Nash Conservatory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Civil Wedding Ceremony

Kew Garden Opens

Guests Arrive

Ceremony

Bus Departs for the London Rowing Club

Reception

Carriages

Tait Chapel, Fulham Palace

Religious Wedding Blessing

Ceremony Begins

Informal Coffee and Tea in Fulham Palace Drawing Room Cafe

Our Wedding Timeline

A Note from Us

We can't wait to have you with us on our special day! As we prepare to celebrate our marriage, we want to make sure it’s a day you’ll also remember fondly. This celebration is as much about each of you as it is about us. Whether you've known us since childhood, or whether we are new friends, you have had an influence on us and your presence is an honour. We can't wait to create more wonderful memories together. On this site, you'll find all the details to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From travel tips to local recommendations, we want every moment to feel easy and comfortable. Every detail has been planned with you in mind. The wedding celebrations themselves will be a mix of Welsh, Belgian, American and Italian traditions, so parts of the day may look a bit different from what you’d expect at a traditional British wedding. We hope you’ll embrace each moment with us and enjoy the unique touches, traditions and surprises along the way. Our family is beautifully blended in regard to both culture and religion, and we’re excited to reflect that in our celebration. In addition to our civil wedding, we’ll have our marriage blessed in Tait Chapel at Fulham Palace on the 2nd of May. This blessing is a way for us to honour our heritage and shared values and all are warmly welcome to join us—though attendance is by no means required. Please know how grateful we are to have you with us to celebrate this next chapter, and thank you for already contributing so much to our lives, each in your own unique and special way. All of our love and see you soon!Sarah and Huw

Welcome

Travel and Accommodation

Where is the Wedding?

The wedding will be taking place in West London at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the London Rowing Club. The Wedding Blessing will be taking place at Tait Chapel, Fulham Palace. Guests are encouraged to stay in the neighbourhoods of Fulham, Putney, Hammersmith, or Chiswick as these areas are close to the wedding venues and will also allow you to travel to Central London in around 30 minutes. Recommendations for hotels can be found further down this page.

Which airport should we fly into?

We recommend flying into Heathrow Airport. Heathrow Airport provides direct service to Fulham via the Piccadilly line in around 35 minutes. Please note that many of London's airports are located well outside the city centre, with some airports being 1.5-2 hours outside of Central London. Please check your tickets carefully before booking to avoid long and expensive airport transfers. Airports to avoid include Luton Airport and London Stanstead. Heathrow is the best option for transfers, with London Gatwick being the second most convenient option.

A note on travel authorisation and passport validity rules

1. Passport ValidityThe United Kingdom requires that foreign citizens have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. However, if you are planning onward travel to continental Europe, please note that the European Union requires that passports be valid for the entirety of your stay plus a further three months.&nbsp;

2. Travel authorisations for the UKChanges to travel authorisation for foreign nationals wishing to enter the United Kingdom&nbsp;are coming in early 2025. Visitors and people transiting through the UK who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK for business or tourism will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) gives permission to travel to the UK but is not permission to enter the UK – it is not a visa or permission to live or work in the UK. It is an online (digital) travel authorisation that is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) scheme for visitors to the US. From the 8 January 2025, “eligible non-Europeans” including citizens of the United States, will need an ETA to travel into the UK and will be able to apply for authorisation from the 27 November 2024.&nbsp; Similarly, “eligible European” visitors will require an ETA from the 2 April 2025, and can apply from the 5 March 2025. After these dates, all visitors will need authorisation to travel to the UK. Anyone, including children, wishing to travel to the UK will have to pay £10 for an ETA application. As per the current government advice, applications can take up to 3 working days to be approved. Applicants will need:-The passport they intend on travelling with-Access to their emails-A method of payment (a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay)And will need to upload or take photos of the:-Applicant’s passport-Face of the person applying <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More information on this change can be found here.</a>

3. Travel authorisation for the European UnionWe know that many of our guests may choose to extend their travel to include destinations in continental Europe. Changes to travel authorisation for foreign nationals wishing to enter the European Union are set to come effect in 2025. Starting in 2025, people from over 60 <a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/who-should-apply_en#applicant-countries" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">visa-exempt countries</a>, including the United States, are required to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these&nbsp;<a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/who-should-apply_en#ETIAS-countries" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30 European countries</a>. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation. With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. <a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More information can be found here.</a> *This scheme is not yet operational, but may come into effect before the wedding day. Please check frequently to ensure all travel authorisation requirements are met before travelling.

