Monthly Archives: June 2014

Kew Gardens & Thames Cruise

Saturday 21st June 2014

Today Gina & I visited Kew Gardens, via a cruise on the River Thames, from Westminster Pier, central London.

Houses of Parliament

We started off by sailing past the Houses of Parliament, and later Lambeth, Putney, Chiswick and many other places of interest.

Putney, Thames

Kew Gardens was only about 1/2 mile from the Pier at Kew, where our boat docked.

Gina & Jon (Kew Gardens)

After a quick lunch, we walked around the extensive grounds, visiting briefly the glass houses – it was a very hot day!

Temperate House, Kew

We then took advantage of an open sided land train, as there is simply too much to see in one day by walking.

Kew Gardens

Next, a nice cup of tea with one of the locals….

Kew Gardens (Peacock)

Then at the end of the afternoon, back by boat to Westminster Pier, and a walk across the bridge to the South Bank. We finished off a lovely day out with a nice evening meal, outside a restaurant overlooking the River Thames.

 

Visit to Blenheim Palace

Sunday 15th June 2014

This afternoon, Gina and I took advantage of our yearly passes to revisit Blenheim Palace, nearby to Oxford.

Selfie at Blenheim

After a quick lunch, we were treated to a rather splendid performance of First World War songs by the “Tonic Choir”, sang to everyone just in front of the palace.

Blenheim Palace

Afterwards we went for a long walk in the lovely grounds, ending up by a small waterfall.

Gina & Jon (Blenheim)

A really great day out. Not much sun, but ideal walking weather.