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Hazel's Travels

Solo Travel in Europe & Beyond

England

What I Noticed Wandering the Barbican, London

In England, Europe, London, UK   •   Leave a Comment

Last Updated on February 2, 2026 by Hazel M

Green water feature at the Barbican Centre with stepped red-brown brick platforms, grey and brown Brutalist buildings on both sides, and a pale blue sky with light cloud above. I went to the Barbican expecting calm. Serene walkways. Brutalist geometry softened by quiet contemplation. A place to wander slowly and feel a little removed from London. What I found was interesting, absorbing, and occasionally unsettling - not in a bad way, just in a way...
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What Is Canary Wharf Really Like? An Honest Perspective

In England, Europe, London, UK   •   Leave a Comment

Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Hazel M

Tall glass skyscrapers and waterfront apartment buildings in Canary Wharf, reflecting the sunlight under a bright blue sky. The scene is viewed from across the water, with calm reflections and modern architecture dominating the skyline. Canary Wharf is one of London’s most distinctive - and divisive - neighbourhoods. Some people love its modern skyline and clean lines. Others find it too polished or too quiet. After a recent winter visit, I started to see why the reactions can be so...
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Things to Do in Canary Wharf, London 🏙️

In England, Europe, London, UK   •   Leave a Comment

Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Hazel M

Canary Wharf sign in large illuminated letters set against modern glass skyscrapers in Canary Wharf, London, at golden hour Think Canary Wharf is just shiny skyscrapers and finance bros? Think again. There are actually loads of interesting, low-key things to do in Canary Wharf - especially if you’re into architecture, waterside strolls, and hidden gardens that look like they’ve been airlifted from Singapore.
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How to Visit London in Winter for Solo Travellers ❄️

In England, Europe, London, Solo Travel, UK   •   Leave a Comment

Last Updated on January 11, 2026 by Hazel M

Person in a black coat standing beside a classic red London telephone box on Westminster Bridge, with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament softly lit in the background under a pale winter sky Winter is one of the most underrated times to visit London alone. The pace slows slightly, the city feels more introspective, and there’s something oddly comforting about moving through it with no agenda beyond staying warm and seeing where the day takes you. If you’re travelling...
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Things to do in London on New Year’s Eve 🎆

In England, Europe, London, UK   •   Leave a Comment

Last Updated on January 9, 2026 by Hazel M

Red and white fireworks bursting over the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in London on New Year’s Eve, reflected in the River Thames Planning your NYE in the Big Smoke? There are so many iconic things to do in London on New Year’s Eve – from riverside fireworks and rooftop cocktails to cosy pub countdowns and glittering cruises. This guide has you covered, whether you're into sky-high views...
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How to Do Christmas in London on a Budget (And Still Feel Fancy) 💸

In England, Europe, London, UK   •   Leave a Comment

Last Updated on January 31, 2026 by Hazel M

Star-shaped Christmas lights and white icicle garlands hanging above a London shopping street at dusk, with golden-lit buildings lining the scene. London gets a bit glitzy at Christmas – and yes, some festive experiences come with champagne price tags. But guess what? You don’t need to splash loads of cash to soak up the seasonal magic. In fact, some of the best bits are totally free.
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Christmas Lights in London: Where to Find the Best Sparkle ✨

In England, Europe, London, UK   •   Leave a Comment

Last Updated on January 9, 2026 by Hazel M

Regent Street’s angel Christmas lights shimmering above the crowds in central London London in December is one giant twinkly postcard. From iconic shopping streets to hidden corners hung with fairy lights, there’s no shortage of glow‑up spots to wander (alone or with friends), with a mug of something warm in hand. If you’re planning to visit, exploring...
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The Best Christmas Window Displays in London🎀

In England, Europe, London, UK   •   Leave a Comment

Last Updated on January 9, 2026 by Hazel M

Collage of London Christmas shopfronts in 2025, featuring Fortnum & Mason’s red Advent-calendar façade, Liberty’s turquoise ‘Good Ship Liberty’ display, Tiffany & Co.’s blue starry building, a golden Christmas tree on New Bond Street, Selfridges’ purple-and-pink Disney castle design, Annabel’s snowy Narnia-themed façade, Dior’s green illuminated sculptural display, and Cartier’s red-and-gold gift-wrapped building. London at Christmas isn’t just about the sparkly lights overhead – some of the best festive magic happens at pavement level. The city’s most iconic shops transform their façades into miniature worlds: glowing Advent calendars, sculptural artworks, icy-blue jewel boxes, and sometimes a full-sized Christmas...
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Christmas Trees of London St Pancras International: A Festive Flashback🎄

In England, Europe, London, UK   •   Leave a Comment

Last Updated on January 5, 2026 by Hazel M

Collage of St Pancras International Christmas trees from past years, including a shimmering silver and green tree, a monochrome illustrated cityscape tree, a pink-and-gold Eiffel Tower tree with a red ribbon, a red and gold floral tree, a golden carousel-style tree, and a tall tree made from colourful soft toys, all displayed beneath the station’s iconic glass and steel roof. If you've ever wandered through St Pancras around Christmas, you'll know it isn't just a train station – it's also home to one of the most creative Christmas trees in London. Each year, there's a new design, a new theme, and often a big brand...
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Where to See the Best Christmas Trees in London 🎄

In England, Europe, London, UK   •   Leave a Comment

Last Updated on January 9, 2026 by Hazel M

Christmas tree inside Leadenhall Market in London, with ornate Victorian architecture and festive decorations. If twinkly Christmas trees make your heart flutter (same), then London in December is your kind of wonderland. From 60-foot Nordic spruces to tiny, tasteful firs in hotel lobbies, the city is packed with trees dressed to impress.
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A person with long hair and sunglasses smiles in front of a waterfront with boats, under a clear blue sky in Funchal, capturing the essence of their Madeira itinerary.

Hi, I’m Hazel - a British writer, solo traveller, and former chef, based just outside London. Over the past decade, I’ve wandered solo through much of Europe - from the black cliffs of  Read more

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