Saturday 11 October 2014

Peterborough, Bakewell, Malvern, Barnsley …



… these are some of my favourite things found as Jenny and I journeyed around middle England.  We also visited three other cousins of my mother’s vintage … which I enjoyed as it gave me a chance to catch up … and being the family chauffeur to Jenny helped her, as her home is in Vancouver Island.
Peterborough Cathedral


First stop Peterborough … an amazing place … we stayed in the old coaching inn – on the main road to the north, and where Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, is buried …


The Abbey escaped Henry’s Dissolution to transform into one of the ‘new’ Cathedrals … probably because Catherine was buried there.


Butter Cross - now Guildhall
The Parliamentary soldiers in the Civil War in 1643 ransacked the cathedral, destroying the high altar and choir stalls, as well as the medieval decoration and documents.



This lovely building is the Butter Cross, on the site of the old Market Cross, now known as the Guildhall and was built from public subscription in 1669.

Coat of Arms with
interesting clock face

As we’d been late arriving due to motorway snarl ups and encouraging (yes for the gardens, not for us) rainstorms!  We’d missed opening hours … so Sunday morning before we went on …


… we took ourselves off to have a quick squizz inside the Cathedral and listen to Choral Matins … wonderful acoustics … I’d have loved to seen more – but another day …


Bakewell Church and village -
even in the snow it looks lovely


Our next non-family setting was the beautiful Derbyshire Dales … except it was raining heavily with low-hanging clouds … so once again we have to return.





We did try Bakewell pudding the original precursor to our more modern Bakewell tart – that I love, when I dare eat it!!


Bakewell Pudding according
to old recipe
This was created when the cook wasn't concentration and muddled up the ingredients ... still that one mistake has stood the test of time!



1837 Recipe for Bakewell pudding


Also after Jane Austen had visited the village – she rewrote certain of her scenes, using the vistas of the Dales that Elizabeth Bennet described in Pride and Prejudice.




Thankfully we took Jenny’s route … I’d wanted to travel the lanes – but the newsagent had said to me if you go down to the woods today you will meet very large puddles and floods – and he would have been very right! There were local floods we found out later.


Abbey Hotel covered in Virginia Creeper
Next stop was Malvern … the Malvern of Elgar, the composer of “Land of Hope and Glory”, and ‘taking the waters’ … that was not funny!  Desperate times I suspect … still Jenny and I noticed how incredibly soft the water is … de-soaping took some doing.



Malvern Hills


We drove round the Malvern Hills … just stunning countryside and definitely a return visit is due …



Next stop Jenny’s publishers just outside Stroud, at a port – another interesting historical snippet; that was successful – putting Jenny’s mind at rest over one new book, with a second likely.

The courtyard garden at the pub

Then on again towards Oxford … but some lunch first … why I waited I’ve no idea … but suddenly there was a village pub (The Village Pub) and in we turned to park.




Twice-baked Cheese Souffle
What a successful choice – very upmarket granted – but really delightful … and what a menu … Jenny had the twice-baked cheese soufflé, while I had the Cornish Fish Soup – can’t resist the Cornish bit … with some lovely home-made bread …



Cornish Fish Soup with
Saffron Mayonnaise and garlic toasts
We then walked up to the Church … before journeying on to Oxford … and our last night.  Jenny was meeting the archivist for the Bodleian/Rhodes Library to make some final arrangements re handing over most of Emily Hobhouse’s (1860 – 1926) papers for research purposes: another successful accomplishment.


Jenny went to London by train as she is now in Germany visiting Berlin and Leipzig before coming back via London on her way home to Vancouver Island.


Abbey Gatehouse with
Museum above
 We had a very happy trip … no satellite navigation … but the brain works just as well!  Lots of food … with some very enjoyable chats about all manner of subjects – mostly historical …


Frankly Jenny puts me into the shade … after two weeks in Iberia on a coach tour; over to England, down to Cornwall, as that’s where Jenny’s Hobhouse relatives come from, as do our mother’s.

