When you exit the station, you will be on the northeast corner of Finchley Road and Grove End Road. Head west on Grove End Road for approximately 500 meters and make a right turn onto Abbey Road. The Studios – and the crossing – are right there.
*** The Shard - The View from The Shard is the premium visitor attraction at the top of Western Europe's tallest building, and London's newest landmark, The Shard, a dynamic symbol of London. At a height of up to 800ft or 244m, The View from The Shard offers spectacular views over London, enabling visitors to see as far as 40 miles away. Twice as high as any other vantage point in the city, it is the only place where visitors can see the entire city at once.
*** High tea at The Ritz - Served in the spectacular Palm Court flanked by high walls of gleaming mirrors, romantic birdcage chandeliers and a soaring, vibrant floral display at the centre of the room, there really is no better place to savour this delicious slice of life. Enjoy finely cut sandwiches together with freshly baked scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, followed by a delectable selection of afternoon teacakes and pastries. There are also 18 different types of loose-leaf tea to choose from.
*** London Rock Tour - for a variety of English rock bands
*** LEGO Store at Leicester Square - The world's biggest Lego store
*** M&M Store at Leicester Square - This 35,000 square feet store selling M&Ms products and merchandise is the largest candy store in the world.
*** A walk through Notting Hill - Fashionable Notting Hill is one of London's most iconic neighbourhoods. Best known as host to the world’s second biggest carnival (after Rio’s Mardi Gras) and home to the famous Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill is also a serious destination for culture buffs and those on the hunt for a quintessential London experience. Notting Hill Carnival experiences the Caribbean in London with floats on Monday 28 August.
*** Hop on - Hop off bus tour
*** At Madame Tussauds, you'll come face-to-face with some of the world's most famous faces. From Shakespeare to Lady Gaga you'll meet influential figures from showbiz, sport, politics and even royalty. Strike a pose with Usain Bolt, get close to One Direction or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.

We departed London on Wednesday morning and head to Singapore for a stopover of 3 days.