Monday, we left the Motorhome in Tonbridge, and were on an early train from Tonbridge to London Charing Cross, when we say early, the first cheap train after anyone still commuting in to London has already departed, so the 8:31am train arriving at 9:15am. We then walked The Strand, Covent Garden, Soho, then to Horse Guards Parade, where the mounted guards were on parade and heading towards Buckingham Palace, so we route marched through St James Park to beat them to Buckingham Palace. We managed to see the changing of the Guard at a distance and followed the Marching Band, down Bird Cage Walk to their barracks. They continued their parade, which included the ceremonial leaving of a band member (a euphonium player), and we happened to be standing next to her parents in the crowd, so not a dry eye in the house/pavement.
Then Leicester Square Odeon at 12:45 to see the new James Bond film No Time to Die (only £7:50 per ticket). Both of us really enjoyed the film (no spoilers!)
So, to continue the busy day, we got the train to Wimbledon, checked in to the Premier Inn then headed to Nic’s cousin’s house for dinner, Nic’s other cousin from France was also there. A lovely meal, catching up with family.
Tuesday, the train back to London, a walk from Waterloo to the Tate Modern. Modern art is not something either of us would say was our thing, we both did enjoy individual pieces of art, Rog – the geometric pieces and an installation about Australian modern concept of land ‘Ownership’ verses the traditional land “custodianship”. Nic – a couple of pieces which were portraits of young women, simple but beautifully done.
Lunch at a Japanese restaurant, Nic ordered the Salmon plate (sushi and sashimi) you have never seen as much salmon on one plate! Nic felt as if she was growing gills!
More walking, including the obligatory walk around Fortnum & Mason food hall, and, we kid you not – Heinz Bake bean and white chocolate truffles, what next !! according to the sales assistant they are “not good”! She also offered us a taster of any of the chocolates, but after all the lunch we could not manage it. Yes, Rog refused chocolate, put it in the diary.
Wednesday, was a quiet day back in Tonbridge. So nice to enjoy the space of a whole house!!
Thursday, we drove to Henley on Thames, a very swish camp site, with vehicle registration number plate recognition gate, the ultimate no contact check in.
Friday, we walked around Henley, and there was an outside chance we could meet a friend for lunch (the one who couldn’t make it to Uxbridge whilst we were on the boat), unfortunately this could not happen again (you know who you are – we will meet up at some point – but thanks for inspiring another boozy lunch) we had a fabulous lunch, spending 3 hours in Hof’s a South African & German restaurant
Bonfire Night, the local Henley fireworks were at the Showground, a 1 ½ mile walk on a busy road with no footpath and £10 each to get in, so we decided not to bother, instead watched some fireworks on YouTube.
Saturday, more walking and watching a rowing regatta, morning coffee at the Chocolate Café in Henley, with a stunning vegan beetroot cake. Then met friends for a walk north up the Thames towpath, we saw a canal boat which we had leap frogged down the Grand Union Canal in late August.
Sunday, walked south along the towpath to Hambleden Marina, and then back down the other side of the river, after a slightly dodgy section walking on the road with no footpath. We saw lots of red kites circling overhead, a welcome site as they have been rare sight in the past. As we were about to publish this blog, fireworks started just outside the campsite, so we headed out to watch, a good display.
Travurple 