Ancestor country tour

Early breakfast before we took a taxi to Charing Cross Station to catch the train to Tunbridge Wells, where we hired a car.

Allen drove to Battle Abbey, site of the Battle of 1066. A fascinating place despite the fact that it is a ruin, but it still gives a very satisfying picture of how it was before The Dissolution. It is possible to walk the Battlefield itself and great signs indicate what happened where. We stayed longer than intended at this crucial site in the history of England, which commemorates the beginning of the English and Norman people.

Sussex is a beautiful county with lots of woods and charming farms. Our ancestors came mainly from Catsfield and Ninfield, small villages near Battle. I was happy to see the villages and the region which I've been researching in my genealogy work. We enjoyed the drive along narrow country roads, with trees joining at their crowns so they created a leafy tunnel. Oast houses and tiny homes added to the character of the area and we found family names in a church in Catsfield.

Headed to Bexhill. Big mistake, firstly because we got stuck in roadworks which held us up, but secondly because the famous De la Warr Pavilion was poorly run and a big disappointment.

Called in at Bodiam Castle although we  couldn't go inside because it was almost closing time. However, we walked up to the castle, which is surrounded by a moat and is a most impressive sight in a beautiful setting..

Concerned about returning the car before the deadline, we headed for Tunbridge Wells, which was quite close, but we were diverted because of road works. Nevertheless, we arrived in plenty of time after driving through more of the beautiful Weald.

We were planning on having dinner at TW but couldn't find anywhere we liked. Lots of places were closing. Eventually we made it back to Charing Cross and had  pizza there. It was a good pizza, especially as we hadn't eaten all day. Saw the lights of London on our way home - unusual for us.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is closed to the public on Sundays, but we went to Evensong there, so were allowed in. The choir sang most of the service in the magnificent Abbey. We felt privileged to be there.

Caught a bus back to our hotel after another busy day.

Buckingham Palace Photos

Traversed the streets of London....

......today, in our pursuit of a visit to Buckingham Palace, booked in Australia, which was a blessing because there were long lines waiting to purchase tickets. Visited the Royal Mews first, then the Georgian painting exhibition, before we entered the palace itself.

Many rooms were open - more than I expected. We agreed that it's at least the equal of Versailles. A sumptuous and spectacular collection of beautiful furnishings and richly decorated rooms. It's a wonder the people didn't revolt here as in France. Regardless, it is a treasure house and a valuable, lived-in museum with magnificent works of art throughout. No photos allowed, so no interior shots.

Would have liked to get something to eat at the cafe in the gardens, but there was a big crowd, last day of the season and a beautiful day (25 degrees), so no hope.

To get there, we caught the train to Victoria Station. It was a nightmare getting out, as there was a huge crowd -all trying to get through the turnstiles at once. A recipe for disaster.

Flying Easy Jet

When the girl checking our lugggage told us it would take us 20 minutes to get to our departure point, we put the long time down to the fact it took us 15 minutes to get through security. The crowds were ridiculous. Is the whole world moving somewhere else? Anyway, we started towards our gate and fairly soon realised that it was a 15-20 minute walk to get to the Easy jet terminal at a fair clip. No chance of a bus to help out. We'd purchased a better seat which gave us priority. Ok until we discovered it meant we were the first to stand in the sun behind glass, sweltering until the plane arrived. Flight was fine (although they'd run out of sandwiches by row 11) and punctual, but they mean it when they say no frills.

Off to London.......

.....on a driverless train to the airport, then Easy Jet for 2 hrs. Beautiful day in Copenhagen and London is meant to be 24. So much for our winter clothes!

More canal tour photos

.......and one of dinner tonight.