4. Before you travel!﻿Please check the visa, authorisation and passport validity requirements of each country you plan to travel to. Please check requirements well in advance as well closer to the time of your departure to ensure the requirements have not changed and you continue to be compliant for the duration of your travel.

Recommended Accommodation 

The Premier Inn&nbsp;is a basic hotel that is a great value for money. We recommend this location as it is newly constructed and located a stone's throw away from Hammersmith station. Busses from Hammersmith station take you to all three wedding venues- Kew Gardens, the London Rowing Club and Tait Chapel in under 20 minutes. Hammersmith is on the Piccadilly which runs directly to Heathrow Airport and the city centre. Hammersmith is also well connected by bus and tube, with the Hammersmith and City, Circle, District and Piccadilly lines all stopping at Hammersmith station. A wonderful budget option for those looking for a nice, clean, relaxing room close to all wedding locations and London tourist attractions. *For reference- this accommodation is a chain and is of a similar standard as a Holiday Inn in the United States. The quality of Premier Inns is generally high, but can vary widely. This is why we recommend staying at the Hammersmith (Shephard's Bush Road) over the Putney Bridge location as it is much newer and nicer than the Putney location which could benefit from renovation.

Premier Inn London Hammersmith (Shepherds Bush Road) hotel

The hub is operated by Premier Inn. It is contemporary hotel with compact rooms that are cleverly designed to give you everything you'd expect from a Premier Inn room in about half the space. This is another hotel that offers great value for money and this particular location has received high praise from our family during their previous stays. This hotel is a 23 minute cab ride to the wedding ceremony venue and a 15 minute cab ride/25 minute bus ride to the reception and Wedding Blessing venues.

hub by Premier Inn London West Brompton hotel

A 15-bed boutique hotel in the heart of Fulham, a cute walkable neighbourhood with lots of restaurants and shops. Housed in a Grade II listed Georgian building this hotel hosts a collection of exclusive bedrooms, each individually styled to create a comfortable retreat. Selected rooms are suitable for families, with z-beds, cots and interjoining rooms available. They also provide accessible options, twin beds and pet-friendly rooms. It is a 25 minute cab ride to the ceremony venue and 7 minute cab or 15 minute bus ride away from the reception and wedding blessing venues.

Aragon House

Located within a half mile of the Kings Road and Chelsea Harbour and well connected via Imperial Wharf railway station which offers easy access to Central London, Olympia, and Evolution London in Battersea Park. Stamford Bridge, home to Chelsea F.C., is a mile away. This hotel is right across from the Chelsea Harbor hotel (another recommended hotel). It is a 30 min cab ride to the wedding ceremony location and a 16 min cab ride to the reception venue and wedding blessing venue.

DoubleTree by Hilton London - Chelsea

&nbsp;A 5-star luxury hotel in one of London's most prestigious areas. With breath-taking panoramic views over Chelsea Harbour Marina and the River Thames, The Chelsea Harbour Hotel &amp; Spa comes with everything you need for complete relaxation. Access to spa (pool, sauna and steam room) included with room booking. Additional spa treatments are available by appointment. A personal favourite of the Bride and Groom and their go to spot for a 'staycation.' This hotel is a 30 min cab ride to the wedding ceremony location and a 16 min cab ride to the reception venue and wedding blessing venue.

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa

Wedding Day

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The wedding ceremony will take place at Nash Conservatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. There is no parking, please arrive by public transportation or cab. More information about cabs and Transport for London services can be found in the Q&amp;A section of the website. Please find more information on transport links further down the page.

Entering the gardens ﻿The main entrance to Kew Gardens is through Victoria Gate. The Victoria Gate is located an estimated 13 minute walk from Nash Conservatory. Guests are encouraged to enter through this gate if they would like to view the gardens on their way to the ceremony. The closest gate to Nash Conservatory is the Elizabeth Gate. The Elizabeth Gate DOES NOT APPEAR on google maps or citymapper. Please enter St Anne's Church, Kew Green into your navigation app to arrive at the location. Alternatively, please use the What Three Words: erase.crib.duck.

