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Thames River – Westminster to Hampton Court

22 Pics.  With hindsight I would have traveled to Richmond (underground railway – District Line) and tried the alternative river service provided by Turks to Hampton Court. The journey would have been shorter (1 and 3/4 hours) and travels the more picturesque part of the river (including the above bridge).

There is only one company that provides Thames River travel all the way from Westminster Bridge to Hampton Court, that is WPSA.  However I was not all that impressed. It is 3 and 1/2 hour journey, the upper deck seating uncomfortable, the engine noisy and the commentary full of irritating chatter.  Added to which, the first part of the journey was not greatly picturesque apart from the immediate view of Westminster Palace (Pictures) which could have been seen/photographed from the south bank of the river.

Here are the pictures of the two legs:-

Westminster to Richmond

Please click on an image to expand and view a slide show:-

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Richmond to Hampton Court

Please click on an image to expand and view a slide show:-

Hampton Crt by River

Posted by  |  June 29, 2014 | Categories: Central London, Photography, Places to Photograph Near London, Places to Visit, Travel, uk, West London | Tags: , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

2 Degrees

I very much like this pro-active content. If the inherent lethargy of the decision makers is to be overcome, it will be because the larger population show their will. Further, it encourages others to do likewise with the prospect that the approach will become viral. Yay

Rachel M's avatarrachel.blog

There’s a new climate movie out called 2 Degrees which follows the failure of the UN climate negotiations while finding hope in the communities at the bottom (h/t HotTopic). You can watch the film online. Here’s an excerpt from their About page:

The war on climate change has two major fronts: the fight against global deforestation and the battle to stop the burning of fossil fuels. Lose either of these battles and we lose the war. 2 Degrees weaves together stories of a top-down and bottom-up approach to climate change and the charismatic people driving them forward.

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Posted by  |  June 27, 2014 | Categories: Climate Change | Tags: , | 2 Comments

Palace of Westminster and Big Ben

6 Pics: The Palace of Westminster hosts the UK Parliament’s House of Commons and House of Lords.  Visitor Tours and Photography Restrictions inside, outside is not a problem. 

Alongside is Westminster Abbey. Visiting Westminster Abbey, where photography is not allowed inside.  Both are right outside Westminster Underground railway station.  Nearby, one can take a variety of river tours.

The fine detail of the palace exterior is not often seen, so here are some pictures. 🙂

Westminster 1

 

West 4

 

Westminster Turrret 1

 

Westminster Turret 2

 

Westminster 2

 

Big Ben Close Up

Posted by  |  June 20, 2014 | Categories: Central London, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, Travel, uk | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle From The West

19 Pictures

Windsor Castle →

Please Click here for Travel to Windsor Castle       Please Click here to view The River Thames at Windsor

Key Features

The Changing of the Guard, access to St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls House  and   The State Rooms  and Semi-State Rooms ,the walkways and courtyards.  The key feature being the sumptuous State Rooms which includes a collection of fine porcelain, suits of armour, ancient armaments, works of art, a banqueting suite, chandeliers and so forth.  Photography is not allowed inside the buildings, but the Links give a good indication of what to expect.

Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard proceeds from the barracks on the right of the aerial view (below) at 10:45 am.  It passes through the main gates and arrives in the lower castle courtyard at 11:00 am where the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard begins. At 11:15 the old guard leaves and proceeds back to the barracks.  They do this every day.    Times may vary and there may be some dates missed at Windsor.  Check  The procession can be viewed from the street or following admission to the Castle.

Admission to the Castle

The entrance is past the castle gate at the top of Castle Street,  just at the end of the row of trees.  If arriving at Windsor and Eton Central rail station, proceed up the shopping mall, turn right at the top and left at the statue of Queen Victoria.   Opening times and Prices.  Prices vary and can be cheaper earlier in the week so please check.

There is an airport style security station. After this a walkway leads to the central access point and then a U bend that brings one beside the large central turret, which has a garden where the moat used to be.  There is then a choice of continuing around the turret, through the Norman Arch and on to Queen Mary’s Dolls House and the State Rooms. Alternatively one can turn left and proceed towards St George’s Chapel and the parade ground where the guard change.   Exit is through the keep, back onto the road.

I was there on a Friday, just after the guard changed as where many others.  Consequently there where long queues for the Dolls House and State Rooms.   There are two queues, one for both attractions and one for the State Rooms only.  They queues were very much reduced by 1:30.   Taking lunch whilst waiting seemed like a good idea.  Be aware, open containers are not allowed inside any of the castle rooms. Aerial View - Windsor .

This is the band leading the old guard back to barracks, followed by the old guard themselves.

