I took a day off on October 19 to rest and work. Thank goodness, because the next day was wonderful and intense!

At 6:15 am I headed out take a bus to Elephant and Castle, tube to King’s Cross, train to King’s Lynn in Norfolk (because it was Sunday and there are ongoing rail improvements, the train took me to Ely where replacement busses were waiting). Hopped off the bus in King’s Lynn and was happy to see a cab, so I grabbed it and off we went for the 20-minute journey to Houghton Hall and Gardens. My drivers in both directions were so lovely and great conversations were had!

Houghon Hall was constructed in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, and is still inhabited by Walpole’s descendant the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley and his family. The house and gardens are exquisite, and are also home to a large contemporary sculpture collection while hosting rotating special installations.

This year the Hall featured works by Antony Gormley and Magdalene Odundo. I was happy that part of Odundo’s exhibit had been held over. See more about both exhibits here.

Other favourite things about the day were the beautiful walled garden, the cafe, the toy soldier museum and the lovely people I conversed with!

I didn’t get back into London until almost 9 pm! A long day but oh such a wonderful one!