Photos: from top left....Italian lunch in Westerham, Shop where we purchased the English Duck, Chartwell mansion, Historic Baptist Church
Having existed on England’s equivalent of Shredded Wheat and strawberrys for the past week, we decided to treat ourselves to an English Breakfast. This turned out to be quite a substantial meal consisting of eggs, Canadian Bacon, beans, mushrooms and toast. We were well fortified for the day.
We discovered yesterday that Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s home was in our neck of the woods so we headed there first. Turns out this is a big tourist attraction. We arrived and purchased our tickets around 10:30 with the first tour starting at 11. By the time the doors opened for the day they were assigning tour times into the middle of the afternoon.
The place was amazing. Absolutely charming. It was very English countryside looking on the exterior but the interior had a light almost contemporary décor. Decorated we were told by Lady Churchill. The entire house was filled with his paintings, uniforms, personal items and a magnitude of information about his life and career. It was a refreshing change to read about someone who actually lived in our lifetime.
The grounds and flower gardens were truly magnificent. Sweeping views of the English countryside combined with collections of roses and various other colorful flowers. Even though the day was overcast this house did much to add cheer to our surroundings.
Leaving Chartwell we headed east stopping in the picturesque village of Westerham. These small hamlets are so pretty with their flowers and quaint old buildings that it’s hard not to stop and take a look. The day was quite cool and overcast so we ducked into a very authentic looking Italian café for a glass of wine and a pizza. Wonderful!! Refreshed and back on the street we wandered into this very attractive store and there we found the treasure of our trip. As many of you know we collect ducks. We try to bring one home from the various places we visit. We now have an English duck. Her name is Belinda, named after the shopkeeper who sold her to us. She is crystal and silver and very English. Can’t wait to introduce her to “Duck”.
After Westerham we headed to West Malling to tour an 18th century Baptist Church which had an actual baptismal font that is recessed in the floor and which is still used today. After touring this church and it’s adjacent grounds we walked back to the town for futher exploration. Though not as pretty as Westerham, it was indeed a very charming village.
Barring inclement weather tomorrow we are headed into London. We may not get back to do our blog. Wish us luck in the big city!!!
We discovered yesterday that Chartwell, Winston Churchill’s home was in our neck of the woods so we headed there first. Turns out this is a big tourist attraction. We arrived and purchased our tickets around 10:30 with the first tour starting at 11. By the time the doors opened for the day they were assigning tour times into the middle of the afternoon.
The place was amazing. Absolutely charming. It was very English countryside looking on the exterior but the interior had a light almost contemporary décor. Decorated we were told by Lady Churchill. The entire house was filled with his paintings, uniforms, personal items and a magnitude of information about his life and career. It was a refreshing change to read about someone who actually lived in our lifetime.
The grounds and flower gardens were truly magnificent. Sweeping views of the English countryside combined with collections of roses and various other colorful flowers. Even though the day was overcast this house did much to add cheer to our surroundings.
Leaving Chartwell we headed east stopping in the picturesque village of Westerham. These small hamlets are so pretty with their flowers and quaint old buildings that it’s hard not to stop and take a look. The day was quite cool and overcast so we ducked into a very authentic looking Italian café for a glass of wine and a pizza. Wonderful!! Refreshed and back on the street we wandered into this very attractive store and there we found the treasure of our trip. As many of you know we collect ducks. We try to bring one home from the various places we visit. We now have an English duck. Her name is Belinda, named after the shopkeeper who sold her to us. She is crystal and silver and very English. Can’t wait to introduce her to “Duck”.
After Westerham we headed to West Malling to tour an 18th century Baptist Church which had an actual baptismal font that is recessed in the floor and which is still used today. After touring this church and it’s adjacent grounds we walked back to the town for futher exploration. Though not as pretty as Westerham, it was indeed a very charming village.
Barring inclement weather tomorrow we are headed into London. We may not get back to do our blog. Wish us luck in the big city!!!
And how are u finding the wine in England??? Looks like you've found it, but how is it? lol I am so enjoying these blogs and particularly the pictures. Charlie, I think you were a journalist in your previous life. When there isn't a blog by 4 - 5 p.m. our time (9 - 10 yours) I act disappointed! We did NOT know you collected ducks....always good to know, and glad you found an English one! Enjoy London and "be aware of your surroundings".....BE SAFE!!!!
ReplyDeleteBTW.....I was baptized in one of those baptismal when I was about 12 years old. So that would not have been new to me......
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your trip with us. It all looks so great. Your pictures and dialog are super. (just figured this out)
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