 
Barnsley Church -
Font
Back via relatives, before we embarked on our round middle England trip – then as I mentioned she’s now over in Germany – as Emily was involved in setting up The Save the Children Fund … and is researching other details.


There’s a lot to tell you … but I’m wilting after just six days of travelling around … but Jenny was very happy having me as a chauffeur-chatterer-historian …


I’ve been to parts of England I’d never visited and by checking up things on the ipad we both learnt lots … now to return to a degree of normality … though I could happily repeat the experience!!

Panorama of Malvern Hills with
Little Malvern Priory taking centre stage

I sent a thank you letter up to our relatives in Newark, one of the sisters is in hospital after a stroke, and her niece and sister visited today – and read parts of the letter out … it engaged the patient, I’m pleased to say.  Interaction is the key with elderlies and especially those who are sick.


Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

73 comments:

Vallypee said...

A lovely trip indeed, Hilary. I must say I'd love to come to England and travel round with you. You make it all so interesting. I've never been to Malvern and your photos are lovely, so a trip to middle England and a tour around is on my cards!

Betsy Wuebker said...

I second Val's comments. Not typically where one might visit, so even more interesting!

Terra said...

When I saw the word Malvern, I knew I would like this post, as I associate Malvern with my beloved C.S. Lewis. If I ever return to England I would like to do the exact travel you describe here. The Village Pub, etc. and arranging for Hobhouse papers to be delivered, quite charming. I am a librarian so love to see archives preserved.

J E Oneil said...

Beautiful architecture. Glad you avoided the floods :)

Diana Wilder said...

Does anything feel as wonderful as one's own bed after a busy round of driving? Peterborough Cathedral is lovely, from the photo. Cromwell is one of those historical characters to whom I would love to give a piece of my mind. Bakewell 'pudding' sounds interesting. I do love the 'modern' tart, but have deliberately NOT learned to make them. I would swell up like the blueberry girl in Willy Wonka! Thank you again for a wonderful post!

Diana

Janie Junebug said...

Poor Catherine of Aragon. I've always felt so sorry for her.

Love,
Janie

Paula said...

What a marvelous trip. The food sounds amazing. You are very blessed.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Val - it was a lovely trip and I'd love to do more travelling .. one day perhaps. I'd never been to Malvern and is definitely worth a revisit ...

@ Betsy - after your travels this is a smidgen of a journey! But good to see you .. I have to say I wouldn't have gone to Peterborough, but for Jenny's request to visit ..

@ Terra - ah yes, C S Lewis did have some associations with Malvern, but Elgar much more so - it's a stunning area. The Village Pub in Barnsley was an amazing find ... as a Librarian I imagine you appreciate research papers being donated and Emily is finally being recognised over 100 years later ...

@ Jeanne - the old buildings are amazing ... and I'm so glad we saw new parts of England and were able to see some of the country despite the rain.

@ Diana - no! But I did enjoy the travels much more than I thought ... I was quite anxious about meeting a lot of traffic and not finding my way round - but it was 'easily' done ...

Cromwell influenced our parliamentary system - though he was ruthless in his pursuit .. but he did 'release' the idea of free will for the people.

Henry VIII had ruined the monasteries and we're lucky to have been left 15 or so .. which are our early Cathedrals today ... so ransacking places was not new.

Yes Bakewell tart is a delicious dessert ... which I do have occasionally - the 'pudding' wasn't scintillating: and I too don't want to be swollen blueberry girl!

@ Janie - she was a strong lady and over time has been recognised and reinstated as Queen of England during her lifetime ... It was and is difficult being born a female ... Queen or pauper ...

@ Paula - exactly: a marvellous trip ... and the food was delicious ... it was very kind of Jenny to ask if I'd chauffeur her round - it's been a pleasure ...

Cheers Hilary

Patsy said...

I've not been to any of the places you visited, except Oxford and that was a long time ago, so thanks for this taster. Makes me realise i need to do lots more travelling ;-)

bazza said...

