Apsley House – The Wellington Museum
Apsley House (Wellington Museum) is one of the most ornate houses in London with a stunning collection of artwork. Unfortunately it is also one of the few places where photography is not allowed. Some photographs can be obtained from flickr or from the archives and are permitted for personal use. Their website is here ⇒. And the Wellington Collection is here ⇒ and fabulous house interiors here ⇒
Attributed to Elliot Brown on Flickr licensing at – Link ⇒
Attributed to Craig Morey on Flickr licensing at Link ⇒
Leighton House
Photograph provided by kind permission of Leighton House – Courtesy of Will Pryce
Leighton House is one of the very few venues featured on this blog where photography is not allowed. But is surely worth a visit. There is much more to see at Leighton House, and the Leighton House website is here ⇒. Viewers may also be interested in nearby Holland Park (inc Kyoto Gardens) and the extraordinary victoriana at 18 Stafford Terrace.
Photograph provided by kind permission of Leighton House – Courtesy of Kevin Moran
Photograph provided by kind permission of Leighton House – Courtesy of Keven Moran
Photograph provided by kind permission of Leighton House – Courtesy of Will Pryce
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Picture this UK (picturethisuk.org) Contains:- Best Places to Photograph in London, Best Places to Photograph near London, Best Places to Visit in London, Best Places to Visit near London, Best places to see in London and 100 + places to visit in London. Both inside and out.
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Victoriana at 18 Stafford Terrace and the Sambournes
Edward Lynley Sambourne and his wife (Marion) took residence of 18 Stafford Terrace in Kensington in 1874. The Sambourne family and descendants maintained the Victorian style and content. The house was taken over and maintained by the Victorian Society and then the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in 1989.
The website ⇒ is informative, interesting and shows much of Edward Lylynley Sambourne’s work as an illustrator. There are a variety of tours available and open house (when photography is allowed) on some afternoons. Hence the website is an essential read for those who wish to visit and may wish to note there are four flights of stairs without a lift.
The website is also used by Leighton House. An interesting place but photography is not allowed (2017).
For 40 years Edward Lynley Sambourne was notable contributor to the comedic and satirical magazine Punch ⇒ (its website includes a large gallery of cartoons). The house at 18 Stafford Terrace is full of drawings, artworks and some very fine stained glass. He also created the earliest draft drawings for the illustrated version of the Rev Charles Kingsley’s book the Water-Babies. More of Edward Lynley Sambourne’s work ⇒ as shown on Flickr.
The house and its atmosphere has been so carefully preserved that it is like walking back in time, although one can only enter the edge of each room. Enjoy ~ 🙂
. . and goodnight all. 🙂
Battersea Park And Children’s Zoo and Otters
“Clare? Clare?! Are you listening to me?” “I’m not talking to you, Richard!” – Contributed by blogger Dunelight
More beautiful otters below. First Battersea Park. The park is larger than it looks and provides a boating lake, children’s play areas, a plant shop, bicycle hire, cafeteria and children’s zoo. More ⇒.
Battersea Bridge on the Thames
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
There is an entrance fee for the zoo. More information and a broad range of facilities for children can be found here ⇒. Below are a few fun photographs but there is a lot more to see.
The park has modern technology. Here is its e-mu.
Mara (Patagonian Cavy)
Meerkats
Young children can take a tunnel into the bubble and see the meerkats close up.
And, right next door are the otters.
Its feeding time and the otters wait by the magic door.
And, each have their own portion.
Time for a little lie down after all that walking about.
The London Garden Museum in Lambeth
The London Garden Museum is situated in and around the old church of St Mary adjacent to Lambeth Palace. The church has origins dating back almost a thousand years. It was deconsecrated in 1972 and saved from demolition by Rosemary Nicholson. By 1977, Rosemary and her husband John had converted the old church into the world’s first Museum of Garden History. Rosemary and John were admirers of John Tradescent ⇒ who is buried at St Mary and is credited as being the first great British gardener and plant hunter. In more recent times the venue has become known as The Garden Museum.
In 2016 the museum was closed for remodeling, making use of a Heritage Lottery grant. It was re-opened in May 2017. Unfortunately the beautiful Knot Garden ⇒ has been lost during the remodeling and the external gardens still need some work. The external gardens and café are free to enter but there is an entrance fee for the museum. Website ⇒.
