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Tuesday 29 November 2016

T stands for - Time away!

Yes, I know, again…… This will be the last long journey before next year! We are still hoping to take the reasonably short journey to our caravan before Christmas and maybe with our grandchildren and son in the Christmas holidays.

As some of you may know we went join up with WOYWW folk for the crop(photos tomorrow) but hubby and I wanted to have a look around the area - we love Wiltshire and have holidayed there before with our family! 

We stayed at a lovely country inn called the Grosvenor in Stockbridge
We were lucky enough to have had a discount voucher and leapt at the chance to stay here (only downside was that we were in the annexe which seems to be in need of a bit of a facelift) but it was very clean and quiet and we both slept really well in the comfortable bed.
On Friday we went to Winchester - we had been once before but when we arrived it was quite late in the day and we didn't go into the Cathedral.

There was a Christmas market set up in the Cathedral grounds with some very interesting stalls (got some Christmas presents sorted!) 


When we went into the Cathedral we found that it was a rehearsal day for the Special Needs Schools of the area so a bit of a nostalgia thing for us both! 
The building is very ornate!





 There are still some of the old tiles and some wall paintings from Norman times. Eleanor of Aquitaine may have once walked on this floor when the Royal court was in Winchester(once the capital of England)



 Famous author Jane Austen died and was was buried in Winchester.


As we are here for T Stands for Tuesday with Bluebeard and Elizabeth I will show you one of our delicious meals that we had at the hotel.
Hubby decided he had had enough of trying to get his fish pie out of a little dish and tipped it onto his plate - I carried on with my mac'n cheese! 
As you can see we both had a Coke zero as we were slightly awash with hot drinks!

On the way home on Sunday we called to Old Sarum Castle where my heroine Eleanor Of Aquitaine was imprisoned by Henry II for the  most part of 16 years - she was moved around from time to time but always came back here. 
It was very cold and windy - as Eleanor herself found, and is in ruins now. 



Looking out towards Salisbury which became more important that Old Sarum as it had a better water source 
Hubby took quite a few more photos while I explored! 
 This is looking out onto the site of the old cathedral


 There were plenty of information boards around - I found this one of the most interesting 


Finally, a tricky bit down some steps and round a corner and we were on our way!

But not straight home - more of that another time though!

Thanks for looking, Chris

22 comments:

Halle said...

Your photos had me oh-ing and ah-ing...thanks for taking us along with you for your travels.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What an amazing post. I loved every minute I was reading it. I adore the photos both you and T took. And of course, was so glad to see that you spent time with your favorite Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. It makes the altered book I created for Kathy come alive when I see these places and their history.

Thanks for sharing these photos and yours and T's meals with us for T this Tuesday.

Linda Kunsman said...

absolutely gorgeous post and places Chris-I would LOVE to see all of this-wow!!
Thanks for the virtual trip, and happy T day!

Divers and Sundry said...

"ornate" is right! That architecture is gorgeous, and history from so much longer ago than anything I see. What a trip! Thx for sharing your photos :) Happy T Tuesday

Helen said...

I've never visited Winchester, it sounds fascinating. Love Old Sarum too.

Valerie-Jael said...

Thanks for the lovely photos of Winchester,it is indeed a beautiful place. Your meal at the hotel looked great, too, glad you had a nice stay. Happy T Day, hugs, Valerie

johanna said...

haha, it really seems you are "on tour" all the year through;) but good for us, so we get to see a lot of beautiful places, if only virtually. but if i will ever be lucky to make a tour d´britain, i will certainly investigate your blog again before... thanks for all the beautiful pics you share!
happy t-day!

chrissie said...

You always find something amazing and interesting on your travels Chris and it is so kind of you to share the trips with us.

Happy T Day.

Love Chrissie xx

Meggymay said...

I enjoyed my visit to read your post and see the wonderful photos. It looks a lovely area you were staying in. The hotel and your meal looked lovely.
Happy T day
Yvonne xx

My name is Erika. said...

Happy T Day Chris. What a great little journey you too. I am loving these photos. It looks beautiful and I love the idea of walking on the same tiles as Eleanor of Antiquaine. Wow. Lucky you to get on these little journeys. Glad you shared with us as I enjoyed seeing these. Hugs-Erika

froebelsternchen said...

What a fantastic trip! Thank you for sharing the Photos Chris!
Happy T-Day!oxo Susi

Neet said...

Thanks for sharing. Don't think I have ever been to this area so it was particularly interesting to me. Loved the photos and the information. Thank you so much Chris.
Hugs, Neet xx

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Chris, lovely seeing you again on saturday. Isn't Winchester Cathedral amazing? Jan and Gordon took us there a while ago when we stayed with them for a weekend. The most incredible place, so much to see. 'See' You tomorrow! Hugs, Shaz xx

Lisca said...

Wow! That is all I can say! Sooo interesting to see Old Sarum Castle and the footprint of the old cathedral. I enlarged the photo so I could read the info on the plaque.
Winchester Cathedral is beautiful. I remember visiting there as a child. It made an impression on all of us.
Your hotel and meal look lovely. I'm glad you enjoyed such a lovely break. I can't wait to see more.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca

CJ Kennedy said...

Dropped by from Elizabeth's page. Enjoyed your travelog from the comfort of my chair and first morning cuppa at hand

Anonymous said...

Fabulous photos, as always Chris. So glad you had a lovely time. x

Dianne said...

I adore visiting your blog and seeing your photos. The architecture is truly stunning...so much history there. and the views of the fields and ruins were breathtaking to me. wonderful that you are able to visit and enjoy these! happy T day dear! ♥

Let's Art Journal said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time and dry weather too :-). The cathedral is magnificent and I could really be inspired by those wonderful old tiles - beautiful. I love your hubby's photos of the castle ruins and across the countryside - with the clouds and lighting they look quite dramatic. Happy T Day! J :-)

Sandy said...

I really enjoyed your pictures Chris - since I am mostly unable to travel the the United Kingdom at this time - this is the next best thing.
That salad looks delicious - fish pie? I have never had fish pie - is it good? Mac and cheese is always good.
Thanks for all your pictures.
Sandy xx

Carol said...

I love that you travel so often and that you share your stunning photos with us!!!! So glad you had a grand time and looking forward to more photos of your outings.

jinxxxygirl said...

Aaah my dear i used to travel like you... i miss it... but our retirement does not allow it... You are so fortunate...Thankyou so much for all the photos... I'll live vicariously thru you. :) Happy happy T Day! Hugs! deb

Pamellia said...

Looks like you've had a wonderful trip and seen so many amazing places and things! Your photographs are just lovely, the scenery is quite breathtaking!! Sorry I've been so scarce, November has been a bit challenging but I'm working on playing catch up now. sending hugs :)