Tea in London Day 3 Tea Tour with Queen Victoria

After a full English Breakfast at my hotel, a walk was in order!  How lovely to walk through Kensington Gardens.  The gardens connect with Hyde Park and it makes for a grand walk in a scenic area.  Below is a photo of Kensington Palace getting a face-lift just in time for the 2012 London Summer Olympics, but not in time for my visit!

Here is a small pond with fountains that is just behind the palace.

Just a short walk in the park from Kensington Palace, your eye is drawn to a very ornate large statue. Kensington Palace is where Queen Victoria was born and lived until she was crowned at the young age of 18.  How befitting to place the memorial of her beloved husband so close to her childhood home. 

This grand statue was commissioned by Queen Victoria in memory of her late husband Albert.  It was unveiled in 1872 by the Queen herself.  History tells us that their love was deep and strong and you get that sense as you view the elaborate statue!

Just beyond the Prince Albert Memorial and stepping out of the park, you approach Royal Albert Hall . It is another ornate structure that takes some time to digest all the of intricacies of its design.  It was built to fulfill Prince Albert's vision-a structure that would be used to promote the arts and sciences.  The hall is plays host to concerts, exhibits, and scientific discussions. 

It is surrounded by many museums, one of which is the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is where I was headed!

 
Most tea lovers know that Queen Victoria was an avid tea drinker She gave rise to the Victoria tea parties!  How befitting that the museum with her name on it would house a large collection of historical tea objects along with many other historical items dating back for centuries. 

The museum itself is a masterful work of architecture. 

There are many collections throughout the museum.  Here are just a couple pictures.  If you are a tea lover visiting London, you will want to make sure to take plenty of time to tour this museum!

Not only does the Victoria and Albert Museum have tea accoutrements, they REALLY do serve tea and tea treats too.  It is well worth the time to visit the cafe even just for a quick snack and a cup of tea.

In my next blog, I will take you on a culinary journey that will be a feast for your eyes.  Come with me to tour the cafe and also a spectacular place to have afternoon tea while in London!

Happy Sipping, Lisa