two weeks in England including a mini Fodor get together
Jul 4th, 2017, 07:03 PM
#21
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I am so glad you got to go. When DH was ill, we continued traveling. We even went to Venice for Carnevale, something that had been on our wish list for years.
I am looking forward to hearing more about your trip. I loved Canterbury, too.
I am looking forward to hearing more about your trip. I loved Canterbury, too.
Jul 5th, 2017, 12:28 PM
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Once we were settled into our room (twin bedded ensuite at the back, ground floor), we did a quick wash up and set out to explore. As we walked down to the West Gate, we saw a group selling rides on a punt. A punt is a flat bottomed boat propelled by a person with a pole. It looks easy enough, but I understand that most take a few tumbles into the water before getting the hang of it.
We opted for the hour and a half ride through the canals and river Stour. The narration was interesting and it was a relaxing start to our Canterbury stay.
The next morning at breakfast we asked for rec's for a car hire and the young man on duty not only gave us the name of a local garage, but let us use the phone at the bar to call. A very capable and friendly fellow set us up and we were off on the short walk to the garage.
It was a Saturday and we headed off to Sandwich, about an hour away. Sandwich was originally one of the Cinq ports--a bustling town. However when the port silted up, things quieted down. We chose this town as I grew up and now live in Sandwich MA.
We found some sort of street fair going on and wandered among the vendors of food, handcrafts, and general tourist stuff. Once we got away from the market area, the lanes and streets (including No Name St. with the No Name Shop) were quieter and less fraught with crowds. We made our way down to the river through the Tollbooth and just enjoyed the sights and sounds.
We stopped briefly in the tourist office in town hall where I enjoyed the exhibits of exchanges between my Sandwich and this old one. The exhibit included some drawings done by a classmate of mine who is a talented artist. (I used to admire her detail and neatness when we had to do maps for geography in School.)
I was beginning to flag so we did not stop at the Roman fort of Richborough which is right outside the town. I had been there on a previous trip and J was flagging as well. We got back to our Inn, found a parking spot on the street, paid up the parking fee, and went in to crash for a bit.
Later we went out to find supper and do a bit of wandering. Parking on the street was free after 6 p.m. and all day Sunday so we were good to go as far as the car went.
Sunday morning we were up in good time and off to Sissinghurst gardens. They were a delight! We enjoyed the formal beds and then went off around the pond for a walk in the woods of the conservation area and farmlands, where we saw sheep grazing. We climbed over an interesting gate. When one leaned on the top plank, it lowered one end onto the next one and then the bottom one so we could get obver.
Later we met part of the flock of sheep who had gotten out and were huddled under a tree. A disgruntled farmer drove up, muttering about people who would leave the gate open and let the sheep out. Interesting to watch him and his dog herd the sheep back into their proper field.
After lunch in the café, we were off to Great Dixter. We were all right on the main road and actually sighted one of the brown signs pointing to the place. However, that was the last we saw of any directions, but we ended up at Bodiam Castle and had a good visit there. The carp in the moat were huge!
By then I was definitely dead on my feet and we headed back to Canterbury, parked the car. I fell asleep while J went out for a wander on her own. She got some takeout fish and chips and brought them back. I was too tired to eat anything so she took them out to the patio to eat.
Speaking of a nap, need one now. Lots of family here over the holiday and my energy evaporates quickly.
We opted for the hour and a half ride through the canals and river Stour. The narration was interesting and it was a relaxing start to our Canterbury stay.
The next morning at breakfast we asked for rec's for a car hire and the young man on duty not only gave us the name of a local garage, but let us use the phone at the bar to call. A very capable and friendly fellow set us up and we were off on the short walk to the garage.
It was a Saturday and we headed off to Sandwich, about an hour away. Sandwich was originally one of the Cinq ports--a bustling town. However when the port silted up, things quieted down. We chose this town as I grew up and now live in Sandwich MA.
We found some sort of street fair going on and wandered among the vendors of food, handcrafts, and general tourist stuff. Once we got away from the market area, the lanes and streets (including No Name St. with the No Name Shop) were quieter and less fraught with crowds. We made our way down to the river through the Tollbooth and just enjoyed the sights and sounds.
We stopped briefly in the tourist office in town hall where I enjoyed the exhibits of exchanges between my Sandwich and this old one. The exhibit included some drawings done by a classmate of mine who is a talented artist. (I used to admire her detail and neatness when we had to do maps for geography in School.)
