• 4strangebyrds
  • 4 Strange Byrds
  • 4strangebyrds
  • 4 Strange Byrds

Britain 🇬🇧

A 73-day adventure by 4strangebyrds & 4 Strange Byrds Read more
  • Trip start
    November 18, 2024

    Southampton, UK

    November 17, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 48 °F

    We made it to England!!! and yes it's cold here. We just have to stall till we can check into our room. Anna was too fast and caught a cold on the ship, so we are going to hunker down at a coffee shop for a few hours.Read more

  • Sick in Southampton

    November 19, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 43 °F

    Spending the first few nights in a hotel room. Anna's health 🥶 🤧 is improving, but now that the local temperature has dropped to near freezing, we won't be doing a lot sightseeing until she is well.

  • My first English pint

    November 20, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌙 37 °F

    Coincedently, across the street from our airbnb is a cute English pub with a colorful history. It turns out that a previous owner, in order to get around a smoking ban, came up with the idea of becoming a consulate and establishing an embassy for the uninhabited carrbean island and Kingdom of Redonda. They were granted the consulate title but were unable to establish an embassy. So unable to forgo the smoking ban. Fun times!
    Cheers! 🍻
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  • Winchester Christmas market

    November 23, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌧 48 °F

    It was a very wet and windy day, but the tran tickets were already booked, so we went ahead to Winchester for the Christmas market. It was too wet to take pictures.

  • Last night in Southampton

    November 23, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌧 59 °F

    Partying late with Helene and her family the last night in Southampton. We had a couple drinks at the Red Lion. The oldest pub in town. The floors weren't level. The walls weren't straight, but the atmosphere was joyful, and the company was great!Read more

  • London house-sit

    November 24, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 64 °F

    We made it to London! After a cold, wet, windy week in Southampton, Anna said goodbye to Helene and took the train to London for our first sit in England.
    A three night sit in London with a friendly British Blue hair cat. This gives us the opportunity to visit most of the highlights of this amazing city.Read more

  • London 1

    November 25, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    We dove straight into the London's rhythm, hopping on the Underground and heading for Waterloo Station. First on our list? The vibrant and edgy Leake Street, also known as Graffiti Tunnel. Tucked beneath the train tracks, this underpass is an ever-changing canvas where artists of all levels transform the walls and ceilings with striking murals. The kaleidoscope of colors and creativity was mesmerizing—a perfect start to our day.

    From there, a slight misstep led to an unexpected detour, but we eventually crossed the iconic Westminster Bridge. The views were spectacular: Big Ben standing tall, the grandeur of the House of Lords, and the London Eye spinning lazily in the distance. We strolled past landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Jewel Tower, and the famous 10 Downing Street.

    The bustling streets and throngs of tourists soon had us craving a break, so we cut through to a café in St. James’s Park for lunch. The peacefulness of the park offered a welcome respite, with lush greenery and swans gliding serenely on the pond. Refueled, we continued our journey toward Buckingham Palace for our upcoming tour.

    Despite the unexpected twists and turns, our first day in London was everything we had hoped: full of discovery, history, and the vibrant life of this incredible city.
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  • Buckingham Palace

    November 25, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F

    After a morning spent exploring London's iconic sights, we finally made our way to Buckingham Palace, the heart of the British monarchy. As we approached the gates, we joined thousands of other tourists, all eagerly snapping photos and marveling at the grandeur of the Palace's façade.

    Once inside, the rules were clear: no photography allowed. So the pictures of the inside are from the detailed guidebook we received. It still captures much of the interior's splendor.

    The tour began with the Grand Staircase, an awe-inspiring entrance that set the tone for the opulence to come. As I stood in the main greeting area. Imagining the footsteps of world leaders who had stood in that very spot gave me butterflies. This was a space where kings, queens, presidents, and emperors had been greeted—where history had been made.

    We wandered through the Blue, White, and Green Rooms, each as lavish as the last, adorned with ornate furniture, rich tapestries, and priceless works of art. The Picture Gallery was a feast for the eyes, showcasing masterpieces that have witnessed centuries of history. We ended up in the Grand Ballroom. Standing there, surrounded by gilded walls and sparkling chandeliers. Unfortunately, it was in the process of being set up for a function, so some of its glory was lost by the stacked chairs and tables.

