On Monday 13th September, 19 of caught the train to Teddington Station where we met our excellent guide Sophie who took us by public transport to Kew Gardens. We had an early lunch then guided tour to see a few highlights of the gardens including "the Five Lions" - all trees surviving from 1762 when the gardens were established. As we walked three miles back to Richmond, we enjoyed views of Richmond Lock and Palace among other sights.

On Tuesday 14th, we walked to Strawberry Hill for a conducted tour of this wonderful old house. After our visit, we walked along the river to see Turner's House and Marble Hill House. A ferry took us across the river to Ham House where we enjoyed a tour of the extensive grounds by Vivien one of our members who volunteers there. After refreshments, we walked upstream and back to our hotel, the Lansbury via Teddington Lock. We had time to relax before our evening meal.

On Wednesday morning, we checked out of our hotel and walked through Bushy Park to Hampton Court Palace for an optional conducted tour of the palace which included the sumptuous Royal Chapel. We met at the jetty for a boat trip down to Richmond from where we made our way back to the hotel. There was a choice of local pubs for a late lunch before returning home. The holiday was arranged by Margaret and organised by Travel Editions.