Transportation links to Kew Gardens By bus:Route 65&nbsp;stops close to Elizabeth Gate (stop Mortlake Road, Kew) Victoria Gate and Lion Gate. This bus stops at Ealing Broadway and Richmond stations.Route 110&nbsp;stops near Kew Gardens station and Elizabeth Gate (stop Mortlake Road, Kew). This bus stops at Richmond station.Routes 237 and 267&nbsp;stop at Kew Bridge station. By train:Kew Bridge&nbsp;station&nbsp;is 800m from&nbsp;Elizabeth Gate, via Kew Bridge.&nbsp;South West Trains run services&nbsp;from Waterloo, via Vauxhall and Clapham Junction. There is no level access at Kew Bridge. Richmond station. Richmond&nbsp;station&nbsp;has&nbsp;lift and level access. Take 65 bus (in the direction of Ealing Broadway)&nbsp;to Lion or&nbsp;Victoria Gate. Walking time from Richmond station is 15 minutes to Lion Gate, 25 minutes to Victoria Gate and 40 minutes to Elizabeth Gate. By underground/tube:Kew Gardens station&nbsp;is&nbsp;500m from Victoria Gate. It is in Zone 3 and is served by the District Line (Richmond branch) and London Overground. There is no level access from the westbound platform. It is possible to continue one stop to&nbsp;Richmond&nbsp;and catch a tube&nbsp;back to use the eastbound platform which does have&nbsp;level access. Ealing Broadway station&nbsp;connects to bus route 65, stopping at Victoria, Elizabeth and Lion gates.

The London Rowing Club

The wedding reception will take place at the London Rowing Club. The address of the venue is: London Rowing Club, 7 Putney Embankment, England, SW15 1LB, United Kingdom Transportation will be provided from Kew Gardens to the London Rowing Club

Wedding Blessing

The Wedding Blessing will take place in Tait Chapel at Fulham Palace. The address of the palace is:Bishop’s AvenueFulhamLondon&nbsp;SW6 6EA How to get here London underground/tube:District Line to Putney Bridge StationPlease note this station does not have a lift. ﻿The Palace is a 15 minute walk through Bishop’s Park. After leaving the station, walk down Ranelagh Gardens towards the Premier Inn, turn left onto Fulham High Street, then right onto Willow Bank and use the subway under Putney Bridge to access the park. Follow the Thames Path through Bishop’s Park for ten minutes to the Palace entrance. The back gates through All Saints churchyard are open 10.15-16.00. National Rail:Putney StationFifteen minutes from London Waterloo. The Palace is a 25 minute walk down Putney High Street and across Putney Bridge. The 14, 424 and 430 buses taken from across the street from ‘Putney Station’ stop on Putney Bridge at the ‘Putney Bridge Station / Gonville Street’ stop. Take the steps down from the bridge, then follow the Thames Path through Bishop’s Park for ten minutes to the Palace entrance. For step-free access, use the street closest to the steps to reach the park. Bus:Buses 74, 220 and 430 stop on Fulham Palace Road at the ‘Bishop’s Park Road’ stop. The Palace is a five minute walk down Bishop’s Avenue.Buses 14, 22, 39, 74, 85, 93, 220, 265, 424 and 430 stop on Putney Bridge at the ‘Putney Bridge Station / Gonville Street’ or ‘St Mary’s / Putney Pier’ stops. Take the steps down from the bridge, then follow the Thames Path through Bishop’s Park for ten minutes to the Palace entrance. For step free access, use the street closest to the steps to reach the park. Taxi:Travelling on Fulham Palace Road / A219, turn onto Bishop’s Avenue. The entrance to the Palace is at the end of Bishop’s Avenue, on the left-hand side. There is no public parking on-site. An accessible parking bay for blue badge holders is located within our gated car park.

Getting to the Venues

Nash Conservatory

Fulham Palace

Watch the film introducing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp_RAVcqCH8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fulham Palace</a>. The captivating history of Fulham Palace spans over 1,300 years and 133 Bishops of London.

