UK, Greater London, Charlton House & WWT London Wetland Centre

Directions:

From the Charlton National Rail Station climb the Charlton Church lane (15 minutes walk) until you arrive the Charlton Park. Turn a bit right to enter through the main entrance of the part. The Charlton House is immediately in the entrance.

Admission: Charlton house is owned by the local community and hence does not demand entrance fee. It is currently used as a community centre. I was told that the local community negotiates with the National Trust for a shared ownership - which means that it will be closed for a long period for restoration and opened with future admission fees...

Monday - Friday 09.00 - 20.00 (!), Saturday 10.00 - 17.00. Quite frequently there are local events and tourists are not permitted to enter. You should get permission to visit its various rooms. Usually, you are accompanied by a local guy from the house staff.

Duration: 1/2 hour (2 hours including walk from/to the railway station and visiting the park around).

The majority of the rooms are quite impressive, but, do not expect fully restored grandor.

Charlton House is the finest Jacobean mansion in or around London. It is a pleasant suprise to see the marvelous ceilings and heavy wood furniture.

The wonderful oak wood staircase:

The Great Hall:

Beautifully carved plant and bulb - shaped newels:

Balusters with grotesque creatures and faces:

The Library:

Long Gallery:

White Room Ceiling:

Start: Hammersmith Bus Station. Buses: 283, 33, 72 and 209. All stop near the main Entrance. 15 minutes ride.
Back: Same buses (Pref. 283).

Admission Prices: Adult - 10.50 GBP, Concessions - 8 GBP.

Duration: Allow one full day. Coose a bright, sunny day. The lagunes in this nature reserve are glorious in a pretty day.
General directions: There are TWO ROUTES: Southern and Western. Every route will consume 3-4 hours. Allow time to watch the reserve with binoculars (from special hides or watch-points) and take with you a long-zoom camera. A special experience for children. Allow time for a relaxed walk in the remote and desolate paths of the nature reserve. Better, come during the Spring or Summer weeks. A wonderful site. All paths are well sign-posted. No need for a map.

Food: Nothing to write home about. Bring your own food until 15.00 or 16.00. You'll find budget food in Hammersmith BUs Station or in Earls Court area.

Very good Gift Shop: Many original items.

The main entrance:

     -----------       The Southern Route       ----------

Oost House:

Sustainable Gardens:

View from Dulverton Hide:

The Peacock Tower:

View from the Peacock Tower:

----------- The Western Route ----------

The Otters Pond (Feeding times: 11.00 and 14.00):

Ducks:

Geese:

Swans: In this case - a black swan...

Ponds: