England

We flew into London, via Abu Dhabi, arriving about 1pm, after 21 hours of flying.    We hired a car, and headed for our first stop, Salisbury.   Stayed at a small B&B on the south side.    We were supposed to stay in the inn next door, but they did not have our booking, but arranged for us to stay next door.   Ate at the inn, and then collapsed into bed.   The next morning we walked into town, past the sheep and the cathedral.

Then back in the car, and drove to Newquay in Cornwall.   We had chosen to go to Cornwall to revisit places we had been to 40 years before. 

We did an expedition  to Boscastle and Tintagel.   Boscastle was much the same as we remembered.    Thought we should be staying at the YHA there.   Tintagel was now much more controlled, with an admission fee.  And the option of a labdrover trip back up the hill.   £2 well spent.

Went through Pt Isaac late in the afternoon, Doc Marten country, but did not stop.   The closer parking was all full, and the only car park available  was a long way out.   If it had been earlier we would have visited.   All these car parks are charged, an easy way to get rid of a few pounds.

The next day we headed south, to Porthleven, a beautiful village with a quaint harbour.   Then on to Penzance for lunch.   St Ives was too busy, so we went to the lighthouse at Godrevy, a half hour walk from the car park.   Lovely views, watched the surfers.

Glad we were in Cornwall early in the season, can't imagine how crowded it gets in summer.

We left Newquay and headed north to Clovelly, a tiny walking village, with cobbled streets.   This still looks the same, but apparently it is all owned by one squire, who rents out accommodation to locals, and keeps it as a working village.      Spent the night in Bridgwater.

The following day we travelled through the Cotswalds, found Midsomer Norton, a rather large and ugly town, and Corston.    Much prettier.   Lots of picturesque villages.    At Cheltenham we saw the old hotel ( de la Bere) where Peter used to stay for work, now a very fancy place with a fancy name (Ellenborough Park).   Then headed to Cambridge.   We found Grantchester  on the outskirts of Cambridge, still a village.

After a walk through Cambridge, we headed to Beccles on the Norfolk Broads to visit our friend Trevor.   Went to the beach at Great Yarmouth on the way.   Rocks and sea fog.   Not very hospitable.

It has been a great visit to England.    We went way too far in the time allocated, but enjoyed revisiting some old favourite places, and catching up with friends.