There are two key things to consider when planning this day out: the weather, and the season.
Britain is full of wonderful water based locations that are as charming as one can imagine when looking at those period dramas that the world have grown to identify with the country. However, Richmond is a particularly lovely one. Easily accessible by train, underground or over ground from the center of town, it offers many opportunities for enjoyment: A roast at the Prince’s head by the green, a drink at the White cross overlooking the river, a walk / cycle to either Kew or Ham or my favourite: a river cruise to Hampton Court!
We have done this cruise a couple of times but this was the best : the 11 o’clock boat, on a misty morning of September. See what I mean. (and find out where to eat in Hampton Court too)
(Richmond Upon Thames)
(Petersham Meadows)
(Glover’s island)
(Eel Pie island)
(Kingston Upon Thames, where you change boat)
(Hampton Court Palace, where the journey ends)
(Despite the nuisance, there is something beautiful in the lines that planes coming and going to/from Heathrow draw in the blue skies)
Hampton court Palace is, without a doubt a surprise for anyone visiting it. Like any other house, it has a history that can be seen in every corner. You move between rooms and travel back and forth in time in such a magical way that I cannot event begin to describe in words so I will show you some pictures, which let me say that do not make justice to the space itself.
You may find silly what I am about to confess, but I am so used to buildings such as palaces to have a particular architectural style that the fact that you could feel that this one had been lived on and adapted to the relevant times filled me with glee and gave it a sense of reality which I connected with.
(Henry’s kitchen’s wing, a series of buildings which included butchering room , cellar and of course kitchens)
(One of the rooms in the kitchens…)
(Christopher Wren’s Fountain Court)
(Stair to the Grand Hall)
(Gardens)
The final tip is where to have lunch nearby the palace: The recently re-opened Cardinal Wolsey.
It is a lovely pub located within walking distance from the palace, overlooking the green. It in unpretentious and with a modern menu focused on making the most of the fresh ingredients that they use. it is, without a doubt, another fantastic excuse to adventure yourself to Hampton Court.
(Lamb shank)
(Duck with dauphinoise potatos )
Photography by Cristina Lanz-Azcarate
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