Ireland to England.

Left Kettles at 6.25 am to return hire-car - what a debacle. We went the back way from the hotel which was straightforward and easy but couldn't find Dollar (Thrifty) Car Hire to return vehicle. Asked at airport only to be directed to where we could hire a car. Parked in the wrong place despite other Thrifty cars being there. Eventually we were told to leave it at the service station on the way in to the airport from Dublin (not the way we came!).
John left me at arrivals to wait for his return. He had no money and I had no mobile! John returned about 15 minutes past eight so we had plenty of time to check in, go through Customs, have a coffee & toilet break etc. We didn't spend remaining Euros but no matter - I am sure we can spend them in Dubai.
Good flight and Heathrow is well signed. Over an hour wait for our hire car as they were busy. Finally off to the ring road and headed the wrong way - went South instead of North. Cost us about an hour.
Quick Indian meal at roadside stop before going straight to our B&B at Alton near Stoke-on-Trent. Amazing B&B - Manor House Farm. Dates back to the 1500's and the owner's family have been here for over 200 years. Chris and Margaret, the owners, also had an antique business so the place is jam packed with fantastic antiques - so interesting. The garden is gorgeous with established old trees, tennis court, croquet pitch, summer house and lots of old curios and garden furniture.
Dinner on Margaret and Chris's recommendation at The Duncombe Arms nearby. Had a first class meal of roast beef & Yorkshire Pudding and an amazing dessert of panna cotta topped with strawberries and a basil sorbet.
Finished the day beautifully after a bothersome start.
Tomorrow we meet Geoff and Maureen.Read more