Strawberry Hill House
Exteriors
10 pics – The house was created by Horace Walpole who was the youngest son of Robert Walpole (Britain’s first Prime Minister). Work began in 1749 and continued in stages over the following 27 years. It was recently discovered that the original colouring was white and would have looked quite remarkable in its day, as it does now. The house is in a Gothic style of the fairy-tale variety and has extraordinary interiors here.
The interiors have been restored to an original state which gives a quite surreal appearance, as if it is still waiting for its first occupant. It’s surreal, but very peaceful character, is aided by some recent artwork.
The house once contained a massive collection of artworks, which were unfortunately sold by a later owner. The collection was so vast that the sale lasted for 30 days. The trust is gradually acquiring more items for the interior but the restored decor, picture glass and paintings are still worth seeing.
The website is here and the Wikipedia history here. Do check the website for opening times and to book a ticket for the house (before 10:30 on the day of your visit). Tickets are half price on Mondays and Tuesdays. A guide-book is provided and essential if one is not to miss some of the rooms and the Chapel. I missed the Chapel but Google images are available here (there are many pics of the house mixed in),
Kew Gardens Views
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are extensive enough to spend an entire day there. Admission to Kew Gardens includes the TemperatHouses,e Houses, Hot Treetop Walkway and Kew Palace. And here there are Flowers at Kew and Orchids at Kew
The Pagoda requires a further charge, paid at the main gate. When I was there it was £4. I told them that £4 was not enough they’d have to pay me at least 50 quid to go up that.
The nearest rail station, to the main gates, is Kew Bridge (South West Trains). Then turn right out of the station then left over the bridge and first right to the main gates.
Kew Palace
14 pics. Kew Palace is within the grounds of Kew Gardens and entrance is included in the price of admission to the gardens. Non-commercial photography is permitted inside the palace but without the use of flash.
The gardens and its many attractions were created by Lady Augusta following the death of her husband Prince Frederick. She was much influenced in this endeavor by Lord Bute. A portrait of the lady can be found further down.
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Flowers at Kew Gardens
From around the grounds.
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From the Japanese ornamental gardens.
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… and just outside on a nearby cottage.
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Deer at Bushy Park
I went to Bushy Park in search of green parrots, but found deer instead . There are a number of flocks of green parrot around London, thought to have escaped and managed to adapt to our UK winter. I hadn’t thought about it, photographing green parrots amongst a summer of verdant green leaf wasn’t going to be possible. I heard them and occasionally saw a quick flash of green wing but that was all.
I was delighted to find deer instead. I knew they were in Richmond Park and Hampton Court Deer park but pleasantly surprised to find them here. Photographed in early August they still had velvet on their antlers.
Fallow Deer
The Black Prince, and I think he knows it. Black deer are quite rare but do live amongst the herd.
The above were happily grazing amongst the fallow deer, although they are probably reds. It’s mid-summer, live and let live.
Red Deer
Red deer are the largest of deer-kind with the exception of moose and elk. Found at southern end of Bushy Park, they were not so much a herd as a squad.
They have the unnerving and unerring ability to raise their heads at exactly the same time. Much like a bristling of antennas. One can almost hear “Have you got permission to be here and have got any ID.
” I say it is tea time you know”
Time to leave
Deer are generally not dangerous but one must be careful in spring when there are young about and in autumn when they are rutting. They will also attack and sometimes kill dogs. Some deer herds (those around London) carry Lyme Disease which is spread by ticks. It is quite difficult to pick up but such places are not suitable for lounging in the grass or for bare legs in tall grass.
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo)
I first noticed a few bright blue flitters beside the Thames near Hampton Court some while ago. I thought at first they must be butterflies. It turns out they were Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies. I finally discovered some in the wetland area of Bushy Park. I also discovered, eventually, that they fly away if you let your shadow fall upon them.
Damselflies and Dragonflies have a number of charming names in folklore across the world, including sewing needles, snake doctors, horse stingers, mosquito hawks and devil’s darning needle..
Beautiful or gruesome ? It probably depends on how close we look and, of course, the eye of the beholder. Certainly, I think, one of nature’s wonders.
Bushy Park
Bushy Park is just a short distance north of Hampton Court and is full of surprises. To the west of the park are wetlands, just behind this view. I could almost eat these clouds. They look as if they are too solid to stay up there. Magic. Later posts have a particular little gem and some shots of deer.
The wetland area is very peaceful and the river quite still.
This one confuses the eye beautifully.
… and on the pond further down; “There’s an old mill by the stream, Nelly ~ “.
This one is basking in her own glow.
… and here’s the old mill (I think). 🙂
August 2014
Hampton Court Palace
14 pics –Travel to Hampton Court by Train or River. — Admission/Information/Events. Admission can include Hampton Court Palace or just the gardens. The gardens usually close at 5 pm and the Palace at 6 pm. Pictures of Hampton Court Gardens. The Royal Chapel is the best feature and, although photography is not allowed, you can view here.
Somebody got caught in his pyjamas.
Many of the tapestries are very old and faded. The frescos likewise. I picked the best I could find.
Hampton Court Gardens
7 Pics – . I didn’t have time to view all the gardens, but here are extracts from three of the six. Visitors are welcome to use the park benches to picnic. The Wilderness Garden (not shown) contains the famous maze, which is very difficult ~ Shhhhh. — Travel to Hampton Court by Train or River. — Admission prices can include Hampton Court Palace or just the gardens. The gardens usually close at 5 pm and the Palace at 6 pm. More garden pictures.
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:-
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle From The West
19 Pictures
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. 
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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
This is one of the first sights and leads to the Moat garden. 
Further around the old moat is a the Norman Gate. These light fixtures can be seen in many places. 
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. 
Back to the parade ground and the lonely sentry at the end. 
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. 
And, it’s always worth looking up. 
Then out through the gate, directly opposite is a flower seller. This street and the one to the right have several cafes and taverns. 
Including this one. 
I hope you enjoyed a glimpse and thank you for visiting. 🙂
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.
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.
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.
I hope you enjoyed the tour and thank you for visiting.
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.
Freed From Time 
