We last left you tucking ourselves up into bed after visiting The Rainforest Cafe.
We woke up, four in a bed at our Citadines Apart’Hotel in Barbican.
Festive Pyjamas, Baby Mori (on sale for next year)
The Apart’Hotel did leave us two baby travel cots in the room but the kids must have been too excited and wanted to crash in our bed – luckily it was big enough.
We had a very early and very strict start as we were off to meet somebody very important.
All dressed and ready to go we made our way down to breakfast at Sourced Market, a restaurant downstairs with a real farmers market feel.
With a choice from the bakery counter, the deli counter or the grab and go fridge.
We went for a croissant with oozing cheese and ham.
Eggs benedict with ham
And a bowl of porridge with a sprinkle of strawberries and berries for Pollyanna.
Pollyanna is wearing a Red Check Dress from JoJo Maman Bebe
Fed and watered we jumped in a black cab and made our way over to Hyde Park which wasn’t too far from our Apart’Hotel.
Apart’Hotel’s are all centrally located so whichever one you choose you’ll be able to live like a local.
We could see the high skyline of flashing rides in the near distance.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland visits London every year from December. It’s full of food stalls, rides, and market stalls.
Last year we waited in line for almost three hours to see Father Christmas, and we knew Pollyanna wouldn’t be able to do that this year.
We arrived at 9.30am for opening at 10am and waited patiently outside for the gates to open
Pollyannas leopard coat from Matalan // Black Ankle Boots Next
To see the big man himself
There were three families in front of us (they must have entered in a different entrance to us).
We waited for 15 short minutes before strolling through to get our yearly photos with Father Christmas.
It’s safe to say Pollyanna did not disappoint…
We took a walk around the park whilst it was so quiet.
Last year we struggled with the pushchair, so if you do plan to go with one I would suggest going for a carrier instead.
Or like us, go super early.
Pollyanna found her car and took a ride.
It didn’t last long because she decided this time she didn’t like rides so it came to a quick stop.
All of a sudden the weatherman was right and right on 11am the rain came crashing down.
We rushed over to the big wheel (a new attraction for 2019) where we planned to shelter from the rain.
Again, no queuing.
And feed Alfie, 70 metres above Hyde Park.
Three quick rides around, with not much to see because of the fog, it was time to jump off.
Still raining, we ran over to the Bavarian Village for more shelter but more importantly food.
We dined under the rustic wooden chalets and enjoyed the Bavarian chips and hot dogs.
From there we planned our next stop.
We took a short walk past Annabels which is always beautifully decorated at Christmas time.
And towards Hamleys toy store.
The walk was a chance for Pollyanna and Alfie to both sleep whilst we looked around Liberties London.
Using the Quinny Hubb Duo
As soon as they woke up it was straight to Hamley’s Toy Store.
Passers-by let us know how brave we were for being in such a place, with two children a few days before Christmas.
We left, not too damaged. A small Peppa Pig was coming home with us.
An hour or later we were back on Regents Street and heading back to our Apart’Hotel to refresh and get ready for dinner.
The Apart’Hotel’s come with a fully equipped kitchen but when we go away there is no chance either of us is going to be cooking.
We took the chance to chill out and relax from our early morning start and busy day and looked for restaurants nearby.
Raindeer All In One, JoJo Maman Bebe
Again I wanted something more suitable for the children than us.
There was a Pizza Express a five-minute walk from out Apart’Hotel.
Table booked, it was easy as that.
Dinner was a delight, the staff were friendly, great with Pollyanna and after three courses we were ready to head back to our home from home and watch some Christmas movies.
Back in our festive pyjamas, glasses given from staff at Pizza Express that could not be taken of, not even for bed
And this time there were six in the bed.
Baby and Peppa had to join us.
This stay was hosted by Citadines but I would never share something I wouldn’t recommend. If you are planning to visit for similar activities I would choose Covent Garden Apart’Hotel.
To book your own stay at a Citadines Apart’Hotel click here
