England

Not sure if this was “saving the best for last” but today’s visit to Hampton Court left us quite stunned by it’s huge size and by the opulence of the place – especially the wall and ceiling artworks! The exterior of the palace is impressive to begin with; inside, the early ceilings we found were impressive, too (and very high), but the rooms were more decorated as we progressed:

 

We finally had to go outside for a break from the amazing views – but the gardens are amazing too!

 

I chose this morning to walk to the interesting sounding Boston Manor House, like yesterday a surprising view just a short walk from our hotel – we’d definitely expected the hotel, so close to the motorway and airport, to be a dull concrete jungle but instead there’s walks, bike paths and lovely views in every direction (though admitted there’s also loads of roads and cars!) A nice area of landscaped gardens and a pond sit behind the house:

I followed a signed nature trail, and suddenly found myself under the motorway! But continuing south, I was soon back to more attractive views like this wild meadow:

Beyond that, I discovered the Grand Union Canal, though it’s a bit closed in by high rise office buildings on both sides:

On our walk to Kew Gardens yesterday, we crossed a very empty river Thames – boats (and many others) left high in the mud; but by the time we crossed back, 5 or 6 hours later, the tide had filled the river, and the boats were floating again: