A visit to Chiswick Gardens

When Saturday dawned sunny and (reasonably) warm I was determined to visit a park.  However it had to be somewhere that wasn't crowded (midterm break here right now...need I say more?) and a place I hadn't been to before.  Chiswick Gardens in west London fit both criteria.

It also had the bonus of not being that far.  Here in Streatham I am only a couple of station stops from Clapham Junction which will basically take me anywhere in the London area.  So off I went.  The gardens were only a short ten minute walk from the station.

There are 65 acres of Grade 1 listed gardens which were made into a public park in 1929 but originated in the 17th century. 

As I walked into the park this was my first sight...

The Obelisk

The Ionic Temple - one of the surviving 18th century buildings.

The Classic bridge

Exedra - a garden designed by William Kent to incorporate Lord Burlington's collection of ancient and 18th century sculptures.  In 1966 the Beatles filmed videos (called "promos" back then) of "Paperback Writer" and "Rain".  Ah you say...that's why she went there!

Inigo James Gateway - designed in 1621 and acquired by Lord Burlington in 1738.

Chiswick House - one of the earliest examples of neo-Palladian design in England. 

The Conservatory - unfortunately it was closed.  It is home to the oldest collections of camellias in Britain. 

 

 

Entrance to the walled kitchen garden - locked up.  I was more interested in it because the Beatles did the promos in here as well! :).

 

 

Cascade - designed by William Kent in 1736

 

While there is a cost to go into the house the park is free and well worth a visit.