Decided to take advantage of some decent weather today by venturing out to the antiques market in Portobello Road. Lots of really interesting items (like a bible from 1599) but we came away with an antique mantel clock (art deco style – think Hercules Poirot – with a rich Westminster chime) and a very distinctive but classically-shaped small lead glass chandelier.
Had to buy a special suitcase to get them back safely on the plane, but absolutely worth it.
Kew Gardens is one of those special places that you can visit again and again, not just because it’s such a beautiful natural environment, but because there’s just so much of it!
After our last visit, we decided to enter through the Victoria gate this time to be able to explore the Princess of Wales conservatory (with various zones), Waterlily House, Palm House and much more in between.
We also visited Kew Palace, which is set in the grounds of Kew Gardens and which was once home to King George III (who was thought to be mad, but instead suffered from undiagnosed porphyria), Queen Charlotte and their daughters. The kitchens were especially interesting to see, with much of the interior furniture and equipment purpose-built for the palace.
On the way back to the Tube station, we stopped by some of the little Kew village shops and popped into one of them for a drink at their tables outside. Elderflower Presse is an all natural mix of elderflowers, lemon juice, sugar and water. Absolutely delicious!
We took a trip this morning to St James’s Park, a huge, green, relaxing natural space in the heart of London, just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace. Even though we got caught in the rain along the way, it was a wonderful exploration of birds, waterways, flowers and trees. Halfway through, we saw a commotion happening in a nearby street and hurried over to see that it was the changing of the horse guards – an impressive ceremony performed out in the open for all to see.
10 hours later and we’re back from one of the most remarkable adventures ever. Each way consisted of around 3 and a half hours of travel, including tube/train/bus journeys and a LOT of walking. Most of this walking took place within the grounds of Newstead Abbey in Nottingham (which was home to Lord Byron), which is easily one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever seen.
The reason for the trip was primarily to see a location recording of Antiques Roadshow, the famous BBC TV show where members of the public have their precious items appraised by antiques experts. Experiencing the atmosphere of the show in person was quite surreal. Cameras everywhere, the most incredible abbey behind you, and Fiona Bruce presenting right there in front of you. We got to chat to Fiona for a few minutes and she’s every bit as personable and down to earth as she is on screen.
So many enjoyable discoveries at one time combined to make today’s adventure one of the best days out I’ve ever had.
We spent the afternoon cruising the Thames aboard a Bateaux vessel, sipping English tea and dining on sandwiches, cakes, tarts, scones and proper Cornish clotted cream. Live piano tunes added to the relaxing atmosphere, making it a very special way to see a different side of London’s landmarks.
Spotted in Hammersmith station.
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