Hyde Park's gems

My Hb has some leave to use up from work and we decided to have a few days out this week. On Monday we went to Hyde Park and followed a self guided walk I found on line. Although we are born and bred Londoners and my Hb works in the city,  we learnt so much. We found out that Hyde Park was acquired by Henry VIII as a deer park in 1536 and it was opened to the public in 1637 by Charles 1. The Serpentine lake was not created until 1730, by Queen Caroline, and it was created from the existing 6 fish ponds.

The weather was kind, cloudy mostly but warm with sunny intervals. The walk started at Hyde Park corner

and took us through parts we had not visited before.

We visited the Diana water memorial where children were dipping in their toes

and walked a whole circuit of the Serpentine.

 We spotted lots of swans and other wildlife.

We even took out a pedalo and whiled away a pleasant hour on the water.

We enjoyed a nice cup of tea at the cafe which looked out across the Serpentine.

The last part of our walk took us across to speakers corner via the old Police House 

and the mosaic which marks the site of the old Reformer's tree which celebrates the right of people to protest.

and we finished off at Marble Arch, which until that day I have never actually crossed the road to look at. It was another grand entrance to Hyde Park erected there in 1851 but had stood for 20 years previously as the main gateway at Buckingham Palace. It was moved to make way for a new wing.

The gates there are stunning.

 We had a quick glimpse at Oxford Street and then made our way back to Victoria to catch the train home. 

It's amazing how we miss the details when we live so near to somewhere. It was the most delightful and relaxing day out.

My card today is new Mr Caterpillar Visible Image stamps birthday card I have made for Dotty's Teahouse.

My very laid back, relaxed Mr Caterpillar

was coloured with Promarkers.

I die cut some clouds and stars and stamped the birthday sentiment.

Here he is in close up

You can see he and the stars have a glittery sparkle and that he is wearing his Glossy Accents glasses (of course 😉)

He will be up for sale today together with some other new Wonderland Cards. Dotty's is in the High Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2EP. My first edition Wonderland cards sold out very quickly and I am hoping this new edition will be just as popular. 

I wold like to enter him into the following challenges;

Passion for Promarkers 1/3 happy birthday
Creative Moments 1/3 anything goes
I love Promarkers 1/3 anything goes
Allsorts 2/3 from boys to men

Let's craft and create 2/3 anything goes/lots of layers
Dies R us 1/3 You're a star
Double D challenges 1/3 the moon and/or the stars
TIME out 1/3 be bright

Thanks for stopping by today.

Bye for now,

Jane x