MISCELLANY
26
THE
RAILWAY TRAVELLER'S HANDY BOOK. (1862)
FINAL
INSTALMENT
The
Victorians knew how to entertain themselves...
Having thus
brought the Railway Traveller to the end of his journey, and seen him safely
housed, we cannot do better than devote the few remaining pages of this little
volume to items of information which cannot fail to prove generally useful, and
especially so to the excursionist and to visitors from the country.
EXCURSION GUIDE.
THE. following
is a list of places which may be readily reached by any of the railways, and to
which excursion trains run throughout the season.
BATH—One of the
most beautiful cities in England, containing many interesting buildings, and
standing in the midst of exquisite scenery. Great Western Railway. Distance,
106 miles. Average time of journey, four hours.
BRIGHTON.—One of
the most delightful places out of London at which to pass a day or a few days.
The air is particularly bracing and enjoyable. The Downs afford the best
walking and riding, and the sea-bathing is unequalled. Brighton and South Coast
Railway. Distance, 50 miles. Average time of journey, two hours.
CAMBRIDGE—Celebrated.
as the seat of one of our great English universities, and thus possessing
considerable interest. The buildings in connection with the colleges are well
worth seeing, and the country around is remarkably picturesque. Eastern
Counties Railway. Distance, 57 miles. Average time of journey, two hours and a
half.
DEAL—A small but
interesting maritime town. Near it are situated Walmer and Sandown Castles. The
air is extremely salubrious, and the coast affords extensive views of France
and the Kentish shore. South Eastern Railway. Distance, 102 miles. Average time
of journey, four hours.
DOVER—Remarkable
for its cliff, and for numerous interesting fortifications of various styles—
Roman, Saxon, Norman, etc. The sea-bathing is excellent, and the town capable
of affording superior accommodation to visitors. South Eastern Railway.
Distance, 88 miles. Average time of journey, three hours.
EASTBOURNE—A.
pretty little town in Sussex, situated close to the sea. Near this place is
BEACHY HEAD, one of the finest marine eminences in England, and the prospect
from which is very striking. Brighton and South Coast Railway. Distance, 66
miles. Average time of journey, two hours and a-half.
GRAVESEND.~—-A
town in Kent, with an extensive river view, and possessing several interesting
walks around it. On account of its easy access from London, it is greatly
resorted to during the season. North Kent Railway, and London and Tilbury
Railway. Distance, 23 miles. Average time of journey, one hour and a-half.
HAMPTON COURT—An
exceedingly interesting place, having a royal palace, picture gallery, and
pleasure grounds. The Walks in the neighbourhood are extremely pretty,
especially that known as Bushy Park. South Western Railway. Distance, 15 miles.
Average time of journey, threequarters of an hour.
HASTINGS.—A town
of great antiquity, pleasantly situated in a vale, and facing the sea. The
country abounds with pleasant walks and drives, and the sea bathing
accommodation is of a superior description. Adjoining Hastings is ST. LEONARDS-ON-SEA,
which has an air of quietude and retirement about it peculiarly agreeable to
invalids. South Eastern Railway. Distance, 141 miles. Average time of journey,
two hours and a-half.
HEBNE BAY.—A.
favourite watering-place, situated in a beautiful bay, commanding an extensive
prospect of ocean, and much resorted to for the purpose of sea bathing, and
enjoying its peculiarly healthy and bracing air. South Eastern Railway.
Distance, 141 miles. Average time of journey, three hours.
KEW.-Celebrated
for its botanical gardens, which are said to be the most extensive in the
world. The walks around are charming. South Western Railway. Distance, 9 miles.
Average time of journey, thirtyfive minutes.
LEWES—A place
situated on the margin of the South Downs, surrounded by high hills, from one
of which may be obtained a prospect of thirty miles to the sea and forty miles
inland to Surrey. Brighton and South Coast Railway. Distance, 50 miles. Average
time of journey, two hours.
MARGATE—A
favourite bathing-place, on the north coast of Kent. Its air is remarkably
salubrious,and the town has a variety of amusements to set before the visitor,
which render the place highly attractive. South Eastern Railway. Distance, 101
miles. Average time of journey, three hours and a-half.
OXFORD.—The
situation of this city is one of surpassing beauty. It stands between the
rivers Isis and Cherwell, and is surrounded by hills of gentle elevation. The
city itself is rich in classic associations, the university and various college
buildings possessing great interest for the visitor. Great Western Railway.