I was beginning to flag so we did not stop at the Roman fort of Richborough which is right outside the town. I had been there on a previous trip and J was flagging as well. We got back to our Inn, found a parking spot on the street, paid up the parking fee, and went in to crash for a bit.
Later we went out to find supper and do a bit of wandering. Parking on the street was free after 6 p.m. and all day Sunday so we were good to go as far as the car went.
Sunday morning we were up in good time and off to Sissinghurst gardens. They were a delight! We enjoyed the formal beds and then went off around the pond for a walk in the woods of the conservation area and farmlands, where we saw sheep grazing. We climbed over an interesting gate. When one leaned on the top plank, it lowered one end onto the next one and then the bottom one so we could get obver.
Later we met part of the flock of sheep who had gotten out and were huddled under a tree. A disgruntled farmer drove up, muttering about people who would leave the gate open and let the sheep out. Interesting to watch him and his dog herd the sheep back into their proper field.
After lunch in the café, we were off to Great Dixter. We were all right on the main road and actually sighted one of the brown signs pointing to the place. However, that was the last we saw of any directions, but we ended up at Bodiam Castle and had a good visit there. The carp in the moat were huge!
By then I was definitely dead on my feet and we headed back to Canterbury, parked the car. I fell asleep while J went out for a wander on her own. She got some takeout fish and chips and brought them back. I was too tired to eat anything so she took them out to the patio to eat.
Speaking of a nap, need one now. Lots of family here over the holiday and my energy evaporates quickly.
Jul 5th, 2017, 12:40 PM
#25
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Thanks for sacrificing some of your precious energy to share your experiences here. Well done.
And isn't Bodiam Castle great! We got the best pictures of a castle (with moat) on our visit there a few years back. Glad you had that serendipitous visit.
And isn't Bodiam Castle great! We got the best pictures of a castle (with moat) on our visit there a few years back. Glad you had that serendipitous visit.
Jul 6th, 2017, 07:39 AM
#26
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Tex, yes, Bodiam is wonderful. I was there nearly thirty years ago when I took my two oldest nephews to England. However, my friend had never been there and she was happy to visit and buy some "knights" for her grandsons.
The drive back to Canterbury was uneventful. After a nap for me, we went out for further exploration and supper.
Monday we returned the car early and avoided parking charges. We set out from the car hire place to visit the cathedral itself. Several school groups visiting, but well behaved middle-schoolers with their teachers.
I enjoyed our visit but was disappointed not to see the "cathedral cat" which I had read about somewhere.
Speaking of animals, we met lots of dogs out for a stroll with their owners, but only saw a couple of cats during the whole trip. Guess they must be inside cats these days.
Did some more wandering around the pedestrianized old city center. Supper at the "Bishop's Finger", a pub a few minutes walk from our Inn.
Tuesday we left early to catch a 7:30 train to London. Cooked breakfast was not until 8 but cold cereal, milk, juice, fruit, and bread near the toaster were laid out for us.
We had round trip tickets from London, but the ticket place kept spitting them back at us. Found someone who explained that these tickets were off peak ones and that we would have to buy peak tickets or wait until after 9 a.m. Since we needed to be in London by 9 for our train to Cornwall, we bought the tickets. We found someone at the station who said he could use the unused portion of our tickets so at least they didn't go to waste.
The train was very crowded as the announcement said that it was usually six cars but that morning it was only three! I was lucky as a generous gentleman gave up his seat to me. I think perhaps I was looking like an old lady by then.
It was off to St. Pancras/King's cross?, taxi to Paddington and 10 a.m. train to Penzance. Plenty of seats and we were on the good side for scenery--though I think there is no bad scenery on that trip. I was excited to go over the river at Plymouth and see us arrive in Cornwall. I was pointing out things excitedly to J who smiled and said I reminded her of the woman she met fifty years ago who was always so enthusiastic about new sights. (I had thought that she would think I was really a hick on that first trip and tried to contain my excitement then.)
We could have walked to the Queens Hotel as it is fairly level sidewalk and we each had rolling suitcases, but we took a taxi to save our energy for exploring. I had stayed at this hotel when I was here on another trip. (A mess up with my booking at a pub downtown had me staying there--at the same price I would have paid at the pub) It was more expensive than any of our other places, but I had such great memories of the place that I wanted to stay here again. The Queens is an old (well late 19th century) family run place. We had an ensuite twin bedded room with a sea view. The dining room also looks over the promenade and sea. It has tables with linen cloths and lovely food (at least to my humble palate).
After check in and a quick wash up, we were off to explore Penzance. We walked along the promenade and enjoyed the sea view and activity. As we walked along I saw the Stanley Guest House, where I knew Basingstoke and DW were to be staying. We nipped across the street and popped in the open front door. A friendly lady greeted us and I explained that we were to be meeting "friends" who were staying there, but that I didn't know their real names. Must have sounded strange to her, but she went through her guest list and said that an American couple were due to arrive later. We left my name and the Queens phone number.
J and I bought some post cards and a few other doodads downtown and visited the ATM. We wound up back at the station and I said that we needed to take a taxi back to the Queens. The first taxi at the taxi rank was our driver from earlier that afternoon! We had a nice chat with him.
After dropping our purchases and washing up, it was downstairs for dinner in the hotel dining room. We both had fish which was good with nice fresh vegetables. Back upstairs we had a phone call from Basingstoke and agreed to meet for supper the next evening.
The drive back to Canterbury was uneventful. After a nap for me, we went out for further exploration and supper.
Monday we returned the car early and avoided parking charges. We set out from the car hire place to visit the cathedral itself. Several school groups visiting, but well behaved middle-schoolers with their teachers.
I enjoyed our visit but was disappointed not to see the "cathedral cat" which I had read about somewhere.
Speaking of animals, we met lots of dogs out for a stroll with their owners, but only saw a couple of cats during the whole trip. Guess they must be inside cats these days.
Did some more wandering around the pedestrianized old city center. Supper at the "Bishop's Finger", a pub a few minutes walk from our Inn.
Tuesday we left early to catch a 7:30 train to London. Cooked breakfast was not until 8 but cold cereal, milk, juice, fruit, and bread near the toaster were laid out for us.
We had round trip tickets from London, but the ticket place kept spitting them back at us. Found someone who explained that these tickets were off peak ones and that we would have to buy peak tickets or wait until after 9 a.m. Since we needed to be in London by 9 for our train to Cornwall, we bought the tickets. We found someone at the station who said he could use the unused portion of our tickets so at least they didn't go to waste.
The train was very crowded as the announcement said that it was usually six cars but that morning it was only three! I was lucky as a generous gentleman gave up his seat to me. I think perhaps I was looking like an old lady by then.
It was off to St. Pancras/King's cross?, taxi to Paddington and 10 a.m. train to Penzance. Plenty of seats and we were on the good side for scenery--though I think there is no bad scenery on that trip. I was excited to go over the river at Plymouth and see us arrive in Cornwall. I was pointing out things excitedly to J who smiled and said I reminded her of the woman she met fifty years ago who was always so enthusiastic about new sights. (I had thought that she would think I was really a hick on that first trip and tried to contain my excitement then.)
We could have walked to the Queens Hotel as it is fairly level sidewalk and we each had rolling suitcases, but we took a taxi to save our energy for exploring. I had stayed at this hotel when I was here on another trip. (A mess up with my booking at a pub downtown had me staying there--at the same price I would have paid at the pub) It was more expensive than any of our other places, but I had such great memories of the place that I wanted to stay here again. The Queens is an old (well late 19th century) family run place. We had an ensuite twin bedded room with a sea view. The dining room also looks over the promenade and sea. It has tables with linen cloths and lovely food (at least to my humble palate).
After check in and a quick wash up, we were off to explore Penzance. We walked along the promenade and enjoyed the sea view and activity. As we walked along I saw the Stanley Guest House, where I knew Basingstoke and DW were to be staying. We nipped across the street and popped in the open front door. A friendly lady greeted us and I explained that we were to be meeting "friends" who were staying there, but that I didn't know their real names. Must have sounded strange to her, but she went through her guest list and said that an American couple were due to arrive later. We left my name and the Queens phone number.
J and I bought some post cards and a few other doodads downtown and visited the ATM. We wound up back at the station and I said that we needed to take a taxi back to the Queens. The first taxi at the taxi rank was our driver from earlier that afternoon! We had a nice chat with him.
After dropping our purchases and washing up, it was downstairs for dinner in the hotel dining room. We both had fish which was good with nice fresh vegetables. Back upstairs we had a phone call from Basingstoke and agreed to meet for supper the next evening.
Jul 6th, 2017, 10:49 AM
#28
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Maitai, I am honored that you would comment on my TR. It is nowhere as good as your wonderful ones! (I am following your most recent one.)
