England.

I have had a yearning to go back to the UK since I can remember… I was born in Lakenheath, and moved when still a babe, yet something even at that age must have embedded into my Soul. As a young adult, I became completely entranced by British stories. I started reading Charolette Bronte and Jane Austen, and dreaming of the English Countryside… this grew into a love for all things British I suppose- now my family watches along with ‘Great British Baking Show’ and teases me for putting on ‘Pride and Prejudice’ for the 100th time…

On this trip, if you read my last post, you will know it was mostly about the kiddos- We wanted to throw in as much History and Culture and Fun we could into our 10 day adventure, so we didnt explore much at all of what England outside of London has to offer- I guess this just means another extra long stay is in our future??! A girl can dream!

Here is where we did visit though…. First up, Beacon Hill. I wanted desperately to see Highclaire Castle where ‘Downton Abbey’ is filmed, however we would be driving through Newbury a day before the actual opening to the public (they were finishing up filming)… Womp Womp. We had every intention of stashing the car in town and walking along the public paths of the grounds so I could at least see the outside, but HUGE hold up with our rental car (GRRRRRR Its always that episode of Seinfeld for us! They didnt have our car….) left us running way late for the day- So instead we pulled off the highway to hike up to the top of this hill to see her in the distance…. You win some, you loose some. At least I was able to see it!

Then we drove out to Stonehenge! Because you cant come out this way and NOT see this….. We decided to save the $$ and not pay any of the entrance or tourist fees- There is a public path that literally runs right alongside the paid access- just park in the same parking lot and walk across the field… You will see a TON of others doing the same…

Seriously, all I could get of a picture of them…. its how it is!

A few hours later we arrived at Lakeview Manor, the Lodge we would be staying for the remainder of our vacation… Oh it was just idyllic in contrast to London! Quite and serene… exactly what I needed!

Our few days here were spent on the Deven coast- We explored the fossil beach in Lyme Regis, Branscombe, and the small towns around the area… Golly I could live here! It was so beautiful….

3rd Generation Blacksmith! We actually met him…. Branscombe.

On our last day we headed along the coast out to Dorset. Corfe Castle….

Dating all the way back to King Richard and Prince John (Sound familiar??? Sword and the Stone?), this was wicked cool to see! We honestly had no idea of the History before we arrived- Battles and hauntings and rooms of Queen Elizabeth… Also the village still stands and includes homes and shops and restaurants!

For such a short visit, Im happy with the memories made… And again, cant wait to go back…..

Stay tuned for our Home Movie of this whole trip coming up hopefully before Christmas! :)