Day 30 - London

Last day today.  Ready to get back. 

Went to the British Museum to start the day.  If you only go to one museum in your life, this is probably the one.  Huge, great stuff.  Can't be done in one day.  Lots of stuff to enjoy once you have wrapped your head around the fact that a lot of it was stolen, plundered or pillaged.

On to the Museum of London.  An excellent museum that traces the history of the city right from prehistoric days.  Very interesting and can be done in a couple of hours if you're pressed for time.

That's it.  Dinner and packing for home tonight.

Day 29 - London

Went to the London Zoo today.  Good zoo, not outstanding, though.  Easy walk.  My general sense is that the enclosures are too small.  Toronto Zoo is much more spacious.  Beautiful weather for walking around.

Walked around a lot today, just looking at things and enjoying the day.

Had dinner in the Docklands and took the ferry back after dark to see the city at night.

Got home just before a huge thunderstorm hit.

Day 28 - London

An early start today to visit St. Paul's Cathedral.  A big, impressive church to be sure, but far from my favorite.  Plus, they charge more than 25 CAD to go in.  A lot of famous churches are free.  No photos allowed.  If you've seen the churches in Italy and/or France, I'd pass on this one.

That was followed by a visit to the Churchill War Rooms.  This is definitely one of the things you should do in London.  This is the actual space that was created for the government and military to command the war effort during WWII.  Not a re-creation, but the actual rooms.  It also includes a Churchill museum and a ton of WWII history.  Loved it.

A few thoughts on England and London with only two days left in our journey:

• If you are anywhere near the coast, it's colder than you think.  Always damp and always windy.  Dress appropriately.
• Englanders think that if it's 12C or warmer and sunny, then it's summer.  Shorts and short sleeves.  It's not.  They are all nuts here.  Dress appropriately.
• Country roads are really, really narrow.  Drivers know this and are courteous about pulling to the side to let you by.  Most roads are lined with hedges.  If you pull over to let someone by, STOP MOVING.  You will scratch you car and you will get dinged by the rental company if you keep moving when against a hedge.
• This is the first country I've visited where you can consistently get a good hamburger.  Surprising.
• Make sure you have at least 50P in your pocket at all times.  Pay toilets.  Enough said.
• There aren't nearly as many Indian restaurants in London as TV would lead you to believe.  The ones they do have are good, and have things on the menu you've never heard of.
• Most everything here opens late and closes early.  Even in London.  Except for pubs and restaurants.  Don't plan on shopping before 10 AM or after 5 PM.  Or on Sunday and bank holidays.
• Vehicles will always stop for you IF you are in a marked, lighted crosswalk.  Otherwise, you are simply a target.  Especially to a cabbie.  You have been warned.
• It is possible to have a good transit system.  If we had one like London's, I'd use it all the time.  It is pricey, though.  A single ride is about 4.25 CAD in the central area.  Prices vary by distance and time of day.  An annual pass will run you about 2,500 CAD if you live and work near central London.  Can get up to close to 5,000 CAD if you live a ways out.
• England is pricey.  Sticker prices of almost everything here look very much like they do at home.  But they are in GBP, not CAD.  They do, however, include taxes in the posted price.  And tipping isn't usually done here.
• A single order of fish and chips at a "chippie" will usually feed two people.  You can get half orders.  Consider it.
• There are no large supermarkets in central London, but they do a great job on prepackaged take home meals for one or two people.  So much so that it seems that everyone who lives here must buy these all the time.  There are entire sections in the stores dedicated to these meals.

Day 27 - London

Today was Tower Day. 

Started off early at the Tower of London.  It's a bit of a misnomer, as the tallest building is only 4 stories.  Hardly a tower.  It's more of a castle.  Having said that, there are 21 different named towers within the Tower of London.  Maybe it should be the Towers of London.  In any case, it's a cool place and one of the must do places in London.  Lots of interesting things to see, including some fantastic old weapons and armour.  Great history here.

Moved on to the Tower Bridge.  Moderately interesting, especially the Engine Room tour.

Finished off at the Borough Market.

A few new photos here.

Day 26 - London

Up early today to walk the canal from Little Venice to the Camden Market.  A nice walk, although quite cool, where you can see canal boats, some seedy sections, some ultra rich areas and part of the London Zoo.

Camden Market is very touristy, with loads of mass produced merchandise and very little in the way of original stuff.  It does have a unique setting and layout and is easy to get lost in the maze of streets and tunnels.  But, if you want a market with original stuff and/or real antiques, this is not the place.