I shouldn't have read this just before lunchtime; I'm starving now!
Some of the best time times are to be had when we go outside of our 'norms' to new places. You make England seem like the best place in the world, which I happen to think it is.
Incidentally, I've been to Vancouver Island and it's lovely - like going back to the fifties (or even the thirties!)
Continuing my new experiment of naming the music I am listening to while posting or commenting - right now it's: 'Poncho and Lefty' by Townes Van Zandt. Listen on You Tube: here I'm not sure if I like it!
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Some beautiful scenery. Sorry you had so much rain. And a kitchen accident you can actually eat - those are rare!

Manzanita said...

I was surprised when you said you saw parts of England you had never seen before. We all should visit the history that is close to us. I know I miss a lot that is almost right under my nose.
Delightful food and I like the selection of names for the reginal dishes.

Anonymous said...

I misread "Middle England" and thought it was Middle Earth -- but there were no Hobbit holes! So much history, wow. You sure do get around, Hilary.

Suzanne said...

I loved this :) There is such many wonderful places in our little country - and I must admit I've only seen a small portion of them. Time and money just keeps getting in the way! x

Stephanie Faris said...

How exciting. The food in England was quite an adjustment for me. In America, "pudding" refers to one food item. Over there it's a general term for what we call dessert. People kept asking me if I wanted pudding and I thought they meant Jello pudding! Congratulations to Jenny on her successful meeting with her publisher, too!

Sai Charan said...

Hi Hilary, thanks for sharing about your wonderful trip, the places in the photos look so beautiful, can't wait to plan a trip there sometime!! :)

Well written, you took us readers on the trip as well with interesting description about the places you've visited and stayed at :)

Hope you are having a great weekend!!

Cheers,
Charan :)

MorningAJ said...

Nice to see Peterborough. It's where my Dad came from, but I've not been back for years. I really should go and take a look. Thanks for reminding me.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Patsy - I still need to see loads of places ... but I used to go to friends and family and rarely went sightseeing: but there is an awful lot to see in this little land - though recently you've had a very good Scottish tour ...

@ Bazza - food is always good to write about .. not so good to read about! I was pleased to see new areas .. and yes it opened my eyes to different areas to explore. Britain is very pretty and has lots to offer.

My mother and I went over to Vancouver Island about 17 years ago .. I really need to go again ... it has a genteelness about it: you're right.

@ Alex - lovely countryside and would have been amazing without the rain in the Dales - but Jenny was happy and it was her trip.

I guess most food is experimental in the beginning ... Bakewell Pudding was a muck-up .. but one that worked.

@ Manzanita - heavens above Manzanita ... our little country has lots to offer ... so I've seen way more than most people I guess - these particular areas I'd been past, but had no reason to stop before. It's good to see another part of England - especially when I'm on the south coast now. There's lots in London I need to see too ...

The food was good ... and Jenny saw places she was looking forward to visiting ...

@ Milo - nope not Middle Earth ... Tolkien country we bypassed ... and we didn't disappear down a Hobbit hole, or a rabbit hole ... we just took things easily and did what Jenny wanted and needed to do ... I enjoyed the travelling around ...

@ Suzanne - thanks for coming by - yes we do have some amazing places with some incredible history. This time those bases were covered ... though I'd do more travelling if the lack of my pounds didn't interfere!

@ Stephanie - changing countries is always a little unsettling ... and it's funny how 'names' change between continents or countries ... pudding is more 'common' ... dessert is posher - usually!

Jenny's published one book ... so we're into an author's world ... on one specific subject and historically an important woman: Emily Hobhouse

@ Charan - well you're very centrally situated in Oxford - lots of different routes you could plan and take. I'm just glad to read you enjoyed your 'reading' tour ...

Weekend - it's now very wet!

@ Anne - I'm not sure Peterborough itself is so scintillating .. but history wise it's fascinating. I did enjoy my stay .. but it was the weekend and it was empty relatively!

Thanks everyone - it seems I've opened our eyes to areas of the UK we've not thought of often ... cheers Hilary

Bob Scotney said...

Back in the 1950s I played cricket for Peterborough on Sundays and knew the city well. One of my aunts and uncle and their family lived there too. More recently I've only passed through on the train. The cathedral is a beautiful building.

beste barki said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
beste barki said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
beste barki said...

