Blogs from Kent, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 56

By early October it was confirmed that we would be moving back to the States in November. We had wanted to take the Chunnel at least once so this was our last chance. As it was Rosanna’s birthday we also had something to celebrate. So on Saturday October 7th, her birthday, we drove to Calais and boarded the Chunnel shuttle train that carried cars. We waited an hour or more and then sat in our van the entire 30 minute trip to Folkestone. I determined that it was faster, cheaper, and more pleasant and productive to take the new ferries than the Chunnel. At least on the ferry you could walk around, see the White Cliffs of Dover as you approached, and shop and eat lunch on the ship, thereby avoiding having to spend an hour ... read more

Picking up a hire car and I head east, out of London towards Leeds Castlein Kent. Set on two islands on the River Len, it was built by King Henry I in 1119. Partly because it was away from the plague which effected coastal areas,it was a favourite of King Henry VIII. Until 1947 it was used as a private home by its last owner Lady Baillie, who bought it in 1926. Parts are decorated with furniture from the Victorian era to the 1920 - 30s. One room houses a 16th century panel. When the panel was found to be to large to install, Lady Baillie had the room knocked down and enlarged so that it could be fitted. Other rooms were restored with Henry VIII period furniture. There is also a wine cellar which is ... read more