On to the RAF Museum.  It doesn't officially open until June, so there are some teething problems.  It needs more signage and some displays aren't ready yet.  But we did get in, and it has some great planes to look at.  It's good, but it will get better.  Worth a visit if you like this sort of thing.

Day 25 - London

We spent the day at Windsor Castle.  Much to our surprise, we missed the wedding.  I could have sworn the invite said Tuesday.

It's a beautiful castle, worth the visit.  No photos allowed inside, though, so I can't show you the good stuff.  The little town of Windsor is basically one pedestrian shopping street and a small mall.  A place to kill an hour or so.

A short rest and then we visited the Sky Garden, for a view of London from up in the sky.  A different look, and it's free.

Day 24 - London

Started the day with a tour of Royal Albert Hall.  It's likely that you've seen this place on TV, but TV doesn't do it justice.  It is quite spectacular.  A must do if you visit London.

After that we spent a few hours at the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Some interesting stuff, but not my favourite museum.

Wandered around Soho for a while after that.  Walked up Carnaby Street.  It used to be a thing, but it isn't anymore.

Day 23 - London

Another very sunny day today.  We spent the day in Greenwich.  First stop was the Painted Hall ceiling tour.  It's an up close look at a massive art conservation project.  Read the link.  It's an impressive work.  Then we toured the Cutty Sark.  On to the Royal Observatory, home of the Meridian Line.  Finally, a stop at the Maritime Museum before catching the ferry back to London.  Some new photos here.

Day 22 - London

The play last night was excellent.  A little too long, at three hours plus.  Despite the late night, we had a full day today.  Beautiful weather. 

We started the day at the Portobello Market.  Interesting, lots to see.  After that, we split up with everyone but me going to Kensington Palace.

I went off on my own to see:

• Big Ben
• London Eye
• Houses of Parliament
• 10 Downing Street
• Westminster Abbey
• St. James Park
• Buckingham Palace
• Hyde Park

Seems like a lot, but they're all pretty close together.  After that, Michele and I met up and went to Covent Garden.

Day 22 - London

Today we leave the countryside for London.  It's been an excellent trip so far, aside from a little bad weather to start.  It's a very pretty country.  But, it's time to move on to the big city.

We can hear..., so we'll be on the.... .  Actually we'll be on a train from Liverpool.  There will be lots to do, because we all know that.... .  We'll be staying.... , so we might visit....  or.... .  We might bump into some.... .

Off to the theatre tonight to see The Ferryman.  Our tickets to the wedding haven't arrived, so we may have the day free tomorrow.  We'll see.

Day 21 - Parkgate

We spent the day in the wonderful city of Chester.  A truly magical city.  It's like you are transported back to Tudor times.  Wonderful architecture.  Definitely worth a visit.

Day 20 - Parkgate

Rainy and overcast this morning.  Took a day trip into Liverpool.  Visited the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the British Music Experience, the Beatles Story and the Cavern Club.  I think the Beatles Story was the best.  You may have seen my Facebook post about living a real life nursery rhyme.  The highlight of today was living a real life song.  And, one of my favourite songs to boot.  Took the Ferry Cross the Mersey.  There are some new pics here, but not a lot since our internet is really slow here.  Took 4 hours to upload 6 photos.

Day 19 - Parkgate

Spent the entire day today taking a car trip into Wales.  Basically we circumnavigated Snowdonia National Park.  The scenery is much, much different here.  We saw mountains, moors, mining areas and beaches all in one day.  Quite interesting.

Day 18 - Parkgate

A long driving day today with a few stops along the way.  We visited Witley Court first.  Quite spectacular, with beautiful gardens.  A look into what life was like for the wealthy at the turn of the century.  On to Stokesay Castle, which isn't really a castle at all, even though it has a moat.  Amazingly preserved and original.  Finally, the Iron Bridge.  Unfortunately, it's under renovation, so you can't see much.  Then on to our residence for the next four days before London, Backwood Hall.  Dinner with an old friend.

Day 17 - Cotswolds

An excellent day today.  We started with a quick visit to Cheltenham, but the highlight of the day was Walks With Hawks.  Up close and personal with three owls, a hawk, a kestrel and an eagle.  We got to handle them and they flew around and landed on our outstretched arms.  Quite an experience!  We ended the day with a short hike to Belas Knap.

Day 16 - Cotswolds

Just a little touring around today.  We visited Chipping Campden first.  Sleepy town, not much going on.  Judging from the houses, lots of money here.  Then on to Broadway Tower, the tower with no apparent purpose.  Learned about the Royal Observer Corps and ventured into a nuclear war bunker.  Last visit was to Bibury.  Very pretty town.  Finished off the day with a hike through 4 fields, a golf course and over two hills to the Black Horse Inn.  Tried to get an Uber to get back, but alas, it was not to be.

