Geo: 51.4831, -1.08747After our long drive on Saturday, we decided to stay a big closer to Windsor and explore the Thames Valley. We drove to Pangbourne, a small village famous because Kenneth Graham, author of Wind in the Willow, lived there. It was wonderful to drive into the village to hear the carillon of bells for Palm Sunday mass. The kids had a quick play in the local pub's play area (we have to remember to let them do this sometimes!), then walked across the old toll bridge to Whitchurch, a very gorgeous village. We all had lots of fun working out which house was Toad Hall – there were lots of lovely homes to select from! The church was also very lovely, and we were all taken with the daffodils in the church yard. The ... read more

Geo: 51.48, -0.605995Thank God - everyone got a good night sleep last night and the world looks even better after 8 hours in a bed! We had a huge cooked breakfast at the hotel/B&B where we are staying, then marched up the hill to the Castle gates. Along the way, Steven found a replica pistol in a shop window that he was coming back to buy (it sold before we got back!) and the kids bought beanies & gloves.An extra thrill when we got to the Castle and found the Royal Standard flying - meaning Her Majesty is in residence. She and Prince Phillip have come for the start of the Easter celebrations. Entry to the Castle wasn't that expensive (15 pound each for Nonno & Nonna, 42 pound for our family) and included a lovely ... read more