South West England
I’ve visited England many times over the years. My third vacation focused on the South West of England, including Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Cotswolds. Of course, you must fly into London so I started my holiday by stopping at Buckingham Palace.
Then a side trip to Kent (about an hour from London) to visit Leeds Castle. A castle has stood on this location since 857, and it was renovated in 1278 in the Norman style. It became a favorite residence of King Henry VIII. In 1976, it was opened to the general public.
Bath is known and is named for the ancient Roman baths (~ 60 ACE) — and Jane Austen.
“What a delightful place Bath is.”
After a tour of the baths you can sample the water from a fountain. It tastes like bath water. Very mineral filled.
Nestled in the Cotswolds region is Chedworth Roman Villa, one of the largest and most elaborate Roman villas so far discovered in Britain. The villa’s construction began in the early 2nd century.
When I think of England, I think of the Cotwolds, a series of quaint thatched roof cottages, rolling hills, and meadows full of sheep and stunning gardens.
Stratford-Upon-Avon is all about Shakespeare. They have preserved as much as possible, including his wife Anne Hathaway’s childhood home (first photo) and William’s birthplace (third photo).
Driving back from the Cotswolds, I stopped at Avebury Stone Circle. A Neolithic henge monument containing three stone circles, the largest megalithic stone circle in the world.
My next few posts will include further travels, and more of Europe and Bora Bora.
Where am I now? You can find me on Blue Sky.