    The artifacts on display, from intricate porcelain to centuries-old paintings, served as a reminder that this Palace isn’t just a home—it’s a symbol of tradition, power, and diplomacy.

    After hours of exploring, we felt both enriched and exhausted. We caught the Underground back to our temporary home. Greeting us was Luna, the chillest cat in London, who provided the perfect dose of calm after an unforgettable day.
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  • London 2

    November 26, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F

    Our second full day in London began with a bus ride into town, offering stunning views from the upper deck—far better than being underground. We strolled past a mix of historic and modern architecture, explored ancient Old Hallows Church, and admired the iconic Tower of London before crossing over and back on the Tower Bridge. Wandering through Leadenhall Market and past other landmarks, we eventually reached the festive, Christmas-adorned Covent Garden Market. Exhausted, we took the Underground back home.Read more

  • London Christmas lights

    November 27, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌙 41 °F

    There were not a lot of lit up houses in town, but the streets of London were a blaze. Dazzling displays on and in buildings with more lights beautifying in the streets.
    We were front row on a double-decker bus into town, so some of the displays were seen quite close.Read more

  • London Tower

    November 28, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 39 °F

    A must-see for Anna, we took the bus into town, and we spent most of the day touring the London Tower. The crown jewels (no pics allowed) torture chambers, and jail cells. We enjoyed the walking tour provided by the Yeoman Warders living in the tower grounds. The significance of the raven and lots of English history.Read more

  • Stamford sit

    December 1, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Turns out this town is quite the cute little historic place. We are staying in a remodeled historic flat right in the historic district. We can walk to all kinds of cute shops, pubs, and coffee shops. We are taking care of some kind of doodle who is so well trained in many ways, but also has a few flaws. Oh, well. She is a sweetheart. She likes to sleep above your head. Despite the cold, we're still getting plenty of walking in, and dogs are allowed everywhere.Read more

  • Burghley House

    December 1, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F

    Just outside Stamford, within walking distance of our stay, lies Burghley House—a grand mansion with sprawling grounds rivaling royal palaces. Though closed for the winter, we explored the beautiful estate, a perfect spot for walking Vanya. The property is home to sheep and deer, and we returned many times during our 10-day housesit.Read more

  • Hampton Court Palace

    December 12, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 43 °F

    Hampton Court Palace, located just outside London and included with our London Tower membership, was the perfect stop to fill a free day between sits. We took a bus from our hotel to the palace where we were met with incredible beauty and grandeur. Parts of the garden were closed as they were setting up for a Christmas market, but we were still able to walk the maze.
    Later, we stopped in Kingston on a recommendation from someone we met the night before. There, we discovered a fantastic Indian restaurant for dinner before heading back to our hotel.
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  • Winchester sit

    Dec 13–Jan 12, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 41 °F

    A month-long housesit during Christmas and New Year’s with a shy kitty to befriend. The town offers plenty to explore, from scenic hilltop walks and historic sites to many visits to the Christmas Market (pre-christmas) and the magnificent Winchester Cathedral. Historic High Street quickly became a favorite stroll.Read more

  • Winchester Cathedral

    December 16, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    This place has such extensive history I won't even try to go into it. The Cathedral is HUGE. If you were a history buff, you could spend weeks reading all the stones and such. If you're not, it can still take days to really grasp all this place has to offer. We have been four times and will go again. We've been so overwhelmed each visit, we haven't been able to spend more than a few hours inside. The intricate detailed furnishings, the towering walls, and don't forget the crypt.Read more

  • New Alesford/Bishop Waltham

    December 20, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 46 °F

    Our first stop was New Alresford, a charming market town with plenty of character. We managed to catch a glimpse of the Watercress Line railway through the fence. It was unfortunately closed. Nearby, we visited St. John the Baptist Church and strolled along the main street, admiring the quaint, historic architecture.

    Next, we took a scenic drive through the countryside and arrived in Bishop’s Waltham. Searching for a lunch spot, we stumbled upon a delightful little candy and coffee shop. Over cappuccinos, we struck up a conversation with a friendly local couple—one of whom happened to be American. They shared wonderful insights about the area, making our visit even more memorable.

    After lunch, we explored the Bishop’s Waltham Palace ruins and posed for a quick photo by the town clock. As the daylight faded, we decided it was time to head back.

