My London+

Vauxhall to Waterloo – an amble along the Thames Path and some back roads

My journey started here (see photo above) at the American Embassy. I’d been here once before a few years ago. It was rather like a building site then, and still they are building new apartment blocks. They now come with cafes and supermarkets beneath – little villages in themselves. The gardens are also an improvement. But I came today specifically to see the swimming pool between two apartments. See on the photo what looks like a walkway? That’s a pool! I’d seen it recently on TV news with lots of people in it. Today, being a weekday, no one was there. Even so, it was still a spectacle. Would you like to swim in it?

American Embassy (above)

After a quick wander around, I set off for the Thames. To the left is Battersea (the old Power Station) and to the right central London and Westminster. I was walking to the right, but not before I walked a little way back to grab a photo of Father Thames.

It wasn’t long before I spotted something on the other side of the road. Three seats in the form of boats, and some arches that looked like a church. I crossed over to inspect this and came across White Hart Dock which can be traced back to the 14th century. Royal Dalton had buildings along here, and you can see the tunnel that led to other docks and the Thames. I have never come across this dock before, and that’s what I like about London. It never fails to amaze and surprise me.

Looking towards Battersea

White Hart Dock

Behind the old dock something else caught my eye, and before I knew it I found Old Paradise Garden. What a beautiful garden. This seems to have been built on a former churchyard. It is a quiet oasis with a beautiful array of wildflowers in the centre. The park is still having a makeover, but there will be a play area. Also, the Garden Museum (close by) run gardening lessons here on Friday mornings for local residents. There are raised beds with various plants and herbs. This is a lovely place to sit.

From there it was back to the Thames via St Mary’s Gardens. St Mary’s is the home of the Garden Museum, but the gardens here are free. Next door is Lambeth Palace. Over the road is Lambeth Bridge.

Lambeth Bridge

Westminster

Walking along the Thames Path I came across the wall where people have written the names of loved ones who have died of Covid 19. I knew of this wall, but was surprised about how long it is. It stretches almost from Lambeth Bridge to Westminster Bridge. Certainly a peoples’ memorial.

From here it was a short walk to the London Eye and then towards Waterloo. I stopped off at St John’s Church gardens to eat lunch and to have a quick read before returning home. It had been a lovely morning.

London Eye

St John’s Churchyard

St John’s, Waterloo

A countryside walk, St Leonards and Bexhill by night

Thursday 27th May: Today turned out to be the day I walked just over thirteen miles (according to my Fitbit). It didn’t feel that way because of the stops. The weather was beautiful, and particularly hot inland. I set off towards Combe Valley Countryside Park, following various paths, and was helped by a lovely couple who could see I was dithering about which way to go! They kindly walked me to the right place and explained how to get there. We talked about where we were from (they moved here from London some years ago) and we chatted along the way. I’m always amazed how friendly other walkers are, always ready to help someone like me, who constantly gets lost!

The map of Combe Valley Countryside Park

There seem to be many entrances to the park. As usual, I had to cross the railway line and eventually came across an entrance into the park, after having crossed a busy main road and moved from Bexhill to St. Leonards and Hasting. It was shortly after this that I met the couple and their dog as I walked alongside reedbeds. I explained where I thought I was going! They walked with me and we ended up going down the side of a house and into a field. Without them I don’t think I would have spotted this as it looked like we were going into someone’s back garden! Yet there was path across, and the lady explained I had to go through two kissing gates to reach my destination. I thanked them and went on my way.

Again I walked alongside reedbeds and eventually came across a lake. It was breathtaking. All around me I could hear birds. Nothing else. Just nature going about its business. I’d have happily have stayed here all day. Reluctantly, I pulled myself away and went to see what else I could find. I had hoped to walk around the lake, but that seemed impossible. It was at this point that abandoned the map and decided to go with instinct!

There were some marker posts with names I recognised and chose one route, later to double back and follow another. I crossed a road of some industrial plant and found a field where model aircraft were being flown. I stopped a man with his dog (so many dog walkers) and asked if I could cross this and get out on the other side. He showed me a vague track and said there was gap on the other side. Wary of low-flying model aircraft, I set out. Indeed, there was a gap, and as I emerged on the other side, I recognised Combe Haven Holiday Village up on the hill to my left. Caravans littered the hillside. I knew where I was!

