Visiting Kew Gardens with the Invincibles.

 photos to follow

 We spent a lovely day at Kew Gardens with the Invincibles.  There really is so much to see.

Kew is the world's largest collection of living plants and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Victorian glasshouses, towering trees, a treetop walkway and over 300 acres to wander through.

We were met at the Elizabeth gate by Lynne our expert guide for the morning.  The tour was excellent; our guide was highly knowledgeable and covered many aspects of the gardens including its history and the horticulture.  The site is massive but we covered a large area and Lynne recommended a number of other attractions for both later and for future visits.  It was a most informative and pleasurable experience including:-

The Great Broad Walk Borders.  320 metres of beds packed with drought resistant flowers, believed to be the longest border in the country, possibly even the world!

Our guide then pointed out The Kew Palace.  Kew Palace is the smallest British royal Palace and it is best known as the temporary "refuge" of King George III, the place where he was locked during his "madness" period.  Beforehand however, the palace was used by the King and his family as a summer residence.

Lynne also pointed out that Kew Garden at present is host to the largest outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore's sculptures.  30 monumental pieces are displayed across the gardens.  Henry Moore believed "sculpture is an art of the open air" and that his works should be seen in "almost any landscape, rather than in or on the most beautiful building".  This exhibition, devoted to the miner's son, reflects his lifelong fascination with natural forms and materials.

One fantastic fact about Kew Gardens is that the trees planted here are cleaning the air in London with over 8.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide absorbed each year.  There are around 14,000 trees in the Royal Botanical Gardens ,some of them as old as the garden itself, dating all the way back from the 18th century.  The trees are planted in groups according to their species (over 2,000) with some very rare and ancient ones. 

We also viewed the Hive.  The Hive was first built for the UK's pavilion at the 2015 Milan Expo, by Wolfgang Buttress.  It is 17 metres tall.  Inside is like experiencing the inside of a real beehive, with all the sounds triggered by the actual honeybee activity inside Kew.  Can't imagine how it was re-constructed at Kew. 

We then saw the Carbon Garden with it's mushroom-inspired pavilion.  Containing 35 new trees and 6,500 plants, the Carbon Garden is one of Kew Gardens most ambitious projects in years and aims to communicate the role that carbon plays in sustaining life - as well as the potential for plants and fungi to combat climate change.  The garden presents fungi as 'allies of humans'.

Next we visited The Princess of Wales Conservatory.  Stepping into the Princess of Wales Conservatory is like entering  the jungle from an exotic destination, like Malaysia or Indonesia.  The first thing you notice is the high humidity and the warm temperature.  But no wonder, this conservatory is home to many tropical plants, cacti and orchids.

The guided tour ended here but not before Lynne mentioned the tropical Palm House.  She urged us to visit before leaving as it is due to shut for five years for a net zero makeover.  This huge glasshouse, home to world's oldest potted plant, is to get a £50m refit as part of an emissions-cutting drive.

It has been the tropical jewel in one of the UK's most famous gardens for more than 175 years, and now the Palm House is to get a green makeover.  The attraction, which houses Kew's tropical rainforest, will close for five years to allow engineers and botanists to transform it into the first net zero glasshouse in the world.

The £50m plan will result in 1,300 plants - including the world's oldest potted plant, a gigantic Encephalartos altensteinii that dates from 1775 - being removed from the iron and glass structure and rehoused in temporary greenhouses until their new digs are ready.  The plants include 45 plant species on the verge of extinction.

The imposing Grade 1-listed Victorian structure will have each of its 16,000 panes of glass replaced and recycled, while its soaring wrought-iron frame will be stripped, repaired and encased with a hi-tech waterproof paint in the exact shade of white used when the Palm House was first opened to the public in 1848.

But perhaps the biggest change will be the replacing of the Palm House's ancient gas-fired boiler system and leaky pipework with state-of-the-art air source and water source heat pumps.

The renovation is likely to start in 2027 with the exact date dependent on planning permission and funding.

Of course, we had to visit it.

Inside the Palm House we discovered a world of rare and even extinct plants (in the wild) that are growing here due to the efforts of the Kew scientists.  There are trees that are at the base of many products that  we consume every day: the rubber tree, the Cocoa tree, the Pepper tree (I didn't even know that pepper grew in a tree!), the sugar cane, the African oil palm and the coffee tree.