Hi Hilary,
I was in the UK last in 1977. I would like to visit your beautiful country again one of these days.

dolorah said...

I hope someday to be able to revisit England, and not just the touristy spots in London. Perhps I'll be able to engage you a chauffer-chatterer- historin and make my experience this exciting.

Chatty Crone said...

I have been to England twice in my lifetime - but always went on tours from London. How I would have loved to go with a real English woman (?) as a tour guide. That sounds like you really got to see a lot of new things even for yourself. Glad you had fun!

Murees Dupè said...

What a wonderful adventure. I love that your travels always include food.

Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement on my blog.

Nas said...

A lovely trip and amazing adventure, reading your blog makes me want to go off on similar adventures!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

It sounds like a lovely trip. I'm so glad you had company with you.

Sherry Ellis said...

Sounds like a lovely trip. I would like to visit England and see some of these things.

Jo said...

Never heard of Bakewell Pud but of course have eaten the tarts many times. Sounds like a great trip for the pair of you. Not a part of England I know either. Some years ago we visited friends in the area where I was born (close to Manchester) and I was staggered to find how hilly it was. Lovely countryside too.

Brian Miller said...

ah what a fun trip...i would so love to travel around england...and sample those food stuffs as well...funny story on the pudding...and the mistake holding good in the test of time...

Tara Tyler said...

you have so much history and incredible views so close to you! (well, closer to you than me!) so glad i stop by to see what you share! and the souffle - scrumptuous bites too!

Denise Covey said...

Hi Hilary. I've visited the UK twice and only briefly flitted through England...spending more time in Ireland (my roots, y'know). I hope to get back one of these days, at least to visit the Lakes District. Meanwhile, I'll have to make do with watching Escape to the Country, Kevin McCloud, and reading your blog posts which are wonderful!

Thanks :)

D.G. Hudson said...

I'd want to visit the coastal areas in England and also Scotland if I ever get to the UK.. I have a lot of Scottish in my background. Your jaunt sounds like a lot of fun.

Anonymous said...

I love these pictures! I've only been to London so to see all this is amazing. Nothing like those beautiful old churches. You also taught me a new word: squizz. I never heard that before ;)

Anonymous said...

I love these pictures! I've only been to London so to see all this is amazing. Nothing like those beautiful old churches. You also taught me a new word: squizz. I never heard that before ;)

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Wow - what amazing architecture! I especially love Peterborough Cathedral!

Julie Flanders said...

Thanks for this virtual tour - so many beautiful and yummy stops. I really want to eat the cheese souffle now! The Peterborough Cathedral is magnificent.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Bravo for Jenny, who came a long long way and had such a wonderful host. Anyone would be lucky to have you driving them about, Hilary. It would certainly be my ideal holiday.

Diane said...

Sorry I have not visited for a while but my laptop died and it took much longer than expected to replace it with a qwerty keyboard and a French guarantee!! One month later I am learning how to use new programmes!!

Sounds like you are have such fun driving around historic Britain, lucky Jenny.

Keep well Diane

cleemckenzie said...

Quite a tour you did! I loved the Butter Cross building, especially the details of the clock. So beautiful.

So the Bakewell pudding was a mistake, heh? Interesting bit of culinary history.

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Thank you for sharing the scenic view of Malvern Hills. Really stunning.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip. That coat of arms and clock face on the Guildhall are quite interesting looking. So glad to hear that you and Jenny didn't get caught in the floods.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Your travelogues are fascinating and fill me with envy. A similar travelogue from the U.S. would read:

Drove on an interstate.
Ate at a Pizza Hut.
Saw the World's Biggest Ball of Twine.
Slept at a Motel 6.

*Head. Thunk. U.S. Map on Desk.*

Michael Di Gesu said...

I must say Hilary, your travelogues are such fun. You really should become the next Rick Steves for England. Host a show and take us through parts of Great Britain that are truly OFF the beaten trail.

Well done! And such fun!

Marja said...

