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.
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),