The building itself dates from 1844 and it's an iconic Victorian building made from glass and iron, resembling the hull of a ship.  This is because the architects used techniques from ship building. 

 So it was off for lunch at the Victoria Plaza Cafe.  Perfect for a quick sandwich and drink after our tour and before our own walk.

After lunch we walked to the Temperate House.  This Grade 1 listed building (really a series of buildings) is constructed of glass & wrought iron and opened in 1863.  It's twice the size of the nearby and probably more famous Palm House and is the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world.  It's simply a stunning building both in terms and architectural appeal and sheer size.  By definition, being a reflection of Temperate climates, it's somewhat cooler than the tropical Palm House, which was very appreciated.

We then continued to the Treetop Walkway for views from amongst the treetops.  The walkway is around 18 metres above ground and can be accessed either via the stairway or lift.  Once at the top, there's a circular one way walkway that takes you amongst the treetops, with views of Kew's greenhouses and also a glimpse of the City far off in the distance.

Next on our list was The Great Pagoda.  It was built in 1762 as a copy of The Chinese Ta.  Back then it was such an unusual building in Europe that people didn't believe it would stand up for long.  However, it has and now the 10-storey high tower is one of the gardens landmarks.  

The Pagoda is decorated with 80 wooden dragons and covered in ceramic tiles.  A local tale says that the dragons used to be made from gold but were sold by King George IV to cover his debt.  Historians say that this is not true, the dragons were carved in wood from the beginning but overtime, they rotted. 

Next to the Grand Pagoda is the beautiful and peaceful Japanese Garden leading up towards the Chokushi-Mon, a four-fifths scale replica of the gate from Kyoto's Nishi Hongan-ji temple.

We then walked up Cedar Vista to the top of the Lake.  Whilst walking along the Lake we spotted a fox, one of three we saw during our visit.

It was then back to the Palm House and the Rose Garden.  In the late afternoon on a summer's day, the heady scent of roses drifts on the breeze.

Time to return to the Elizabeth Gate to meet our Invincibles and the coach home.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is breathtaking.  The iconic Palm House and the stunning Temperate House are architectural marvels, housing an incredible variety of rare plants.  Don't miss the Treetop Walkway for soaring views, or the towering pagoda and serene Japanese Garden.  Whether you're a serious botanist or just looking for a peaceful stroll, Kew is worth every penny.  A world-class experience and an absolute must for any nature lovers bucket list. 

Sunny Father's Day

photos to follow

As well as being Father's Day on Sunday, 21st June, 2026  it was also the longest day of the year. 

And so sunny.  Father's Day at the beach.  Caroline treated Phil to a lovely afternoon at her beach hut complete with beer, snacks and a stunning sea view.

Then it was back to Caroline's for the ultimate BBQ.  Mike fired up the grill for an unforgettable Father's Day BBQ with a massive tomahawk steak paired with excellent red wine.

It was the perfect day to celebrate Dad with some sun on his face and sand between his toes.

  

Mercedes-Benz World

 A dealership with a difference!  Mercedes world is a fun experience, you can buy a Merc, or visit the 'Showroom' of classics, see a number of F1 cars with Mercedes engines (Hamilton, Schumacher etc.) and even an  'exploded' F1 car with all the working parts on view. 

The Grid

Grandad, Mike, Caroline, Chloe and Jamie tried this and enjoyed it immensely.  It's a realistic F1 simulator, on an official F1 track and you race side-by-side against your family (£15 each).  Unfortunately, Grandad's car was sadly stuck in first gear so he couldn't go above 70 mph.  He probably would have beaten Mike if the machine had been working correctly.  Such a shame.

However, the highlight of the day was the Young Driver's Experience.

Watching is equally entertaining with a test track, which was part of the former Brooklands aerodrome, once home of Barnes Wallace & Vickers. The high speed straights and skid pans look great fun.

We had gifted the grandchildren a young driver's driving experience, which anyone can book who's basically the minimum of 150 cm  height.  (That counts me out!!).

Jamie was first to get behind the wheel of a top range Mercedes model.  Chloe followed.  As grandparents, we were obviously equally nervous (would they like it -YES) and excited for them.  This would be their very first driving experience!  Their parents were in the back as passengers.

