Stonhenge, Bath: March 21-22

After looking through our blog over the last 6 months, we realized that we had explored many, many places in Europe except one - ENGLAND! So, we decided to ignore the urge to get on a plane and instead rented a car and planned a trip to the north of London - Stonehenge and Bath. Anthony had the driving honors after successfully navigating Ireland with Amy and his friend Jeff in October. Driving did not come back naturally, so it took several trips around the block before he got the hang of it.

First stop was the Stonehenge. The approach to this ancient wonder was impressive - driving up a hill and the field was right in front of us. We walked around Stonehenge for a bit listening to theories on what it was (most people think it was a calendar of sorts based on where the sun was in the sky). The size of the stones were impressive.




We continued north towards the town of Bath. Most of the driving was on main highways which were fine. However, as we approached our hotel, Lucknam Park, the roads got more and more narrow. The road below was meant for two way traffic. There were probably a total of 5 inches on either side of the car as we were driving around the sharp turns.....unclear what would have happened if we actually saw another car trying to pass.



But that harrowing experience was well worth it once we arrived at Lucknam Park. It was set on a few hundred acres on the hills about 5 minutes from Bath. The approach was down a narrow driveway with huge trees on either side. Once we pulled up, it was clear this was going to be a beautiful place.



After checking in, we headed into the town of Bath. After an enormous amount of traffic (there was a big rugby match in town on Saturday), we parked the car and walked straight to a famous lunch spot, Sally Lunn's, which is the oldest building in the town of Bath.



Then we tried to get into the Bath Abbey, but it was closed for a concert. It was looked a beautiful church.



Right next door to the Abbey was the old Roman Bath in the center of town. Hot spring water bubbles up continuously and has for years (ever since before the Romans). While the water didnt look that enticing, you could see how it was a nice, relaxing place in the old days.





In one part of the Roman Bath, there was the largest indoor bath we'd ever seen. Visitors for years have been throwing coins in the water and making a wish. We couldnt resist wishing either. Of course, our wishes were kept secret!





We continued walking around Bath. It was a quaint small city with few cars so everyone was on foot. Random sites here or there...



We visited the Royal Crescent which was a half moon of apartments overlooking a nice park.



We headed back to the hotel for some scrabble by the fire, some guinness' and a good meal. The next day we hot a relaxing hot stone massage (tough life!) and then we headed to the stables on the property. Amy had been very eager to get back on a horse and ride around the grounds of the hotel. Anthony had never been on a horse and was reluctant but decided to give it a try (much to the horses unhappiness).

First, the proper gear.....




Next the horse - Amy's horse was Jeff and Anthony's horse was Patch.





We did some trotting around the grounds with our instructors. We both enjoyed the hour of learning about turning and trotting and seeing the grounds. Not sure we'll end up owning a horse in life, but we would both certainly get back on the horse for another try.



After the riding, we headed back to London and arrived in one piece safely! Next stop on the travel calendar is Amsterdam this coming weekend..