Category: Trip 1
-
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…
-
A day on the green at St. Andrews
Given Edinburgh being within striking distance of golf’s birthplace, we just had to take the pilgrimage to the hallowed grounds of St. Andrews. Our driver for the day trip was named Steve, an interesting character who was Scottish born, had served in the English army and played golf until his children arrived. Along the drive,…
-
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…
-
Glasgow, Scotland
With genuine sadness, we ended our 1-month relationship with the Mercedes and dropped off the sporty wheels at Glasgow’s airport. Although we had some trepidation about driving, traversing on the left side of the road, navigation of turns and traffic circles, and narrow rural road encounters – having a car was really the best way…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Historic, yet youthful York
York is rich in history. Among other things, it once served as the northernmost provincial capital of the Roman Empire, later taken over by the Vikings, then an early Christian center of learning and ultimately a center of trade and rail transportation hub within England. This intermix of Roman, Viking and English led to the…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
Gary and Jillian's New Adventures 