The site has been a residence of the Bishops of London since AD 704, when Bishop&nbsp;Waldhere&nbsp;acquired the Manor of Fulham — a vast estate covering most of Hammersmith, Fulham, Acton,&nbsp;Ealing&nbsp;and&nbsp;Finchley. As bishops were called ‘Princes of the Church’ the estate became known as Fulham Palace. During the mid-13th&nbsp;century the original manor house was abandoned.&nbsp;The foundations of the current house start at this time. Over the past 750 years the house has evolved as different Bishops carried out building works, from remodelling the great hall to demolishing the Tudor state wing.&nbsp;&nbsp;This has created an interesting mixture of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fulhampalace.org/house-garden/the-house/architectural-styles/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">architectural styles</a>&nbsp;which reflect changing fashions and the differing needs of the Bishops and their families.

During the World Wars, Fulham Palace was a refuge for more than the Bishops and their families. In 1918 a hospital for wounded soldiers occupied much of the house. During the Blitz in 1940 two hundred people stayed for several nights after their homes were destroyed by bombs. Bishop Stopford was the final Bishop of London to live here, leaving in 1973. The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham ran the site until April 2011, when the independent charity Fulham Palace Trust was formed and took over the management of the estate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now Fulham Palace is being&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fulhampalace.org/house-garden/restore-renew/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">restored</a>&nbsp;to its former glory.

Taith Chapel

In 1857 Bishop Tait moved to Fulham with his family, but the use of the Great Hall as an unconsecrated chapel was unsatisfactory; ‘my dear wife felt, as I did, that the ministrations for worship necessarily attaching to the chapel of the principal See House of so great a diocese required some more suitable arrangement. After much deliberation we determined to erect a new Chapel’ (Tait 1879).&nbsp;&nbsp; This chapel is the fourth known at the Palace. Consecrated in 1867, and dedicated to the Blessed Trinity, it was designed by William Butterfield, at a cost of £1869 and is arranged choir wise. The polychrome brickwork (now overpainted) and inlaid stone were typical of his style, as are the brass altar cross and candlesticks set with moonstones on display in the Museum. The chapel plate dating back to 1653 is now in St Paul’s Cathedral. The marble in the sanctuary was moved from the Great Hall and incorporated with Minton encaustic tiles. Fittings were donated; the organ by Robson was given by the Bishop’s son Craufurd, and the glass in the west windows (Clayton &amp; Bell) by the archdeacons and rural deans of the Diocese.&nbsp; Following bomb damage in the Second World War the chapel was reorganised in the 1950s for Bishop Wand. The original glass mosaic reredos was moved to the west end. Brian Thomas and students from the Byam Shaw School of Drawing &amp; Painting painted the murals (framed by a new plaster cornice) in 1953, deliberately obliterating Butterfield’s decorative brickwork. A plain ceiling was inserted below the original, the dark oak woodwork stripped and a new east window designed by Sir Ninian Comper at a cost of £1260 and paid for by war compensation. It shows the Risen Saviour delivering the command to St Peter ‘Feed my Sheep’, flanked by portraits of Creighton and Wand, and the topmost angel depicts Bishop Wand’s son who died in a mountaineering accident in 1934. The chapel, which seats seventy, is still consecrated. The exterior featured in the film ‘The Omen’ (1976).

Fulham Palace has always been a place of refuge. The Bishops of London used the Palace primarily as a summer retreat away from the crowded and dirty city. It was also a place to entertain important visitors, including royalty. Queen Elizabeth I was guest of&nbsp;honour&nbsp;at a lavish banquet in 1601. Over 150 years later King George III was treated to a simpler affair — breakfast. After the English Reformation in the 16th&nbsp;century clergy were allowed to&nbsp;marry&nbsp;and Fulham Palace became a family home. In the 19th&nbsp;century the Bishops and their wives began to share the house and garden more with the community, hosting large parties and church pageants.

About the Venues

Read about the Venues

Unique Elements and Traditions

To Eat and Drink

Brunch

<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d15053961-Reviews-Glasshouse_Coffee-London_England.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Glasshouse Cafe</a>An indoor/outdoor plant store and cafe located in the Palace Gardener. Brunch and gardening? The 30 year old's dream.

