Walking on ice

A brilliantly sunny, if chilly, day saw me heading to Hampton Court Palace for the day, taking advantage of a 50% off ticket price "Winter Sale" (though offset by car parking fees!).  I haven't visited for over 20 years, and then to attend one of the first RHS Hampton Court Garden shows, so this was really a new venture for me.

The visit did not disappoint. Modern technology and approaches to presenting historical buildings have changed in the intervening years, mostly for the better, and here at HCP a much more immersive visit from my previous recollections was the result.

Having explored the state rooms and kitchens I headed outside for a walk around the gardens.  The pond in the Great Fountain Garden was largely frozen solid, with the various waterfowl in residence walking (or skating) across the ice to get to the open water around the centre fountain. I particularly liked the expression on this canada goose as he gingerly walked across the ice honking as it went!

Extras show the main entrance to the palace (3-shot panorama), the glorious staircase up to William III's state rooms and the iconic astronomical clock.