Combe Haven Holiday Village, St Leonards

Across the field heading for the seafront beyond the houses

Now I just had to cross the busy road and head for the seafront. However, it took a while to find the right place that led back to the promenade, as there are many industrial sites that run along that walkway. Finally, I was there, on the edges of St Leonards.

I sat for a while reading on the seafront before my tummy told me I should eat. Everywhere was so busy. The good weather had brought people out. Also St Leonards tends to be busier than Bexhill. I spotted Smiths Real Food Cafe. It sounded like my kind of place, so I crossed the road to investigate. I had the most delicious quiche and salad there. I sat inside away from the sun, yet still had the view across to the sea.

Afterwards I walked a little further, and in the distance I could see Hastings Pier. I did consider walking there, but decided against it. I still had the walk back.

Busy St Leonards with Hastings Pier in the background

The walk back was an amble. I took my time over it and came across some interesting things, like the fact that St Leonards once had a pier of its own. They also had a bathing pool (now grassed over). I made a last stop at a cafe on the seafront which was really busy when I passed it in the morning. Now there were just a few people, and I felt happier about stopping.

Marine Court, St Leonards. Built like a ship

I have done a little research to find out about St Leonards Pier and the first moving picture shown here. I came up with this. Makes for interesting reading.

I’d like to do another walk in the countryside park some day, but with a proper map! Next time I would print off stuff first (before my holiday!) as I have only touched a fraction of the pathways. It is a lovely place to walk.

The walk back to Bexhill along the seafront

That evening, as the weather was still so gorgeous, and it was last day in Bexhill, I decided to go out and try to catch the sunset. I was a little late, but I still got some nice shots. I saw a fox on the beach, which was really unexpected. Enjoy the last photos!

Something to bring home – Bexhill shells

Old Bexhill, Eastbourne and John Nash Exhibition

Wednesday 26th May: I had no idea there was an old part of Bexhill. I came across it on a map and as I had some free time before heading off into Eastbourne, I decided to take a look. Just a ten minute walk from where I was staying brought me here. Lovely old buildings, a manor house and a church made this the ideal place to spend some time.

The hill – looking back to Bexhill seafront

The walk up is a tree lined path, and looking back from the hill you can still glimpse the sea. The village is small – a few shops, a tea room/cafe (which I considered, but I’d not long had breakfast!), the church of St Peter’s and the Manor House. The Barn is the only building still standing, and is now a venue for weddings and other events. The ruins of the Manor House still show glimpses of rooms with fireplaces, arches and windows. The gardens are beautiful. There are many places to sit and the peace and quiet settles around you. There is so much history here. There has been a house on this site for 900 years and I can do no better than direct you to the website for the full history. Please do read about the Manor House here.

Having sat and enjoyed the peace and warmth (the sun was out at last), I began to head back, but as I came to the church, a man was putting out a board and I asked if they were open and could I look round. He happily let me have a wander, putting on lights so I could see better. We had a chat, and he gave me one of their parish diaries. The embroidery circle was arriving for their morning get together, and I realised how much I’d missed being able to visit churches and the familiar goings-on of parish life. Since Covid 19, this was just the fourth time I’d set foot in a church.

Leaving the Old Town behind me, I knew I’d have to go back another time. I headed to the sea front and the De La Warr Pavilion. There was a free exhibition which I wandered through and I paid a visit to the shop (never can resist a shop with so many books!). There was also a guy there selling vinyl records, and I was tempted, but I knew I’d have to get them home safely if I bought any, and my suitcase had been pretty full from the start.

Holly Hendry – Digesting the conversation

It was still a little early to go into Eastbourne. I was due to meet my brother there at 12.30pm. We’d not seen each other since the end of July last year. For a while I sat on the seafront where it became quite hot. Finally, I set off for the station. The journey only takes about fifteen minutes or so, and for a while follows the coast, and you have some great views of the sea. At Eastbourne station I met my brother, and we had lunch together before heading off to the Towner Gallery to view the John Nash Exhibition.