_________________
The next day we took a bus over to Mousehole. (The name looks as if it were pronounced like a rodent home, but it is actually mow' zl)
We were glad we didn't have a car as parking is tight and the streets are NARROW! We wandered exploring little lanes and wound up down at the harbor. Tide was out and many were enjoying the beach which was this exposed. J waded in and declared the water "bracing!". I didn't go in as I still felt cold much of the time and was in long sleeved top, sweater, and heavy sox.
Back to Penzance and caught an open topped bus to Maraizion, the jumping off point for Michael's Mount. The tide was receding and the causeway was visible but quite a bit of water still covered it, so it was out to catch the little boat (2 pounds) that runs visitors over to the house, gardens and little village.
The steps have no handrail, and I still have no idea what happened, but one minute I was upright and plodding along and in an instant I was down. Skinned my knee and tore my slacks. (I was maddest about the slacks as they were brand new for the trip.) Several kind folks stopped and helped me up and onto the boat/ I was very grateful!
As we landed, the boat men pointed out the first aid station. A kind man on duty cleaned up the scrape and bandaged my knee.
Then it was off to the café to catch my breath and say a silent prayer of thanks that no major damage had been done. I had scones and J had a Cornish pasty (rhymes with nasty). I had a bite of her pasty and it was delicious! Wished I had ordered one, but couldn't eat another bite after the scones.
The gardens are beautiful! Unfortunately many of the paths on the steep hillside have no handrails. I finally had to give in when we found a pleasant seat in the sun. J went on for further exploring while I sat and soaked up the warmth. By the time we were ready to return to the mainland, the tide was out and we walked over the causeway.
_________________
The next day we took a bus over to Mousehole. (The name looks as if it were pronounced like a rodent home, but it is actually mow' zl)
We were glad we didn't have a car as parking is tight and the streets are NARROW! We wandered exploring little lanes and wound up down at the harbor. Tide was out and many were enjoying the beach which was this exposed. J waded in and declared the water "bracing!". I didn't go in as I still felt cold much of the time and was in long sleeved top, sweater, and heavy sox.
Back to Penzance and caught an open topped bus to Maraizion, the jumping off point for Michael's Mount. The tide was receding and the causeway was visible but quite a bit of water still covered it, so it was out to catch the little boat (2 pounds) that runs visitors over to the house, gardens and little village.
The steps have no handrail, and I still have no idea what happened, but one minute I was upright and plodding along and in an instant I was down. Skinned my knee and tore my slacks. (I was maddest about the slacks as they were brand new for the trip.) Several kind folks stopped and helped me up and onto the boat/ I was very grateful!
As we landed, the boat men pointed out the first aid station. A kind man on duty cleaned up the scrape and bandaged my knee.
Then it was off to the café to catch my breath and say a silent prayer of thanks that no major damage had been done. I had scones and J had a Cornish pasty (rhymes with nasty). I had a bite of her pasty and it was delicious! Wished I had ordered one, but couldn't eat another bite after the scones.
The gardens are beautiful! Unfortunately many of the paths on the steep hillside have no handrails. I finally had to give in when we found a pleasant seat in the sun. J went on for further exploring while I sat and soaked up the warmth. By the time we were ready to return to the mainland, the tide was out and we walked over the causeway.
Jul 6th, 2017, 01:41 PM
#29
Loving reading about your Cornish [and other] adventures, though I'm sorry about the fall. Sounds as if you were well looked after though.
I'm intrigued by what you say about the Queen's Hotel - it's always struck me as looking a tad down at heel but perhaps I have misunderestimated it and I'm glad you enjoyed staying there.
I'm intrigued by what you say about the Queen's Hotel - it's always struck me as looking a tad down at heel but perhaps I have misunderestimated it and I'm glad you enjoyed staying there.
Jul 7th, 2017, 05:48 AM
#31
Don't get me started on the pronunciation of Cornish place names - they are a real trap for the unwary.
Within 10 or so miles of here we have:
Goonhaven [Goon'aven with a short A as in cavern]
Illogan [IllUgan with a hard G]
Perranzabuloe [PerranZEbele]
Restronget [as it looks with the emphasis on the second syllable and a hard G - no fancy french accents please]
Porthallow [Praller]
Porthoustock [P'rowstock, as in bow wow]
Launceston –[Lawn-stun in English but usually “Lan-sen” in Cornish with the emphasis so much on the first syllable that the second one is as short as you can make it]
and Mousehole [Mow'sel] of course.
