We got up fairly early, headed out on the District line and train to Hampton Court Palace. I hadn't been out there - saved it for the girls. Situated right along the River Thames, it feels like a million miles from the hustle and bustle of London. The former country estate of the infamous King Henry VIII, it's one of the most unique places I've been to in the UK. Added bonus, this year is the 500th anniversary of the palace, meaning they have special demos and exhibits going on at the castle all year.
It was a tad chilly and windy that day, so we bundled up after the train ride and braved the weather to walk through the courtyards to the main entrance. Hampton Court is part of the London Pass which the ladies had purchased in advance for a 3 day whirlwind through the city. I had a friend's membership pass to the castle (which covers a few of them - totally worth the cost if you live in London). I think we would say the London pass is worth the cost - it paid for itself about half way through the second day. However, it was a lot of walking to make sure you got the price paid for.
I got lots of non-people pictures at Hampton Court...
Outside the palace, headed in to the rooms
The picture of this stained glass doesn't do it justice. I've seen a lot of stained glass wonders in Europe, but for some reason, this one really struck me. It's in a plain room in the first portion we decided to walk through, with very little other decoration in a large banquet type hall. I think the lack of other decorations just makes it pop that much more. The feel of the rooms we went through was like that of a hunting lodge with random moments of opulence. This was one of those moments.
Another one of those moments, gorgeous ceiling detail in the middle of the palace.
No one does courtyards and gardens quite like the British.
As someone who has always been anti-gun, I see the above art utilising guns and swords and think that's the only good use for them.
Then it was lunch in the cafeteria - jacket potato and tuna. Baked potatoes are jacket potatoes in the UK, which is the best name ever. I will be using that from now on.
It wouldn't be a Henry VIII palace without an exhibit dedicated to his lucky and then very unlucky wives. Took the above for my catholic friend.
Back view of the palace...completely different look from the stark red brick front.
English garden going French above - cutting the trees to make them grow a certain way.
Much more English garden above - gorgeously kept but looks a bit wild and unkept. Love it.
Throughout the palace, they had various reenactments and lectures at different times. We went to a lecture to learn about the Great Vine, which is the world's largest vine (per their representation). The head vine keeper gave a talk on the annual process to get the vine to produce grapes each year so that the palace can sell them.
View of the Great vine from underneath.
Arched pathway in the gardens (not the vine from above, but still gorgeous).
View from the back gardens at the back of the palace. A bit french with cone shaped trees.
We hit it right at peak bloom for the gardens - if not for the gale force winds, I think we would have stayed all night.
Another French inspired garden
Beautiful vines growing near the Great Vine. I wish you could scratch and sniff this photo - the smell was the best part.
Then it was off to the London Eye. After a nice wander through Hampton Court, we got a bit silly with some jumping shot attempts at the Eye. I'm posting 2 attempts before the winner....they look like I'm about to be mugged. Apparently any thought of jumping makes my face do that?
Another attempt...
Money shot! S, the photographer!
Bridge into Charing Cross Station
Then it was off to Wagamama before our scheduled time on the Eye (just before dusk, the best time).
Westminster looking eeiry in the partial light just before the sunset. The Eye ride was gorgeous again...highly recommend it. Easy tourist thing to do just after you arrive in London; helps get you in the mood and oriented. It was a bit stranger this time as the winds were incredibly bad, but they didn't shut it down.
On the ground again, enjoying the view.
Then it was back off to the flat for a rest before trekking across London on another grand adventure!
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