There is something incredibly special about showing your parents the life you’ve built abroad. On April 25, 2024, my wife and I welcomed my parents to our home in Camberley for a two-month adventure. From local walks to coastal road trips, here is a look back at their time with us in the UK.
Settling in Camberley
After they arrived and settled in, we started by exploring our local area. Just a couple of days later, on April 27, we hit Camberley High Street to soak in the atmosphere. We capped off the walk with a lunch at Wagamama, enjoying some warm bowls and good conversation.
We kept things local that first week. On April 28, we visited Camberley Park to see the statue of Colonel John Pennycuick. Given his historical engineering connections to irrigation projects in Tamil Nadu, standing next to his bust was a meaningful moment for us. We also made sure to enjoy some good food close to home, including a dinner at Tandoori Treats on April 30.
Historic Getaways: Bath and Bristol
By early May, we were ready to venture further afield. The weekend of May 4-5 was dedicated to the beautiful, honey-colored architecture of Bath. We spent time exploring the city, taking in the sweeping views of the cityscape under a bright blue sky. Relaxing on the green lawns of the Royal Crescent was a highlight, soaking up the sun and the history. Of course, no trip to Bath is complete without visiting the Roman Baths, where we marveled at the ancient Great Bath with its distinctive green water. We even took a moment to sit by the water’s edge, surrounded by the stunning Roman columns.
After a day of exploring, we enjoyed a lively dinner together, with a table full of delicious dishes to share. We followed that up immediately with a trip to Bristol on May 6, giving them a taste of the diverse city vibes in the South West.
London Calling
You can’t have a UK visit without hitting the capital. We split London into two exciting weekends.
- May 11-12: We did the classic tourist trail. We took a stroll near the London Eye, capturing photos with the iconic wheel towering in the background on a sunny day. We also rubbed shoulders with “royalty” at Madame Tussauds, posing alongside the wax figures of King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales in a grand red-and-gold setting.
- May 19: We returned for a different perspective, visiting the Sea Life Aquarium and taking a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car for aerial views over the Thames.
Castles, Coasts, and Countryside
The middle of May was packed with day trips. On May 18, we visited Windsor, home to the iconic castle. A few days later, on May 20, we enjoyed a meal at The Four Horseshoes, enjoying the traditional pub atmosphere.
As the weather warmed up, we headed to the coast. We spent May 26 in Brighton, enjoying the seaside energy. Later, in early June, we made a quick trip to Bracknell before embarking on our biggest adventure of the trip: a five-day getaway to the Isle of Wight from June 8 to June 12. It was the perfect time to relax and explore the island’s unique landscapes.
The Final Farewell
As their trip wound down, we spent a lovely day in Guildford on June 22, soaking in the cobbled high street and local history one last time.
On June 25, 2024, they boarded their flight back to India. It was a whirlwind two months packed with 2,000 years of history, plenty of walking, and great food. It was a joy to host them, and we’re left with photos and memories that we’ll cherish forever.