Here is the exit and a statue of Queen Victoria at the bottom of Castle Hill, just where the guard turn. I tried to get her best side. Honestly from the front she could sink ships.

The Tour

Turrets - Windsor This is one of the first sights and leads to the Moat garden. Moat Garden - Wondsor Further around the old moat is a the Norman Gate.  These light fixtures can be seen in many places. Ornate Lamp - Windsor This is just outside the entrance to the Dolls House and State Rooms.  There are a row of benches and one can take a pew with a view.  This is a view of Eton College.  It was definitely worth waiting to see the State Rooms. Photographs are not allowed but you can get an idea by returning to the Links further up the page. Cannon and Eaton -Windsor Back to the parade ground and the lonely sentry at the end. Parade Ground - Windsor On the left there are some of the apartments.

If you are lucky you will see a small group of guard about their business.  In fact you will hear them first.  British sergeant majors do very good impression of screaming eagles and have been known to cut hair with their voices.  The poor fellow on his own is not allowed to move even his eyes and not allowed to speak to anyone.  They draw tourists who photograph them constantly and have photographs taken beside them.  I think the sentries must have an off switch.

Turning to look back up the slope there is the entrance to St George’s Chapel. Chapel - Windsor And, it’s always worth looking up. Spires - Windsor Then out through the gate, directly opposite is a flower seller.  This street and the one to the right have several cafes and taverns. Flower Seller - Windsor Including this one. Crooked House - Windsor I hope you enjoyed a glimpse and thank you for visiting. 🙂

Posted by  |  June 10, 2014 | Categories: Photography, Places to Photograph Near London, Places to Visit, Travel, uk, West London | Tags: , , , , , , | 19 Comments

The Thames at Windsor

17 Pictures

The River Thames at Windsor offers a pleasant afternoon and a good follow-on from a visit to Windsor Castle.  There are both Tour Boats and Hire Boats available.  The tour boats provide a frequent 40 minute service and an occasional two-hour trip. I took the two-hour tour and thought it quite good value for money.  Unfortunately there are no river trips from the City due to the many intervening locks. French Bros public boat trips.  You can book online but you don’t have to.  There are other hire companies included in Travel by Train, Map/Tour and Hire Boats.  But first a word from our sponsor.

Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum.

Wild Foul

        Where’s Fred.                                                                                                                  It’s mine I tell you.

Goose - River -Windsor
I say, they’re not so much wild fowl as slighty miffed. Mwa Ha.


First we go under the bridge and then we come back under the bridge. Good game.

Call that a duck.

 

River Views

Personally I prefer one of these. The upper deck is a simple array of chairs and they were quite happy for me to bring my own tea and sandwiches, bought from an outlet near to the ticket office. The lower deck is more plush with a bar and snacks.

River -Windsor

The first part of the tour is quite pretty. It then gets a little dull for a while until after the lock. There is a commentary indicating places of interest and the homes of the famous.

White House - River - Windsor Large Tudor - River - Windsor Trees - River - Windsor

I hope you enjoyed the tour and thank you for visiting.

Posted by  |  June 10, 2014 | Categories: Photography, Places to Visit, Travel, uk, West London | Tags: , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Yacht

The Yacht - Page1-2 at 75% The Yacht - Page3-4 at 75%

Freed from Time – Stories – Inspirations – The Yacht

… and a little music for those who enjoy an occasional lazy day on a sea kindly yacht.

This poor old computer has been taking a hammering of  late.  So, its taking a break and having a party. Please feel free to   Drop by and say hallo.

Posted by  |  May 30, 2014 | Categories: Inspirations, Stories | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Holland Park and Kyoto Gardens

23 Pics – Holland park is considered one of the most interesting parks and places to photograph in London with many features and a range of flora and fauna. The north of the park is mostly woodland whilst the south has more formal gardens, an ecology centre, large play area and cafe. There are lawn areas throughout the park to relax on.

Please click on any picture to enlarge.    Getting There⇒     History⇒

Holland Park

Peacocks can just about fly but usually have their wings clipped.  There is another one later

Some of the flora near the southern end,

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This is just south of the Belvedere restaurant, which can be seen in the background.

Just north of the Belvedere is this water feature within a courtyard.

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.. and in the same courtyard.


Continuing along the path.

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Whereas, taking the first right after the building there is an arts and craft shop and a little further on the Holland Park Cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating.

A few steps further north are the formal gardens, featuring the Dutch Garden.

The Dutch Gardens

These fellows look like hungry chicks.

Here’s the rest of the family.

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A few steps further north, on the east to west path.

There is some controversy as to why peacocks have such extravagant plumage.  I discovered what must be the real reason by accident.   Some years ago a few friends and I where enjoying a picnic in one of the royal parks.   Opposite under a tree was a mature peacock quietly enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the shade.   Between us a group ducks and geese began to gather. About thirty of them.