I’m a big fan of John and Paul Nash. Both were war artists, though their directions later were different. This link takes you to a page of the Nash brother’s war art. At the exhibition there was a whole range of John Nash’s art from his war paintings to his illustrations for book covers and books, from his early days to his last days. It was a fascinating exhibition, and featured art from artists he was friends with (Edward Bawden being one) and his brother Paul. There was much information about John Nash’s life, his mother’s mental health, his loves, and his little son who died tragically in an accident.

Here is another link to art works for sale. A lot of these are on view at the exhibition, and it shows the range of John Nash’s art.

After the exhibition we had a walk along the seafront towards the pier before going back to the station. The weather had certainly improved. There had been more sun than cloud this day.

Sea air and countryside

Tuesday 25th May: I set out on my first full day of my holiday in Bexhill-on-Sea to find a nature reserve I had spied on the map. Gillham woods Nature Reserve is owned by Sussex Wildlife Trust. My map reading skills aren’t the best, but I knew I had to be on the other side of the railway line and I’d end up walking through housing estates. Did I get lost? Yes, I did. But I found Collington Wood on route, which I decided to walk through. This piece of land is owned by The Woodland Trust (yet the website says it’s not…confusing!). It made a lovely cut through, and is obviously popular, especially with dog walkers.

Back on the trail, I finally found I was on the road that led to the nature reserve. What a long, windy road that was. It meandered through a rather nice housing estate, and suddenly there it was on the other side of the road. The reserve itself isn’t very large, but again it seemed popular with dog walkers. I kept to the main path and before long I was out the other side. Decision – which way now?

Look at that, some blue sky! Gillham Nature Reserve

I wanted to get back to the sea walk, which meant crossing the railway again. There appeared to be only one way, and that was to walk into Cooden Beach where I could walk under the railway bridge. That is what I did.

Cooden Beach is small. There is one hotel, and the rest is housing which spreads along the seafront. This means walking along the road, or walking on the beach with its large pebbles. There was just one part where I could access the beach and take some photos. Then it was off along the road as I made my way back to Bexhill. As soon as I could I got back to the beach, walking a short way on the pebbles when I reached Collington (I assumed). It was a leisurely walk back. This area is very flat, so it makes for easy walking.

Pages Gap (yes I went up and down it. It’s steeper than it looks!

I’d eaten such a big breakfast that morning, I had no need for lunch! Just to the edge of Bexhill is Egerton Park and Bexhill Museum. I fell in love with the park. It’s been beautifully laid out with the stream, art sculptures and a cafe. There are areas for tennis, a kid’s play area, basketball and plenty of seating. Ducks are plentiful, and the whole park has a great atmosphere. It is a lovely place to relax in.

The museum is accessed from the road and was once the shelter for the park. Some shelter! It is enormous. The museum houses an interesting collection of its past with ancient tools, dinosaur bones, stuffed birds, shells, maps and models. There is much about the families whose names still live on in the names of buildings around Bexhill, name De La Warr, but others too, all of whom appear to be connected.

Bexhill Museum. Former shelter to Egerton Park

The Brassy family are a very interesting lot, and where all the connections to Bexhill seem to lead from

Eddie Izzard has a connection to Bexhill. He is building a model railway set in the 1940’s when his father came back from the war to the town. It was a winter’s day that his father returned, with snow covering everything. So, the model railway is set in the snow and has moving parts – not just the trains but the windmill, an air raid scene and children in the park skating. The model is almost finished. There was a short presentation while I was there when all the moving parts were given their part to play, including the church bells. Eddie also donated another model railway to the museum in 2016, built by Eddie and his brother, Mark.

Eddie’s other contribution to the museum is props and mood boards to the film Six Minutes to Midnight, starring Eddie Izzard and Dame Judi Dench. On display is a school uniform and gym wear, photos, and lots of information, including a film where Eddie interviews someone who worked at the school. Basically, the Bexhill school was a Nazi girls’ school!