Within 10 or so miles of here we have:
Goonhaven [Goon'aven with a short A as in cavern]
Illogan [IllUgan with a hard G]
Perranzabuloe [PerranZEbele]
Restronget [as it looks with the emphasis on the second syllable and a hard G - no fancy french accents please]
Porthallow [Praller]
Porthoustock [P'rowstock, as in bow wow]
Launceston –[Lawn-stun in English but usually “Lan-sen” in Cornish with the emphasis so much on the first syllable that the second one is as short as you can make it]
and Mousehole [Mow'sel] of course.
Jul 7th, 2017, 05:51 PM
#34
This is the first I have heard of your fall. I am glad there was no injury that would ruin your trip. I can attest to others reading this that it did not seem to hinder your walking. I am very much enjoying the prequel to our mini gtg. Looking forward to reading about your entire journey.
Jul 8th, 2017, 04:33 AM
#35
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Bas, it takes more than a fall to slow me down! (However, I must admit that I didn't keep my usual pace this trip.) Besides we had more interesting things to talk about at dinner than little incident earlier in the day!
After the short bus ride back to the Queens, it was time for a nap for me to prepare for our evening GTG with Basingstoke and DW. Did a quick clean up and went downstairs to meet Basingstoke and wife who arrived at six on the dot as arranged.
We sat for a bit and chatted before we set out for the Dolphin. It was an easy walk on level sidewalk. At first they told us that without reservations it would be a bit of a wait for a table, but one opened up fairly quickly.
Food was good and conversation even better. We ranged from topics of travel to all sorts of things (former jobs, the joys of retirement, etc.). About 10 the party broke up. Not once had we felt hurried by the staff--one of the joys of dining out abroad. Nice walk back to the Queens as we watched the lingering light in the night sky. We said good bye at the door.
J and I felt relaxed and pleased to have met some new friends that evening. Thanks again, Bas and DW, or such a lovely treat!
After the short bus ride back to the Queens, it was time for a nap for me to prepare for our evening GTG with Basingstoke and DW. Did a quick clean up and went downstairs to meet Basingstoke and wife who arrived at six on the dot as arranged.
We sat for a bit and chatted before we set out for the Dolphin. It was an easy walk on level sidewalk. At first they told us that without reservations it would be a bit of a wait for a table, but one opened up fairly quickly.
Food was good and conversation even better. We ranged from topics of travel to all sorts of things (former jobs, the joys of retirement, etc.). About 10 the party broke up. Not once had we felt hurried by the staff--one of the joys of dining out abroad. Nice walk back to the Queens as we watched the lingering light in the night sky. We said good bye at the door.
J and I felt relaxed and pleased to have met some new friends that evening. Thanks again, Bas and DW, or such a lovely treat!
Jul 8th, 2017, 11:48 AM
#37
<...to meet Basingstoke and wife who arrived at six on the dot as arranged.>>
Punctuality is our strength. The evening was fun and we both enjoyed it - there is very little that can beat good food and drink with good company.
Punctuality is our strength. The evening was fun and we both enjoyed it - there is very little that can beat good food and drink with good company.
Jul 16th, 2017, 11:26 AM
#39
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One more day in Cornwall! another one full of sunshine and clear weather.
Once again we hopped aboard an open top double-decker bus to take us to St. Ives. Wonderful trip through the countryside. The bus parking and turnaround space is up above St. Ives and one walks down into the town and harbor.
We took our time and enjoyed the flower boxes, shops selling all sorts of tourist stuff and just the pleasantness of the town. As we came to the harbor, we saw a booth selling tickets for a boatride to see seals and maybe dolphins. Bought our tickets and, as the tide was out, wandered around to the end of the pier to catch the "Little Mermaid". Because the tide was out, lots of beach was exposed and there were many out enjoying the sun and sand.
When the boat came in to pick up its passengers, the operators explained that the sea was quite choppy and if one were prone to seasickness, it was time to take your medicine. There were about fourteen passengers on the little boat and all were ready for the ride.
There were fairly large swells as we rode along, but nothing worse than a ride at an amusement park (well not counting rollercoasters and such). We got out toward the island but could not get in close because of the sea. We saw no seals or dolphins and the trip was shorter than the advertised hour and a half (lasted about an hour), but it was worth it to be out on the ocean and sea the villages from another view point.
We stopped in a fudge shop and then found a café for lunch. I ordered a Cornish pasty, but it was nowhere as good as the one J had on Michaels Mount. Oh, well. Watched a family of badly behaved Americans and cringed.