The seemingly humble lawnmower has been of considerable influence. Before its invention, by Edwin Budding in 1830, grass was cut by scythe. Only the rich could afford such a labour intensive luxury. Even so it was only rough cut compared with today’s standards. It was because of the lawnmower we have the English garden and advancements in lawn tennis, lawn bowls, cricket and golf.
The inside of the old church is in good condition and alongside of some gardening history are there is some quite stunning stained glass.
The potato, which has become an important food staple, was first brought to Europe from Peru by the Spanish in the latter part of the 16th century although Sir Walter Rayleigh is credited with bringing them to England a little later. In Britain we refer to the potato chip as a crisp and the British chip is a kind of thick french fry. Fish and chips being our main contribution to international cuisine. 😀
The Ancient Order of Free Gardeners began in Scotland in the 17th century. The ancient order’s fortunes have been somewhat variable, more ⇒ . Personally I think making people believe one’s services are for free is asking for trouble. 😀
A good view of this window is difficult because somebody put a garden shed in the way. Really. I think it’s an experiment in avant-garden 😀 . I wrote them a note on the subject. They haven’t written back.
In Memorium to Herbert Lyttelton 1884-1914
Although close to a busy thoroughfare and still a work in progress, the garden is free and a pleasant place to sit. 🙂
Canal Boat Cavalcade 2017 at Little Venice
There is a pool at the junction of the Regents Canal and Grand Union Canal that is now known as Little Venice. Every year there is a Festival and Cavalcade of canal boats. Some have traveled hundreds of miles using the vast network of canals that were once the lifeblood of Britain’s trade and industry.
There is a pleasant waterbus ⇐ between Camden Lock and Little Venice. At Little Venice there is a floating café and an enchanting puppet theatre ⇒ for all ages.
Canal boats became ornamental even as working boats.
A Small Sample of the Cavalcade
Some of the Characters
The ugly duckling.
“One likes to be a good sport, but if one more reveler refers to me as loofah neck I shall scream”.
Chelsea Physic Garden
The Chelsea Physic (for healing) Garden ⇒ was established in 1673 and is the second oldest botanic garden in the UK after the Oxford University Botanic Garden ⇒. The garden has approximately 5,000 plants including those with exotic scents. It is a very peaceful and pleasant walled garden hidden away in west London.
There are some free tours upon entry but there is an entry fee and charges for the workshops, courses and special tours. Please see the website link above.
The easiest approach is by the 170 bus (bound for Roehampton) from Victoria Station to Chelsea Physic Garden. On alighting, just outside the gardens educational center, walk back a short way along the bus route to Swan Walk and the main entrance is little way down that road. Map of the Garden ⇐.
The garden is next to the the Royal Hospital Chelsea ⇒ (home of the Chelsea Pensioners).
Chelsea Physic Gardens Views and Flowers
In the Greenhouses
Pelargonium Rosa
Pelargonium Milfield Gem
Pelargonium Bute
Pelargonium Copthorne
Around the Gardens and Outdoor Flowers
Statue of Sir Hans Sloane
Helienthus Annuus – Ring of Fire Sunflower
Sweet Pea
London Water and Steam Museum, Express Tavern and Kew
London Water and Steam Museum Garden
14 pics. Cities could not grow beyond a few tens of thousands and civilisation could not flourish without a plentiful supply of clean water. Otherwise epidemics of water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid would devastate the population. The development of filtration and pumping by steam engine was vital to progress.
The London Water and Steam Museum ⇒ (there is an entrance fee) explains the advances in water cleanliness and houses a number of steam-driven pumps, including some truly massive devices. On designated days some of the engines can be seen working.
The other essential was the disposal of waste and an ornate example of this can be found in east London at the renovated Crossness Pumping Station ⇐.
To get to the Water and Steam Museum: On Leaving Kew Bridge station, turn right, pass the very pleasant Express Tavern ⇒, and turn into Green Dragon Lane. The tall chimney is an easy landmark.
Alternatively Kew Gardens ⇐ which includes Kew Palace is just over the nearby bridge..
There is more about our use of steam and the role of fossil fuels at the Science Museum ⇐.
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The above Boulton and Watt 64 inch (piston/cylinder diameter of 64 inches) has a beam weighing 15 tons and delivered 2.5 million gallons of water per day and was last used in 1944.
