Category Archives: United Kingdom

2018, A to Z Challenge, Cruises, Europe, Guernsey, Travel Notes, United Kingdom

S = St. Peter Port

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A to Z Ports = St. Peter Port

St. Peter Port is the main port for the Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. While this may be the main port, it is not large. In fact, it is easy to do a tour around the island while you are in port! This also means that you have to use the ship’s tenders to get to St. Peter Port. It also has it’s own currency and, while most stores will accept British pounds, you will receive your change will be the local currency.

St. Peter Port is a laid-back port and very easy to walk around. There is an interesting fort, Castle Coronet, that guards the port, nice walks and gardens to see throughout this town. This is a very relaxing port to enjoy.

Chapel on Guernsey

Here is a past post about St. Peter Port.

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2018, A to Z Challenge, Cruises, Europe, Scotland, Travel Notes, UK, United Kingdom

Q = Queensferry, Scotland

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A to Z Ports: Queensferry, Scotland

If you are on a cruise around the UK, the closest port to Edinburgh is Queensferry. But don’t count on a pier! You will dock near the Forth Railway Bridge and have to take tenders to the small dock. From there, you have many choices to finding your way into Edinburgh. The ship will, of course, push for shore excursions, including one called “Edinburgh on your own” which is really just a shuttle into the city. There are alternative ways to get into Edinburgh and you can find out more and this list may be handy. This is what you will see at the port of Queensferry.

So really, most people will head to Edinburgh — and why not? It is beautiful and has a rich history. And I am looking forward to another trip there soon! Here are some of my favorite photos of my time wandering through the city.

If the pictures seem a little foggy, I can blame the day which was grey with a light mist. I thought I was dressed warm enough, but sadly, I was not and I had to find something hot to drink!

I hope you enjoyed my brief trip to Edinburgh. There will be more to come!

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2018, A to Z Challenge, Cruises, Orkney Islands, Travel Notes

K = Kirkwall

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A to Z Ports: Kirkwall, Orkney Island

The main port for the Orkney Islands is at Kirkwall. You can easily walk off the ship and into the town of Kirkwall. But there s also so much to see on the island, including Skara Brae, a Neolithic village, The Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe, a chambered tomb.

In the morning, I took at tour to see sights of the island.

In the afternoon, I walked through the the town of Kirkwall, which includes the Cathedral of St. Magnus and the Bishop’s Castle.

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2017, A to Z Challenge, England, Europe, Travel Notes, UK, United Kingdom

Sussex towns #AtoZChallenge

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Sussex has a number of charming towns and villages to visit. I spent a day in two neighboring towns — Rye and Winchelsea. It was also nice that it was a bright, Spring day and a great day for photography.

One of the things I enjoyed in Rye were all the names on the doors.

Across from the “Door Opposite” is the Mermaid Inn. This is considered one of the oldest pubs in England. I loved the signed that said it was “re-built in 1420”. Inside the pub were a number of small public rooms, low ceilings and slanting floors. In an area that was probably used as a stable yard now has and outside patio — a great place for a pint or two.

From here, we continued wandering the streets up to the highest part of the town – giving us both a view of nearby Winchelsea and a beautiful church.

Winchelsea is very different from Rye. The streets are not as twisted and the church is very different. It is in the centre of the town with a large area around it, including a graveyard.

 

 

 

 

 

2017, A to Z Challenge, England, Europe, Travel Notes, UK, United Kingdom

Queen’s Palace Gardens #AtoZChallenge

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In summer months, Buckingham Palace is open for tours. While I heard there were long lines to get in, I must of gotten there at the right time and walked right in. The first part of the tour is through public rooms in the palace, including seeing the banquet room set to perfection. Then, it was on to the gardens in the back — and an outdoor cafe for tea and sweets.

As a kid this is the place I would love to play, finding lovely places to hide. It made me feel like a child.

2017, A to Z Challenge, England, Europe, Travel Notes, United Kingdom

Green Man #AtoZChallenge

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The Jack in the Green Festival in Hastings is a yearly event that celebrates May Day. Drumming groups and Morris sides are up early, gathering to greet Jack in the Green. They begin the parade Maritime Museum when the Jack of the Green is brought out to take his place. The parade winds its way through the streets of Hastings, finally ending up at Hastings Castle for more Morris dancing and, finally, the banishment of winter, with Jack’s death.

Here is more information on the Jack in the Green Festival.

2017, A to Z Challenge, England, Europe, Travel Notes, United Kingdom

Experiencing Camden #AtoZChallenge

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I love interesting markets, and Camden Town in London definitely met my expectations! There was just so much to see and do — I was overwhelmed by everything!

First, there are all the different storefronts!

The locks and canal give the area a great respite from the crowds — and there are lots of people!  But I loved the canal…

And of course there were some interesting people & all sorts of wonderful sights and experiences!

 

2017, A to Z Challenge, Cruises, England, Europe, Travel Notes, United Kingdom

Dover #AtoZChallenge

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Dover is, of course, known for its white cliffs — and the only way to really see them is from the sea. Dover was the port for me to start my Mystery Cruise — and it gave me a great way to view something I’d always wanted to see.

Time to set sail into a mystery … we have no idea where we will be tomorrow.

2017, A to Z Challenge, England, Europe, Travel Notes, United Kingdom

Brighton Area #AtoZChallenge

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B is for Brighton and the surrounding area is this year’s #AtoZChallenge. We drove to Brighton to see a special exhibit (see latter this month) and passed a number of interesting things along the way.

Chalk-cut figures are found in various places in England and this was the first time I got to see the Long Man of Wilmington.

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Here are some other sights in and around Brighton.

We headed to Devil’s Dyke next for some great views.

 

And finally, back to our campsite, which was just outside of Battle — site of the Battle of Hastings. The campsite was beautiful and filled with signs of Spring.

2017, A to Z Challenge, England, Travel Notes, United Kingdom

Avebury #AtoZChallenge

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aTo me, Avebury is a magical place and last May Day, I got to celebrate Beltane festivities with people who live in the village that is part of this large stone circle. We were up at dawn, running through the stones, dancing around a maypole and drumming up the sun. Here are some of my favourite pictures of this wonderful morning amongst the ancient stones.

Here is more information Avebury.