<a href="https://www.popinshops.co.uk/locations/comeragh-road.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Popin West Kensington </a>A West Kensington classic right down the road from Sarah and Huw's old West Ken flat. Known for it's award winning chocolate chip banana bread, this cute and cosy cafe is still where you can find Sarah on many Saturday mornings.

<a href="https://www.theelderpress.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Elder Press Cafe </a>The Elder Press Cafe is a perfect stop when walking along the Thames Path. Right off the river, the Elder Press Cafe is a popular gathering place and community meeting spot. Exceptionally good coffee and lots of good cakes live here!

<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d8559735-Reviews-Half_Moon_Restaurant-London_England.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Half Moon</a>Forget your fancy and overpriced brunches. If cheap and cheerful is more your speed, the Half Moon is the place for you. Huw's favourite brunch spot for more than half a decade, the Half Moon really does provide value for money. The food is amazing, the price is low and the staff are guaranteed to call you 'love' and 'darling.' If you're looking for an authentic 'fry up' look no further.

Restaurant 

<a href="https://www.dishoom.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dishoom</a>Dishoom&nbsp;cafés are located all over the UK and pay homage to the food of Bombay. Open all day, from breakfast to dinner and later. Enjoy Bombay comfort food and first-class drinks. Sarah first visited Dishoom with her friend Emily (pictured below) on her first visit to London in 2012 and has celebrated the majority of her birthdays there in the years since. A favourite spot to take visitors and local friends. A must go, in Sarah's opinion!

<a href="https://www.kishmishw6.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kishmish</a>Sarah and Huw's pick for best curry in London! Incredibly well priced and absolutely delicious. Located right down the road from Sarah and Huw's flat, it is a neighbourhood favourite.

<a href="https://www.maggie-jones.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maggie Jones's</a>Maggie Jones’s has been a favourite haunt among Kensington locals for over 40 years. Cosy, rustic, informal and incurably romantic, the restaurant is tucked away in a little cul-de-sac between Kensington High Street and Kensington Church Street. Maggie’s is warm, friendly and traditional, with&nbsp;a&nbsp;generous menu full of classic dishes, beautifully&nbsp;cooked. Currently closed for repairs following a fire, but set to re-open in 2025, so we are keeping it on the list. Hands down the best place in London for traditional British food. Our go-to place to take all visitors and a family favourite!

Pubs and Bars

<a href="https://www.mr-foggs.com/mr-foggs-tavern/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mr Fogg's Tavern</a>Grab a drink where Sarah and Huw met! It gets very busy here so make sure to book ahead.

<a href="https://www.troubadourlondon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Troubadour</a>A classic West London night out. A restaurant and music venue that is the the life of West Brompton. Huw spends a lot of time here! The Troubadour was&nbsp;founded in 1954&nbsp;by Michael and Sheila van Bloemen as part of the second wave of coffee houses and is now one of London's oldest independent music venues.&nbsp;It quickly became a vibrant&nbsp;cultural hub, with artists, actors, writers and musicians from all over the world.&nbsp;&nbsp; It established itself as a cornerstone venue in the British&nbsp;folk revival,&nbsp;hosting iconic names such as Bob Dylan, Davey Graham, Martin Carthy, Judy Collins, Paul Simon and many more.​The 1960s brought about great change in the London political and social scene. As Chelsea's King's Road was leading in pop culture and the Mod movement, British Jazz was also rising in popularity once again. The Troubadour became a regular gig and hangout for London's finest Jazz musicians; the most notable of players being Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones, who played in 1961 - where he was "found" by Alexis Koerner and was quickly recruited to join Blues Incorporated. It's no wonder that Huw, our beloved jazz musician, can often be found here.

