Category Archives: UK

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

Q = Queensferry, Scotland

April 19, 2018 Cat Starr Astral Traveller 2 Comments

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!

#atozchallenge

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

Sussex towns #AtoZChallenge

April 23, 2017 Cat Starr Astral Traveller 1 Comment

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

April 20, 2017 Cat Starr Astral Traveller 2 Comments

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.

England, Travel Notes, UK, United Kingdom

A Spring Day in Rye and Winchelsea

November 29, 2016 Cat Starr Astral Traveller Leave a comment

Before heading out on my mystery cruise in May, I spent a few days with a friend touring different places in and around Hastings, UK. One day was spent in the charming town of Rye — home of a very old pub, interesting doors, and, of course, a wall. Here are some of my favourite sights.

The Mermaid Inn was re-built in 1420, so it has been around for a long time. There are several rooms and an outdoor space for enjoying a meal or a pint. There are also a few guestrooms, if you fancy a longer stay at the Inn.

Then, we headed to the sister town of Winchelsea with a beautiful old church in the centre of the town. The church had a listing a deacons going back to 1066.

2016, A to Z Challenge, Denmark, England, Europe, Sweden, Travel Notes, UK, United Kingdom

S is for Stables

April 22, 2016 Cat Starr Astral Traveller 2 Comments

Stables? That sounds like a strange topic for a travel blog, but I love horses. So this post is really about horses. First stop, Stockholm, Sweden where I just happened to be at the Royal Palace during the Changing of the Guard — complete with a band!

Stockhom, Sweden — Changing of the Guard, Stockholm, Sweden

Next, we go to Copenhagen . This time, I was on a mission to visit the Royal Stables. I got there early and watched a bit of a training session. Then, because they were officially “closed” that day, a caretaker let me in to see the stables and collection of of carriages — on my own!

Horses from the Royal Stables

Royal Stables

One of the Royal Horses saying hello!

Inside the Royal Stables

I think I’ll take this carriage today!

Golden Carriage

There, there are the Royal Mews in London, England.

One last one, because I do love Cuba!

2016, A to Z Challenge, Scotland, Travel Notes, UK, United Kingdom

I is for Inverness

April 11, 2016 Cat Starr Astral Traveller 4 Comments

One of my favoutie things to do when I travel is to simply walk and see what draws my attention in a new place. This is exactly what I did in Inverness, Scotland. I did not try to find the infamous Loch Ness Monster but there were plenty of souvenirs celebrating Nessie (I did add to my apron collection!). Instead, I walked through the town, had a great lunch, and, of course, took lots of pictures. It was a very relaxing and beautiful Spring day.