This is the 90 inch Cornish engine with a beam weighing 32 tons and delivered 6.4 million gallons of water per day. It was last used in 1943. The steam cylinder is the massive dark object at the far end. The nearer cylinder is the water pump.
This monster is the 100 inch Cornish engine. The 100 inch (8 foot and 4 inches wide) steam cylinder is the dark object the distance. The beam weighs a staggering 54 tons and it once delivered 7.5 million gallons of water per day. Built in 1869 it remained in service until 1958.
More :-
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The above is the Waddon steam pumping engine. It was the last steam driven water pump used in the UK and remained in service until 1983.
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Above is a triple expansion engine. Designed to be more efficient as most of the steam pressure is used by passing the output of one cylinder to the next.
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On designated days (website ⇒) a small steam locomotive provides rides, although the track is very short.
On the way back is the Express Tavern ⇒ which has a very pleasant menu and a broad range of beers. Across the nearby bridge is Kew Gardens ⇐.
Ham House and the Oak Tree with an Eye
If you got redirected by Google Images, Kew Place is here ⇐
19 pics. I didn’t notice the eye (right in the middle) whilst I was taking the photograph at the back of Ham House. It hasn’t been meddled with and probably has a rational explanation. There is probably a rational response like aaaargh.
The Ham House website ⇒ and about haunted Ham House ⇒.
You can get to Ham House using the 371 bus to Sandy Lane from near Richmond rail station or via York Gardens ⇐ (please check the post for bus and ferry travel) and then visit Ham House and return to Richmond rail using the 371 from Sandy Lane.
Ham House
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Charlotte Countess of Dysart by Joshua Reynolds 1775
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Tollemache Earl of Dysart
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The above is a bath. It has a stool inside to sit on and get bathed.
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Cafe Garden
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Whimsical Dairy
The peeping Oak tree is just outside the dairy.
Sir Lionel Tollemache
The 4th Baronet, Sir Lyonel Tollemache, who kindly gave Ham House to the National Trust in 1948.
York House Gardens and Riverside
21 pics with more statues. York House Gardens are on Sion Road (in Twickenham) off Richmond Road on the H22 bus route passing right outside Richmond rail station (sss-simple). For essential works, the gardens will be closed from 6 pm on 17th to 23rd July 2016 and from 1 pm on 23rd July 2016.
Near the entrance is this lawn overlooked by York House (not open to the public). Along the other side of that wall is a path that leads to:-
… what looks like a perfect lawn but is really a pond covered in algae.
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Turning back to the end of the first lawn, there is a bridge.
Over the bridge is a lawn and small pond.
Turning right there is:-.
Florence and the gang. The players (perhaps you would like to give them names) are:-
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The director is taking a little time out for domestic chores.
“Salad or bedding, bedding or salad ? Both ! yay. 🙂
Facing the tableau and turning left one comes to the upper reaches of the Thames looking down river. On the right is Eel Pie Island which is inhabited by artists. There are cruises along this stretch of the river, passing the other side of the island, going to Hampton Court from Westminster or Richmond (the second is recommended), more here ⇐.
Continuing along the path in this direction comes to a dead-end but the other way comes to:-
… Champions Wharf. Turning right and then right again, one is on Riverside and passes:-
… Dial House.
Then, under the same bridge one passed over in York gardens. Caution: This is a no-through road, but residents have use of it so there is occasional traffic.
There is all-day lighting and, in the distance, is the White Swan Pub.
This is from just passed the White Swan with a beer garden to the left which is just on the river and occasionally gets a little covering of water. The pub is very popular so, if you would like a table/meal, it is good idea to book. For more about the White Swan and booking please click here ⇒.
Further along Riverside is the Orleans House Gallery. One can photograph inside but not when its closed which includes Mondays, which is when I was there. More information is here ⇒.
Continuing along Riverside to its end one could turn left and then right along a pathway to Marble Hill House, which is open for guided tours at weekends in the summer but I don’t have any information about photographing it. There is more information here ⇒.
Alternatively, one could turn right at the end of Riverside and take the Hammertons Ferry ⇒ (spring to autumn) across to Ham House ⇐ .
The ferry on its way back, with a very young pilot.
