Gijon to Santander
Our time in Spain had come to an end and we had to drive from Gijon to Santander to take the Ferry back to the UK. It was sad to leave but at... READ MORE
The Parador in Gijon
The Parador in Gijon is on the edge of the town, at the far end of the San Lorenzo Beach from the old town. I’ve talked a lot about it so a separate... READ MORE
Isabel la Catolica Park in Gijon
The Parador of Gijon overlooks the Isabel la Catolica Park in Gijon, in fact you might say it is situated in the park. It was a joy to stroll here at some point... READ MORE
Wandering in Gijon
On this day we decided wandering in Gijon would be a good idea, so we took a taxi to the town centre again. We were also on a hunt for wine! The harbour... READ MORE
Cimadevilla of Gijon
The old town is the Cimadevilla of Gijon, situated on and around the Santa Catalina Hill in Gijon. We took a taxi into the town – I was still on somewhat ‘go-slow’ –... READ MORE
The Museum in Gijon
The Museum of the Asturian People in Gijon is situated close to the Parador. We visited twice because there was just too much to take in at one time. Spain is very proud... READ MORE
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Wandering in Old Rennes
The Mediaeval City of Rennes is fabulous despite the disastrous fire of 1720. I wandered with my camera and here I just want to share some of the sights.
A City Break in Rennes
Rennes seems an unlikely ‘City Break’ but the one and a half days we spent here were absolutely delightful and I can thoroughly recommend the town, the administrative capital of Brittany, as a stopover to anyone travelling in France. We … Continued
Parc Botanique de Haute Bretagne
As in 2015 the first day in France included a visit to the Parc Botanique de Haute Bretagne. I am going to write about the visit on my gardening site so here is just a taste of this lovely place.
Setting off for Brittany
It is time for my annual ‘French Fix’ and so we set off good and early for the overnight Brittany Ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo. Well, something was clearly wrong as we sat and waited, and waited, and eventually sailed an … Continued
Thetford Priory
This is confusing – the Cluniac Order was founded by William I of Aquitaine and a Benedictine Monk, Saint Berno, appointed as the first Abbot at the Abbey of Cluny in 910. The order spread quickly but Priories were controlled by the mother house … Continued
Ickworth House
It seems that the Manor of Ickworth was a gift from Theodred, Bishop of London (died c.951), to the Abott of St Edmunds and in 1184 came into the hands of the de Ickworth family. A licence to create a park at … Continued
Wyken Hall Gardens
Wyken Vineyards is more than vineyards: there is a manor house dating from 1570 with later additions, and ‘..gardens which include a rose garden, topiary, herb garden, vegetable garden, maze, dell, wild garden, nuttery and an orchard, in addition to a commercial vineyard … Continued
The Gothic Churches in Santarem
It was our last day in Portugal and we lingered for a few hours in Santarém before reluctantly boarding the plane at Lisbon Airport. We managed to see some of the wonderful churches in this ‘must return’ town.
Santarem on the Tagus River in Portugal
It was the last day in Portugal and we drove cross-country from Flor da Rosa to Lisbon Airport, reluctant to leave the sunshine and flowers and, let’s face it, reluctant to return to ‘real life’ and responsibilities!
Prehistoric Anta Sao Gens in Portugal
Between Amieira and Flor da Rosa is the Anta de São Gens – an extraordinary sight. For further information The Megalithic Portal – fantastic resource for anything prehistoric