<a href="https://www.thepeartreefulham.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pear Tree</a> The local! Steps away from the flat, this is Sarah and Huw's local pub. The Pear Tree is a quintessential Victorian Pub, Independently owned, family run and one of the last Free houses in West London. Dating back to the 1800’s, The Pear Tree, is one of the oldest buildings in the Hammersmith/Fulham/Baron Court area. It boasts traditional pub decor and wood fires inside and out.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.dovehammersmith.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Dove</a> Sarah and Huw's pick for best Sunday roast and is conveniently located locally in Hammersmith. Sitting next to the fire, or out on The Dove's riverside terrace, you are not just sitting in any old local – you are a part of London’s rich history. A public house has stood on this site since the seventeenth century. Throughout these years our sturdy bar has propped up some of the finest figures of English history. The poet James Thomson composed the familiar strains of ‘Rule Britannia’ here. Charles II romanced and dined his mistress Nell Gwynne here. And in the famous novel ‘The Water Gypsies’, author A P Herbert features it under a cheeky pseudonym; ‘The Pigeons’. It’s not just the clientele, but the building itself that has some amazing claims to fame. The small space to the right of the bar, reached through an extra entrance only the eagle-eyed will spot, went into the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest bar room in the world. Step inside it and you’ll see the brass plaque that marks the height the waters reached in the great flood of 1928. But The Dove isn’t a monument to history – it’s a thriving and much-loved London pub catering for locals and visitors alike. Owned by Fullers since 1796, the current regulars come back for exactly the same reason as Charles II did – the outstanding real ales, fine wines and delicious food.

To See and Visit

<a href="https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew</a> Kew Gardens date back to the early 18th century, once a royal palace it is now a globally renowned scientific institution for plant and fungal research. Discover the world of science behind the botanical collections, with over 50,000 living plants to be found across the UNESCO World Heritage site. FREE ENTRY for wedding guests on the day of the wedding (30 April 2025)

<a href="https://tickets.parliament.uk/timeslot/uk-parliament-english-guided-tour/?utm_campaign=-0924-mar-ve-paidtours&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=paid&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiArby5BhCDARIsAIJvjIRgx4M5c0cc5q4eRaNYUVHdxZvG0BaVOV9lyQR0b8lgDvi6VyRUhF0aAh3CEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tour of the Houses of Parliament (Westminster Palace)</a>This tour is the best tour Sarah and Huw have been on in the UK. Venture into the heart of the Palace of Westminster accompanied by an expert guide and discover the history, heritage and work of UK Parliament. This 90-minute tour is available in English. Some of the tour highlights include Westminster Hall, Central Lobby, The House of Commons Chamber and The House of Lords Chamber. Please be advised the UK Parliament is a working building and tours may be cancelled at short notice due to parliamentary business and access restrictions.

<a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Victoria and Albert Museum</a> The history of the V&amp;A is a story like no other. From its early beginnings as a Museum of Manufactures in 1852, to the foundation stone laid by Queen Victoria in 1899, to today's state-of-the-art galleries, the museum has constantly evolved in its collecting and public interpretation of art and design. Its collections span 5,000 years of human creativity in virtually every medium, housed in one of the finest groups of Victorian and modern buildings in Britain.&nbsp;

The Embassy of the Republic of TexasHuw used to take Sarah around London when she visited him here in the early days of their relationship. One of Sarah's favourite stops on one of the tours was the Embassy of the Republic of Texas. Built in 1730, the distinguished property at 4 St James’s is steeped in history and peculiar secrets. Under the shop floor lies two whole acres of wine cellars and caves which run underneath St. James’s Street. The Georgian rooms had once held a brothel and a notorious gambling den, and&nbsp;the courtyard at the back was also home to bear-baiting, cock-fighting and London’s last ever public duel.&nbsp;Napoleon III even lived here in exile whilst plotting his return to France. But between 1836 and 1845 it was home to perhaps one its most unusual tenants; for the space above the wine shop was briefly home to the Embassy of the Republic of Texas. At the time of its founding, Texas was an independent sovereign country with its borders under threat from both the United States and Mexico. Then-President-of-Texas Sam Houston sent Dr. Ashbel Smith, the Secretary of State, to be the Texan diplomatic representative in England in an effort to build international sentiment for their country. A second Embassy was also established in France, located in what is now the&nbsp;Hôtel de Vendôme.&nbsp; Texas finally joined the Union in 1845, despite the Crown’s support of its independence, and the Embassy in London was closed. Taking full advantage of their desirable location above one of London’s best wine shops, the Texan delegation departed the capital leaving a £160 rent bill outstanding. Today, the historic wine shop is still thriving, but the peculiar chapter of their Texan tenants is long forgotten. Next door is a tiny alleyway called Pickering Place; where a small plaque marks the entrance to the Embassy’s rooms. Still proudly bearing the name of “The Republic Of Texas” it reads,“Texas Legation in this building was the legation for the ministers from the Republic of Texas to the Court of St. James 1842 - 1845.” The onetime Republic of Texas, although consigned to history, still lives on in the hearts of Texans; in 1986 to mark the Texas sesquicentennial, 26 members of the Anglo-Texan society visited the wine shop, dressed in full buckskins, to settle the outstanding rent&nbsp;debt still owed by the Republic of Texas. The plaque is in the entrance to the alleyway marked 'No 3', in the center of Berry Bros and Rudd wine merchants.&nbsp;