Here is a trailer:

Bexhill is known as the birth place of motoring and cars were driven up and down the promenade. You can read about it here on these boards that are dotted along the seafront.

After then museum I then strolled along the seafront and eventually back to my B&B. The weather had thankfully held. Lots of heavy cloud, but I never got rained on, and there were some bright spells.

There was a lot packed into this day. On Wednesday I was off to Eastbourne, and I’ll blog on that tomorrow.

A stormy start for my staycation

I arrived in Bexhill-on-Sea today for a four night stay. Oh, gosh, it’s good to be beside the seaside again. As soon as I knew lockdown was ending, I was on the phone to book a B&B.

May has been a rainy month. Certainly the wettest in some years. Not only that, but it has been very windy. One day I resorted to wearing a woolly scarf and hat! Today I got really cold waiting on the station platform, and then we went through one cloudburst after another. But I’m here now and I went for a walk this afternoon without getting rained on!

Today was about familiarising myself with Bexhill. On the map, it showed that Bexhill had a Tourist Information Office. Well, that’s gone! But it has a nice mix of shops and quite a lot of independent ones. The shelters on the seafront are colourful, and one plays music (just one section of it). When you enter, the music starts up. Music for the older generation – it played Ken Dodd! That made me smile.

It’s still windy, still rainy, but when the sun comes out, it is lovely. I’ve ordered a full vegetarian breakfast for the morning. Then a long walk is in order!

Down on the beach. No, I’m not going in!

Stormy weather in London

Today in England more Covid restrictions were lifted. Now we can eat/drink inside cafe’s and restaurants. Museums and art galleries are once more open, or will be opening in the next few days. A friend and I had arranged to walk somewhere in London today, but the weather this month has been pretty rainy. So we decided that somewhere around London Bridge would give us more places to dive into when the showers came. This worked well.

First off, we walked to Southwark Cathedral for a quick amble round before heading to their cafe for lunch and a good chat. We sat outside because we hit a sunny interval. It was so warm we took off our jackets. However, we had to dive inside with our cups of tea when a cloud burst arrived.

There goes the diet! (Note takeaway bag. I took half home)

We then took a chance and walked towards Hays Galleria, yet we had to dive under cover in London Bridge station for a few minutes before we made it. I spotted a book shop (Riverside Bookshop). I’d not come across this one before so it warranted a look. Of course I found a book to buy, as you do (well, at least me!). We walked through the Galleria and out to the Thames and walked to Tower Bridge and onwards to the edges of Bermondsey to where the River Neckinger meets the Thames. Behind us the clouds were gathering for a storm, so we headed back and took shelter at One Tower Bridge. Thank goodness we made it, as it really was a cloud burst, with thunder and lightning. The photo above was taken shortly after the storm.

Neckinger River (the River Thames is behind me)

It was getting late so we headed back to London Bridge where we went our separate ways. This is just a short part of the Thames Path (south side). There are lots of things to see. I particularly like Shad Thames where the warehouses used to be. Here, in the past, men would come to the gates each morning to see if they could get work for half a day. The area was regenerated some years ago and the warehouses converted into apartments and shops. I’d love to look inside one of the apartments, but unless you have a few million, you won’t get to buy one!

It was a lovely walk today, despite the weather. It good to be back in London again. I’m sure I will be back again very soon.

Thames Path – Staines to Datchet

Friday was the ideal day for walking this section of the Thames Path. The weather was warm and the sun was out most of the time. Technically, none of this walk is in London, but it does begin very close to the outer reaches of London! And what would a blog about London be without those days away to places that can be reached from London? It takes under an hour to reach the start of this walk by train from central London.

Staines (the ‘upon-Thames’ was added a few years back) was the stopping point from the last Thames Path walk taken a couple of years ago. I am not one for walking great sections in one go, like Ramblers groups or those keen Thames Path walkers who think nothing of pounding out twelve to fourteen miles in one day. No, I am the ambler not the rambler! I like to take my time, stop in places if I want, take lots of photos, and take in the scenery. I tend to break the walks down into two or three separate walks. My legs would not manage twelve miles these days anyway!