The peacock was not perturbed until the group of wildfowl grew closer to his quiet domain and began to squabble.  Up came the peacock’s plume and he began to shake the quills creating a deafening racket.  With the spread of eyes and a sound like many snakes rattling and hissing it was a stunning apparition.   The ducks and geese thought so too.   They all began running towards us trying to get aloft.  We had to duck down (no pun intended) to avoid getting struck.  It seems they were so scared of the apparition that they were quite oblivious to our presence.

I’m sure that the plumage does have  a mating advantage.  Not because it’s pretty but because scares off predators.

A little further on ..

A little further still.

Kyoto Gardens

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“Upon reflection, I’m twice the bird I used to be”.

Kyoto gardens is not quite as big as it may appear but is nevertheless a very pleasant garden of contemplation with some seating at the edges.

A couple more flowers to end.

 .. and Thank You for visiting Freed from Time.

Posted by  |  May 18, 2014 | Categories: Art, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, Travel, uk, West London | Tags: , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Wonderful Greenwich and its History

A Great Day Out

Visiting Maritime Greenwich makes a whole day out and can be for little or no cost (take a picnic) and is one of the best places to photograph in London.  It includes the Upper Park Gardens, Deer Enclosure, Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum, the Queens House, Royal Observatory, Exhibitions, Planetarium, Arts and Crafts Market, Cinema, Comedy Club and a broad range of Restaurants, Cafes and Taverns.  The best place to start is at the Upper Gardens and then down the hill.

Greenwich is also a World Heritage site with a wealth of architecture and art of historical interest.  At the end of this post is more entertainment information.

Many of the attractions are free and can be photographed and one can stand upon the worlds Prime Meridian at 0 degrees Longitude (see the Tourist Information Map ⇓).

Travel to Greenwich includes maps, best parking, public transport and ways to avoid climbing the hill and you can save the Tourist Information Map as a PDF.  The History of Navigation and Greenwich is a more extensive exploration of navigation through the ages,

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The Upper Gardens

Click on               Views                             Flowers                          Squirrels

Greenwich Upper Gardens2

and. although you cannot photograph in there:-

The Rangers House

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In the Town – Maritime Greenwich

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The First Shop in the World

Nauticalia is full of seafaring items. It’s at 25 Nelson Rd, that is South past the market and turn left.

It might sound like an excessive boast.  Then again it does stand at Longitude 00′ 00′ .4′ West.

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The Cutty Sark

The Figurehead - Cutty Sark - Greenwich

Turn left out of the DLR station, along the short mall and then turn left again.

This great Tea Clipper has been recently restored after a fire during a previous attempt at restoration.

The interior is open to view although it is expensive with many other venues free. Admission.

History of the Cutty Sark.

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The Royal Naval College

Painted HallCeiling - Painted Hall - Naval Colege - Greenwich

Designed by Christopher Wren, (currently closed until 2019) admission was free, you could take non-commercial photographs and was definitely worth a visit. More Information and Photographs of the Painted Hall.

It is accessible via the Cutty Sark gate or the West Gate. The visitor center is the best option as a first port of call. Please see the Sitemap.

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ChapelCeiling - Chapel - Naval College - Greenwich

Chapel Photographs Admission is free, you can take non-commercial photographs and is worth visiting.

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The National Maritime MuseumDetailed Stained Glass - Maritime Museum.

Admission is also free here, you can take non-commercial photographs and is worth visiting. The Museum.

More Photographs from inside the Museum. However, please bear in mind that the exhibits do change over time.

Behind these buildings, there is the hill which leads to the Royal Observatory and the Planetarium.

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The Queens HouseGreenwich Queens House

Formally known as Queen Annes House, it is in fact associated with two Queens. Admission is free. The interior architecture and art works mean that it is certainly worth a visit.  Non-commercial photography has been allowed since the refurbishment in early 2016.

The Queens House ⇐    History of the Queens House ⇒

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The Fan MuseumFan 1

 

Photographs and information

 

There is a small charge but you can take non-commercial photographs.

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Greenwich Market

The market offers numerous arts and crafts at reasonable prices.   Images from inside the market.

How to find it.

 

This view is from the South with the park at my back. Using the sitemap, exits from the Naval College, are from the Romney Gate which faces the park or the the West Gate (turn right towards the park).

When facing the other way there is Greenwich Park, with the Queens House, the National Maritime Museum,the Royal Observatory and Planetarium up the hill.

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Greenwich Park

The Royal Observatory and Planetarium

The Royal Observatory (see charges) houses the Astronomy Center Gallery (free), the Harrison Timekeepers, the UK’s Largest Refracting Telescope,  Flamsteed House and the Meridian Courtyard. The Planetarium, is nearby.