Advertising in the Age of Innocence ? No 2
11 Signs found at the Bekonscot Model Village⇐ at Beaconsfield. The other vintage signs are here ⇐ .
These advertising signs seem so simple compared with modern sophistry. Perhaps they are no less clever than those of present time but reflect an appeal to simpler desires and attitudes compared with today. Which do you find persuasive ?
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Bonsai Trees at Wisley Gardens
If you think I’m daft enough to climb all the way up there to get photographs of little trees at Wisley Gardens ? Oh you do. Oh well, fair enough then. 🙂
There is a whole avenue of them, this is jut a few. There ages are mainly 40-60 years, with one exception.
Acer Palmatum – Japanese Maple Bonsai
It is amazing to see the whole detail of tree and leaf encapsulated in one small growth.
Ulmus Parvifolia – Chinese Elm Bonsai
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Juniperus Chinensis – Chinese Juniper Bonsai
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Juniperus Rigida Bonsai – Temple Juniper 150 yrs
This one is 150 years old. It was around before the first telephone was installed, successfully cared for all that time and has never received a telephone bill. 🙂
Sculpture at Wisely
One of the events at Wisley Gardens has been the sculpture trail. Here are just a few that I found particularly engaging and here are the Alice in Wonderland pieces. A couple of clicks to expand. Enjoy ~
Sea Horse in Rockery at Wisley Gardens
Figure XVIII by Henriette Van der Does at Wisley Gardens
The Dodo by Robert James Sculpture Ltd at Wisley Gardens
Making Time by Lynn Warren at Wisley Gardens
Time to Go by Lynn Warren at Wisley Gardens
Pan at Wisley Gardens
Moon Gazing Hare by Alan Wallis at Wisley Gardens
Offering by Everard Meynell at Wisley Gardens
The Dancers by Lilly Henry at Wisley Gardens
Wisley Gardens Orchids and Pitchers
Wisley Gardens (main post here) has a very well kept glass house with many amazing inhabitants. Here are just a few.
I didn’t know what this was called. I thought “Your Highness” was probably the safest option.
The glass house is much bigger than this, but I particularly like this section. More at Wisley Gardens.
A Very Model Village at Bekonscot
30 pictures. Bekonscot Model Village, near Beaconsfield rail station, just to the north west of London, is one of the most unusual places to photograph near London.
– For detail, please click on and image and then again to expand –
Of course, one stayed at the best hotel, as one does.
Having arrived in style, as one does too.
Then tea with the local squire and a tour of the town.
You might notice that they are keen to discourage running. It’s for the benefit of the occasional giant. Personally, I’ve never needed any discouragement.
Caught up on some local news. The forecast was that there would be weather all day, so we strolled on.
The local fireman in action. Good show, what.
After all the excitement, a little libation seemed in order. Then, on to the town center.
Of course, they do like their little joke. Fruiterers U.R.A Peach, Evan Leigh Soles and Lee Key Plumbers.
Seems a bit quiet but they’re all in the Royal Saracens Head.
With such an open invitation, how could one refuse. Thirsty work, all this walking about.
After a drink or two, we thought we’d behave responsibly and refrain from driving. So we borrowed the twin-engined job. ↓ 😀
Of course Bekonscot does have a very good transport system.
We gave the jolly old castle a fly by. They turned out the guard for us. Actually, I think we were being shot at but I’m sure they didn’t mean it, just a bit of fun. 🙂
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A nice little church, right next to the fun fair.
And, another with a quite modern vicarage.
The cider apple farm. Almost landed for a sample, but thought we’d better press on. 🙂
Bekonscot is generally very industrious and the canal very busy.
The old castle ruins are very popular. In the background one can see some of those giants I mentioned earlier with they’re plaintiff cries of “Don’t do that to your sister” and “How many times have I got to tell you”. I believe their numbers are kept down by congestion charging. 😀
The old fishing village.
The college is world-famous. Mostly for its prodigious cider consumption.
Farming is strictly organic. There’s a recital every day. 😀
Plenty of other entertainment though. With the latest in performers.
It was from here that Sir Earnest Guzzelit embarked on his exploration of the Amazon rain-forest. Nobody has had the heart to tell him that he’s been going round in circles for two years.
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There’s Fred with his steam roller. Known locally as Fearless Fred on account of not being scared of big flowers.
And, more local humour.
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This one’s my favourite (W.E. Humpit and U Burnett).
