My parents are coming over for their second visit next Easter, and now i am thinking about where i want to take them. They have been here once before and spend 1.5 weeks in the UK, and 1.5 weeks in France. This time, most of their 4 or so weeks will be spent in the UK. I know they are already thinking about a train trip up to Scotland and shooting over to Rome for a few days. But thinking more locally (SE England) i wanted to get some suggestions for brilliant places to go and visit. They have done a fair bit of the tourist trail in London so im thinking things a little less out of the ordinary. I want to take them to the places that make you feel lucky to be over here.
First of all though, a bit about my parents.
My dad is a complete Anglophile. He loves all things British and then European. He loves his history and spends a lot of his time pretending he is Napoleon on his computer.
My mum likes walking around, everywhere, all day. Last time she was here, i think i started crying as we enterred our 6th hour of shopping our way along from Kensington to Harrods in Knightsbridge. I love shopping, but my mum loves it more, but then she did have boots on that were more comfortable than mine.
They both like to laugh and dont take anything to seriously.
I will get the list rolling with my idea's and if you have any please add them on in the comments below.
In and about London
Shopping along the Kings Road, wandering from Fulham to Chelsea.
In particular, Life After Noah, Designers Guild, Anthropologie and Heals
A walk in Wimbledon Common and morning/afternoon tea at the Windmill.
I have taken to riding my bike around the common fairly regularly. On these trips i always curse myself for forgetting to bring any money for a little treat from the Windmill cafe on my way around.
A visit to the Tate Modern and Tate Britain.
I don't really understand a lot of modern art, but the Tate Modern building is worth a visit in itself. And of course, a visit to the Tate Britain to see the Lady of Shallot . The Lady of Shallot is a very important cultural reference in my family, mainly stemming from the nearly obsessive way we watched Anne of Green Gables over and over and over again as children. My sister could recite the entire movie by the age of 3, seriously.
Outside of London
Fir Tree House Tea Rooms, Penshurst
This place is just gorgeous. I have only been once, invited by a friend for a summer time afternoon tea, and i am very keen to go again. We sat in the lovely garden on ticking striped chairs circling around an old fashioned garden table overflowing with cakes, scones and tea. Delicious.
Sunbury Antiques Fair / Wimbledon Car Boot Sale
I thought they might like to see a proper antiques fair/car boot sale done like only the Brittish can do. Its an early start, but that means we can pack more into the day.
A walk in Surrey or Sussex
I love the idea of these, but after 2.5 hours, i am normally a bit fed up, so maybe we could find one that is about 2 hours instead of 3. Preferably with a nice pub along the way for a Sunday roast lunch. It will be Spring, so hopefully the Bluebells will put on a show for us.
A visit to Bateman's (Rudyard Kiplings house in East Sussex)
This house was gorgeous, with beautiful gardens, amazing history and furnishings care of William Morris. A lovely spot in the country side too, not to far from home!
A trip down to Battle
This would be for Dad. I have never been before, but he would love to see the site of the War of the Roses (I hope i have the correct battle there, my ignorance is shameful!)
And i am looking for recommendations on...
I would love some recommendations for the Portrait Gallery if anyone has them? Its somewhere i would like to go but havent been yet. So i am wondering if it is worth taking the parents when they are here.
Over to you guys, what do you suggest?
Post Script
Oh dear - i knew i had it wrong. My dad sent me an email with the following. Oops
"Battle, the Wars of the Roses, Phoebe really, what did I spend all that money for on your education, obviously not British history. 1066? Without doubt the most important date in Anglo/Norman history"
It was the Battle of Hastings, not the Roses - D'Oh
Couple of recommendations for you - Hever Castle (lots of history, home castle of the Boleyn family, lovely grounds). Also Sissinghurst has lovely gardens and interesting story too.
ReplyDeleteThe NPG is fantastic - my second favourite (after V&A). Really good permanent collection of interesting people.
Also, Megan will have good recommendations about walks to do! If you were wanting bluebells then Kew Gardens is also fantastic.
Hi - I can't believe you got the Battle of Hastings wrong - that's just too funny!
ReplyDeleteI recommend the Imperial War Museum and Windsor; Windsor Castle and Windsor town are both well worth the visit.
Plus the London walks (http://www.walks.com/Homepage/default.aspx) are really good and only last a couple of hours.
And Highgate cemetery - not been there myself yet but it's been recommended! http://www.highgate-cemetery.org/
Hi Phoebe,
ReplyDeleteI'd echo what Mhairi says re the NPG - definitely worth a visit. Depending on when Easter falls next year, there may well be bluebells around. Early May generally - and I can certainly help with walks :-).
You could also consider as day trips Blenheim Palace (birthplace of Winston Churchill) or Hatfield House (where Elizabeth I was where she found out she was going to be Queenie... Both lovely houses to wander around, and fab grounds as well.
Having just done Highgate Cemetery again recently I'd definitely recommend that as well. And you/your Mum might want to read 'Her Fearful Symmetry' beforehand as it is all set around it.
Ooh, thank you guys. These suggestions look great. I am going to suggest them to my parents and see what they think. It looks like the National Portrait Gallery will definitely be on our list.
ReplyDelete