Distance, 63 miles. Average time of journey, two hours and a-half.
PORTSMOUTH AND
ISLE or WIGHT-The principal naval arsenal and fortress in England, possessing
an unlimited amount of interest in connection with maritime affairs. Within a
short sail of Portsmouth is the Isle of Wight, well known for its numerous
beautiful spots, and celebrated for its excellent sea bathing. South Western
Railway, and Brighton and South Coast Railway. Distance, 141 miles. Average
time of journey, three hours.
RAMSGATE.—~A
noted sea-bathing place, situated near Margate, and to which it is by many
preferred, as being more retired and select. In addition to its excellent
sea-bathing, there are some very pretty drives and walks in the neighbourhood,
which render it on the whole, one of the most attractive places of resort.
South Eastern Railway. Distance, 97 miles. Average time of journey, three hours
and a half.
READING.—A town
of great antiquity, pleasantly situated on the river Kennet. It has many
architectural features, which render it highly interesting. It also abounds in
charming walks and drives. South Western Railway (36 miles), Great Western
Railway and South Eastern Railway (37 miles).
RICHMOND - One
of the most beautiful spots near the metropolis. The park is of a
gently-undulating character, enriched by pieces of ornamental water, and is
between eight and nine miles in circumference. The hill affords a magnificent
and extensive prospect, and the scenery immediately at its foot is of
unrivalled beauty. South Western Railway. Distance, 9 miles. Average time of
journey, forty minutes.
RYE House—A
popular resort for summer excursionists, and on account of the beauty of the
gardens, and the various recreations provided for the visitors, few places are
better adapted for a day's excursion. There are historical associations
connected with Rye House which render it still more interesting. Eastern
Counties Railway. Distance, 20 miles. Average time of journey, one hour.
SALISBURY.—One
of the most interesting cathedral towns of England. The sacred edifice itself
presents one of the finest and most interesting specimens of Gothic
architecture in the kingdom; and the buildings by which this magnificent and
venerable pile is surrounded, are in keeping with the structure itself. In the
immediate neighbourhood there are several mansions of noble proportions, and
also a ruin of the palace of the great Clarendon. South Western Railway.
Distance, 83 miles. Average time of journey, four hours.
SOUTHAMPTON.—A
large and pleasant town situated on the banks of a broad expanse of water
rendered particularly interesting by the assemblage of shipping, and other
incidents of maritime traffic. The walks in the neighbourhood are varied and
very beautiful. It also possesses many architectural features, and is
especially celebrated for one of the most picturesque ruins in England, known
as Netley Abbey. Altogether, the mildness and salubrity of the air, the beauty
of its position, and the picturesquencss of its scenery, render this town a
delightful place of resort. South Western Railway. Distance, 79 miles. Average
time of journey, three hours.
SOUTHEND.—A
small but improving town, pleasantly situated on the Essex coast, and
especially eligible for the Londoner, as being the nearest point from the
metropolis where sea-bathing can be had. It has a pier stretching a mile and a
quarter in length, and is noted for the very pretty walks in the immediate
locality. There is an air of calm and quiet about this little place, which
renders it especially suitable for the debilitated frame, and the harassed
mind. London and Tilbury Railway. Distance, 42 miles. Average time of journey,
two hours and a quarter.
VIRGINIA.
WATER—A very picturesque spot in the neighbourhood of Windsor. It is chiefly
remarkable for a large sheet of artificial water, the cascade of which affords
one of the most striking imitations of the great works of Nature; the grounds
by which it is surrounded are arranged upon the most imposing style of
landscape gardening. South Western Railway. Distance, 23 miles. Average time of
journey, one hour.
WEYMOUTH—A
watering-place, once extremely fashionable, and still much resorted to. It is
pleasantly situated in a delightful bay of the English Channel. The esplanade
is a feature of great beauty, and is nearly a mile long. The gradually shelving
shore especially adapts it for sea-bathing. The air is remarkable for its
mildness and purity. South Western Railway. Distance 147 miles. Average time of
journey, six hours.
WINCHESTER—A
fine old city, rich in its associations with English History, and still
retaining the remains of former greatness. It is beautifully situated in the
midst of swelling downs, and a river runs through the valley hard by. The
architectural beauties are numerous, including Butter Cross, the County Hall,
Wolverley Palace, William of Wykeham’s College, etc., all of which are well
worthy of especial notice. South Western Railway. Distance 66 miles. Average
time of journey, two hours and a half.
