A Capital Adventure: From Folkestone to London Victoria – A Memorable Getaway
A Capital Adventure: From Folkestone to London Victoria – A Memorable Getaway
There’s something quietly exciting about boarding a train in the sleepy seaside calm of Folkestone, knowing that within just a couple of hours you’ll be standing in the buzz and brilliance of London. Our recent journey to the capital was one of those rare trips that simply got everything right — from the moment we zipped up our overnight bags to the final sip of fresh hotel coffee the next morning. This wasn’t just a getaway — it was a celebration of great company, fantastic food, a brilliant show, and a bit of time-traveling through history.
The Journey Begins
Our adventure began with the train ride from Folkestone to London Victoria. As we left the coastal quiet behind and sped through the rolling green countryside, excitement started to build. There’s something about arriving into Victoria Station — one of London’s grand transport hubs since the 19th century — that makes you feel at the very heart of things. The station itself has served as a gateway to the capital since 1860, witnessing generations of travelers from the golden age of steam to today’s steady flow of commuters and visitors.
Once we’d arrived, it was time to navigate the London Underground — a journey in itself. The Tube, as it’s affectionately known, is not just a means of transport but a marvel of engineering history. First opened in 1863, the London Underground is the oldest rapid transit system in the world. The early trains were powered by steam, and passengers traveled through dark, smoky tunnels until electrification came in the early 20th century. Today, it’s a beating artery of the city — connecting millions of people a day through a network that spans 11 lines and nearly 250 miles of track. Getting around is a breeze once you know the map, and for us, it added an extra layer of excitement to the day.
Our Stay at The Claremont, Victoria
We checked into the Claremont Hotel in Victoria, perfectly placed for exploring and absolutely full of charm. The hotel gave off that classic London elegance — comfortable, stylish, and welcoming. After a bit of freshening up, we settled into the in-house bar, The Soak, which turned out to be a hidden gem of the trip.
With a couple of crisp beers and some rum and cokes in hand, we dug into the most unexpectedly delightful bar snack: BBQ smoked almonds. Honestly, who knew almonds could taste that good? The salty, smoky crunch paired beautifully with the drinks and the relaxed, elegant atmosphere. It was one of those simple moments that stays with you — just sitting, laughing, sipping, and snacking with people who make the world feel lighter.
Dinner at The Ivy – An Evening of Elegance
Later that evening, we headed out to The Ivy, one of London’s most iconic restaurants. Famous for its glamorous yet cosy setting, The Ivy has been serving stars, artists, and curious food lovers since 1917. It’s a place that makes you feel special the moment you walk through the door.
For starters, I went with seared scallops served on crispy potato rosti — a perfect balance of rich and delicate, each bite melting away in savoury harmony. For the main, I couldn’t resist the fillet of steak, cooked to perfection, served with creamed mash and creamy spinach. Every mouthful felt like a reward for simply being alive. We toasted the evening with a beautiful bottle of red wine, full-bodied and warming, the kind that lingers long after the glass is empty.
Hamilton – History Set to a New Beat
The night wasn’t over yet. We made our way to the theatre to see Hamilton, a show I had seen so much twice in the theatre and probably 10 times on Disney + but wasn’t prepared for just how powerful it would be again and again learning more every time.
Created by gifted Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton is a ground-breaking musical that tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States — a man who helped shape the very core of American government, finance, and law.
Born in the Caribbean, Hamilton rose from poverty through sheer brilliance and determination. He served as George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War, founded the nation’s financial system, and created institutions still in place today — like the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Reserve system.
The show blends hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and traditional musical theatre to narrate Hamilton’s dramatic rise and equally dramatic fall. Themes of ambition, legacy, power, betrayal, and love play out in rapid-fire lyrics and unforgettable performances. It’s history retold with such energy and precision that you leave the theatre not just entertained, but genuinely educated — and inspired. We are captivated from start to finish everytime.
A Restful End and a New Morning
Back at the hotel, we collapsed into bed around midnight — full, content, and happy. The kind of sleep you only get after a full day of walking, feasting, and soaking in culture.
The next morning, we woke refreshed, ready for a final little treat before the journey home. After enjoying the excellent shower in our room (always a marker of a good hotel stay!), we sat down for a hearty breakfast. My plate held Egg Florentine, smashed avocado, two sausages, and a fresh coffee and apple juice to set the day right.
Reflecting on a Capital Time
With bags packed and memories tucked in alongside them, we boarded the train back to Folkestone. The journey home offered the perfect time to reflect. Celeste had done so well with all the walking — honestly, she was amazing. And our dear friends/family who met us there, well, we couldn’t have asked for better company. They’re the kind of people who just make everything better — easy laughter, great conversations, and always a good story to share.
This trip reminded me that the best adventures aren’t always the furthest away. Sometimes, they’re just a train ride up the tracks, a good dinner, a powerful show, and a few smoked almonds away. Thanks to the best couple, to Celeste, and to London — for giving us another one to remember.