Look who I ran into in the nuclear bunker.

Day 15 - Cotswolds

Cool and windy today, but dry.  Slow day today, as yesterday was so long.  Visited a few of the local towns, starting with Bourton-on-the-Water.  Very pretty little town - quite touristy, but in a good way.  We visited the Cotswold Motoring Museum.  It is surprisingly good.  After, we visited the towns of Naunton and The Slaughters (Upper and Lower).  Then back home for what should be an early night.

Day 14 - Cotswolds

A long day today.  Left Bath at 7:30 AM and didn't get to our new accommodations in the Cotswolds until after 10:30 PM.  About 4.5 hours of driving included.

Our first stop was at Bletchley Park, the home of the codebreakers during WWII.  Certainly a tremendously important place historically and a fascinating story, but the presentation was somewhat lacking.  Confusing, with a lot of repetition.  Still, an interesting visit.

The highlight of the day for me was an after hours visit to the Mercedes F1 plant in Brackley.  Thanks to David Scott, the brother of one of our traveling companions for arranging the tour.  David works for the Mercedes F1 team.  We got to see a lot of the manufacturing processes and touch and feel many things.  As I'm sure you will understand, photos are banned except for the lobby area.  You'll have to take my word that the place is amazing.  Many $$$ in this place.  We even got to see the race weekend support room.  It houses about three dozen people and looks like a NASA control room.  They are all connected in real time to the cars, the pits, the racetrack, wherever the team is racing at the time.  Monitoring everything.  Amazing.

We arrived late at our next stop, Aylworth Manor.

Check out new pics here, including my Mercedes F1 team hat signed by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas (thanks David).

Day 13 - Bath

A quieter day today.  In the morning we went to the Holborne Museum.  Nice, not spectacular, free.  Then we took a walk to Lansdown Crescent, another example of the magnificent curved terraces of Bath.  There are spectacular views over the city and a field with sheep grazing in front.

That took us to lunch at Boston Tea Party.  We chose this place because it was close to the Assembly Rooms, which we wanted to visit.  There was a large group of young women in uniforms at the restaurant, appearing to dine with their families.  We thought they might be nurses, celebrating graduation.  A quick chat with the woman seated next to us gave us the real story.  They were from Norland College, which is a school for nannies.  But not just any nanny school.  This is apparently THE nanny school.  Royal families get their nannies here.  It's a three year program and graduates get a B.A. (Hons.) degree.  And it's not cheap.  About 15,000 GBP per year.  Who knew?

Anyway, as it turns out, the nannies spoiled our Assembly Room plans as they had the entire place booked for their graduation.

After lunch we all split up and did our own thing.  Michele and Cheryl had High Tea at Sally Lunn's.

Bath is somewhere you could spend a lot of time.  Lots to do and very beautiful.  If you come to England, you really should visit Bath.

Day 12 - Bath

Today we took a day trip to the city of Wells, the smallest city in England.  We visited the Wells Cathedral, which may be the most attractive church I've ever visited.  We also did the High Parts tour, which takes you behind the walls and up into the ceilings of the cathedral.  A real behind-the-scenes visit.  Very interesting.  Before we left for home, we walked up Vicars Close, the oldest residential street with all original buildings still intact, in all of Europe.

I added a few pics, plus a video that shows the Roman bath springs still functioning after 2000 years.  All original,

Day 11 - Bath

We visited the Roman Baths this morning.  A very interesting site.

After that we did a two hour walking tour of Bath with Jack Smith, a very entertaining and informative guide.  He had many good stories about the history of Bath and its buildings.  He showed us Royal Crescent, which is a collection of thirty very expensive homes.  All connected, they are referred to as a terrace.  There are 8 similar terraces around Bath.  Lots of money here.  Around 4,000,000 GBP each.

Take a look at this house.  Notice how some windows are bricked in.  You see a lot of that around here.  It has to do with the window tax that England and Wales had in the 1700s and 1800s.  Instead of an income tax, homeowners were taxed on the number of windows they had in their house.  So people just bricked in windows to pay less tax.  Also, notice that on the first and second floors, two of the windows have been moved closer to the other window than they were initially.  That's because if windows were less than 12 inches apart, they were only counted as one window.  Some think that the window tax was the origin of the phrase "daylight robbery".

A nod to the English in general, who realize instantly that when they have called us Americans, they have offended us.  They all seem to know it.  Thanks for the apologies.  Sorry to my American friends, but I'm sure you understand.

