Blighty Day 17: Nymans Garden

Another very quiet night at Telscombe Cliffs. Seems that the seagulls on the English side of the Channel/ La Manche are more respectful of sleeping motorhomers than those of their counterparts on the other side at Dieppe. 

We were a little later getting away this morning than we had planned. Our minds had been set now on getting the van in a condition to store and leave over the winter. This all takes time and we need to get west of London by Friday night ready to access the storage on Saturday  - and we do get sidetracked!

The sidetrack today was Nymans House and Gardens. It was on the way towards Englefield Green so we thought a visit for a look around and lunch would be desirable. 

We are glad we did. Sections of the garden had passed their prime but other areas were still in spectacular late summer bloom. A good stretch of the legs around the extensive walks overlooking the South Downs. 

Nymans House - partly destroyed by fire in 1947. 

A Tasmanian spinning gum featured in the garden. 

Many photos later, and lunch, we were on our way to tackle the infamous M25! I have referenced this many times but it never seems to intrigue us as to the volume of traffic on the section of the M25 from the Gatwick turnoff and the Heathrow exit. So with courage and determination we conquered the beast and arrived at Coopers Hill, overlooking Runnymede, in one piece!

At Coopers Hill we started the task of packing up the van. A little glueing, sanding and painting to keep the English winter out was undertaken. 

Earlier: a very calm morning with views right along the coast to Brighton 

Possibly the most desirable, scenic overnight stop we've experienced in U.K. 

Local artists' representation of the gardens:

Blighty Day 16: Brighton

We woke to the sun streaming in our back window and thought this will be the pattern for the day but, alas, it clouded over and the sea mist came in from the Channel. This did not deter the intrepid travelers - off to catch the bus into Brighton. 

The Royal Pavilion at Brighton. Built by the Prince of Wales in 1815,  to entertain his friends,  was later sold by Queen Victoria to the city of Brighton in 1850. 

We were fortunate when boarding the bus that the two front seats of the double-decker were vacant, so we had a great view along the southern coastline and of Brighton. 

Kids uptop and upfront on the bus!

It had been many years since we had been here with much has remained the same but, oh, the crowds! I can understand why Brighton is a popular destination, it has much to offer all ages. 

So we set off on foot through the old section known as The Lanes. This is a series of small alleyways and passages that have a whole array of shops - particularly  numerous jewellery shops, restaurants and other niche shops. 

Specialty shop exclusively of ducks!

"Choccywoccydoodah" shop exclusively selling chocolate!

And, a ball shop!

The Lanes - without people for an instant!

We came across some interesting galleries on our wanderings. Some paintings were very intricate and unusual, while others stood out for their colour and brush work. 

This picture of the Queen is built up from individual miniature paintings - very skilful and unusual. 

This Monetques painting reminded us of the Thames last Monday morning early as we drove across Blackfriars Bridge. . 

And, beautiful and colourful flowers. 

Later we strolled out to the iconic pier with every conceivable sideshow-ally fun activity for the young. There was hardly a ride/activity not being used to the full. We settled for the traditional fish and chips! 

Late afternoon we hopped on the bus and returned to Telscombe Cliffs for our second night- and a most beautiful sunset played out later in the evening. 

Blighty Day 15: Standen, Sheffield Park and Peacehaven

Writing these thoughts as we are parked overlooking the English Channel at Peacehaven. The view from these Telscombe Cliffs is rather outstanding, particularly as the sun has appeared for the first time today and is creating a wonderful light along the white chalky cliffs. 

Our day began back in Ardingly at the The Gardeners Arms before we left for Standen House - where the designs of William Morris were used exclusively in the furnishings of the the house in the late 19th century. 

Standen was build as a country retreat for the Beale family. Beale was the solicitor who negotiated and guided the Act of Parliament for the rail line from Birmingham to London. The Saint Pancras  Station in London - perhaps, the best building in London, is due to his work. And, it was also the means of his wealth! 

Morris designs on curtains, wallpaper and  cushions 

Crafts at Standon - glassware. 

Standen house with its kitchen garden in the foreground. 



The medieval quarry incorporated into the garden. 

We had lunch and then traveled further south and called into Sheffield Park, a very large garden set around lakes and forests. Sheffield Park was created by the Earl of Sheffield who lost his family's fortune by overspending in pet projects. The garden he had created is outstanding whatever the season. 

The Earl was consumed by cricket, sponsoring  the Australian cricketers to open their tour of Britain at his ground here at Sheffield Park. He also sponsored English teams visiting Australia. His contribution to Australian cricket was the donation of the Sheffield Sheild trophy for the interstate competition in Australia. 

The cricket ground today with the players pavilion in the background. 

When the Australians played here in 1896, 25,000 spectators packed the ground. 

We later drove on to the coast where at Peacehaven we had our overnight stop overlooking the English Channel.