Nature

<a href="https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/london/thames-path-putney-to-kew" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thames River Path </a>The wedding is taking path in villages right along the Thames. The Thames Path is a long distance walking trail, following England’s best known river for 185.2miles (298 km) as it meanders from its source in the Cotswolds through several rural counties and on into the heart of London. On its way the Trail passes peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife, historic towns and cities and many lovely villages, through central London, finishing in Woolwich just a few miles from the sea. The wedding is taking place in the small villages of Kew and Putney along the River Thames. You can walk from one village to another along portions of the Thames Path. Sarah often runs this 9.5-km point-to-point trail from Kew to Putney, so you might see her there if you venture out! This is an easy route and takes on average 2 h 3 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

<a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Richmond Park </a>Near to Kew Gardens is Richmond Park. Its ancient woods, rolling hills and wide-open grasslands are bursting with life – from historic herds of deer to birds, invertebrates, fungi and wildflowers. It’s no wonder that the park is London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve – there’s nowhere better to experience the great outdoors so close to the capital.&nbsp; Explore the spectacular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-park/isabella-plantation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Isabella Plantation</a>&nbsp;with its extravaganza of bright azaleas, venture up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-park/king-henrys-mound" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">King Henry’s Mound</a>&nbsp;to admire distant views to St Paul’s Cathedral or hire a bike to enjoy a leisurely cycle as you take in the sights.&nbsp; Around the perimeter of the park, you’ll find the Tamsin Trail – a scenic route of just over 7 miles, popular with joggers and hikers. For a more leisurely visit, head to pretty Pembroke Lodge. This historic Georgian mansion boasts elegant tea rooms and picturesque gardens with sweeping views over the Thames Valley.&nbsp; Spend the day in the company of kestrels, fallow and red deer, and meadow butterflies. Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve, a haven for rare or endangered species such as stag beetles, bats, and moths. The park is home to a variety of natural habitats, including ancient anthills that date back 150 years and an oak tree estimated to be 750 years old. The 600-strong herds of red and fallow deer have roamed the park since 1637, providing a unique connection to the park’s past. If you’re into history, there’s plenty of it here. The park can trace its origins back to 1625, when Charles I brought his court to nearby Richmond Palace to escape the plague sweeping through London. He turned this landscape into a hunting park, filled with red and fallow deer. Amazingly, some of the trees that Charles would have ridden past still stand today.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.moonhoneytravel.com/seven-sisters-cliffs-walk-seaford-to-eastbourne/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7 Sisters walk from Seaford to Eastbourne </a>Are you looking for a beautiful day trip to the seaside? The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs stretching from&nbsp;Cuckmere Haven&nbsp;to&nbsp;Birling Gap&nbsp;in East Sussex, England. These white cliffs along the English Channel are one of Southern England’s most striking landscapes. Topped with a carpet of green grass, the brilliant white cliffs plunge dramatically into the cerulean sea. The cliffs of Dover might be England’s most famous cliffs, but the Seven Sisters are more beautiful. The best way to experience the Seven Sisters Cliffs is by walking the coastal trail from Seaford to Eastbourne. The 21.2 km (13.2 miles) Seven Sisters walk is easy technically, though moderate due to the distance and the rolling ascents and descents over the Cliffs.&nbsp;

Night Out

<a href="https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club</a>European vanguard for jazz and blues from world's top musicians, in basement club with late bar. Some of the best in the world, including our very own Huw James, have played here.

