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United Kingdom

Discovering interesting cities and quaint villages in different shires of Britain Read more
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  • Trip start
    August 1, 2024
    BoomerangTravellersUnited KingdomBoomerangTravellers
    Iconic building in Cambridge
    Bridge over the River CamPunts lined upEnjoying the sunshine by the River Cam with SabineWith Sabine and Christian in the Mitre pubMeadows behind the University churchSharing pathways with cowsFitzbillies and Chelsea BunsThatched old pub hotel, low beamsBicycles are the preferred method of transport in CambridgeGolden grain fields across The FensOur trusty Renault Capture.Coton ManorDahliasCottage garden plantsChristian x 2Real flamingos, albeit asleepLoved these chooksTriumph museumHappy boys and their toys

    Cambridge

    August 2, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Welcoming again United Kingdom’s old world charm
    As Chris’s cousins wanted to visit my childhood farm.
    Our itinerary began in Cambridge, it’s river lined with punts
    Whilst in surrounding fields, locals saddle up for fox hunts.

    Alighting the bus at ‘The Mitre’, a traditional British pub
    Serving real ales and lunch plates with substantial grub.
    Walked past universities known for English and Maths
    Students studying in parks where cows wander paths.

    Stepped in to ‘Fitzbillies’ sampling a Chelsea bun delight
    Housed inside a Tudor building notably black and white.
    Along with medieval hotels with ceiling beams built low
    Perfect to ponder our day with the late evening glow.

    Locals whizz around on trusty bicycle wheels
    Adding to the city’s famous university feels.
    Drove passed ‘The Fens’ spread out so flat
    Ripening grain fields resemble a golden mat.

    Stretched our legs on a stroll through village woods
    It’s lakeside location delivering the viewing goods.
    Onto Coton Manor Gardens to explore awhile
    Admiring blooms planted, English cottage style.

    Spied bright coloured flamingos asleep on one leg
    Gorgeous fluffy chickens pecking around plant pegs.
    Motorised two wheelers both our men enjoy and like
    Stopping by a museum to observe ‘Triumph’ motorbikes.    Read more

  • BoomerangTravellersUnited KingdomBoomerangTravellers
    Brandon village, where I was born and grew up
    Our AirBnB behind Evertons CottageMy old home, Hill FarmHallam's Close where the farmyard used to be.Quirky thatched cottage, Brandonand another18th century terraced housesWhere I went to school until age 10Brandon ClubNamed after my mother's uncleBridge to Wolston across the River AvonSt. Margaret's church, WolstonPlenty of blackberries to pickBrinklow cottageBrinklow churchLots of local goodies at this farm shopNorman tower, Kings Newnham15th century Coombe AbbeyWith lakeEnjoyed walking the country park

    Brandon

    August 3, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Searching on Air BnB I found a suitable one
    Across the road from my old home in Brandon.
    Went on a reminiscing walk down Brandon Lane
    Plus along streets that carry my family’s surname.

    Onto the village of Wolston we continued to stroll
    Passing blackberry brambles, enough to fill a bowl.
    Dined in the Royal Oak garden, enjoying no rain
    Only occasionally disrupted by the local, city train.

    Ventured out to Brinklow’s Malt Kiln Farm gate
    Serving up fresh delicacies, paddock to plate.
    Next came the large country park, Coombe Abbey
    Exceptionally renovated and definitely not shabby.    Read more

  • BoomerangTravellersUnited KingdomBoomerangTravellers
    Our Threshing Barn accommodation
    Tastefully furnishedBlack County Museum and Iron chainPerfect Victoria sponge cakeClent Hills trailAmazing green vistaStanding stonesFresh airActually going down backwards as rather steep!Funicular rail car, BridgnorthCentral BridgenorthFlowering baskets adorn the wallsTypical Tudor style buildings😆Cream teaSabine and Christian enjoyedWell preserved tea rooms

    West Midlands

    August 5, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Journeyed onto Stourbridge for our next night’s bed
    Made up in a beautifully converted, Threshing Shed.
    I caught up with my sister for a gluten free beer & pie
    Such tasty simple pleasures causing a contented sigh.

    The others visited a museum of Peaky Blinders fame
    Gaining historic knowledge about the local iron chain.
    Returning to enjoy what Sister Sue had just baked
    A delicious, jammy and moist, Victoria sponge cake.

    The area’s famous for it’s industrial iron & steel mills
    Contrasting with the open expanse of the Clent Hills.
    Miles of trails and even standing stones have a place
    Happy to breathe in the air enjoying the green space.

