My weekend in Loch Lomond

It was such a surprise when my parents said they wanted to come and visit me in Glasgow. They would be staying at Cameron House in Loch Lomond and they planned to pick me up so we could go out somewhere for the day.

I've been waiting all month, but finally, Saturday evening came and mum and dad picked me up at Glasgow airport and took me out to what looked like the wilderness, when coming from such a busy city like London and the south east!

My dad excitedly getting into the car!

We arrived at the hotel and I was shocked to see such a lovely swimming pool with a flume. I wish my parents had told me and I would have brought my swimming gear! I left my things in the room and we went to Duck Bay for dinner where I had the most amazing steak accompanied by my favourite - BBQ sauce and chips! My Mum knew that I love a good Strawberry Daiquiri and so one was ordered to the table for me - And it was perfect! The evening was lovely and we came back to the hotel after and both had a hot chocolate, whilst my Dad enjoyed a Scottish beverage - Irn Bru in the bar at the hotel overlooking the Loch and watching the snow fall. It felt ever so christmassy!

The next morning I awoke and opened the curtains to see the utmost amazing view!

The view of Loch Lomond from my window.

We all knew that today was going to be a fab day just from the weather. The breakfast was unbelievable! I had Kippers while my Mum had Eggs Benedict and Dad had a Full English. After this, our adventure began as we decided to get in the car and go off on our travels further into the highlands! 

The first place we visited was Luss, a small village with cute gardens, exceptionally well kept. A church was also in this town to highlight the religious element upheld in this village. After a quick stop here to see the view of the Loch we made our way further up to the next village on our journey.

Loch Fyne

We stopped in a little town called Inveraray, where we were allowed to park free as it was out of the summer months. The town was deserted but had the potential to be buzzing full of tourists in the summer! 

Inveraray Castle.

Coming into Inveraray, over the bridge we saw this majestic castle, where my dad slowed down so I could take a photo.

We got out of the car and had a wander around the village to take photos of the views. There was also a memorial of the men who fought in the World War, which I thought was a lovely gesture.

We then stopped in a small teashop to have a drink and I ordered Chowder, it was beautiful! 

It was such a lovely afternoon I didn't want it to end. On the way back, it was like driving another way because you had such a different view of what you saw on the way there.

We then went into Balloch, the town right by Loch Lomond to the farmers market. As it was closing at four, we got there right before the end. I managed to get an onion, which was needed for my Spaghetti Bolognese I'll be making later in the week! I also got an Apple Crumble, which was homemade by one of the ladies at the stall. It was such a lovely view, with the wonderful colours in the sky.

The day came to a close as I was then dropped back to my halls, as my parents made they're way to the airport back home to Essex.

Do you ever have any spontaneous weekends where you just get in the car and go off to somewhere you've never been before?

Kirsty 

xxx

Day out in London!

Before Christmas, my boyfriend surprised me with a day out in London. I felt like a tourist as we got the train into Fenchurch Street and made our way to the first place of the day, Big Ben.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

We only stayed there for a brief period before moving on to Oxford Street. I love going into Oxford Street every Christmas. Firstly, the beautiful decoration hanging over you is something that can get anyone into the Christmas spirit. Secondly, the lovely shop windows that eagerly awaits the eye of customers coming by only enhances the buzz of Christmas in the winter air.!The themes that are decided on by the window dressers are so exquisitely done with the products of the individuals shop that I cannot help but take photos. The most exciting store, that I go to each year to see the winter designs is Selfridges! 

One of the window designs at Selfridges.

The busy nightlife of London, with the Christmas ball balls hanging outside Selfridges.

The big surprise Brandon had planned however was still yet to come. I may have had a sneaking feeling that we were going to Winter Wonderland, although there was still doubt in my mind! We lingered along from Bond Street and stopped at Wagamamas before heading to the station to catch the train to Hyde Park! 

When we arrived at the park, we were both really excited! It was busy, being only four days before Christmas. We went straight through as Brandon had booked tickets to the Magical Ice Kingdom. The entrance felt magical as people pushed through to feel the Christmas buzz inside the park. 

The entrance to Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London.

We queued for the Magical Ice Kingdom. Inside were these amazing sculptures made of complete ice and snow! I marvelled at how they were carved and how long it must have taken to make.

There was also a German market within the park selling jewellery, boutique gifts and food stores!

After our time in Winter Wonderland, there was one more place Brandon had arranged which took place in Canary Wharf! He had booked two tickets to go Ice Skating!

It was such a lovely day and I was absolutely exhausted when I got home!

What did you get up to over Christmas, did you have any days out or surprises, if so, where?

Kirsty xxx