They drove out to the side track to drive both on asphalt and a bit of a dirt-road accompanied by an expert in a dual-controlled Mercedes-Benz. They started near the view point so we could watch them taking a few laps on the dirt road, then the trainer took them to the asphalt track that's too far to see.

After one hour we watched them driving back and confidently  REVERSE PARK the Mercs.  Now that was cool.  To me, who can't park, let along reverse park!!

Both Jamie and Chloe were absolutely buzzing walking back to us with the trainer.  They both did so well according to their parents and they received a little notebook with the trainer's notes.

Christmas presents sorted.  They both requested the Mercedes-Benz Young Driver plus 4 x 4 1 Hour Experience.   

A good afternoon out for all ages.

 

Invincibles trip to Parham House

 The Invincibles enjoyed a delightful and informative trip to Parham House last week.  Both the house and gardens are magnificent and the owners do their very best to make one's visit enjoyable.  The gardens were in full bloom and quite stunning.  The house which remains in private hands is exceptionally well maintained, furnished and has 400 + paintings which are set around the house, its also famous for its collection of English clocks.  The collection includes exceptional 17th and 18th century antique longcases and bracket clocks, highlighted by the exterior clock tower.    Our guide was excellent and the lunch was very enjoyable.

The first stone of the current house was laid in 1577 by one Thomas Palmer who was two and a half years old at the time.

In 1601, Parham was sold to the Bisshopp family for what must have been the huge sum of £4,500.  It was to stay in the ownership of various descendants of Thomas Bisshopp until it was sold to the Hon. Clive Pearson for £200,000 in 1922 whose great-granddaughter, Lady Emma Barnard, still lives at Parham today.  Clive Pearson and his wife Alicia duly set about substantial renovation works, including restoring many of the original features and enthusiastically collecting furniture and antiques that had an association with the house.  Despite having been requisitioned during WW11, the house finally opened to the public in 1948 and these days is a monument to all the hard work of the Pearsons.

From the entrance, you mount a modest flight of stairs and make your way to the Great Hall, as the first of the main rooms visited.  The hall is stunning, feels regal and takes you quite by surprise.  Facing the South Downs with ceiling height windows and full of light, it has a huge and original fireplace and is surrounded by carved oak Tudor screens bedecked in portraits.  17th century buckets, 18th century riding boots and a beautiful long case clock mingle with long benches, Jacobean chairs, Tudor Chests, a carved chandelier and  works depicting James I, Edward VI, Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales (painted in 1611) amongst others.  This gives one the first full indication of the depth of this collection and is a room that simply echoes with its own sense of history.

From the Great Hall, a tour of the house took us through a series of deliciously opulent but elegant rooms.  The  Great Parlour, another panelled room, also drips with portraits, coats of arms and crests from families connected to the house as well as beautiful tapestry work, carpets and lacquer chests.  With  more views south across the Downs, there's an 18th century Chinese cistern in the window filled with potpourri, and a welcoming feel to this room.  It's grand, it's ornate but it also somehow feels warm and intimate.

The West Room is intriguing.  It's were you'll find 16th century Italian wool wall hangings, a rare Armenian carpet, an unusual shaped 18th century games tables, a period barometer and longcase clock, a Ming vase and more portraits.

The Salon has to be one of my favourite rooms for its sheer elegance and quiet sense of style.  With light streaming in from the side windows that overlook the parklands, it shows off a gilded dinner service, a harp, beautiful furniture and a Queen Anne walnut window seat.  One can quite imagine some genteel entertaining here, with ladies gathered around the fire and the gentlemen enjoying a recital as they stand by the bookcase.

And whilst the Green Room is primarily about the great botanist Sir Joseph Banks, I was particularly captivated by the portrait of Omiahm, an Oteheitan chief who came to England with Captain Cook.

Forgive me if I glide past some of the other rooms, such as the Great Chamber, the staircase, landing and lobby but I'm excited about showing you the Long Gallery.  It's surely Parham's piece de resistance and at 48 metres long (yes 48 metres), it is the third-longest room in a private house in England.  The ceiling was designed by Oliver Messel.  You just have to work your way carefully down one long side and back the other, pausing only to visit some of the alcoves.  You can't but help imaging a group of young men and women promenading and dancing here.