This section of the walk is around six and quarter miles. However, by not reading the map properly and crossing the Thames at Staines bridge like I should, I managed to add a quarter to half mile extra by staying on the same side until the path ran out. I ended up walking along a main road. I then found a footpath declaring it led to Runnymede Bridge. The path led to the river, but it was dead end. Having met someone on retracing my steps I was able to take a less worn path up to the bridge and cross it (alongside the busy M25) and scoot over the barrier and down a steep path to re-join the Thames Path where I should have been walking. I doubled back to see what I had missed on this side (worth the effort), before turning around and continuing to my destination.

Taken in Lammas Recreational Ground from my off-route walking! See that bridge over there? That’s where I should have been walking!

Had I stuck to my route I’d not have come across this.

Staines has been a crossing point since Roman times and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book as property being held by Westminster Abbey. If you would like to read more of about the history of Staines, see here.

Underneath Runnymede Bridge looking towards where I should be!

Runnymede is the home of many things. Perhaps the most famous being where the Magna Carta was signed on 12th June 1215. This was the royal charter of rights agreed to and signed by King John (though his heart wasn’t in it!) There is a monument nearby commemorating the signing. Last year my husband and I visited the RAF Memorial at Runnymede, and though we saw the memorial to John F Kennedy and other memorials, we missed the one to the Magna Carta! However, on my walk on Friday I saw it across the fields. If you read my blog from last year you will see there are statues in Lalham (nearest station to the site) connected with the Magna Carta that I took photos of.

Now on the right path I found other fascinating things

I continued my walk. The next main point of interest is Bell Weir Lock. The wall of the pub has been artistically painted with references to the Magna Carta

From here it is a walk to Runnymede (as mentioned above) first passing a boatyard and some pretty houseboats where tables and chairs are set out.

The day I was walking there was some sort of run going on. Further up I came across their refreshment stop. Runners were refueling before setting off again. Along this stretch, the river is on my right and the busy road to my left. Across the road is where the monument to the Magna Carta is (see photo below).

The walk continues into a quieter phase. The countryside wraps around you, the noise of the traffic departs, and all you hear are the sounds of birds and the odd boat puttering by. On the path you mostly meet dog walkers and the odd backpackers.

Walking into Old Windsor one might think that you are near the royal town with the castle. You are some miles away from all that!

Not a castle in sight, just glassy water

Perhaps my favourite photo of the walk – Old Windsor

Not too far after Old Winsor Lock I came to Albert Bridge which I had to cross for the last leg of this walk. This was by far the most beautiful part of the walk. Again the countryside hummed around me. Lots of trees and wild plants. Many Orange-tip butterflies flitted around me as well as buzzing bees. The scenery was wild and it made me feel wonderful just to be here.

After a while, the path veered right and ran alongside farmland towards the road, though the path was fenced. I was nearly at my journey’s end and soon came across the sign for Datchet.

By now I was desperate for a cup of tea and wondered what Datchet would offer. Firstly, I had to find the Thames again, just to mark my stopping point.

And here we are – the stretch of Thames at Datchet

Datchet is a pretty village with a green and a very old tree. It was planted to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. That is where I sat (under the tree) to drink my cup of tea. I did not expect to find a Costa in Datchet, but I was so grateful as there was nothing else open. The train station was close by and it was time now to head home. It had been a wonderful walk.

It’s all about the nature

It has been a while since I wandered over to The Wetlands at The Hamptons, so one morning last week I took a stroll over and was lucky to find a Heron as well as a Canada Goose and two Egyptian Geese. The swans seem to have flown, but maybe they will come back later in the year.

The rats must have been around but were being allusive, except I did see one swimming in the pond. My son tells me that rats are good swimmers. His pet ones don’t particularly enjoy water, but wild ones have no problem with it.

How regal do I look in my coat of crowns?

The field belonging to the Lower Morden Equestrian Centre had occupants and they all seemed to have brand new coats. Work is still going on at the Centre but they are still functioning. The field (I call the horse field) is one my favourite parts of the walk.

