Another day, you might follow The Thames up to a lesser known, Royal swaggering place - Richmond Park, close by the Ham Polo Club where Prince Charles has often played. Catch a bus from Hammersmith (33 or 371), or get on the District line for Richmond from Kensington, Victoria, and Hammersmith.
There are exciting matches at the Ham Polo Club (HPC) every Sunday throughout the summer, starting at around 2pm, and they are not snobs at all. You can visit by car for just 10 pounds (occupants free), and it only costs two pounds for pedestrians. The HPC suggest you take a picnic and join them!
The magical Richmond Park is still a part of the Queen's holdings. The Isabella Plantation in the midst of this 60 acres has amazing displays of rhododendrons and azaleas in Spring.
There is a restaurant on the hill which gives charming views of The Thames as it meanders off towards Windsor Castle, in the distance, and I have found these gardens ideal for walking off loneliness, water colour painting, or just sprawling on the grass for a summer picnic with fresh strawberries, ciabatta and samples of local cheese bought at one of the excellent Richmond delicatessens.
When you visit Richmond, it is almost mandatory to visit world-famous Kew Gardens. The 33 bus drops you close by. Currently showing at Kew are Dale Chihuly's exuberant glass sculptures, set within the exotic plants and historic landscape of the gardens.
Finally, it is back to London again. In November each year, the Lord Mayor’s Show is mandatory. The parade includes 2,000 military personnel, over 300 motor vehicles, 60 floats, 20 marching bands, and 20 carriages. Next year sees 12 November lined up as one of the most exciting free days out of the year. The revelry finishes in a spectacular fireworks display.
A freelance journalist and photographer based in Brighton, UK, Vivienne DuBourdieu works anywhere that her travels take her. She usually opts for travel and accommodation that takes her off the well beaten path.
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