Trip Over to London
Voyage Up The Thames – Westminster to Hampton Court
Need a day out of the city? The most relaxing, entertaining way to get from central London to Hampton Court Palace is on a Thames Riverboat from Westminster Pier. Catch the tube to Westminster Station, walk towards the river and look to the left, you’ll see the ticket booths and the pier there.
Check online for sailing times by clicking here. As the River Thames is tidal, the boat only goes all the way up to Hampton Court if the tide is high enough up river.
The trip takes about 3 hours and you will be entertained the whole way with the commentary from a local Londoner who points out all the places of interest, as well as telling stories about all the things you see along the way. There is a fully licensed bar on board – sipping on a G&T watching the world go by has got to be one of the pleasures of life!
When the boat sets off there is so much to see, I found myself in a bit of a spin taking photos on both sides of the river, and listening to the commentary. It all starts off with safety briefing, (even that was entertaining!), as the boat goes under Westminster Bridge, then make sure you have your camera ready as the sites come thick and fast. It all calms down the further out of the city you go.
The Palace of Westminster, or Houses of Parliament, on the north side of the Thames and over on the south side is St Thomas’s Hospital. Then after passing under Lambeth Bridge Tamesis Dock was sitting high and dry waiting for the tide to come in. Tamesis Dock is a pub on a converted 1930s Dutch Barge moored on the Thames River.
Before you get the Chelsea Bridge, you pass under the Grosvenor Bridge, also known as the Victoria Railway Bridge, the River Guide was quite excited about the long train that was crossing it at the time.
The Peace Pagoda sits on the edge of the river at Battersea Park, a gift from, Guruji, the founder of the Japanese Buddhist movement in 1984. He stated that ‘Civilisation is not to kill human beings, not to destroy things, nor make war; civilisation is to hold mutual affection and to respect one another’. Following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he pledged to build pagodas worldwide as shrines to peace. The Battersea pagoda was constructed by nuns, monks and other followers of the sect and was completed in 1985 just weeks after Guruji died at the grand old age of 100.
The next Bridge to come into view is the Albert Suspension Bridge, originally built in 1873, but was found to be structurally unsound, so this was corrected the following decade. Then 100 years later it was painted a lighter colour to make it more conspicuous in poor visibility, and avoid being damaged by various vessels on the river.
Just before Battersea Bridge is Crosby Moran Hall. The Great Hall was built in 1466 and was moved here from the original site in Bishopsgate in 1910, now a private residence. This is the only example of a medieval city merchant house surviving in London.
After passing all the house boats that surround the northern end of Battersea Bridge, you start heading into ugly, modern, super expensive residential territory. Even London Heliport is here on the south side of the river. The apartments here are prohibitively expensive, they would need some good double glazing to keep out the noise of helicopters landing and taking off.
After Putney Bridge, the almost country side scenery starts to develop. Before going under Hammersmith Bridge, the old Harrod’s Furniture Depository building is on the left, once considered to be so far out of the city it was a good place for a warehouse, now I believe, converted to luxury apartments.
Eventually, after winding our way further up river, past Kew Gardens, we had to go into Richmond Lock, so we could be raised up to the higher river level for the last part of our voyage.
We slowly enter the lock under Richmond Footbridge, the gates close behind us, then the water starts flooding in from the other end to raise out boat up, now this is a mechanical process with the flicking of a few switches, but once all done by hand. They must have been very strong men to fight with the weight of the water.
Then we pass by beautiful Richmond-on-Thames, past lovely riverside homes, under Kingston Bridge and into Teddington Lock, where we do it all again to get us up to the right river level to make the final bend on our trip!
Finally Hampton Court Palace comes into view…….
After visiting the Palace you can then return to London on the River Boat, or catch the train back to Waterloo from Hampton Court Station, just across the river on Hampton Court Bridge.
While in London you might like to visit the beautiful Kew Gardens, or be part of London’s amazing history at the Tower of London.
Walking along the old tow path beside Regent’s Canal from Camden Town to Little Venice near Paddington is a lovely way to see the quiet side of London. Or take a longer walk through history ending up in a 800 year old pub.