I took a walk through the cemetery on my way back home where trees were in blossom. Along the path that runs alongside the cemetery, flowers and trees were bursting into life, but with the lack of rain, the little stream that runs long there was dry.

I’ve also been taking photos of birds and squirrels in my back garden. I find them amusing, and there is one pigeon who seems very bold and comes up quite close to me now. They have learned that this is the garden where food is put out. The Magpie and the Starlings love the pond. It needs a good clean out, but it doesn’t seem to stop them from bathing in it. Often there are four Starlings in it together. We have various containers of water in the garden, so there is no shortage of bathing pools.

The Starlings love the suet we put in the feeder and get very narky when we put seed in! They give a disgruntled squark and fly off.

I have spent a long time trying to get the garden going this year. Lockdown finally tried to make a gardener of me last year! I am nowhere near being the gardener my mum and grandparents were, but I like to think they would be amusingly proud of me. The bulbs I put in early April have surprised me are seem to be coming up. I have Lily of the Valley poking up their stems and I can’t wait to see them in flower again. I will probably lose some of the plants I have grown from seed, but I hope there will be enough for a fair show. My tomatoes are still small, but if they all make it, I shall have some to give away. My peas are doing grand. If you grow no other vegetable, grow peas. They are so easy and come up every time. By now it should be okay to plant seed directly into the ground. I grew mine in pots as I wanted to start some off early, and I planted them out in March.

I am keeping an eye on the weather for a good day to walk. At the moment it looks like Friday. Here in the UK we have a Bank Holiday today. Over this weekend I have been painting the kitchen and today it is time to put the shelving back. How many cookery books does one need? Now is the time to have a look through and make a few decisions.

Kingston to Hampton Court

It has been almost a year since I last walked this stretch of the Thames and the walk appears shorter each time I do it. This time it was stroll with two stops. Having set out late morning, the first stop was early on to each lunch bought locally. Then when nearly at Hampton Court there was another stop to discard the thin jacket I was wearing. The weather was indeed warm, but not hot, perfect for walking.

At Hampton Court it was treat time – an ice cream! Over the Hampton Court bridge next to the train station there is a small park I’d never been into before. This is where I sat and had a great view across the river towards Hampton Court Palace. This side of the river is also where the River Ember feeds into the Thames – something else I did no know!

Hampton Court bridge from the small park

View across to the Palace. Seems there is some roof work going on

One last view across the Thames to Hampton Court Palace

I am planning another Thames walk, a part I have not walked before. With any luck (and of course it is down to the weather) I may attempt that next week.

Before I sign off this week I just wanted to highlight a walk I know well which came up on a guest blog post of The London Wildlife Trust. The writer Jini Reddy, author of the book Wanderland (which I have just bought) has walked what I call ‘the horse field’ near me, and The Hamptons Wetlands, as well as Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common and Cannizaro Park. Do check it out here. There are some great photos too.

Finally, last evening I watched the most spellbinding concert from the Natural History Museum. A mixture of music, poetry and art based on the words of Robert Macfarlane (writer) and Jackie Morris (artist). It was a magical and moving tribute to wildlife. I had tears in my eyes during the song where the tree talks to the woodcutter. I highly recommend this. The recording made last night is on YouTube for a short while only. Catch it while you can.

Hayes and Wickham Commons, Kent

Kent has so much to offer and I barely know it really. Last week was a chance to explore a little bit more. There are so many walking routes around the Hayes/Wickham area. A friend took me on a walk through woods there once before. This time we went a slightly different way. Lots of flowers coming out now and the paths were mud free, as we have had so little rain of late.

The commons are south east of Croydon, a very busy town. It always amazes me that there is so much green space in and around London. There are thirty-two London Boroughs in all. I think I have said before that London spreads out into various counties. When I tell people I live in London, they mostly think I live in central London – Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and all that. I actually live about eleven miles south of central London. The largest London Borough is Bromley, not far from where I was the day of this walk! While Bromley is in Kent, it is also in London! Confused? That’s England for you! Don’t worry about it. Just remember that there is far more to London than No, 10 and Oxford Street!