Day 115: London with Baby – Buckingham Palace & Petrus

Julie

2025-05-30

Day 115: London with Baby – Buckingham Palace & Petrus

Discover London with your baby — from Buckingham Palace’s guard ceremony to Michelin-starred dining at Petrus. Tips for family travelers included.

Main Journey

We started our day with one goal: to witness the famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The skies were cloudy, and rain began to fall just as we stepped outside. I said to Julie, “Maybe the rain will scare people off today.” That was wishful thinking.

By the time we got near the palace, the entire front plaza was packed — tourists were already lining the fences, camera phones held high. Every inch of the railing was spoken for. We realized we’d underestimated just how many people would show up, rain or shine.

Trying to find a better view, we slowly made our way toward the fountain and Victoria Memorial at the front of the palace. From the top of the steps, we could see a sliver of the ceremony about to unfold. Sweetie sat snug in her stroller, nibbling on a cracker, completely fascinated by the marching guards in their iconic red uniforms and tall black hats.

I stood there, watching the precision of the British guards, and found myself wondering — why does a nation so logical and modern still uphold a royal tradition like this? This was my first real interest in the British monarchy.

Only now did I begin to understand: the monarchy is more than history. It’s the thread that ties together England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland — a symbol that gives the United Kingdom its name.

Right at 11:30, the ceremony began. Guards emerged from the gates, polished and regal. Police on horseback paraded by. Despite the rain growing heavier, no one moved.

Sweetie was laser-focused, her little fingers gripping the edge of the stroller. And just like that, a gray, rainy morning became something magical.

Once the guards changed and marched away, we quickly moved on — because our lunch reservation was just around the corner.

We were headed to Petrus, Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin 1-star French restaurant in the upscale Belgravia area — just a short walk from the palace.

This meal was a reward. After months of travel through India and Africa, enduring dust, heat, and uncertainty, we decided it was time to give ourselves something special.

Events

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Even in the drizzle, the entire experience felt grand. The guards were impeccable, the ceremony unfolded with perfect British timing, and there was something awe-inspiring about being in that historic space with hundreds of other travelers.

Sweetie enjoyed the music and movement, though we had to keep her warm and dry under the stroller’s rain cover.

Lunch at Petrus – Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-Starred Restaurant

We had booked this lunch weeks in advance and noted that we’d be bringing a baby. The staff didn’t just accommodate us — they had our table ready with a baby chair in a quiet corner of the dining room.

We ordered the tasting menu, a luxurious multi-course experience that started with amuse-bouches and finished with a dessert so good I still think about it.

Highlights?

A lobster omelet topped with truffle
Sea bass with warm lobster sauce
Hertfordshire beef with snails and wasabi
Black Forest cake with plum sherbet and edible chocolate plum

Sweetie skipped most of the main courses, but she picked out the caviar and sherbet with a precision that made us laugh.

The entire experience felt like a reward — like a big, deep breath after holding it in for months.

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Arrive Early at Buckingham Palace
Even in bad weather, crowds show up. If you want a good spot for the Changing of the Guard, plan to arrive by 10:00 AM — especially if you want space for a stroller.
Always Note Baby Info in Reservations
Restaurants like Petrus can be very welcoming to families — but only if you give them advance notice. We added a comment during online booking, and they went above and beyond.
Pack Smart for Rain
London’s weather changes fast. Bring a stroller rain cover, waterproof shoes, and a few dry snacks for your baby — long outdoor waits can be hard on little ones.
Fine Dining with a Baby is Possible
As long as the baby is calm and the staff is informed, it’s absolutely doable. Don’t assume high-end places are off-limits — many are happy to accommodate.

Local Travel Tips

Petrus is Perfectly Located
Just a 10-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, it’s ideal if you want to pair sightseeing with fine dining.
Belgravia is Quiet & Classy
This neighborhood is full of charm — wide streets, elegant architecture, and plenty of hidden gems. It’s stroller-friendly, too.
Use Public Transport Smartly
Avoid taxis if possible. London buses are accessible, and the Tube is manageable with a baby outside of peak hours.
Changing of the Guard Schedule
It usually happens at 11:30 AM, but always check the schedule online. It can change due to weather or special events.

Travel Reflections

1. London’s Royal Rituals Surprised Me
I didn’t expect to feel moved watching soldiers march in the rain. But standing there with Sweetie, in front of a palace I’d only seen in pictures, I felt connected to something older and grander than myself.

2. Treating Ourselves Felt Right
After so many days of dusty roads, hard beds, and instant noodles, dining at Petrus was like pressing pause. A reminder that this journey isn’t just about surviving — it’s about living.

3. Rain Can Be Part of the Adventure
It rained on and off all day. My shoes were soaked, and Sweetie needed two outfit changes. But we’ll always remember that wet, wonderful day in London — precisely because of the weather, not in spite of it.