Make Your Trip to London Even More Memorable

London is special but it can get hectic. When you are ready for that relaxing day in the countryside why not make it extra special and do it on the nostalgic Orient-Express. You will take a step back it time from the moment you see the historic train pull into Victoria station. Even the names of the cars evoke another age - Audrey, Cygnus, Ibis, Ione, Lucille, Minerva, Perseus, Phoenix, Vera and Zena. The train takes many one day trips to historic spots, gardens and stately homes around the UK. Each trip includes at least one elegant meal aboard and some include two.


Our trip to Winston Churchill's Chartwell House included a 3 course lunch on the way down. Before we dined we took a stroll through all of the elegant cars, each unique with a history of their own. Inlaid wood, mosaics, plush upholstery and rich color tones were evident throughout and made us feel as if we were visiting a posh parlour of the 1920's rather than taking a train ride. Our car was the Cygnus, a fitting car for this trip as it carried the coffin of Winston Churchill in his state funeral. As the train pulled out of the station we settled into our cushy wing chairs and prepared for the feast ahead. The meal started with champagne and moved slowly with the train through the 3 courses. It was relaxing, delicious and attentively served. A truly memorable lunch.

Upon arriving at Folkstone, we were met by a coach and taken to Chartwell. As we pulled up to the house we were somewhat surprised at the lack of opulence at first glance. However, as we moved through the house and caught the view out the back into the garden we were astounded by the sight before us. No wonder Winston Churchill did all he could to keep this place even when finances got tough. Rolling off the terrace was a beautiful lake, and a magnificent view of the garden of England (as the Kent countryside is known). The terraced hillside gardens reflect the importance to Churchill of the landscape and nature. All the ingredients of the perfect view are there, lakes, water gardens, rose gardens and romantic walkways.

The house is left as it was in Churchill's time, with books, maps, pictures and personal mementos reflecting the long career of a distinguished statesman with wide ranging interests. As an added bonus Churchill's artist studio in the garden can be visited where some of his paintings can be viewed. And before we left, we had time for a creamed tea in the restaurant overlooking the garden. But sadly, it was time to leave and our coach took us back to the fast pace of London. As on every trip we have taken on the Orient-Express, the tour guide accompanying us continued to give us interesting and informative bits of history as we passed through different parts of the city back to our return location. Alas, the day had ended but what we experienced, learned and saw would stay with us forever.

(This article refers to a trip taken in 2005, however these tours still operate regularly.)

Winchester and Surrounds

A Historic City, The Round Table , Exquisite Country Homes and Gardens

There are English cities that exude history, you can feel yourself in time travel mode and imagine the people, places and historic events that unfolded there years ago. Winchester is such a city. As you walk through the town you get a sense of place and time. This is the city where William the Conqueror built one of his first English castles. The only surviving part of the Castle is the Great Hall, still there to view along with the legendary 13th century Round Table. A table tied to legends and myths. Another major attraction is the magnificent Winchester Cathedral dating back to 1079.

The town abounds with places to stop for tea and a meal and the architecture is picturesque. For the military enthusiast, Winchester includes 6 military museums, the Gurkas, the King's Royal Hussars, the Royal Hampshire Regiment, the Light Infantry, the Royal Green Jackets and the Adjutant General's Corp.
As you leave the city itself the surrounds offer much more for visitors interested in gardens, historic country homes, art and antiques. Two homes with colorful gardens and great walking tours around the grounds are Hinton Amper and Mottisfont Abbey. Mottisfont was the home of F. M. Halford, the father of modern day fly fishing. The clear spring spilling into the river Test running through the property is a sight to behold. As we visited, the daffodils and other spring flowers were in bloom creating a sea of color.

Both houses offer interesting architectural features, decorative art, fine art and antiques. The third house in the area is Broadlands, home of Lord Mountbatten, naval commander, statesman, Viceroy to India and cousin to the Queen. Here you will not only see a magnificently furnished home but gain insight into the life and history surrounding Lord Mountbatten in an interesting museum of his life, also on the property.

So, something for everyone, pick your sights of interest and enjoy a great day out. And remember, Don't Just See Europe, Experience It with The Savvy Traveler!

What made Darwin Tick?

Lovers of history, biology, gardening and architecture will enjoy a trip to Charles Darwin's house, Down House in Kent. It was here that Darwin wrote that masterpiece "The Origin of Species" that rocked the world and continues to do so today. This is an English Heritage property and they have restored the house to the way Darwin left it when he died. It not only gives you a glimpse into the man and his life but it also allows you to view the life of the gentry in Victorian times. There is an excellent audio tour provided by headset that describes each room, how it was used and how it was viewed by the residents, including of course, comments by several of Darwin's many children.

Upstairs is an instructional exhibit of the many discoveries and studies that Darwin did over his lifetime. This includes extensive artifacts and information on his voyage on the Beagle around South American, and his work on the "Origin of Species" and it's reception. There are several interactive instructional displays for the children to learn from also.

Darwin, enjoyed his family and his garden. You will find evidence of that as well. The grounds are beautiful and includes his famous Sandwalk where he walked regularly hashing out his ideas in his head as he moved along.

And when you are finished stop by the shop which has some unique gifts for children pertaining to Darwin's discoveries. Do leave time for a spot of tea, the fudge cake is divine!

A Gem in the Weald

This past weekend we discovered one of those truly historic and atmospheric places that typifies one's romantic vision of England. It was a National Trust property called Ightham Mote. Dating back to, can you believe it 1320, this is a moated manor house. It has been lovingly restored and reflects the best of what the National Trust is all about. A gift from American Charles Robinson, the house took 14 years to restore it to it's former glory. The special features include a Great Hall, Crypt and a Tudor chapel with a hand painted ceiling. And unlike many of the existing moated castles, like Windsor, for example, this moat has not been filled with a garden but kept in it's original state with water flowing around it.

The gardens surrounding the house are also special and now in spring bloom. As you approach the house, you can see the impact of time and the several additions put in over the centuries. You enter across the moat on a foot bridge and emerge into a picturesque cobble stoned courtyard, with flowering fountain, a multi family birdhouse and Grade 1 listed dog kennel.

Upon entering watch your head, as the Tudors were shorter than we are! The paneling is rich and dark, and there are many architectural details to hold your interest. The chapel includes stained glass windows shimmering when the sun flows through.

Don't miss touring the grounds, as there is also a south lake beyond the house. As you exit, there is an excellent exhibition highlighting the conservation work done over the past 14 years and of course, then time to stop at the Mote Restaurant on the property for tea or lunch. What a great day out!

You can learn more about Ightham Mote at the National Trust website.