Today I decided I would go for a walk down the Thames to Magna Carta island near Runnymede. For the location of such an important event in British history it’s surprisingly difficult to find. Perhaps part of the confusion stems from it not actually being an island, as a map shows. I had predictably left my map at home in the rush to catch a train to Windsor. The monument is also nowhere near it which doesn’t help (and donated by the American Bar Association – eh?).
This is Eton: nice place.
This is Datchet: also nice but somewhat spoiled by being right under the Heathrow flight path. It may not look it, but this is actually very close to where I work in Langley, Slough – head out of the village and you can see it peeking over the fields.
Here’s one of those planes. Unfortunately, there are many pleasant looking places south of the M4 that would be very nice to live in were it not for the planes. Doesn’t seem to do much to dent the property prices though.
I had originally planned to head back up to Windsor after visiting Magna Carta island but faced with my failure I determined to do something useful with my day. But where could I go now? Staines? With a name like that it’s bound to have something worth visiting…
Staines is an odd place. I think it doesn’t want to be called Staines for some reason and therefore refers to itself as Spelthorne. Dear Staines tourism board: this is very confusing for visitors without maps who may end up having a “help! where am I?” moment, and Staines is not a place you want to be lost in.
Staines is, however, a great place to spot shopping trolleys in the river:
A Thames Path information board alluded to the existence of a Staines museum. Rather excited I went on a hunt for it. It is not well signposted. Turns out it is actually hidden within Staines library. Although even the library is cunningly concealed as a car park:
Sadly both the museum and library are closed on Sundays.
Staines gave the world Lino, and for this we are all thankful. This statue in Staines town centre celebrates its greatest export:
Afterwards it’s a quick train ride back to Windsor.
Abandon all hope.
like the picture of the shopping trolley. the water is a nice shape.
November 25, 2009 @ 10:32 am
Staines is a marvellous place. It once was home to Ally G and Bobby Davro.
You may mock but lino is better than carpet and easier to clean.
Also once home to Jacksons night-club and the Greyhound Pub, it is the mecca for late beers and proper kebabs.
You’re most Welcome.
April 10, 2012 @ 7:21 pm
How very dare your, Sir! Hang your head in shame less me set Eric Young upon you. Why, do you not think that the fair maidens of the Staines “IBRAR” are entitled to the Sabbath as rest?
I assure you purchases from Cordells and Tracey’s Place would have brightened any visitor’s day. And did you not gaze upon the “Staines Stunna” who can turn the head of a statue no less? I think so….
Now away with you blaggard and do not darken the, Chav strewn, streets of Staines on Thames again.
April 11, 2012 @ 9:24 am
see you on the eastside…you’ll be getting it from the massive, now on your bike.
Museum…… I Reckon your hood do not even have av a skool wiv windows.
Ally G.
April 11, 2012 @ 5:53 pm
Erm excuse me but this is all wrong! How can you even say that about a place when you haven’t actually met the people or lived here! I’m only 15 but I’ve lived here my whole life and I’d want to stay here! Maybe the place you live might be more clean, and better looking but to be honest I’d rather be in a place like this then love in a town with a bunch of stuck up snobs!
November 9, 2013 @ 7:57 pm
Sorry
November 9, 2013 @ 8:39 pm