At the right time of year, usually in May, the Chelsea Flower Show is a must see, even for a non-gardener like me!
Have a read of some of the shorter “PostCards” I have written while in London for more stories and pictures of this incredible city.
Itinerary for my Trip Over to London
Flew from Sydney to London Heathrow via Singapore, with Qantas on QF1, then QF2 to come home.
Stayed at the Royal Overseas League in St James’s.
Picked up at Heathrow by Naz from Black Lane Limos.
Travelled around London using a Visitor Oyster Card.
Walking from the northern beach at Monterosso al Mare to the southern beach, on the Cinque Terre coast, there was a market setting up under the arches under the rail line and a few cafes in the square.
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Walking up hundreds of steps on a centuries old spiral staircase was a killer, but so worth it for the view from the top of what was going to be the high alter in Siena Duomo, but building stopped in 1339 when the black death wiped out a lot of the population, and it has just stood there like thus for the last 1000 years, it is really high and only about one metre wide!!
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In the tunnel you walk through to go between the 2 beach front areas of Monterosso, on the Cinque Terre coast in Italy, they have made a few art installations in the walls along the way.
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The bell tower, Torre Campanaria, in Manarola in Cinque Terre National Park.
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The main street of Manarola leading down to the water, Manarola is the next village up from Riomaggiore as you north along the Cinque Terre coast.
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The village of Manarola, in Cinque Terre National Park, another cluster of coloured homes in a valley leading to the sea, and the grape growing terraces rising up behind them. The local wine industry still thrives as the influx of tourists that crowd into the village don`t get to spill up into the terraces 🥂!!
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After arriving at Riomaggiore Station, you then walk through a tunnel from the village to the harbour. The tunnel is lined with mosaics of sea creatures and water scenes. Riomaggiore is just a few minutes by train from La Spezia.
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Inside the Baptistery next to Pisa Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli, it seems black and white marble was all the go 1000 years ago, one of my favourites now!!
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Riomaggiore is the southern most village in the Cinque Terre National Park on Italy`s north west coast. Here looking down to the harbour, this was at about 9am, after 10am it gets so crowded as the people flood in, it is almost unbearable.
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The very ornate doors to Florence Cathedral, imagine the number of hours it took to carve these, and this is not the only set of doors, there are many, all equally detailed - it`s a lost art, or is just too expensive to have beautiful things these days??
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As the ferry from La Spezia pulled into Vernazza, on the Cinque Terre coast, we were all mesmerised by the efficiency of this helicopter that seemed to be bringing building supplies in from just over this hill, where the closest road is. The guys who unhooked the load were so fast the chopper seemed to not even slow down as it spun around to go back for the next load, then the same at the pick up location, it just swooped in and they were ready to hook the next load on and it flew on, a well rehearsed routine!!
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Walk through this little tunnel under the rock from one rocky beach to another one!! Luckily I`m not the sit on a beach type, very rocky coastline around Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Italy.
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The Lookout tower of Castello dei Doria, part of the 13th century Genovese fortifications to fend off attacks in the middle ages.
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Looking north up the Cinque Terre coast from the breakwall in Riomaggiore. I was there in April this year, before the season kicked off, a lot of the buildings had their shutters closed, as I guess the owners are away until the season starts. There were still crowds of people coming in after about 10am everyday, I`m so pleased I was there early. Over tourism is a huge problem in so many parts of Italy.
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Vernazza, the 4th of the Cinque Terre villages as I head north on the ferry from La Spezia to Montarossa al Mare. My plan was to catch the ferry all the way up the Cinque Terre coast, then work my way back by train, stopping in at each village.
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Manarola, the next village coming into view as my ferry from La Spezia Heads north along the Cinque Terre coast.
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Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo with its spiral staircase was built in 1499, sadly it was closed for a private function when I was there.....apparently the view from the top is amazing!! Oh well, maybe next time.....
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Inside Chiesa San Pietro Corniglia, high up on the hill looking over the Cinque Terre coastline. The church was completed in 1351 and hasn`t missed a beat in nearly 700 years, and still looking magnificent.
