Day 5: Kew Gardens & Hampton Court Palace

Another London Pass day; however, the things we wanted to see were a bit further out, so we knew we wouldn't see as many attractions today.

We began the day by taking the Tube to Kew Gardens. From our location, including transfers, this trip took a little over an hour.

Since we were traveling off-season, the gardens were not looking their best; however, what we saw was still amazing, and we got to see it with fewer crowds!

This sign says that this might be the oldest potted plant in the world:

Brian opening the door with the really low doorknob to the Waterlily House:
The map said that the Waterlily House was closed for winter, and we are so happy that we got to see it before it closed! When we entered, there was an employee wading in the pool.

I thought this was such a beautiful scene. I love waterfalls!

Brian thought this was one of the most striking trees he'd ever seen:

Kew Gardens has a Treetop Walkway. Even though she doesn't like heights, we convinced Rose to go up with us, and I think she's glad that she did!

We were on the walkway, looking down at the beautiful colors below:

The buildings themselves also often had elevated walkways so that we could see the plants from a higher angle.
The outside of one of the indoor gardens:

After our trip to Kew Gardens, we took a combination of the Tube and a city bus to visit Hampton Court Palace.

This palace was originally owned by Cardinal Wolsey, who gave it to Henry VIII.

The audio guide was included with admission, and gave us insight into the exhibits. While I didn't take many pictures, the kitchens were on exhibit, allowing us to better imagine what it was like here in the 16th century.
This fire place was used to roast meat, but I was using it to warm up since it had gotten a bit chilly!

Photos were not allowed in many places of this complex, including a hallway purported to be haunted by one of Henry VIII's wives, Catherine Howard. Unfortunately (fortunately?) we didn't see or experience any ghosts.

Leaving that palace, we stopped for a quick picture off of the bridge.

We were very lucky in our timing and made it to the train station with about 2 minutes to spare. Otherwise, we would have had to wait for the next train. Yea!

Back in the City, we decided to go to an Indian Restaurant that had been recommended in our guidebook. A view from the outside:
And a view of the table:

Our guidebook said that the Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum was open late on Wednesdays, so we went over there, only to be disappointed that it was closed. It's actually open late on Fridays.

While we were wandering around, I spotted one of the iconic red telephone booths: Disappointed in the closure of the V&A, we walked around some more, contemplated going ice skating, and then returned home via the Tube.