    Watched the cute funicular rail car in Bridgnorth
    Then down steep cobblestone hills, we set forth.
    Passing black & white homes covered in bight blooms
    A rich cream tea devoured in a centuries old tea room.    Read more

  • BoomerangTravellersUnited KingdomBoomerangTravellers
    Typical Cotswold village
    Thatched cottagesRequire special upkeepVillage brookNext to the River ColnBibury villageBeautiful character homesBroadway high streetScones calling againBright flower basketShady winding roadsUnusual car 😆Quick photo, certainly not queuingHope it's worth it for the waitAmersham accommodation, featured in Four weddings and a funeralHawkyns restaurantVery tastyFarewelled Sabine and Christian until we're back in AustriaAward winning garden in AmershamSmallest home in Amersham belongs to the maker of Olympic winning vaulting pole

    Cotswolds

    August 7, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Another area of natural beauty is the Cotswolds
    With distinctive cottages, many extremely old.
    Sporting small doored entrances & roofs thatched
    The quaintness of these villages totally unmatched.

    Drove along shady narrow roads that twist and wind
    Observing all our surroundings whatever we find.
    Many places full of visiting tourists so we didn’t stop
    Found ourselves in front of the Diddlysquat Farm shop.

    There, folk were patiently waiting 3 hours in a queue!
    Just for the chance of purchasing a Hawkstone brew.
    A quick photo taken before continuing on our way
    Onto Amersham for our last evening together stay.

    Uneven floored accommodation at the King’s Arms Inn
    Farewell meal @ it’s own fine Indian restaurant, Hawkyn’s.
    The included full English breakfast was a tasty surprise
    Happy of these memories made, before our goodbyes.    Read more

  • BoomerangTravellersUnited KingdomBoomerangTravellers
    Lee and Mark's home in Kingston, Cambridge
    The newly acquired GossersCourtyardThe sheepsOne of the stalking towers Chris helps to buildWith some target practiceHome grown produceScrumptious afternoon teasGreen and white garden themeViews from widowFresh cut flowersStation cafeMorning tea in train carriagePlatformSean Henry sculptures displayed outside Ely cathedralInside Ely cathedralPerfect cup of English tea ☕️Full English breakfast

    Cambridgeshire

    August 10, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    After such a busy time we were ready for some calm
    Staying with my cousin on her comfortable hobby farm.
    Surrounded by honking geese and sheep that bleat
    Collecting fresh eggs and eating venison meat.

    Hunted from tall wooden towers that Chris helps make
    Along with laden afternoon teas and a fresh berry bake.
    Enjoyed in beautiful gardens with a vast array of plants
    Always appreciated from out of any window you glance.

    Ventured on a few short trips out to neighbouring suburbs
    Had a morning tea in an old train carriage that was superb.
    City of Ely cathedral and market streets we did peruse
    Another cup of tea enjoyed alongside the River Ouse.

    Met up with a number of friends from years back
    Relaxing times spent over drinks and a good yack.
    Now feeling well rested and utterly replete
    Ready to move on as a few others to meet.    Read more

  • BoomerangTravellersUnited KingdomBoomerangTravellers
    British food choices, Oxford
    A derailed harvester caused a 3 hour delay on the M3!Great to catch up with Carole, Mitch and FrancesRolling hills of WiltshireCherwell white horseHuffingdon white horseMilitary statues at Westbury2D but give aura of 3DSculptures by the lakeWith Fay and KateMy favouriteFrom one piece of marble, incredibleSerenityLock flight at DevisesNarrow barges take hours to transfer between canalsManning the lock mechanismsAerial view of locks and holding corralsAlways entertainingA rare tin churchAn old village green jailhouse

    Wiltshire

    August 22, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Over various meals seeing friends was grand
    Some from Australia, locals & even Scotland.
    Excuse for banter plus three hours of chat
    Whilst in a motorway standstill we just sat.

    Drove into Wiltshire whose rolling hills we walk
    On the lookout for horses carved in white chalk.
    Saw imposing iron statues on the rise in Westbury
    Depicting the existence between locals & military.

    Found Sculptures by the Lake to be a real treasure
    Viewing artworks by Gudgeon was a total pleasure.
    Displayed in the gardens creates quite a scene
    Appreciated in an area that is especially serene.

    In Devises flows the Kennet & Avon canals
    Where long barges converge into a corral.
    Awaiting to navigate the unique lock stairs
    Amusement for visitors who stop and stare.    Read more

  • BoomerangTravellersUnited KingdomBoomerangTravellers
    Ybeauty holiday home
    Welsh dalesHow do you even begin to pronounce this language!The Knife angel, dedicated to victims of knife crime and made from confiscated bladesMetal animal statues of threatened species, made from recycled metal primarily from vehiclesLife size giraffesTransformers, very aptSue, I and King Kong!Intricate workAnd impressivePontcysyllte aqueduct, over the River Dee, LlangollenBit nerve wracking so high up but cleverly designedLlangollenLlangollenWell deserved drinks and nourishmentQuiet NewtownTextile weavingOld spinning wheelEndless sheepCrochet topper on post box from King George times!

    Llangollen & Newtown, Wales

    August 31, 2024 in Wales ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Our next port of call would be country Wales
    Drove across the border up and down dales.
    To meet Sue and Trevor staying in a holiday home
    A perfect base from where we can explore & roam.

