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As 2018 comes to an end, it feels good to look back on all of the beautiful things I have experienced this year. 2018 has been difficult, but transformative. Big changes lie ahead!
You can never go wrong with narrow streets, quaint houses, cafes, and great pubs. Castle Combe – a veritable Shire – did not disappoint.
Logistically, it is not the easiest place to get to, but we managed. If I were to visit again, I would probably rent a car. Still, there are bus connections most days of the week – you just really have to watch out for the times because they are infrequent.
If you are looking for excitement, you won’t find it here – but that’s okay. It is enough just to be, to wander the cobbled side roads and wooded paths, enjoy the mossy green surroundings, and perhaps stop for a great pub meal or two and a cream tea.
Of all the places we visited on our trip to England, I think Bath was my favorite. The stunning architecture and scenery took my breath away from the moment we stepped off the train.
We started off with a lovely afternoon tea at the Jane Austen House. I felt like a fanciful Mrs. Darcy as I not-so-elegantly stuffed scones with clotted cream into my face (yum!)
After our spot of tea, my sister and I went to the Thermae Bath Spa to soak in the thermal waters that initially drew the Romans into the area when the city was founded. Talk about a perfect day!
We watched the sun fade along the water, walked by the abbey, and did a little souvenir shopping before catching the train back to our place in Bristol.
After exploring London for a few days, my husband, sister, and I decided to base ourselves out of Bristol so that we could explore more of the English countryside. While it’s a great base to see places such as Bath or Stonehenge, Bristol in and of itself is a very cool city worth a visit.
I am a huge fan of street art and Bristol has it in spades. Home to the famous street artist and political activist, Banksy, the street art scene there has exploded in recent years.
In addition to a cool street art scene, there is a big demand in Bristol for people to shop local; as such, there is no shortage of unique shops and restaurants to discover.
Words to live by!
As a self-proclaimed Potterhead, London has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. How it took me this long to get there, I have no idea, but I was lucky enough to finally make it happen and even luckier to have my sister along for the ride.
We stayed in the adorable neighborhood of Hackney – highly recommend!
This was her first big international trip and I was so excited to share the experience. We hit the ground running after she landed with all of the main tourist sites and started the next day with a very cool (and very nerdy) Harry Potter walking tour, where we got to see various film locations and the parts of London that inspired some of the magical locations as well (shout out to the real-life Diagon Alley!).
The street that inspired Diagon Alley!
…and Knockturn Alley!
I had really hoped to catch a show while in London, but alas – the two shows I wanted to see most were sold out. I still grabbed photos of the venues, if somewhat bitterly.
We met up with a good friend and former colleague for some drinks at a super cool roof top bar, indulged in Cornish pasties, wandered through as many neighborhoods and parks as we could manage, and shopped until we dropped (I don’t think I will ever see a bookstore that tops Foyles! They really had everything!)
It was a really great start to an awesome adventure.
Going Groundless 