<a href="https://troybar.co.uk/whatson.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Troy Bar</a>Community bar for pints and Caribbean food with weekly open-mic nights and jazz funk jam sessions. Huw and Sarah went here on their first date.

<a href="https://london.thecomedystore.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Comedy Store</a>A famous London venue that hosts sets by established and emerging talent, with midnight shows on Fridays and Saturdays.&nbsp;Huw and Sarah have shared a few laughs here over the years!

<a href="https://sohotheatre.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The SOHO Theatre</a>New theatre productions, cabaret and stand-up comedy from established and emerging talent.

<a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/event/a-christmas-carol-2024?utm_source=google%20Ad&amp;utm_medium=ACC8&amp;utm_campaign=PMax&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiArby5BhCDARIsAIJvjISFmPxGin9SD86Y-mBZqRSyMh5La9Y2hlWz4qilwQZ3isg5lBgaFD8aAsTFEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Old Vic</a>The Old Vic&nbsp;is a 1,000-seat nonprofit producing theatre. It was established in 1818 as the&nbsp;Royal Coburg Theatre, and renamed in 1833 the&nbsp;Royal Victoria Theatre. In 1871 it was rebuilt and reopened as the&nbsp;Royal Victoria Palace. In 1880 it was formally named the&nbsp;Royal Victoria Hall, although by that time it was already known as the "Old Vic". If you see a production here, stop by the Young Vic first for dinner or a drink! Sarah did this many times when she was in London studying her master's.

<a href="https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Southbank Centre</a>Located in a trendy area along the river, the Southbank Centre is the largest arts centre in the UK. It has been a hub of London’s cultural life since 1951.

<a href="https://riversidestudios.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Riverside Studios</a>Where do Sarah and Huw go when they are looking for a local night out? Probably Riverside Studios. Today’s Riverside Studios stand on the former site of a Victorian iron works, which was converted into a film studio in 1933. Many classic films were made here, such as&nbsp;The Seventh Veil&nbsp;(1945) with James Mason,&nbsp;The Happiest Days of Your Life&nbsp;with Margaret Rutherford (1950) and&nbsp;Father Brown&nbsp;(1954) with Alec Guinness.&nbsp;In 1954, the studios were taken over by BBC Television and became home to many of their most iconic programmes, including&nbsp;Hancock’s Half Hour&nbsp;(1957-60),&nbsp;Quatermass and the Pit&nbsp;(1958-59) and&nbsp;Doctor Who&nbsp;(1964-68). Following the BBC’s departure in 1974, the building became an arts centre in 1976, launching with a vibrant community festival. Under the artistic directorship of playwright and director Peter Gill, Riverside Studios quickly acquired a reputation for excellence and innovation with landmark productions of&nbsp;The Cherry Orchard&nbsp;with Judy Parfitt and&nbsp;The Changeling&nbsp;with Brian Cox (both 1978). A mixed programme of international theatre, dance, visual art, television, comedy and music was established early on and has succeeded in bringing the world to west London. The variety of our collaborators over the years – including Amy Winehouse, Benjamin Zephaniah, Yoko Ono, Samuel Beckett, Michael Clark, David Hockney, Lenny Henry, Graeae, David Bowie and Black Theatre Cooperative – reflects Riverside’s purpose as an intersection for the arts.

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Sarah and Huw's Card and Registry

We know so many of you are traveling to be with us on our big day and honestly that is the greatest gift we could ever ask for! We have been so blessed over the years and already have everything we need and more. Additional gifts are not needed or expected. That said, we would absolutely love it if you would sign our card on <a href="https://viing.com/v/sarah-and-huws-wedding" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Viing.</a> As we start our marriage, your kind words, advice and wisdom would mean the world to us. All the messages will be printed on a card and sent to us, creating something we’ll treasure for years to come. If you would like to give us a gift, we will use all contributions towards our dream of buying a family home and a honeymoon in Australia- to finish the trip we had to cut short during COVID. Your support, now and always, means the world to us. Thank you for your kindness and making the time to celebrate with us! <a href="https://viing.com/v/sarah-and-huws-wedding" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link to Sarah and Huw's card and collection </a>