    Driving home was an adventure in itself. My nerves and lane placement struggles resulted in a minor scuffle with a curb—leaving a mark on the left-side rims. But in the end, we made it back safely, with stories to tell and anticipation building for tomorrow’s trip to Stonehenge.
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  • Stonehenge

    December 21, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 45 °F

    Visiting Stonehenge for the Winter Solstice was unforgettable. Though we hoped to witness the sunrise perfectly align with the stones, the overcast sky had other plans.

    What stood out most was the presence of Druids, marking this day as deeply significant in their traditions.

    We had to wake at 4 a.m., to secure a spot in the inner circle—a surreal experience. As the suns light slowly enveoped us, the Druid ceremony was captivating, celebrating the return of longer days with prayers for peace and renewal.

    Despite the cold, the energy was profound, though it cut our time exploring the site’s known history short. Much is still unknown. Stonehenge remains a beautiful enigma, made even more mystical by the solstice.
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  • Bath

    December 21, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 54 °F

    After the cold morning at Stonehenge, we headed to Bath. We had heard good things about the town, and despite it being such a cold rainy day, it didn't disappoint.
    We found a great vegan restaurant for lunch before checking out the sites.
    It was a little pricey to go in and tour the Roman baths, so we opted to admire from outside. The architecture throughout the town was stunning, but we had a long drive home, so we headed out before it got late.
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  • Wolvesey Castle

    December 28, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 43 °F

    In our quest for steps and to use our English Heritage membership, we toured Wolvesey Castle. It's the monumental remains of a 12th-century palace. Once the residence of the bishops of Winchester. Now it's mostly just ruins.Read more

  • 2024 in review

    December 31, 2024 in England ⋅ 🌬 50 °F

    As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on an incredible year. Anna and I have embarked on adventures by planes, trains, automobiles, buses, and even cruise ships, exploring ten amazing countries (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands). It’s been a year of movement, including a LOT of walking, as we embraced everything from luxurious accommodations to subpar hotels.

    We’ve marveled at castles, palaces, and historic sites that span thousands of years of history. We've met so many amazing and incredible people, strangers on the street who are now close personal friends. Along the way, we’ve cared for dogs, cats, reptiles, and bunnies, sharing our journey with these wonderful companions. We’ve also been fortunate to witness and take part in incredible festivals and celebrations, making memories that will last a lifetime.

    Despite the inevitable challenges, this year has been nothing short of amazing, and we feel deeply blessed and fortunate to live this lifestyle. It’s a reminder that focusing on the good in our lives can make it easier to navigate the harder moments.

    Here’s wishing all of you a year filled with joy, prosperity, and happiness. May 2025 be everything you hope for and more! Cheers! 🥂
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  • Portchester Castle

    January 4, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 41 °F

    Today, we decided to make the most of our English Heritage membership with a trip to Portchester Castle. The site is remarkably well-preserved and has a fascinating history. Originally built as a Roman defensive fort to repel Saxon invaders, it later served as a castle, a prison, and even a staging ground for military campaigns against France.

    We took the train to Portchester, enjoying the convenience of the journey, and then walked to the castle. After exploring the grounds and soaking in the historical atmosphere, we found ourselves with some extra time before heading home. We discovered a charming little pub nearby and treated ourselves to half a pint of Tiramisu beer—a sweet and unexpected way to end the day.
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  • St Mary's Church

    January 4, 2025 in England ⋅ ☁️ 41 °F

    Located within the outer walls of Portchester Castle, is this 900 years old church.

    We were delighted to discover a cozy tea room located within the church. It was a much-needed respite from the cold and an unexpected treat. The aroma of freshly brewed tea and warm pastries greeted us as we stepped inside. To our delight, they had vegan pasties on the menu. Warm and flaky, they paired perfectly with a comforting hot drink, making the experience even more memorable.

    There’s something special about finding a small comfort like this amidst centuries-old surroundings. It was a lovely moment of contrast: the enduring history of the castle and church and the simple joy of a warm meal.
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  • Winchester

    January 7, 2025 in England ⋅ ☀️ 41 °F

    Only a few days left here, and we took a fun walking trip around town trying to visit places we haven't been.
    Rost coffee shop and to the top of St Giles Hill where we were met with some great views of downtown Winchester. From there, we wandered around a bit more passing on old building now being used as a community theater before having lunch and a pint at the Crown & Anchor. After we made another trip to the cathedral and stopped for some groceries on the way home.Read more