We ended the day with a visit to Bath Abbey and a Tower Tour.

Another perfect weather day.

Day 10 - Bath

Another beautiful day today.  Drove to Bath, perhaps the most historic city in England.  Just spent the day walking around taking in the sights.  Lots to see and do here.  Just don't try to find a parking spot on a bank holiday weekend.  Had a traditional roast beef and yorkshire pudding dinner at The Crystal Palace.  A few new pics posted here.

Day 9 - Bournemouth

Today we traveled to Lyme Regis.  It's on the Jurassic Coast and is famous for its beaches that are covered with fossils.  Today was also the first day of the Fossil Festival.  We took a two hour walking tour to discover some local history and look for fossils.

On the way we stopped at the Abbotsbury Swannery.  Yes, that's a word.

After we returned to Bournemouth, we took a walk on the Boscombe Pier.

Day 8 - Bournemouth

Beautiful day today.  Sunshine and 15C.  Today we explored some areas of the Jurassic Coast.

First stop was Lulworth Cove, where we walked around the town, hiked to the Lulworth Rocks, had lunch and ice cream.  Before we left Lulworth, we hiked (quite difficult) to the Durdle Door.

After lunch it was on to Corfe Castle.  It's pretty much in ruins now, but you can still see how impressive it must have been.  This is probably my favorite castle so far.

Our last stop was a hike to Old Harry Rocks.  Unquestionably the best return on your hiking investment.  It's a pretty easy hike with spectacular views at the end.

Stopped in Studland (uh huh...Studland) for a pint at Bankes Arms before catching the ferry back to Bournemouth.  Tiring day, more than 22,500 steps.  But beautiful weather for being outside.

Day 7 - Bournemouth

Good day today.  Sunshine and nice weather.  Today was all about large rocks and druids.  First we went to Stonehenge.  It's pretty much what you think it is.  A bunch of very large stones arranged in a series of circles for no particular reason.  Because it all happened so long ago, no one knows why it was done or how it was done.  It's impressive and fascinating.

Interesting fact about Stonehenge.  It's not a henge.  Nor does it have anything to do with druids.  Druids didn't appear until 1,000 years after it was built.

Next stop was Woodhenge.  Yup, there is a Woodhenge.  Not terribly impressive.

After that was Avebury.  The largest stone circle in Britain.  Impressive.  Not Stonehenge-impressive, but still good.  Had lunch at The Red Lion.  Excellent food and it's haunted.  And has an actual well inside the pub.  After lunch we went to the Alexander Keiller Museum.

Then on to Silbury Hill.  Another place that has no explanation.  If you look at the photo closely, you can see a deer right on the top of the hill.

Finally, back to Stonehenge for an after hours special visit.  Normally, no one gets to go close to the stones.  But, if you are fortunate, you can book a private after hours visit.  They only allow 30 people per visit.  We got to walk among the stones for about an hour.

New photos can be seen here.

Day 6 - Bournemouth

A long drive today through driving rain to Portsmouth, where we visited the Dockyard.  Spent the whole day here.  Toured the Warrior as well as the Victory, the most famous warship in England's history.  This was Nelson's ship at the Battle of Trafalgar.  Both very impressive.  Also toured the Royal Navy Museum, which is really three museums in one.  Then completed the drive to Bournemouth, which we are using for a base for the next 4 days.

Day 5 - Canterbury

Awoke to sunny skies this morning.  Only 2C, but still sunny.  I think it got to about 12 or 13.  Full day today.  We started in Whitstable, a funky little seaside town.  Just wandered about, checking out the sights.  Next stop was Reculver Towers, just along the coast.  After that, we made our way to Ramsgate, where we had lunch at the Royal Victoria Pavilion.  Then on to the Richborough Roman Fort.  Impressive place, and a very important historical spot.  This is where the Roman invasion of England all began.  Finally, we ended with about 2 hours of hiking along the White Cliffs of Dover.  Still sunny, but very cool and super windy.  About a 2 hour hike.  Ended the day with dinner at the Old City Bar.  Totally exhausted.  On the road tomorrow morning at 7 A.M., so it will be an early night.

Day 4 - Canterbury

Miserable day today.  Currently 6C with a windchill of 1C.  Solid rain all day.  We were supposed to hike the trail along the cliffs of Dover today, but the weather was just too bad.  So we went to Deal Castle (excellent - by the way), Walmer Castle and the Roman Museum in Canterbury.  Just picked up dinner at Marks and Spencer and tucking in for the evening.  Supposed to be much nicer tomorrow.  Here's hoping.