Author: jilliansking
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Our first foray into the “Wild Atlantic Way”
Wow, and I mean wow. Spending time traversing Ireland’s incredible coastline was definitely one of the highlights of this trip. We started out with two day long trips, with our driver/guide Aiden at the helm. Aiden took us to some of his favorite spots around the Inishowen Peninsula and on the Eastern coast and provided…
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What is it…Derry? Londonderry? Derry-Londonderry?
Beyond the fact that this city still lives with the dual identity of Loyalist Protestants who refer to their home as ”Londonderry” and Nationalist Catholics who refer to it as “Derry”, this is a really charming and welcoming place. There seems to be further movement in reconciliation and the ability to live together here than…
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And then there is London!
We looked forward to our 9 day stint in London for many reasons, first and foremost because our plans called for spending this time together with some of our favorite people, niece Vanessa, nephew-in-law Dan, and our very favorite toddler, Calvin. Although we had a mix of sunny and rainy weather, we got out there…
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Beautiful Edinburgh
A vibrant medieval city, Edinburgh captured our hearts. Definitely a place we would visit again as there is so much to do and see! The castle high on the hilltop is particularly stunning, and is known as the most besieged place in Britain. It is still the home of an operating garrison and includes an…
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Moving north into Scotland
After finishing our time traversing the English countryside, we started our transition into Scotland. Before crossing the border, we made one more stop along Hadrian’s Wall, this time to check out the ruins of Birdoswald Roman Fort. This is one of the most extensive remains of a Roman Fort along the wall, and a great…
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North Pennines and the Lake District
After York we began our trek towards the beautiful Lake District in the Northern part of England. Imagine the country-side that Beatrix Potter used as her inspiration for Peter Rabbit…lush and green, beautiful farmland, and a lovely lake around every corner. A favorite summer spot (reached by train) for families wanting to get away from…
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In and around York, some stops along the way.
I think Gary is starting to wonder if this was really a tour for English Lit Majors (and isn’t sure that’s what he signed up for!). But, alas, I am enjoying getting to know a little more background and to experience firsthand what life was like for these individuals who created works of art that…
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Derbyshire and the Peak District
Idyllic country living at its best! We spent a few days in the Midland part of Great Britain (bordering the Peak District, another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) exploring some lovely country estates and the beautiful and rather bucolic landscape. Enroute to our stay in Matlock, we stopped in at the estate of the Duke…
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Ah, the Cotswolds!
In south-central England is an area referred to as the Cotswalds. Rolling hills that rise from meadows, small stone-built villages nestled along the countryside. Approximately 25 miles wide and 90 miles long, this is one of several ”areas of outstanding natural beauty” that we will be visiting during our time in the UK (Dorset and…
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Highlights from Cardiff
Eating our way through the city… Enjoyed a few days with a little more hustle and bustle in the city of Cardiff, amongst the very proud Welsh who love to talk about their culture and beautiful country. We’ve found the best way to learn about a city is through a guide, and what better way…
Gary and Jillian's New Adventures 