After leaving Oxford , we traveled via Reading a large town on the Thames river to Henley -on-Thames. What a delightful area. Spent the afternoon walking around the small town of Henley and relaxing.
Following day a 30 minute drive to see Windsor castle , the queens residence on most weekends and Charles favourite castle. Built in 1100’s it has been home to all the kings and queens since. We visited the state apartments which were amazing , the displays of weapons from years gone by to art, the architecture and furniture all truly amazing and the wealth over the top. Unfortunately no photos allowed to be taken inside. St Georges chapel, belonging to the castle was full of amazing architecture and the grave of Henry the 8th and the current queen’s parents . Among many others. Explored surrounding towns on the way home including Eton, Old Windsor , Slough and Maidenhead. Eton got up Johns nose, as all the school boys pranced around town in their suits and tails as their uniforms. This town more than any other showed the class divide that exists in England.
Our last day before returning to London was spent walking along the Thames to Hambelton Lock and the Flower and Pot inn for lunch, with a typical plowman’s lunch ordered to finish our English experience. The sun had finally come out in England and it after 45 days reminded us why we loved England in 2015. The long walk was very picturesque and the housing grand. The day’s long walk inspired another walk after dinner going the other way down the Thames. Canal boats everywhere and we were invited on to one canal boat that the gentleman had designed himself. What a great setup.
Come the 20th it was back to London and return our little hire car which had travel 1901 miles, (not kms ) in its ventures around England. It had served us well and ideal for the little lanes through Cornwall and Devon , even though some hills we did wondered whether the little gutless thing would make it to the top.
Last day in the Country is a day to Greenwich with Daniel and Tina.
To finish our blogs of England we have included some pictures of the worst and best of England. …Well from our experience.
The Worst, the weather!!!!
Driving in fog, rain and on narrow roads and the network of lanes which are so easy to get lost in , hedges everywhere on the narrow lanes.
The snow , cold and freezing weather for all but three days, plus muddy paths.
Always having to pay for parking everywhere.
Working how to use the showers, have never seen so many different plumbing systems
The Best,
castles and palaces plus the history. Millions of lovely cathedrals and quaint churches with steep towers.
The scenery, quaint harbour towns and cute Cotswold houses and thatched cottages scattered around the country.
To summarize
The accommodation in England is expensive but we share some lovely little cottages and also stayed in some , well especially one lethal room. we enjoyed the cottages and self care places the best.
Now to finish we should also mention our travel companions Ivana and Tony, thanks for you company and Tony you make a great curry.