WINDSOR—A. town
deriving its chief importance from its being a favourite residence of the
English monarchs. The Castle is famed for its architectural beauty; and from
the cliff on which it stands, a most magnificent and extensive prospect is to
be obtained. The adjacent parks are beautifully laid out, and the College of
Eton, on the outskirts of the town, will well repay a visit. South Western
Railway. Distance, 25 miles. Average time of journey, one hour and a quarter.
WORTHING.—A
pretty and retired watering-place in the vicinity of Brighton. It is remarkable
for the mildness of its air; and, owing to its sheltered position, for the
facilities which it affords of sea-bathing, even in the winter months and in
stormy weather. Brighton and South-Coast Railway. Distance, 61 miles. Average
time of journey, two hours and a-half.
EXHIBITIONS
(Admission on PAYMENT.)
BARKER’S
PANORAMA, LEICESTER SQUARE—A large picture of Naples, together with views of
Messina, Straits of Faro, the Court of Venice, Rome, Calabria, Switzerland,
etc. Open daily. Admission ls.
COLOSSEUM,
REGENT’S PARK.—A variety of entertainments and exhibitions, including Dioramas
of London, Paris, and Lisbon. Open daily—morning twelve; evening, even.
Admission ls.
CRYSTAL PALACE,
SYDENHAM—A variety of entertainments and exhibitions, including pictures,
statuary, flowers, fountains, performances by an orchestral band and on the
great organ, together with special amusements according to the season of the
year. Open daily. Monday, nine; other days, ten. Admission :—Saturday, 2s. 6d.
; other days, ls. Children half-price. Sunday, open at half-past one to
shareholders, gratuitously by tickets.
KENSINGTON
EDUCATIONAL MUSEUM, SOUTH KENSINGTON.-—Works of decorative art, modern
pictures, sculpture, and engravings; architectural illustrations, building
materials, educational apparatus and books, illustrations of food and animal
products. Open every day in the week. The Museum is open free on Monday,
Tuesday, and Saturday. The students’ days are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday,
when the public are admitted on the payment of 6d. each person. The hours on
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are from ten till four; on Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday, from ten till four, five, and six, according to the season.
POLYTECHNIC,
REGENT STREET—Musical entertainments, lectures, chemical and other experiments,
dissolving views, etc. Open daily. Morning at twelve; evening at seven.
Admission ls.
MADAME TUSSAUD’S
WAXWORK.—A collection of life-like representations, modelled in wax and
appropriately dressed, of numerous eminent and notorious personages, together
with relics of Napoleon, Wellington, etc. Open daily. Morning, ten; evening,
seven. Admission ls.
TOWER OF
LONDON.—The principal objects of interest are the Chapel of St. John, the
Council Chamber, the White Tower, the Armoury, and the Regalia. Tickets to be
obtained at the entrance. A warder is in attendance every half-hour to conduct
parties in waiting. Admission to the Armouries, 6d., and to the Crown Jewels,
6d. Open daily, from half past ten to four.
ZOOLOGICAL
GARDENS, REGENT’S PARK.—Containing a large and valuable collection of wild and
domesticated animals. The gardens are extensive and are beautifully and
tastefully laid out. Open daily. Admission, 1s.; Mondays, 6d.
EXHIBITIONS AND.
PLACES OF INTEREST.
(Admission Free)
BANK OF
ENGLAND.—From nine in the morning until three in the afternoon (except
holidays), when strangers are at liberty to walk through.
BOTANICAL
GARDENS (CHELSEA).——May be seen by tickets, obtainable at Apothecaries’ Hall,
Water Lane, Blackfriars.
BRITISH
MUSEUM—Open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; daily during the
weeks of Easter, Whitsuntide, and Christmas; and on Saturdays in the summer
months after twelve o’clock. It is closed during the first week of January,
May, and September.
BUCKINGHAM
PALACE—To be viewed only by special favour, and generally through the interest
of some person connected with the Royal Household.
CHELSEA
HOSPITAL—An asylum for disabled and superannuated soldiers. The chapel may be
seen for a trifling fee to the pensioner in charge of it, any day except during
Divine Service, on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The Great Hall may also be
seen when not in use. Admittance to the grounds from ten till dusk, except
during Divine Service on Sunday morning.