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Everything you think there can`t possibly be any more steps, there`s just a few more, then maybe just a few more!! But the view out over the Cinque Terre coast is worth it.
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The bell tower above the 13th century Church of Santa Margherita d`Antiochia in Vernazza on the Cinque Terre coast in Italy.
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This is what exploring Corniglia is all about, lots of steps, alleys and arches. The only one of the Cinque Terre villages you can`t get to by sea, this has kept it`s original charm intact 🌞☀️🌞☀️🌞!!
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The wine growing terraces rising up behind the village of Manarola on the Cinque Terre coat of Italy, see as the ferry moves north towards Corniglia.
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It was really hard taking photos of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the temptation to line it up straight in the lens is something I struggled with, having it next to a straight building helps!!!
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Most areas in Italy have a statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi somewhere and Monterosso al Mare is no exception, here in Piazza Garibaldi surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
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Manarola, the 2nd village in the Cinque Terre National Park as you head north from La Spezia. The water runs down from the hills, under the village and into the sea.
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More steps up to the Castlello san Giorgoin La Spezia.....just in case you don`t feel like taking the lift and the funicular!!!! Anyone???
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Riomaggiore is the southern most of the Cinque Terre villages, closest to my base in La Spezia on the Italian coast. On my first day, I caught the ferry from La Spezia to Montarosso so I could see all the villages from the water, before exploring on land.
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Look at all those steps!! Fortunately, just down the road there is a lift and funicular to get you up to where the castle is. But I suppose if you live half way up, you wouldn`t want to forget the milk!!
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The crystal clear waters at Manarola in the Cinque Terre National Park.
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The Fountain of Dialogue in Piazza Garibaldi in La Spezia, I`m not too sure how I feel about it, it`s different from all angles, some better, some not so nice!! It was designed for people to sit all around it next to the water and talk, I wanted to get a picture with less people......fortunately I walked through the square many times every day.
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There she is....quite amazing really, just leaning there for over 1000 years, next to Pisa Duomo. The tower is actually the bell tower for the Cathedral. I love the way these beautiful buildings are surrounded by lawns that you are not allowed to walk on. This keeps everyone at a distance so everyone can see, not just the people leaning on the monument.
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The northern part of Monterosso al Mare, I had a coffee and croissant in a coffee shop on the beach front here before I started exploring. Later in the day a few brave souls were climbing this rock a jumping into the very cool, crystal clear water in early spring. The train station is down here too, where I could buy my Cinque Terre Pass giving me a few days of unlimited train trips, it also includes the bus up the hill in Corniglia.
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The beautiful Ponte dei Sospiri, or Bridge of Sighs, built between 1600 and 1603, to move prisoners from Palazzo Ducale to the prisons across the canal. The closed bridge is one of the most famous and photographed in Venice. You can still walk across it today when visiting the Doge`s Palace.
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Only this tower was left standing after a WWll bomb hit Villa Pastine in Monterosso al Mare, it was recently restored and is along with the broken statue of Il Gigante in my previous post are a feature of the northern end of the beach.
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The very detailed front of Siena Duomo, built between 1215 and 1264, in the beautiful medieval Tuscan city of Siena. The Duomo is quite the feature of Siena, both inside and out, you can`t get enough of it. The tour into the upper levels really accentuates how enormous it is. If you`re thinking of a trip over to Italy, Siena is a must.
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Siena is one of the lovliest medieval Italian cities, this is the town hall, Palazzo Pubblico with it`s 14th century tower, Torre del Mangia sitting on the edge of the main square Piazza del Campo. I recently spent 3 nights in Siena, and really wish I had stayed a bit longer. I`m sure I`ll go back one day to continue exploring this historic Tuscan city.
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Early morning in Corniglia, shutters are still closed, the garbage is out for collection, in a few hours it will be standing room only!!
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The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, this is taken from Piazzale degli Uffizi looking towards the river, the top floor is the Vasari passage that goes from here across Ponte Vecchio to Pitti Palace, so the Medici didn`t have to walk amongst the peasants, or deal with smell from the butchers shops on their way between the office and the Palace.
