Started the day looking for breakfast...not easy early in the morning, as they open late here. Drove past a pub that showed promise, so we stopped. They were not open, but they were willing to make a cup of coffee, omg, best cup ever! We walked around back to a gorgeous patio overlooking the river. The mill was originally called Gibbeclive Mill in the 12th century. It was the property of St Mary's Abbey, Kenilworth and the Augustinian canons until the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It was rebuilt in 1822. It was a working mill until 1938, and it was converted into a restaurant and bar in 1952. There was a bridge across the river, so we investigated. It lead to a pathway around what looked like a big pasture. After a short distance we came ... read more

From South Downs we drove past the Windsor Castle, then toward Oxford. Bill Bryson states in his book, Oxford is his nomination for most pleasant and improved city in Britain. There is too much to document here. The Oxford hostel was in a great location for access to the city by foot...the streets are clogged with cars and zillions of bicycles. Obviously an active city because of the University. Can't remember exactly, but something like 40 colleges, with 20,000 students make up the University. I took a hop-on/hop-off City Bus Tour to get oriented. The Natural History Museum is great, but the Pitts River Museum is outstanding. Museum of Oxford, Bodleian Library, on and on. Phil saw a posted notice for a midweek Jazz Communion Service at Christ Church Cathedral, so we took that in...very worshipful. ... read more

We got up early and took the first bus to a small village, Brighstone. We had been told it was a very pictuesque bus ride. The return bus schedule was such that we could grab breakfast and then walk the village. Breakfast ended up only what we could get at a small grocery store, as things don't up early here in England. The St. Mary's Church is medieval dating from the twelfth century. The short tower contains a ring of 6 bells all cast by Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1961. The spire was added in the 17th century. On the drive to Brighton, we stopped in the town of Chichester, a quaint town with a historic cathedral with a remarkable history. Chichester Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, is the seat ... read more

Salisbury Cathedral New Forest has wild horses everywhere. Azaelas and Rhododendron are in full bloom. New Forest YHA url=http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/new-forest?utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_campaign=google-placeshttp://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/new-forest?utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_campaign=google-places... read more

Tintern Abbey was the highlight of my day. This remains of a massive abbey, was as moving for me as any of the cathedrals I have visited. A back story for me was all the white pigeons. Some of you may know I raised pigeon as a kid. White does not last long in the will, as it is genetically recessive. Then as I read the various plaques around the site. The Cistercians arrived in Wales in 1131 and founded Tintern Abbey. It was from their custom of wearing undyed habits that the Cistercians became known as the White Monks’ Bath is a major city for tourism, with many attractions which are perfect for a weekend of sight-seeing. Our YHA Hostel is an Italiante mansionboasting its own stunning architecture. It is very conveniently located for easy ... read more