Hampton Court Palace and Gardens

Part 1

I had never been to Hampton Court Palace and Gardens so last week I took the opportunity of a dry day to go and visit. The following photos are outdoor shots of the palace and gardens because photography was not permitted in the buildings. It is such a shame as there were some splendid rooms with ornate ceilings, tapestries and works of art. The rooms included The Queen's State Apartments (originally intended for Queen Mary II), The Georgian Rooms, The King's Apartments (King William III), The Wolsey Rooms (Cardinal Wolsey's private lodgings), The Tudor Kitchens and the Chapel Royal.

The pictures above and the one below are taken in the Pond Gardens. They are sunken flower gardens that were originally ornamental ponds used for holding freshwater fish, such as carp and bream.

Look at the symmetry each side of the pathway.

The pictures above and below were taken in Clock Court. The clock is very ornate and colourful. My photographs really do not do it justice.

I love these chimneys. They are intricately patterned and show true craftsmanship. The cloud looks like smoke coming out of the tops of them.

This picture is of Fountain Court. At this point we exit through to the Gardens.

Yet another fountain in the Great Fountain Gardens! This fountain turns so you may think you are being rained on as you enjoy a picnic but it is just the spray from the fountain. I spotted some Koi Carp in the pond as they were swimming very close to the surface of the water.

Look at these wonderful clipped yew trees! The shadows made interesting circular patterns beneath the trees. I am not really a fan of formal gardens but I did find the shapes of the trees pleasing to the eye.

Have you ever seen trees that look like this? They remind me of crinoline dresses.

We finish part one of the 'tour' at one of the formal bedding areas. Next time I will be showing you flowers in the long border and the The Great Vine.