CHRISTS’S
HOSPITAL. OR BLUECOAT SCHOOL, NEWGATE STREET—Maintaining upwards of 1000
children. Admission by ticket, obtainable at the office attached to the school.
COAL EXCHANGE,
LOWER THAMES STREET.— Public admitted free to the Museum on the first Monday in
each month, from twelve till four.
COLLEGE OF
SURGEONS, LINCOLN’S INN FIELD —Contains the collection of the celebrated
anatomist, John Hunter. Admission by member’s ticket on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
and Thursdays, from twelve till four.
DULWICH GALLERY,
DULWICH, SURREY—About four miles from London. Comprises a splendid collection
of pictures and other objects of interest. Open daily, from ten till five.
GEOLOGICAL
MUSEUM, JERMYN STREET, REGENT STREET.—Open every day (Fridays excepted).
GREENWICH
HOSPITAL, GREENWICH, KENT.— About five miles from London; accessible by rail or
boat from London Bridge. The Painted Hall is open from about nine in the
morning till dusk. Free after twelve o’clock, and by payment of 4d. before that
hour. On public holidays free the whole day.
GRESHAM COLLEGE,
BASINGHALL STREET, CITY. -—Lectures on various subjects at various seasons of
the year.
GUILDHALL,
CHEAPSIDE—Public Hall open daily. The apartments to be seen by applying to the
hall-keeper.
HAMPTON COURT—A
magnificent palace with gardens attached, situate at Hampton, fifteen miles
from London, and accessible by steamboat and railway. The State apartments,
containing a large collection of pictures, are open every day except Friday,
from ten till six. On Sundays after two.
HOUSES OF
PARLIAMENT.—May be viewed on Saturdays from ten till four, by tickets to be
obtained at the Lord Chamberlain’s office within the building. The Victoria
Tower on Saturdays.
INDIA MUSEUM,
WHITEHALL YARD, PARLIAMENT STREET—Open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays,
from ten till four.
KEW GARDENS.—One
of the most extensive and interesting horticultural exhibitions in the country.
Open from one till dusk. Sundays after two. May be reached by rail, omnibus, or
steamboat.
NATlONAL
GALLERY, TRAFALGAR SQUARE—Open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
NATIONAL
PORTRAIT GALLERY, 29, GREAT GEORGE STREET, Westminster—Wednesdays and
Saturdays, from twelve till four, between Michaelmas and Easter; from Easter to
Michaelmas, from twelve to five.
ROYAL BOTANIC
SOCIETY’S GARDENS, REGENT’S PARK.—Admission by tickets from members.
ROYAL MINT, TOWER
HILL—Admission by order from the Master’s office, Little Tower Hill.
ST. PAUL’S
CATHEDRAL—Admission. within the sacred edifice free; to the whispering gallery
and the two outside galleries, 6d.; to the hall, 1s. 6d. ; to the library,
great bell, and geometrical staircase and model rooms, 6d.; to the clock and
the crypt, 6d.
SIR JOHN SOANE’S
MUSEUM, LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS—Open every Thursday and Friday in April, May, and
June. Cards of admission on written application to the Curator at the museum.
SOCIETY OF ARTS,
JOHN ADAM STREET— By member’s ticket. Daily, except Mondays and Wednesdays.
THAMES
TUNNEL—Best accessible by boat from London Bridge.
UNITED SERVICE
MUSEUM, SCOTLAND YARD, PARLIAMENT STREET—By member’s order.
WESTMINSTER
ABBEY.—The vergers are in attendance from nine to six daily in summer, and from
eleven to half-past two in winter (Sundays excepted). A small fee is chargeable
to view the chapel and choir.
WESTMINSTER
HALL—Free during the whole of the day, or any hour at which Parliament or the
law courts are sitting.
WINDSOR
CASTLE—Twenty-one miles from London by Great Western or South-Western Railway.
The State apartments are open at intervals to the public gratuitously, on
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Tickets may be obtained of Messrs.
Colnaghi, 14 Pall Mall East; Mr. Mitchell, 33, Old Bond Street; or Mr. Wright,
60, Pall Mall.
WOOLWICH
ARSENAL, DOCKYARD, ETC.—Admission free to the Arsenal on Tuesdays and Fridays,
by letter from the Under Secretary of War. Admission to the Dockyard every day,
from nine till eleven, and from one till four.
