Kew Gardens

Yesterday, the tourist target that reached the top off the list was Kew Gardens; the onetime botanical hideaway for King George III.

Queen Charlotte clearly kept him there as his mind deteriorated, isolating him from the paparazzi of the 18th century.

It's a simple #65 bus ride from Katie and Nigel's place; 'door to door' service 😊

The reason you and I can now visit is because his granddaughter 'Vicky' knocked a hole in the wall (Victoria Gate) and put out the welcome mat.

Kew 'palace' isn't all that grand. With Windsor and Balmoral available it's unsurprising that the royal family opened Kew to the public.

Presumably some of the species planted (from around the world) were brought back by Joseph Banks from Capt Cook journeys.

Summer house for day use!

A fox that was completely uninterested in our presence.

Kew Palace

The cloud cover was a nice change from the hot and very hot days we have been 'enjoying'.

As one does over here.... We then found a pub (not hard) for a Guinness/wine and steak + ale pie 🥧 😁