Flamsteed House, Meridian Courtyard, the Harrison Timekeepers and navigation is here ⇐.

View the Tourist Information Map (updated and you can save as a PDF) and discover that there a number of places where one can stand on the Prime Meridian for free and without queuing.

Greenwich Park

The red ball at the top is used to mark time (either noon or 1 pm) when it dropped so that ships could set their chronometers. It was used instead of a noon day gun because sound takes time to travel.  The Time Ball.

Greenwich Observatory

The climb is about 140 feet. That’s about the height of a 15 story building.  The easiest gradient is by the road to the right.  The diagonal route, under the trees has a place to sit about half way up.

The climb can be avoided by traveling around to the plateau beyond, and do the tour in reverse. Please see Travel to Greenwich.

And, you must think I’m daft, if you think I’m going to walk up there.

Turns out you’re right.

Straight on past the observatory is a more landscaped park (see the row of three pics at start) that leads to diagonal roadside parking and the number 53  bus stop.

The West Park

Turning right after the observatory and crossing the road (The Ave ~ Avenue) leads to an untended part of the park.

There one could see a statue by Henry More entitled Knife Edge.  It was on loan to the park and may be gone by midsummer 2014. Here are two views of the same statue.

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Further on, can be seen a view of Our Lady and Star of the Sea.

There is also another view over London.

view over london from greenwich

The Ave

The Ave ~ Avenue divides the main park and the West side and is closed to all traffic after dusk.  With the trees acting as a buffer to sound and light, it is very much like being in the countryside.

It is used by cyclists and the occasional skate boarder, so it wise to stay on the pavement/sidewalk.

The Ave ~ Avenue continues as King William Walk and at the bottom the welcoming sight of a Tavern.

Greenwich Tavern

Greenwich Nightlife

Greenwich also has the Up the Creek Comedy Club on Creek St, a Theater and Picture House

There are numerous Taverns, Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants. Using Google Maps enter any one of those four descriptions.

You can also specify Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese,Thai, Italian, Spanish and French.  And, there is a traditional Pie and Mash shop.

The nightlife is generally thriving but gentle.  A good place to unwind.

Food and Drink

Like many tourist venues food and drink can be both pricey and pretentious, especially at the park owned venues. Best option is to picnic in the park.  On rainy days there is plenty of shelter/benches on the walkway between the Museum and Queens House.

Alternatively, recommended are “The Yacht” and the “Plume of Feathers”.  Both to the east of the Naval College.

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If you get a chance to visit, I hope you enjoy. 🙂

 

 

Posted by  |  May 12, 2014 | Categories: East London, Greenwich Park, Photography, places to photograph in london, Places to Visit, Travel, uk | Tags: , , , , , , | 32 Comments

The Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark and the legacy of the great sailing ships

The Cutty Sark is now on show at Greenwich (London,UK).  It is the last remaining example of the great Tea Clippers.  For more information about the exhibit please click here.

The first of each tea harvest from China to Europe was of great commercial value. These ships were built for that purpose, using a narrow hull and powerful rig.  Built for speed rather than large cargo.  For more of that history please click here.

The Cutty Sark was recognised as the foremost in its class even though it never quite won the Great Tea Race.

Vonstetinalightning

This is another Clipper Ship, Lightning under full sail.

Provided under Creative Commons License by: Bruce Von Stetina

 

 

 

Ships like these and their crews advanced the knowledge of construction, navigation and seamanship.  Altogether making travel by sea a lot safer than it used to be.  It was once the most hazardous of all occupations.  By contrast, going to sea has now become a pleasure to many.

An important principle still remains for all such potentially hazardous occupations.  That is, the development of good habit.  Often inconvenient in good weather but a vital life safer when wet, cold, tired, in the dark, confused and disoriented.

Such vessels do not remain in service and their builders and brave crews are no longer with us. But, the advances that they made remain. Those ships and their crews may not still roll,  but because of their legacy, they still rock.

Thank you for visiting Freed From Time

Posted by  |  May 10, 2014 | Categories: East London, Photography, Places to Visit, Travel, uk | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Art in Victoria Park

Victoria Park, Bow, London, UK.                          –  Click on an image to enlarge.

Victoria Park Lake

The progress of cheerful duck will always overide serious reflections.

Victoria Park Statue

I can do this all day.

Victoria Park Victoria Park Flower Victoria Park Monument

Standing Guard                                                                                        on the Triffids (not in the same place)

At the Royal Inn on the Park                                                                That’s what I call a makeover

Posted by  |  September 28, 2013 | Categories: Art, East London, Photography, Travel, uk | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments