Yesterday evening, for our final dinner, we decided to eat at the Horseshoe Hotel, on the recommendation of our hostess. It was the most fantastic thatched hotel, dating from the 17th Century, set in a thatched village, and a typical country pub atmosphere. The food was excellent, which really made for a memorable evening.
Today was our final day in England – and it RAINED! I really mean, it rained!!!
After more fond, extended farewells (we had really been made to feel like friends of the family), we set out from Marlborough for Windsor, where we intended to spend the day before returning our car to Avis at Heathrow. To say it rained all the way on the motorway would be an understatement – not only did we have to contend with the rain, but the thick spray from all the trucks and cars heading towards London. Doris was her usual marvellous self - what ever would we have done without her? We would probably still be trying to find our way out of some of the country lanes!
Anyway, she took us straight to a multi-storey car park in Windsor and, of course, we ended up having to park on the roof – in the rain! Our first stop was at Marks & Spencer to purchase another umbrella – Himself decided his cap wasn’t quite waterproof enough. The castle was easy to find; simply follow the crowds and the signs, then join the long queue waiting in the rain. At this time, we realised there were an awful lot of children about and then discovered schools have a week’s holiday in the middle of each term. It took us about half an hour to actually buy our tickets, pass through security (and the first gift shop) before entering the castle grounds. It was then a long walk – in the pouring rain – up the hill to the entrance to the State Rooms. Needless to say, once inside, the steam did rise as the bottoms of our jeans dried out. We joined the multitude wandering (or more likely just standing and listening to their audio guides) around the many rooms open to the public. Windsor Castle rooms seemed much darker and heavier than Buckingham Palace, but some of the rooms, especially the dining room and main reception room were pretty stunning. Back out into the rain, a quick photo shoot of the poor soldiers on duty, into St George’s Chapel for a look at the graves of the recent kings and queens, through another gift shop and back on Windsor High Street and the hunt for a suitable lunch break.
With some space (and weight) to spare in the suitcase, an hour to spare was put to good use and said space is now much smaller! After listening to moans and groans all day about the rain and wet feet (wont mention any names!), it was back to the car and Doris was given her final task of returning us to Avis. She sounded so pleased when we arrived – she definitely deserves and big bunch of flowers. Not to mention our driver for the last four weeks – he has had a few stressful moments, but managed to get us back safely – and with both mirrors still on the car!!!
Avis transferred us to Terminal 3, where we faced the “easy” task of checking ourselves in and then manually dropping our luggage. Fortunately, there was a very nice lady present who talked us through the complete process. Oh for the days when one could just front up to a counter and the check-in process was handled smoothly without any added stress.
As we wind up our travels, we look back and remember the wonderful sights we have seen and the wonderful people we have met. Memories of England would include: bluebells, narrow lanes, hedges, traffic, bluebells, country bed and breakfasts (so much nicer than being in large towns), bluebells, stately homes and castles, the flowers and especially all the friendly people we have met.
The blog will be back in two week’s time, as we will be heading north to Cairns for some vitamin D therapy!
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