We did a day trip in which we saw Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. It was a Long day indeed; starting bright and early at 7:30 am. We were in a tour bus or "coach" as they call them here. Windsor castle is the oldest inhabited royal castle in the world! It definitely puts to awe in awesome. I did get a bit caught up in the audio guide and had to rush back to the "coach" but we made it!
It still is a bit thrilling to walk over the same stones and halls as kings and queens from centuries past. My favorite room was the hall of knights of the garter with small shields representing each one's coat of arms. There was also blank shields; which noted when someone was de-knighted; there were quite a few.
Interesting fact: The fire in Windsor Castle in1992 did extensive damage to the royal apartments and in order to pay for the restoration it was decided that Buckingham Palace would be opened to the public and the revenue from that would cover the costs. What that money goes to now I don't know but I'm sure it's some other worthy cause for maintaining heritage, England does have more than it's fair share to keep up.
One of my favorite things about seeing the inside was as we passed through the great banqueting room; there were women in there ironing table cloths on the round tables for an event. Just struck me as amusing.
Then we had lunch at "The Bell" a quaint little pub on the way to Stonehenge. I had splendid Bangers & Mash and a pint of ale and split a Sticky Toffee Pudding with Lorna as well as tea. There is always tea. I felt wonderfully British.
By the time we got to Stonehenge it had started to rain. I had noted last time I went to Stonehenge that it wouldn't be as fun to see in the rain and . . . I was right. But Lorna and I still enjoyed it. They are so majestic, those stones, standing silent on that great plane; watching the world go by.
Last and sadly least was Bath. Due to traffic we were late getting to Bath so we didn't really get to explore. But we did get to tour the Roman Baths which are quite peaceful and serene. What I didn't know is that the Roman built their baths over existing ones built by who knows; it seems the natural warm and healing waters of bath have been harnessed for the inhabitants for longer than anyone can imagine.
It was a glorious, if exhausting day.
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