After a delicious lunch we walked through the impressive quadrant at the front of the house, along with the sculpture of the River God, then down a long path to the walled garden.

Entering through a pair of iron gates guarded by two stone lions, the Walled Garden's loveliness took us by surprise.

The borders and beds have been developed into an abundance of colour.  In the 1940s, Alice Pearson insisted on having flowers all through the House for the enjoyment of visitors.  They still follow this tradition.  No flowers are ever bought, and the  arrangement, done 'the Parham way', harmonise with the colours in the rooms.

As you explore you're offered up views of the Dovecote and you can discover all sorts of hidden treasures like the Carrara marble statue of a dying soldier which dates back to the mid 19th century.

I think we can all agree we had a lovely day at Parham House.

 

Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge

The Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge is an ultra-walking/running race organised by Ultra Challenge for charities.  The route circumnavigates the entire island, beginning and ending in Chale, and is approximately 107 km.

The route is spectacular and the majority of it runs along the coast with white cliffs, beaches, woodland and everything in between.  The climb up to and along the "Needles", on the west side of the island is especially awesome!  Phil plotting her route.

Caroline, our daughter, was walking this Challenge over the Bank Holiday weekend,  with two friends, Liz and Kate, and fundraising for her chosen charity,  Alzheimers.  Caroline decided to take on this challenge because Alzheimer's is a cause very close to her heart as three of her grandparents suffered from it.  We need better treatments and, eventually, a cure.  On the first day she set off at 8 a.m.

The route is along the spectacular southern cliffs, past the Needles, and up to historic Cowes, then on to Ventnor and back to the welcome basecamp in Chale after an epic journey over two days. 

Family and friends were their support group.  We caught the ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth to join them and we were the first car to be loaded.

There is a halfway aid station, at around 55km where the walkers can get a cooked meal.  Lots of tables and chairs, massive gazebos and lots of loos.

The first day results:-

And she set off again at 6 am the next morning!!!

At the last major aid station to the finish, Caroline's legs were feeling heavy and her feet sore.  Climbing 1,756 m with climbing and descending occurring frequently along the majority of the course, which made it tough going.  Resting those tired feet.

In Caroline's words " It really was tough - physically and mentally - and emotions and blisters definitely bubbled up but it was so worth it knowing we were supporting three brilliant charities".

Final Result

You did it.  Fantastic achievement.   Can't imagine what your feet are like.  Mine would be shredded.  Congratulations Liz, Kate and Caroline.

What a beautiful place to do an Epic Challenge. So proud of your achievement Caroline.  You can return home feeling a terrific sense of achievement, both for having completed this challenge, and for having managed to raise the astonishing sum of over £2,000!!  And all thanks entirely to your amazingly wonderful and generous donors and supporters - Caroline  says thank you SO SO MUCH!

To support Caroline we spent the holiday weekend at the Woodvale Hotel in Gurnard.  First of all the setting is great - it has wonderful views over the Solent and the staff were very friendly.  Breakfast was outstanding and a special mention to the very professional Chef who came in very early on Bank Holiday Monday to cook breakfast for us at 7 a.m. because one of the Ferries had broken down and our booking was changed to 9 a.m.  Thank you, much appreciated.

We also enjoyed walking before dinner from just outside the hotel to Cowes, it is about a mile.  So very lucky to watch the Iona sail for Norway with my brother Stuart, and Tina on board.

And whilst Caroline and friends were walking on Sunday we treated ourselves to a great lazy afternoon at the Isle of Wight Braii, Brading. PO36 0JG.  Braai is a seasonal restaurant in a working farm which showcases 'farm to fork' cuisine with an enormous BBQs for the cooking.  Run by two ladies in conjunction with the local landowner at Nunwell House and supported by locally sourced produce, including beer, and an array of vegetables.  Can definitely recommend the crackin' chicken and the lucious lamb.

A refreshingly different dining experience with very tender and beautifully cooked flavoursome meat and chicken set  in beautiful countryside. 

What a wonderful weekend on the Isle of Wight supporting our daughter whist enjoying a perfect mix of stunning coastal scenery and culinary delights, just a short hop from the mainland.  Last view of Isle of Wight.