    It was a spacious and comfortable place to dwell
    Surrounded by names beginning with double LL.
    Llanwnog, Llanwrtyd, Llandrindod and Llanelwedd
    My brain not knowing how these words are said!

    First day trip was to the Iron Works at Oswestry
    60 acres of sculpture park with entrance that’s free.
    The knife angel devoted to victims of knife fights
    Plus near extinct animals to highlight their plights.

    Then onto Pontcysyllte aqueduct, built across the Dee River
    A 38m high Telford engineered marvel, that makes you quiver.
    Wandered around Llangollen town a world Unesco site
    Before a well deserved pub meal served alongside a pint.

    Closest point of interest was unassuming Newtown
    For unique, vintage woven wool textiles, it is renown.
    At spinning machines and treadles we did peep
    The adjacent green fields homed flocks of sheep.    Read more

  • BoomerangTravellersUnited KingdomBoomerangTravellers
    Devils Bridge
    Chose the right seatAberystwyth seafrontOutside the fish and chip shop 🤷‍♀️Cute churchCountryside Wales with walking stileElan Valley dam, low water levelsSturdy thick wallChris and TrevorGreat view pointWooden tricyclePenny farthing cyclesGregynog Hall, Tregynon.Fake concrete black beams, not traditional timberGarden sundial, no sunFull Sunday lunch

    Aberystwyth & Elan Valley, Wales

    September 1, 2024 in Wales ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    The path to Devils Bridge was slippery due to a storm
    Sue and I opted to sip on hot chocolate to stay warm.
    Drove west to Aberystwyth’s coastline taking a trip
    Around it’s castle hill before eating fish and chips.

    Entertained by the antics of an old car rally
    Detoured home via the winding Elan Valley.
    Where thick dam walls across the river do span
    Creating reservoir water for all of West Midlands.

    A quick stop at the National Cycle Museum did appeal
    Perusing many transportations relying on two wheels.
    Horse floats, wooden bicycles and penny farthings
    An interesting delight discovering so many things.

    Gregynog Hall was such a charming find
    It’s welcoming pathways all flower lined.
    Impressively white with striking black beams
    Made from fake timber concrete so it seems.

    For our farewell meal at Kerry Lamb I made a booking
    A full Sunday roast lunch including Yorkshire pudding.
    It’s convivial atmosphere was the perfect way
    To memorably end this week’s family holiday.    Read more

  • BoomerangTravellersUnited KingdomBoomerangTravellers
    River Severn, Telford
    Cast iron bridgeIronbridgeBuildwas abbey ruinsArched stonework, 12th centuryWychnor country park hotelWelcome spaTrentham GardensAcres of garden to exploreAnd lake to wander aroundEnd of season woodland flowersBuildings await renovationInspiring layoutsWill be extraordinary once restoredMany plants going to seedWonderful craft sculpturesMy favourite were the fence wire fairiesAnd dandelionsWhimsicalMuch deserved cuppa at Wedgwood

    Shropshire & Staffordshire

    September 4, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Our journey continued to the county of Shropshire
    Stopping in Telford with its unique bridge to admire.
    The first of it’s kind in 1779 was built to last
    Using the local iron source and made by cast.

    Spanning proudly across the River Severn
    An area prone to flooding we do learn.
    Wandered this town from the industrial boom
    Enjoyed a tasty riverside lunch at the ‘Half Moon’.

    The Cistercian Abbey at Buildwas is dated 12th Century
    Despite losing its roof the ruins condition is exemplary.
    Overhead arched stonework cool, mossy and green
    Ambling between these ancient remains felt serene.

    Such a lot to see but could only stay awhile
    Missed visiting the museum of ceramic tile.
    Through autumnal countryside continued to drive
    Until at Wychnor Park Country Club we did arrive.

    Beautiful old fashioned accommodation, but you need a car
    An enjoyable bonus included was the use of the wellness spa.
    Along with it’s proximity to Trentham Gardens, a perfect spot
    Where many wooden huts house interesting market shops.

    Inside the expansive gardens many hours you can spend
    Admiring the flower beds albeit they’re at summers end.
    Amongst the aging blooms awaiting to burst their seeds
    A plethora of gardeners lovingly attended to the weeds.

    Structures awaiting renovations rather a shamble
    Meandering pathways made for a pleasant ramble.
    Along past view points and artworks it did snake
    Continuing onto a 3km info trail around the lake.

    The garden designs were Italian others French but all inspire
    Plus a delight at discovering fairies made from fencing wire.
    Hanging from dainty dandelion heads so fanciful
    Evoking childhood fantasies extremely whimsical..

    As the air cooled the thoughts of a cuppa were good
    Onto the next attraction, the factory of Wedgewood.
    Were aghast at the price of china dog bowls so high
    Yet an Earl Grey with coffee walnut cake made us sigh.

    The shorter autumn days became cool with rain
    A final few visits with friends and family again.
    Over drinks in pubs dating back to Queen Victoria
    Before boarding a plane and returning to Austria.    Read more

    Trip end
    September 9, 2024
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