Back to Penzance and an amble through town. I went off for a nap and J went to check out a garden which she said was lovely. Supper at our hotel.
The next morning our gull friend was back on the windowsill. We checked out and took a taxi to the train station where AutoEurope has its office. We picked up our rental car and headed off to Wells. We took our time, stopped for lunch and to take pictures of the countryside.
Wells Cathedral (along with Ely) are my two favorite cathedrals in England. Of course, I've only seen twenty so maybe, if I had time before shuffling off this mortal coil, I might see one that would grab me more. Don't ask me to explain why I have this feeling; it's just one of those things that has no concrete basis and just is.
We arrived in Wells midafternoon and found our B&B. Another glitch. For some reason we did not get the email which gave the code for getting into the lockbox with the key. J went knocking on doors and two doors down, the lady of the house welcomed us. She said she knew the owners and that we could come in and phone them. It worked.
Actually #2 Park view was a cottage. Downstairs fully equipped kitchen, dining area and living room with tv. Upstairs two bedrooms (one twin and one double bed). Immaculately clean and charming décor. Outside back garden with chairs and table. Clothesline, so we did handwash things. There was a washing machine, but no directions and we couldn't figure out the dials and knobs. A five minute walk took us to the grocery store where we stocked up on goodies and breakfast stuff.
More later.
Once again we hopped aboard an open top double-decker bus to take us to St. Ives. Wonderful trip through the countryside. The bus parking and turnaround space is up above St. Ives and one walks down into the town and harbor.
We took our time and enjoyed the flower boxes, shops selling all sorts of tourist stuff and just the pleasantness of the town. As we came to the harbor, we saw a booth selling tickets for a boatride to see seals and maybe dolphins. Bought our tickets and, as the tide was out, wandered around to the end of the pier to catch the "Little Mermaid". Because the tide was out, lots of beach was exposed and there were many out enjoying the sun and sand.
When the boat came in to pick up its passengers, the operators explained that the sea was quite choppy and if one were prone to seasickness, it was time to take your medicine. There were about fourteen passengers on the little boat and all were ready for the ride.
There were fairly large swells as we rode along, but nothing worse than a ride at an amusement park (well not counting rollercoasters and such). We got out toward the island but could not get in close because of the sea. We saw no seals or dolphins and the trip was shorter than the advertised hour and a half (lasted about an hour), but it was worth it to be out on the ocean and sea the villages from another view point.
We stopped in a fudge shop and then found a café for lunch. I ordered a Cornish pasty, but it was nowhere as good as the one J had on Michaels Mount. Oh, well. Watched a family of badly behaved Americans and cringed.
Back to Penzance and an amble through town. I went off for a nap and J went to check out a garden which she said was lovely. Supper at our hotel.
The next morning our gull friend was back on the windowsill. We checked out and took a taxi to the train station where AutoEurope has its office. We picked up our rental car and headed off to Wells. We took our time, stopped for lunch and to take pictures of the countryside.
Wells Cathedral (along with Ely) are my two favorite cathedrals in England. Of course, I've only seen twenty so maybe, if I had time before shuffling off this mortal coil, I might see one that would grab me more. Don't ask me to explain why I have this feeling; it's just one of those things that has no concrete basis and just is.
We arrived in Wells midafternoon and found our B&B. Another glitch. For some reason we did not get the email which gave the code for getting into the lockbox with the key. J went knocking on doors and two doors down, the lady of the house welcomed us. She said she knew the owners and that we could come in and phone them. It worked.
Actually #2 Park view was a cottage. Downstairs fully equipped kitchen, dining area and living room with tv. Upstairs two bedrooms (one twin and one double bed). Immaculately clean and charming décor. Outside back garden with chairs and table. Clothesline, so we did handwash things. There was a washing machine, but no directions and we couldn't figure out the dials and knobs. A five minute walk took us to the grocery store where we stocked up on goodies and breakfast stuff.
More later.
Jul 16th, 2017, 12:09 PM
#40
so glad you were able to enjoy so much of our good weather, irishface. I've never done the bus trip to St Ives but you almost make me want to hop on board. I should add for the sake of others that you can also get the train by taking the main line train to St Erth and then changing onto the branch line to St Ives.
Also I agree about Wells Cathedral - it is stunning and the setting is so terrific too. Did you see the Bishop's Palace? so lovely.
Also I agree about Wells Cathedral - it is stunning and the setting is so terrific too. Did you see the Bishop's Palace? so lovely.
