KENSINGTON

KENSINGTON

I have been to Kensington - at least thrice over the past six years of visiting Central London, on 2003, 2011 and 2007.

Kensington is a district in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, West London, England. The district's commercial heart is Kensington High Street, running on an east-west axis. The north east is Kensington Gardens, including Albert Memorial, Serpentine Gallery and Speke's monument. South Kensington is home to Imperial College London, the Royal college of Music and the Royal Albert Hall. The area is also home to many European embassies.

HYDE PARK

I have been twice to Hyde Park on December 2011 and 2007.

Hyde Park once belonged to the manor of Hyde, the property of Westminster Abbey, but after the Dissolution of the Monasteries Henry VIII turned it into a deer park. In 1635, it was opened to the public and it became a fashionable place to be seen in, though later it became the haunt of robbers and many duels were fought here.

HYDE PART - - XMAS MOOD

Running along the south of the park is a mile-long horse-riding track called Rotten Row. It is possible to hire boats on the Serpentine, an artificial lake created in the 18^th century by damning Westbourne stream.

KENSINGTON PALACE

On the west of the park becomes Kensington Gardens, which was once a private park of Kensington Palace. The gardens with their avenues of trees, were originally laid out by Charles Bridgeman in 1728. Just west, is Kensington Palace – originally built for the first Earl of Nottingham – it was bough in 1689 by William III, who needed to live away from Whitehall for his health. However, for the Kensington Gardens & Palace – I was able to view from afar in 2003 when I signed up for the Hip Hop Bus – and could not get a good photograph of these place.

HARROD'S DEPARTMENTAL STORE

The Harrod's Department Store was the most stylish boutique and stores founded in 1849 as a small grocery shop by Henry Harrod. The store has now become synonymous with luxury and is famous for tis range of goods and services, including a pet shop, restaurants and the famous Food Stalls. It is located at the elegant shopping area of Knightsbridge, in Kensington. I have been there twice in 2007 and 2010.

HOUNSLOW

HOUNSLOW

Hounslow is a large commercial town and district in west London, England.

It is the administrative centre of the London Borough of Hounslow and is identified as a major metropolitan centre in the London Plan.

HOUNSLOW TOWN CENTRE

Hounslow has a large shopping centre called the Blenheim centre, which adjoins its high street and a large number of restaurants, cafes and small business, many of which are associated with product assembly, marketing, telecommunications and Heathrow Airport.

Basically, I have been to Hounslow twice in 2010 and 2011, when my brother was then working in Twickenham. It takes only takes about 10 minutes drive to from Twickenham to Hounslow as they are neighbouring towns. My objective of going to Hounslow is to shop 'cheap' as things are pretty cheap, here.

2010/2011

UXBRIDGE

UXBRIDGE

I remember Uxbridge – that is when I pay a visit to my cousin Norman, in 2015.

Norman was then, running a sundry shop in this area.

A one-day tour is recommended – shopping is a relevant, here.

UXBRIDGE

Uxbridge is a town in west London, England, and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Hillingdon.

It is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan.

Uxbridge historically formed part of the parish of Hillingdon in the county of Middlesex, and was a significant local commercial centre from an early time.

As part of the suburban growth of London in the 20^th century, it expanded and increased in population – become a municipal borough in 1955.

It is a significant retailand commercial centre, and is the location of Brunei University and Buckinghamshire New University. 

The town is closed to Buckinghamshire, which is locally the River Colne.

JUNE 18, 2015

COUSIN NORMAN'S SHOP IN UXBRIDGE

FELTHAM

FELTHAM

I have never been to Feltham – took a bus from Staines to visit the post town of airfields.

Feltham is a large town in the London Borough of Hounslow, west London, England and west of Twickenham, south-west of Hounslow and north of Walton on Thames.

Feltham has in its land use considerably more open spaces than average in London – bounding it to the east is a natural small river. There is a country park formed from coverted gravel pits (Bedfont Lakes) with rolling adjacent meadows open to walkers by its railway and within the post town – one of London's first airfields, London Air Park at Hanworth.

JUNE 2015

FELTHAM TOWN

TWICKENHAM

TWICKENHAM - A RUGBY TOWN

I got to know Twickenham  when I visited my brother Chong – when he was transferred to work in a fine dining Chinese restaurant, here.

It was in 2010 – via my regular visit to the meet up with my brother at Twickenham – I then got this opportunity to learn about this township.

Twickenham is renowned for being the home of English, rugby. The first written record of the existence of T'uican ham' is in a charter dating from 704 AD.

The lively town is situated at West London, within the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.

The riverside town started to thrive in the 17^th - 18^th centuries when the confluence of the high society and literary and artistic talents made Twickenham a very fashionable place to live.

TWICKENHAM RIVERSIDE

In 1722, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu wrote “I am at Twickenham where there is at this time more company than in London”.

There is a number of historical attractions such as Marble Hill House, Strawberry Hill and Pope's Grotto worth visiting – located between Twickenham and Richmond.

Exiled French Royals had found refuge in “dear quiet Twick” where an octagonal garden pavilion was said to be designed for a Queen's visit and a Palladian villa was built for a royal mistress – at Twickenham riverside.

OCTAGONAL SECRET GARDEN PAVILION

Twickenham's heritage of popular music centred around Eel Pie Island with its famous Rolling Stones connection, is a continuation of this creative tradition.

The town centre mixes traditional high street retailers with small specialist shops and a wide variety of restaurants and pubs.

According to a national survey, Twickenham was the top town in the country for the number of its residents who regularly enjoy eating out, and looking through the pages of Guide at the range on offer.

2010/2011-2012