When I was here in 2013, Vasari Passage had never been open to the public, then I was very excited to hear that had changed, then I knew they closed it again to do some maintenance work and should have been open in time for my recent visit. They must have heard I was coming back and decided to delay the re-opening 🥺 Oh well, maybe next time....
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When I arrived in Venice is was cold, rainy and very grey, but that didn`t stop me from walking miles exploring this amazing water world. Basilica di San Marco, and Torre dell`Orologio look beautiful no matter what the weather is.
I learned the art of layering up a puffer coat under a trench coat, wearing waterproof shoe covers, a rain hat and carrying an umbrella and pretending everything is just fine 🤣!!
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#veniceintherain #venice #veniceitaly #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #piazzasanmarco #piazzasanmarcovenice #venezia #torredellorologia #basilicadisanmarco #waterworld #traveltheworldworldwithme #italytrip #italytravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seetheworldthroughmylens #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveladdict #neverstopexploring
Sea creatures carved into the rocks in a wall in Vernazza, Cinque Terre. Each of the villages has a quirky art work somewhere!!
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#carvedrocks #artinpublicplaces #vernazza #vernazzaitaly #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #solotrip #italytravel #italianadventure #madeinitaly #solotrip #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #neverstopexploring #neverstoptravelling #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
A statue of Robert Wagnet in Piazza Doria in La Spezia, Italy. Wagner was inspired to write some of his music after spending some time in this town.
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#laspeziaitaly #laspezia #laspeziaharbourside #laspeziacentro #robertwagner #robertwagnerlaspezia #sculpture #artinpublicplaces #piazzadoria #solotravelinitaly #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelingisfun #italytrip #madeinitaly #sculpture #traveladdict #traveltheworldworldwithme #travelinitaly #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything
On another lovely walk out to the Marina in La Spezia Harbour, looking at the mountain range to the east. There is always something to see here, ferries coming and going, sailing boats, and all the bars and restaurants.
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#laspeziaitaly #laspeziaharbourside #laspezia #ferries #laspeziaboat #sailinglife #laspeziamarina #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #solotrip #italianferries #neverstoptravelling #bluewaterandsunshine
This fruit and vegetable shop really stood out in Riomaggiore!! Most of the rest of the village is restaurants or shops selling tourist trash, tea towels and socks all printed with Riomaggiore or Cinque Terre. I feel the whole area has lost it`s charm and authenticity to over tourism.
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#riomaggioreitaly #riomaggiorecinqueterreitaly #riomaggiore #riomaggiorecinqueterre #riomaggiorevillage #shoppingincinqueterre #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterre #fruitandveg #oranges #berries #bananas #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #traveltheworldwithme
Like most Italian cities, Siena has many churches. This is Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, still going strong after opening it`s doors in 1226!!!
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#siena #sienatrip #sienahistory #sienaitaly #sienatravel #sienaitalia #basilicacaterinianadisandomenico #solotravelinitaly #solotravel #neverstopexporing #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #medievalitaly #medievalitaliancity #historicitaly #madeinitaly
Corniglia is the only one of the villages along the Cinque Terre coastline you can get to by road, which must be an enormous help for the people who live there.
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#corniglia #cornigliacinqueterre #corniglia5terre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #viewfromthetop #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveladdict
The Fallen Angel lying in Piazza dei Miracoli near the Leaning Tower of Pisa. No he didn`t fall and hit his head, he was created this way, representing the fragility of life. Who knew angels were so buff??
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#fallenangel #fallenangelpisa #piazzadeimiracoli #pisaitaly #pisatrip #pisa #pisafieldofmiracles #fieldofmiracles #italytravel #italianart #italiantrip #madeinitaly #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
This sculpture of a broken man in the rocks at the northern end of the beach at Monterosso al Mare, is thecremains of Il Gigante, was damaged when Villa Pastine, behind him took a hit in WWll bombing. The second photo is from one of the art works in the tunnel, showing what he looked like before.
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#monterosso #monterossoalmare #monterossoalmarecinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #ilgigante #ilgigantemonterosso #ilgigantemonterrossoalmare #artinpublicplaces #brokenman #sculptureontherocks #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #italianhistory #exploringitaly
