“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” Lewis Caroll, English author, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”
Hear ye, hear ye! All you Anglophiles and Castle Lovers … gather round and hear the story of Sergio and David as their latest adventure brings them down the highways and byways of England, Wales and Scotland to explore and discover all their glory. Our island road trip began 8 May – 29 May; with a whopping 2,752 miles driven ~ all on the wrong side of the road, mind ye!
This vacation was greatly inspired by the fascinating Netflix series, “Secrets of Great British Castles.” The entire trip was planned around visiting these great, (mostly) ancient citadels. Our British travel agency, adeo Travel, created an itinerary that met all the criteria in my pursuit of seeing these grand, old historic structures.
It was smooth sailing from landing at mighty Heathrow and getting settled into our rental car to begin our journey. Again, our travel agency did us right, providing us with a wonderful, comfortable vehicle for the next three weeks, a Mercedes Class C Estate Wagon, so very British looking in a deep, dark blue color. We could begin our adventure in faux patrician style!
It drove like a dream, despite the steering wheel situated on the right side. Awkward at first, I soon got the hang of it. David, seated left side, had several silently tortured days where it seemed, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” He cringed round every corner, softly murmuring. I was ready to put him in the boot (that’s the car trunk to the British).
It, too was a good time to be in Great Britain, as it was getting all abuzz about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, with banners, posters, and tv programming galore all promoting the celebrations and festivities that begin just after our departure. A shining light in dark times.
So, here begins our bright tale, visiting:
- 11 Castles
- 2 Palaces
- 5 Cathedrals
- 5 Abbeys
- 4 Museums
- 5 Manor Houses
- 14 Varied Attractions . . . oh, my!
So, fasten your seatbelts, and enjoy the ride (on the left side of the road, Mates!) …
With the focus being, “Keep left! STAY LEFT!,” we headed an hour and a half east to our first stop, Leeds Castle in Maidstone, in south-east Kent County. Arriving after six months of Mexico’s dry season, where the landscape’s an endless, dull brown, the verdant, bright green English countryside was a startlingly welcome sight and just plain darn gorgeous. Spring was blooming all over with beautiful floral gardens everywhere we traveled.
Rural Kent is known as the “Garden of England.” Abundant farmland stretched out for miles; currently producing asparagus, hops and the bright yellow-flowered rapeseed for oil. Weather is still brisk in early May, but we’re prepared with necessary layers and such.
LEEDS CASTLE
Leeds Castle, aka “the loveliest castle in the world,” is built on two islands in a magnificent lake formed by the River Len; a castle has existed on this site since 1119. The present one, in the Tudor style, dates mostly from the 19th century, and has been open to the public since 1976. It’s had two famous owners: King Edward I in the 13th century, and in the 16th century, the notorious Henry VIII. He would transform the castle in 1519 for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon (who would later be banished).
In 1926 the Anglo-American heiress and socialite, Lady Olive Baillie (1897-1974), purchased the castle. She lovingly devoted much time, funds and attention to its restoration and upkeep in her 50 year “reign.” Throughout the 1920s and 30s, the castle was THE place to be seen; a must stop visit for the who’s who of the day: Hollywood royalty, ambassadors, prime ministers, artist, painters, etc.
Continuing on … 45-minutes further east was our homebase for the next three days – the perfectly located Abode Hotel, in the heart of historic Canterbury. It’s a small city, but an important religious center; home of the Anglican Church, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a vibrant, highly popular, charming tourist destination and university town; with no less than four universities, all highly ranked. Students enlivened the busy, narrow streets in the historic centre, adding a youthful hum to this ancient city.
This evening, our Great British Food Fest begins, with dinner at Oscar & Bentleys, a charming and cozy British bistro, in a beautiful, historic building. For starters’ (appetizers) we ordered Crab Arancini with wild mushrooms. David ordered up his first (of three weekly) traditional Fish ‘n Chips. They could only be best described as prehistoric in its portion size; beer-battered, and non-greasy … perfectionary fish. The chips, similar to steak fries, were triple cooked. They were the best, as I kept sneaking them from his plate. Katsu Chicken Curry for me (a Japanese curry); but, with a Latin twist, it was topped with mango salsa.
For our first day in Merrie Olde England, we’re beyond happy and thrilled; full of wonder and great curiosity for the next three weeks. I’d like to finish with a quote, “Life cannot be rich without gratitude.”
Up next … Canterbury Cathedral.
What an amazing adventure!
Sergio brilliant writing, felt like I was home.
Cannot wait to hear more of your adventures in jolly Olde England!
I’m a big fan of the Netflix series… what a great inspiration for a trip. I’ve also been a passenger on the left side.. my sympathies, David!
We’ve been to England but have never experienced what you two have. So happy you are enjoying your trip. Live it up!
What a fun start to a great trip! Can I furnish my house in Castle Decor? While driving to a dentist appointment a couple of weeks ago, I pulled up behind a car that had on the license plate frame, “Have fun storming the castle”. You two did indeed!