There was a tiny bit of a crash landing. As luck would have it, quite close to this rescue center. 🙂
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Well there you have it, you see. Not very big until you get right down to it. 🙂
There’s more magic at Alice in Wonderland. 😀
Bekonscot is the oldest model village in the world and if you would like to know more about Bekonscot⇐. It is worth checking the Admission Times and Prices. For 2015 it is much cheaper after 3:30 pm (closes 5:30 pm). If traveling by rail there is a signed foot path just outside the Beaconsfield station exit (cross the footbridge first, if coming from London – Waterloo).
And, there is also:-
The Elfin Oak, Babbacombe Model Village (Devon) and nearby Kents Caverns, Corfe Castle and more Model Villages. Enjoy and thanks for the visit.
Said Alice, at Wisley
The Alice in Wonderland event ends 31st Aug 2015, but in the meantime click on twice to expand, said Alice ~
If you look where Alice looks, then you’ll see what Alice sees. Cats with a cheesy grins, found nesting up in trees.
Said Alice, to a rabbit who was late.
And here’s a snail that’s made of flowers, and a mushroom for my plate,
A pillar with a hookah.
Off with his head
And a Red Queen in a spate,
. . . and his
Then strange tea with the Mad Hatter,
Wouldn’t that be great ?.
Said Alice, who burst into song ~
Wisley Gardens
Wisley Gardens is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and is certainly amongst their best and quite spectacular.
There is a Flower Show from 8th to 13th September 2015 – Website here. Travel here. Flowers here. Wisley Wonderland here, Glass House/Orchids/Pitchers here, Statues here and Fuchsias will be added. Enjoy :-
The Secret of Vauxhall Park
Vauxhall Park, in SW London, is a small but pleasant area with a very nice little café and a secret.
On the way, there is a very aromatic field of lavender that hosts a number of visitors (please click here if you can spare a moment to help save the UK bees from insecticides) . The lavender was harvested in the past, distilled into oil and made available for purchase -see the Friends of Vauxhall Park.
And, at the eastern end, adjacent to the children’s play area, the only model village in London. Albeit small, it is quite charming.
Created by Edgar Wilson in 1949, the only other surviving by the same person being in Melbourne Australia. This one was restored in 2001 by local resident Mr Nobby Clerk.
Such places do give rise to imagination (my excuse for what follows).
They’re both called Mini. Would you Adam and Eve it.
Professor Pelican teaches his Ducks to Cluck class, attended by Vera, Chuck and Dave (who knows where they were first mentioned ?).
And, there is also:-
The Elfin Oak, Bekonscot Model Village and Railway (near London), Babbacombe Model Village (Devon) and nearby Kents Caverns, Corfe Castle and more Model Villages. Enjoy and thanks for the visit.
Osterley Park House
Osterley Park House was entirely redesigned by architect Robert Adam over a period of twenty years beginning in 1761 on behalf of the Childs family. Although the the house is not entirely full of artifacts, it is one of the most sumptuous that I have visited. The gardens can be found here and the flowers here. Admission times, prices and further information can be found here.
Unfortunately the upstairs rooms were closed during my visit, but here are the downstairs rooms. The lighting was little dull in places, so it has been raised a little.
Osterley Park Gardens
Ossterley Park Gardens are to the rear of the house and adjacent to two pleasant lakes with some wildfowl. Entry to the gardens is by ticket only. A post of the flora is here and the the sumptuous house interiors/sdmission/onfo here : -)
Osterley Park Flora
The gardens at Osterley Park House have a rich variety of blooms and the admission/info/house and gardens are available to view and photograph. The house can be found on Google and the nearest underground rail station is Osterley on the Piccadilly line. Enjoy ~
Strawberry Hill House – Interiors
The interiors of Strawberry Hill House are so well refurbished, that it seems waiting for its first occupants. Whilst the house has few artifacts at present, the trust is raising funds to restore at least some of Horace Walpole’s massive collection. For pictures of the castle-like exterior, history and essential information for visitors please click here.
These pictures are not necessarily in the order they were taken, do not include all the rooms and it is essential to use the guide-book to ensure seeing everything.
It is worth magnifying some of these pictures, especially the stained glass. To do so please click on a picture and then again to magnify and then use your browser’s “back” key to return here.. Enjoy 🙂 .
Freed From Time 