Sherlock's House - London

Some might think that Sherlock's house is the only reason I went to England. It wasn't the only  but I was positively giddy about it.  

Subway tiles at the Baker Street station

In front of the museum

The museum is set up as though it were Sherlock and Watson's home.  They each have a bedroom, as does Mrs. Hudson, plus their very famous study.  The upper floors are devoted to the stories themselves and to various fan items.  It's really great fun and quite "hands-on."

On the keeping of bees

What Sherlock would have taken with him just before Reichenbach Falls.

Evidence of his shooting skills 

Mrs. Hudson sets a lovely table

In the study

Watson's desk

Watson's service revolver and his license to carry

Mrs. Hudson's room

Prof. James Moriarty

A letter to Sherlock from a child

Being that we were already near Regents Park, we went up to the zoo, which was a little disappointing, actually. 

Baby monkey

Galapagos Tortoise

Meerkat

Finding a Quiet Corner in London

After some very refreshing tea at the Orangery, we took a stroll through Hyde Park and went to Harrod's (see my previous post).  We then headed off to see Wellington's Arch.  

We intended to climb it but for some reason it was closed.

Underground station tile

So we went over to the Tate Britain to see the William Blakes.  I got a bit teary. 

These incredible engravings / prints we made in the late 1700s and only found in a used book sale in the 1970s.  They are still very vibrant and moving. 

We wanted to get to the Chelsea Physic Garden before they closed, so we grabbed a cab and headed the northern bank of the Thames. 

Quite an old garden, as you see

It was founded as a garden to grow plants that could be used for medicines.  It eventually morphed into a botanical garden as well, as plant hunters returned with exotic specimens.  Robert Fortune, the man who bought back tea from China (as well as forsythia and rhododendron) served as the chief gardener for a time.  

Many of the garden beds are arranged by category of what they treat.  For example there was a bed for fevers, one for sinuses, etc.  Other portions were dedicated to the various plant hunters (although nothing for Fortune, that I could find). 

It was truly a beautiful little spot in the midst of the city.

And lots of lavender for me to inhale... 

We walked back to Earls Court from Chelsea, with a stop for a snack and cider. 

A building along the way 

So much deliciousness

Can one monger iron?

 Then off to bed...

A Truly Enchanting Palace - Kensington, London

Kensington Palace is open, believe it or not, to visitors.  None of the royals currently reside there (though Will and Kate are rumored to be moving in after his posting at Anglesea) but plenty of famous princesses have called the brick mansion home.  The exhibit created a labyrinthine quest for guests to discover the history of seven princesses.  It was utterly enchanting and artfully done.

Guests are even encouraged to open drawers, play with toys, sit on a throne and wander.  It was incredible.  And lovely.  I can't recommend it enough.

{While photography was allowed, flash wasn't, and the lighting was dim, so please forgive the graininess.}  

Princess Margaret's wedding tiara

Dress worn by Princess Diana at the Bolshoi

Some of the garden areas were undergoing construction, presumably for the upcoming Olympics.  But the Sunken Gardens were still open and they were collecting secrets to be strung from the arbor.  Yes, we wrote one up and no, I'm not telling. 

"I have a secret crush on Prof. Snape!"

"I want to steal the crown jewels and wear all of them."

"I sometimes wish I was an Arsenal fan."

The Orangery in the background.

After a lovely stroll in the gardens, we took tea at the Orangery.  It was built in 1704-5 by Queen Anne as a greenhouse for citrus trees (mainly oranges, hence the name).  I had chocolate tea.  Yes, you read that right. CHOCOLATE TEA. 

Since we were in the neighborhood, and were already pretending to be royalty, we stopped by Harrod's.  Just to say hi.

After that, a stop at Wellington's Arch, the Tate Britain and the Chelsea Physic Garden... stay tuned!