Nice to send the letter. Thank you for this amazing trip. A petty that you had so much rain but the area, the buildings are great. Now I see all this I regret travelling more to england while I lived in Holland. I did go once with the boat to London and from there with the train to Oxford and I fell in love with Oxford The old buildings of the university are beautiful. I hope the weather is better on the rest of your trip

Michelle Wallace said...

I love a venue with great acoustics...would love to listen to Choral Matins inside that Cathedral.
I love the beautiful buildings/architecture...
Cheese souffle - looks appetizing and sounds delicious!

Hilary, you are the perfect chauffeur-chatterer-historian! You're good at it PLUS you love it!
You could actually link with a company and hire your services! Or better still, start your own one-man business!

Trisha said...

You always pack so much into your trips - and have such beautiful photos/stories to share. :)

Fil said...

What a lovely trip Hilary ... and like one of your previous commenters, you're making me hungry lol We've travelled around a lot of England but I don't think I've seen any of these places! The Malvern Hills look beautiful ... Must try and get there sometime. I love the old pubs that are dotted all over Englnad - and tasting a sip of the local real ale;)
Fil @ Fil’s Place - Old songs and Memories

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Bob - well you appreciate Peterborough .. I need to go back and see some more of it. Good memories of your cricket and your aunt and uncle .. the train does pass on by doesn't it.

@ Beste - that's a long time ago .. nearly 40 years .. we still have wonderful countryside ... and so I hope you can get over sometime.

@ Donna - well I seem to be garnering a new job: chauffeur-chatterer-historian ... who knows! I hope you'll be able to get over again sometime ..

@ Sandie - yes I am a real English woman ... and by the sound of it a tour guide in the making ... These weren't places I'd visited .. so that's whetted my appetite for more visits! I'm glad you've visited these shores and know a little what I'm talking about ..

@ Murees - well I can't not eat can I?! So food becomes intrinsic along the route .. though not the main reason, just a very good addition to our travels.

@ Nas - I know now I've started ... I want to go on travelling too - but it's good to be home!

@ Sharon - it was fun taking Jenny round ... as she has a wealth of knowledge.

@ Sherry - we should have done the gardens at Barnsley for you .. but we had a tightish schedule. Our gardens are amazing too - you would love to visit ...

@ Jo - well I didn't know the origin of Bakewell tart or pudding - but it was interesting to find out.

England has such a diverse geology ... and we do have hills, some mountains - but the country is very varied .. Malvern Hills were amazing.

@ Brian - I hope you can make it over here sometime ... our food isn't bad either! Very cosmopolitan in places ...

Thanks so much .. part 2 to the comments coming up shortly .. so glad you had happy journeys with me - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Tara – we are lucky to be English (I believe) .. so I’m pleased you feel like breaking off and journeying with me … the soufflé looked good, but my soup was excellent!

@ Denise – I can understand you wanting to go back to your roots – I feel like that about Cornwall .. but I’ve enjoyed seeing some new places.

The Lake District we spent our early holidays there … so I have an affinity for it. However Britain is full of such fascinating little places … with so much history intertwined …

@ DG – the coastal areas are just so varied too – our geology grants our coastline opportunity to give us spectacular unexpected views … while Scotland has some incredible countryside and sea-scapes … My jaunt was a delight – thank you!

@ Elsie – glad I’ve brought some of my trip to light through the photos … and “squizz” I suspect is a Hilary word .. but a good one too – glad you enjoyed it …

@ Keith – well with luck you’ll be seeing some amazing architecture and towns soon – different to ours .. but of just so much beauty … the Cathedral was a special find.

@ Julie – so pleased you enjoyed travelling with me along our route .. and yes yummy stops along the way. The cheese soufflé looked delicious .. but my soup was positively tasty!!

@ Joylene – Jenny is an intrepid lady … and she had a mission to fulfil – which I think she was on her way to do that – I hope Germany has been good for her … Appreciate your thought re my chauffeuring around … managed very well, thankfully!

@ Diane – not to worry .. I saw your hassles re the m/c and subsequent chase for a Qwerty keyboard with French guarantee .. not easy I guess – but glad you’re back.

It was lovely having Jenny here and to be able to spend some time with her and other relatives of my mother’s … Jenny knows more than I do .. but at least I could interact with her historically …

@ Lee – it was quite a tour – but was fun. The Butter Cross building was beautiful to look at – and I did like the clock and its coat of arms … I must check out what they mean exactly.

Bakewell pudding was a culinary mix up – but what a good one it’s turned out to be …

@ Munir – glad you enjoyed the tour around and especially Malvern.

@ Susanne – we had a fun time … I know I should really find out more about the Guildhall clock and its coat of arms – next time! I was grateful we weren’t caught up in any floods, or any major traffic jams …

Thanks looks like part 3 is following .. so pleased you enjoyed this virtual trip with me .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Dianne – love your comment … just glad I didn’t post yours or similar for my travels! Great description though .. could open the door for lots of interesting ideas?! Appreciate that you find my travelogues interesting …

@ Michael – another job for me .. not sure I’d suit that but interesting thought! I do tend to travel away from the normal routes if I can – though I need to get from A-Z as well … very happy you enjoyed the journey round.

@ Marja – I’m glad you appreciated the recipe letter. Thankfully it didn’t rain completely – but it would have been kind if we’d have had less of it – except the UK needs its rain. Holland and the continent has lots of historical and beautiful landscapes to visit … but I’m glad you visited once at least and saw Oxford – beautiful city …

@ Michelle – we lucky to be able to experience Choral Matins in the Cathedral … I’d love to be there when they do a full choral performance – perhaps once day. We are lucky with our scenery and our historical towns … my soup was delicious!!

Thanks for compliment re the chauffeur-chatterer-historian … and yes I do love the travels around … I suspect I’ve enough on my plate for now … though it’d be an interesting path off the beaten track.

@ Trisha – I try to open up your minds to what we’ve got on offer here and teach myself at the same time … so am very glad you’re happy reading the posts …

@ Fil – sorry about the food – can’t help but travel and eat along the way – can we>! … well some of these places were very new to me - we all have reasons to go to various places and so parts of the English countryside get left out … it made a big change for me …

The Malvern Hills are just stunning … while we didn’t make any pubs (old ones) Jenny had some cider … but I was driving so stayed clear and had something soft …

Thanks to you all – so pleased you enjoyed my run around … and as I did open your eyes to new areas of England .. cheers Hilary

Mark Means said...

Seeing as England is at the top of my list of places to visit, I always enjoy seeing the great pictures you post as well as the 'slice of life' descriptions you add.

Great stuff, Hilary :)

Robyn Campbell said...

Hey Hil, I'd love to visit Malvern someday. I like the name. It sounds so beautiful. The photos you took are wonderful. I love the way you make me think I went on the trip with you. You do that to me every time.

Thanks for giving me some more homeschool material. :-)

TexWisGirl said...

really love the old buildings and churches! :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Mark - I do hope you get your chance to visit us over the pond .. and that I'm tempting you with my take on life through my travels.

@ Robyn - Malvern is amazing .. the name derives from the ancient British or Welsh "bald/bare hill" - appropriate in the circumstances.

I'm just delighted you enjoyed the trip with me and I was able to give you some new ideas for homeschooling ...

@ TWG - lots of those in the British Isles ..

Cheers and thank you .. Hilary

Karen Lange said...

Oh how I would love to come and visit these wonderful places! Your posts highlight them in such engaging ways. If I come to visit I must surely look you up as well. That would probably be the best part of the journey! Thanks so much for enriching my day. Have a lovely rest of the week! :)

H. R. Sinclair said...

It sounds like your had a lovely time. The church pics look incredible.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

What a delightful trip! (I'm glad you didn't let the rain dampen your spirits...)

As much as I enjoy visiting "historical" sites here in the U.S., our country is still wet behind the ears when compared to the historical sites there in Europe.

mail4rosey said...

I'm sorry to hear of the stroke.:(

I've never tried that pudding, but it looks good. It sounds like a successful/fun day out. And it makes me want to go on vacation just reading about it!! I've only been to England for a short time. I'd love to visit longer. :)

Luanne G. Smith said...

Jealous, jealous, jealous. I am saving for another trip someday. There's so much of the northern English countryside I'd like to see, including those Dales. Until then I get to travel vicariously through you. :)

Friko said...

A lovely trip altogether. I have seen most of the places you mention - and stayed in the Abbey Hotel -.It’s all splendid. Pity the weather didn’t play along.

M Pax said...

Your post made me hungry :) What a lovely bit of traveling. And cool to see where Jane Austen had been. I love her... Great photos of your journey.

Juliet said...

What an interesting trip, punctuated by delicious food stops. I love Derbyshire. Have been away from the blog, busy putting up my new website - all very exciting.

Morgan said...

You would be the best person to travel with, Hilary!!! I would learn so much and eat the best food…

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Karen - that would be wonderful to meet up, when you get to visit. I'm just so glad you enjoy the tours I take you on occasionally - and just being here: thank you!

@Holly - thanks the cathedral was v special

@ Susan - we couldn't let the rain dampen our British spirits could we?! The uk and Europe are full of historical interest - but you have some amazing places too.

@ Rosey - yes the stroke is an added blow, but she's not as bad as my mother ... Thankfully. I hope you can get over to England at some stage again ... The Bakewell tarts are rather moorish!

@ Luanna - sorry,sorry,sorry ... But we didn't get into your beloved Wales ... And yes I need to see the Dales again. Very happy to have you along vicariously as I post/ visit places here!!

@ Friko - just missed your neck of the woods - but had never seen Malvern ... And the Abbey hotel has an amazing setting. It was a nuisance about the weather ... But Jenny was happy.

@ Mary - food is always a good attracting feature isn't it ... And I'm glad you picked up on the Jane Austen snippet ...

@ Juliet - you probably know it fairly well, but it's somewhere I need to get back to. Good luck with the new website ...

@ Morgan - many many thanks - I'd love to have you join me ...

Thanks so much - just delighted you've enjoyed reading about our travels - cheers Hilary

TALON said...

What a stunning trip! And the architecture - how breathtaking! I'd be a snap-happy fool and you'd never get me to move along, Hilary!

Sara said...

This was a fun trek. I am sorry the weather didn't cooperate, but it still sounds like you and Jenny had a great time.

Plus...now there are more places to go in my folder:"Hilary's Recommendations of Places to Visit." I hope to cross the Pond in May or June of next year. So, I've been keeping track of YOUR visits:~)

Gattina said...

What a wonderful and interesting journey you had, unfortunately a little wet ! Without my GPS my brain is on strike when it comes to look for roads !

Julia Hones said...

I work with seniors and I agree with you. Interaction is very important.
Thank you for sharing this enjoyable tour.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Kim - I wasn't taking too many photos fortunately .. we didn't have a lot of time: but doesn't mean I don't want to go back!

@ Sara - it was a happy time .. safely accomplished for Jenny - but we saw enough to whet our appetite .. and we saw Bakewell even if through sheets of rain!

Gosh a folder of "Hilary's Recommendations of Places to Visit" - that's living dangerously! It'd be great if you can get over next year .. and perhaps we can tie up ...

@ Gattina - it was just Derbyshire that wasn't so great .. but we had a fun time. Thankfully I can find my way round ... so have never felt the need for GPS - I guess I'll get it one day!

@ Julia - you'd understand about interacting with the elderly or the ill: I hadn't realised you worked with seniors. Glad you enjoyed the whizz around ..

Cheers and thanks for visiting - Hilary

Lynn said...

What a lovely trek! A good photo op at every turn, I imagine. That tart looks so good. :)

Connie Arnold said...

I love seeing photos of the beautiful cathedrals! I went with church choir several years ago and sang at several, a lovely experience. Thanks for sharing all the photos and info about your trip, Hikary.

Ann Carbine Best said...

Interaction is the key, I think, to most everything in life.

What a tour. JUST lovely!!

((( ))) from your friends across the pond....