The Hilton attached to Syon Park was a great place to stay on our way back.
Kew Gardens in near by and strolling and cycling was what I had in mind to relax before the long flight. Free parking made it convenient to keep the vehicle and drive ourselves to the airport.
Staying near to parks makes me wish I had more time to linger in the quiet to read, write or painting the lovely surroundings.
Is is easy for me to understand how locations inspire creativity.
Started off in the garden with a refreshing English Breakfast tea while watching a man food the pigeons.
He was enjoying their eating out of his hand. The brilliants of the building, the lovely garden, mild sunny day and the joy the man was getting from the birds made for a perfect day.
Walking through all of the historical artifacts preserved for hundreds of years makes it easy to understand the appeal of sophisticated large city.
It’s touching to see vibrant support for cultural achievements.
I could not image what would not be liked at this location but I understand that people are looking for different things.
Peaceful surrounding near a major metropolis with easy airport access is an ideal start, or to wind-down after traveling for me.
The grounds have extensive places to meander or have a drink.
The sushi restaurant on the property does not serve drinks and the hotel restaurant was not very memorable for dinner. Breakfast was fine.
The hotel is set back from the road by a field
An alleyway heading the other direction was convenient for cycle to meals and pedestrians only, keeping road traffic out.
The first evening our meal was at a pub on the canal. Quiet with just a sprinkle of people and we had a dinning room to ourselves.
It would be lovely to dine outside next time.
Magna Carta Temple Monument Photo by Andrew Leggett
Known as a sacred text and the start of human rights, it was intended to limit the King’s power and it inspired the Constitution. The land has commemorative symbols of democracy and monuments of equality, and was donated to the national trust by an American, Lady Fairhaven also known as Cara Leland Rogers Duff Broughton. Cara Leland Rogers Duff married Boughton an Englishman who later became a member of Parliament. She also purchased and donated Fort Phoenix, the land of the American Revolutionary War in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. They married in 1895 and sailed to England on Christmas Day…which I am sure took considerable time, and I was thinking the 20 hours to travel to England from Texas was long.
French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett
Lucy is a film star that was in Tarzan and many other movies, and is a replica of an African stern wheeled paddle steamer. She ferried up just for us it seemed at Runnymede Pleasure Ground.
Runymede Pleasure Ground
Photo by Andrew Leggett
Runnymede Pleasure Ground is a pleasant green meadow along the river with public access, just a short gallop from the hotel.
French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett
The guide was a lovely lad that did not seem to mind that we were the only ones traveling for the last half of the cruise, or that we were unaware that they weren’t prepared to take credit cards, and he had to call in our card to their office.
French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett
French Brothers also travel to Windsor and back, but the shorter spin suited us. It allowed us to stay in the area.
French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett
Weather was stunning.
French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett
Floating along observing the many majestic homes in the area, the character of the boats, the temperament of the captain, all created a sense of following a story along the river .
French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett
From our roost we peered at many watercraft passing by without creating a wake. Ideal serenity, just a few steps away from the heartbeat of the capital of England.
October,2013