Winter Wonderland

First of all, my apologies for the delay in a new post *slap on the wrist for me!*. Due to my rubbish immune system, I have seemingly picked up every bug going so I have been lying low for a while trying to build up my strength again. 

Back at the beginning of December a group of my close friends invited me to go up to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park in London. I had often read about it in celebrity magazines, and none of us had been before so it seemed like a fun day out. 

 We wanted to book some things in advance but it appeared everyone else did too so we were unable to book the Ice Kingdom as it was sold out for the day we were going. We did however book the Ferris Wheel, and as we were going with two small children we decided to pay a little extra and have our own private pod. 

We took the train up as an easier alternative to driving, and thankfully as we got on at one of the first train stops we were able to get seats together. I wanted to rest as much as possible because I knew it would be busy when we reached London, especially on a Saturday too. 

From Victoria Station it was a short stroll along to Hyde Park. Thankfully the sun was shining so it was nice to stroll along looking at the sights on the way. 

When we reached Winter Wonderland we could tell it was going to be busy. There were no queues to get in, but the alpine market area, full of wooden stalls selling gifts and all different types of delicious smelling food, was packed. It was difficult to stop and look at the stalls, more of a "Just keep going" kind of mission! 

I was very excited to see the rides - there were some pretty intense looking rides that I think I will look at doing if we go again next year. It was quite overwhelming for our first visit - so much to take in!




















My friend Gemma bought some tokens to take one of her little girls on the carousel. I think my friend enjoyed it more than her little girl :)

Food at Winter Wonderland can be a bit pricey, and some of the portions seemed quite small for the cost, but then again it could be London prices. 

We made a pit stop for some chips. I had some delicious Skinny Fries which went down a treat, especially as it turned chilly, despite the sunshine. 

We then headed over to the Ferris Wheel and as we had booked in advance for our own pod, it didn't take us long to queue. It was hard to decide when to go up - daytime to see the views across London or night time to see everywhere lit up. We decided on the daytime and we weren't disappointed. The views were spectacular! 

After our trip on the Wheel we wandered along drinking hot chocolate (which was yummy and very warming) and then two of my friends and I decided to go on one of the rollercoasters called the "Wild Maus". The queue itself was a lot of fun - moving floor, rollers to climb through, stepping stones. The ride was brilliant too. Similar to the mouse rollercoaster on Brighton pier, it was quick and quite jerky and twisty. I think I crushed my friend a few times - sorry Jason! 

As night had fallen and we were all feeling quite tired we decided to call it a day and head back to the station for our train home. As we walked out there was a massive queue to get in that trailed for miles. 

It was a wonderful day, great laughs with fantastic friends. My poor body didn't like me much afterwards though and it triggered the start of my poorliness. Would I do it again though? Of course!