End of Year in London (2015)
Before the trip even began, there was a whole other journey: the visa process.
Having a green passport meant that entering the UK wasn’t as simple as booking a ticket and hopping on a plane. I had to apply for a visa in advance. Bank statements, travel history, accommodation bookings, invitation letters, insurance papers, every document had to be neatly prepared and in English. I remember printing, photocopying, and organizing everything into folders, double- and triple-checking that nothing was missing.
The closest UK Embassy was The Hague. Standing in line with other applicants, I could feel that quiet tension we all shared, hoping we hadn’t missed a single piece of paperwork. A few weeks later, when the visa finally arrived in my mailbox, it felt like unlocking a new adventure. Alhamdulillah, this broke a** student is going to the UK.
Day 1: Sunday, 27 December 2015
Delft - Eindhoven - Manchester
The journey began in Delft, where we caught a train to Eindhoven Airport around midday. The train ride took about 1 hour and 25 minutes, and from there, I boarded my budget airline to Manchester. It was late afternoon when we landed at Manchester Airport. From the airport, I took a short train ride to Manchester Piccadilly Station (around 15 minutes), then walked to Hilton Chambers Hostel, my accommodation for the first two nights.
Even though it was already dark by the time I arrived, the city was lively with post-Christmas energy, shops decorated with twinkling lights, people strolling through the streets wrapped in thick coats, and that familiar British winter chill in the air.
Day 2: Monday, 28 December 2015
Manchester City Tour
I dedicated the entire day to exploring Manchester. The first stop was Manchester Arena, a massive indoor venue and one of the largest in Europe. From there, I walked to Manchester Town Hall, an iconic neo-Gothic building that feels straight out of a Victorian novel. The clock tower dominates Albert Square, and the interior is famous for its murals depicting the history of the city.
A short walk away stood Manchester Cathedral, with its intricate architecture and peaceful interior. It was a nice contrast to the busy winter streets outside. The day was a mix of history, architecture, and urban exploration, all within walking distance, which made Manchester feel compact and easy to explore.
Day 3: Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Manchester - Old Trafford - Liverpool
Early in the morning, I caught the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Old Trafford. We decied to visit Old Trafford Stadium, home of Manchester United, the stadium tour takes you through the stands, locker rooms, and the famous players’ tunnel. Even if you're not a football fanatic like me, it's hard not to feel the weight of history there.
Later, I took the Metrolink and then a train to Liverpool Lime Street Station. Liverpool welcomed me with a different kind of charm, more artistic, musical, and vibrant. I headed straight to The Beatles Story museum at the Albert Dock, a must-visit for anyone who’s ever hummed along to The Beatles' songs. The museum is beautifully curated, telling the story of the band from their humble beginnings to global fame.
After that, I wandered around Albert Dock, admiring the mix of historic warehouses and modern galleries. Liverpool felt more intimate than Manchester, with a strong sense of cultural identity. I stayed at International Inn Liverpool, a cozy base for the night.
Day 4 — Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Liverpool - Edinburgh
Before dawn, I boarded a train from Liverpool Lime Street to Edinburgh Waverley Station. The journey north was beautiful, passing fields, hills, and glimpses of the coastline.
Edinburgh was like stepping into ancient era. My first stop was Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically atop Castle Rock. The panoramic view from the castle walls overlooked the city’s rooftops and distant hills. Then, I visited the National Museum of Scotland, which was free and packed with fascinating exhibits, from natural history to Scottish culture.
I walked down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Later, I wandered through old graveyards, eerily atmospheric in the winter light. Edinburgh was hauntingly beautiful, especially with the crisp air and festive lights still lingering from Christmas. I stayed at The Guards Hotel, near Haymarket Station.
Day 5 — Thursday, 31 December 2015
Edinburgh - London - New Year’s Eve
Very early in the morning, I took a bus from Haymarket Terrace to Edinburgh Airport. I then boarded London Stansted Airport. From Stansted, a bus took me to Russell Square, where I checked into the Smart Russell Square Hostel, right in central London.
The rest of the day was spent sightseeing:
The British Museum, one of the world’s greatest collections of history and culture.
London Transport Museum which gave a fun and interactive look at how London’s iconic transport system evolved.
Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street, a treat for Sherlock lovers like me.
- Tower of London, where centuries of royal history meet tales of intrigue and executions.
- Madame Tussauds, Marylebone, Central London, very close to Baker Street
I also passed by 30 St Mary Axe, known as “The Gherkin,” a striking piece of modern London architecture.
Day 6 — Friday, 1 January 2016
London City Tour
Even though it was New Year’s Day and the city was still recovering from the celebrations, I set out early to explore more of London’s iconic landmarks. My first stop was Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Standing in front of the grand gates with the Union Jack fluttering above, it felt surreal to be at one of the most recognized royal landmarks in the world. The streets around the palace were quieter than usual, giving me space to take it all in, the palace façade, the Victoria Memorial, and the ceremonial road of The Mall stretching toward St. James’s Park.
From there, I continued to Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Palace of Westminster, and Westminster Abbey, walking and taking buses using my Oyster card. Later, I visited London Eye and Madame Tussauds, enjoying panoramic views of the city from above.
Day 7 — Saturday, 2 January 2016
London - Delft
On the final morning, I boarded the Eurostar train from St Pancras Station at 08:58, arriving back in Delft at 12:08. Watching the English countryside give way to the Channel Tunnel and then emerge into mainland Europe felt like a fitting, reflective end to the journey.
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