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Earlier this week my husband decided we should go ahead and go because you only celebrate twenty years together once! So - the tickets are bought and we've borrowed every travel book on the UK from the library and now the fun part begins. We've decided we won't be staying in London; rather we will rent a car and drive up to Scotland and back, stopping at various castles, cathedrals and villages along the way. Being the planners that we are, I am in the process of putting together my "long list" of places I want to see which we will then plot on a map and see what we think we can reasonably do in the 10 days that we'll have. If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to give them!!
In about six weeks, we'll be on our way...
Hi Daphne, I read your blog every day and really enjoy it. I've never posted to it before. I'm incredibly excited for you. I am British by birth (living in the US since my early teens) and my husband and I return to a different part of Britain every couple years. Here are some of the highlights as far as I'm concerned:
1. We stayed at the Godolphin Arms in Marizion in Cornwall. The Inn looks out over St. Michaels Mount, which is out in the bay. You can walk over to the island in low tide, in high tide the only way to get out there is by boat. The views from the inn are incredible. Make sure you get a room with a view.
2. We have stayed at Amberley Castle several times in the past. Amberley is a few hours from London. It's very atmospheric - the walls of the Castle date from the 1200's and the rooms are lovely. The last time that we went we booked the least expensive room and they upgraded us to the Arundel Suite which has two bathrooms and a fireplace. The grounds are great to walk around. Make sure you book a room inside the walls.
3. We've stayed at the Old Mill hotel in Harnham, Salisbury a few times. Parts of the Mill date from the 1200's and there is an incredible, peaceful path that takes you into Salisbury from the Mill past Salisbury Cathedral. We always start our vacation there as it is only about 50 miles from London, and a short drive since we're always sleep-deprived when we arrive.
4. Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness is definitely worth a visit, although it's quite a drive.
Well - I have to stop here and get to work. I'd be happy to give more suggestions when I have time if you give me more of an idea where you are planning on going. If you'd like more ideas send me an email at susan.willis@verizon.net.
Susan
August 26, 2010 5:13 AM
I always say to anyone visiting the UK who is interested in history: 'Don't miss Haddon Hall in Derbyshire!' Unspoiled medieval castle/home. The best I have seen for authenticity (not altered by subsequent generations too much, in other words).
Have fun!
August 26, 2010 5:26 AM
My favorite part of the UK is York, by far. It's such a charming city and has so much left that is genuinely historical and fascinating. I'd recommend York Minster and the York Castle Museum if you do end up going there, but it's also fun to just have a walk around and look at all the timber framed houses. =)
August 26, 2010 6:47 AM
Oh how wonderful! I am envious! I'm still hoping to be able to plan a trip to England in late February!
My to see list includes Hampton Court Palace, Windor, York, Bosworth Battlefield, and Jane Austen's home in Chawton. And of course some of the usual sites in London!
Hope you have a fantastic time!!
August 26, 2010 10:22 AM
Can't help you on the travel advice, but make sure to leave plenty of room to complete your EC collection :)
August 26, 2010 11:31 AM
Thanks everyone for the great ideas! My "long list" is getting very, very long and I have a feeling we will want to go see more places than we will have the time or the money for.
Misfit - I think I already have most of them (thanks to the Book Depository!!).
August 29, 2010 11:38 AM
Lucky girl. Do you think there will be room in that suitcase for me?
August 29, 2010 8:44 PM
Have a wonderful anniversary and vacation! I studied abroad in Wales and absolutely loved it. There's castles there too!
September 1, 2010 1:42 PM