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Travel

Walking London: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Mews And South Bank

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Early morning start from Tower Hill Station to Westminster. The weather is chilly but sunny.

A police officer directed us to a great breakfast at The Hub on Tothill St., just two blocks from the Abbey. All you can eat for 6 pounds. Great food.

We walked back and after a short wait in line entered Westminster Abbey. Beautiful church and tour. No photos inside. Outside tour was very nice.

Walked over to Buckingham Palace to tour the Mews.

Very nice exhibit. Then a stroll down the Birdcage Walk to see the park and pelicans.

Continued on to the Household Cavalry Guard.

Then walked over the Golden Jubilee Bridge to South Bank.

Walked east towards The Globe and then an early dinner at Borough Market.

A quick walk by the Shard and over to the Tower Bridge to complete the day.

Travel

Cambridge To London: Saffron Walden, Tower Hill And Leadenhall Market

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After a great early morning workout at the Varsity Hotel gym and full breakfast, we hopped in the car and headed south from Cambridge to Saffron Walden, an old market town in Essex.

Back on the road our GPS valiantly directed around traffic entering London. But, even on a Tuesday, the traffic snarls win. Dropped the Sixt Rental car off at Victoria station and took the green line east to Tower Hill and the Leonardo Hotel. After a quick check in, we were out walking, first stop: the Old Spitalfields Market.

As we walked out and through the business district, the rain fell and then poured. Full thunder shower, London style.

We eventually made it to the Leadenhall Market, a Victorian covered shopping arcade that dates back to the 14th century.

It was the perfect place in the middle of a deluge for a pint, G&T and a burger.

Food, Reviews, Travel

Destination Restaurants: Clarke Cooke House Is A Newport, RI Institution Dating Back To 1780

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From the ClarkeCooke.com website:

Clarke Cook House tables…hosts to royalty and yachting stars, captains of industry and charming scalawags, to occasions whimsical and outrageous. Whether a quiet dinner or late night revelry, our goal has always been to provide great food, professional service, and a sophisticated environment. The Clarke Cooke House lends its unique charm to any celebration or meeting, whether a victorious America’s Cup crew or family gathering – our dining room and porches are the perfect Newport setting.   

At The Clarke Cooke House Chef Gidley controls all  food operations:  café dining in the Bistro and Candy Store, our fine dining environment, The Sky Bar, a full Oyster Bar, and the renowned Summer Sushi. With his training in classical brigade kitchens and his contemporary sensibility, Chef Gidley’s approach would be best be described as Mediterranean-influenced American Cuisine.

Website: https://www.clarkecooke.com/

Travel

Walking Cambridge: Jesus College, St. John’s, Punting The Cam And King’s College

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After a great early morning workout at the Varsity Hotel gym, a hearty breakfast, we set out for Jesus College just 5 blocks away.

We were practically alone this Monday morning viewing a spectacular, little known and no entrance charge College.

Then it was off to tour St. John’s College, one of the wealthiest and historical at Cambridge.

It was time to Punt the River Cam and we negotiated a reduced rate of 40 pounds for the two of us.

It was mostly sunny during the 45 minute shared ride up and back on the Cam. So fun. A must in Cambridge.

We had a short walk to Trinity College and a tour (free) of the Wren Library. But we bought (another) Chelsea Bun at Fitzbilies on the way to eat after.

Amazing exhibit inside the Wren and we walked out to eat the bun and some mini croissant sandwiches on a bench overlooking the Cam. Incredible views.

We then took a long walk around the “other” side of the Cam before crossing back to drink some gin and tonics at the Bath House pub.

It was then time for the final, and most spectacular, tour….King’s College and world famous Chapel.

Stunning is the only word for the King’s College Chapel, the Wired’s largest fan-vaulted ceiling and breath-taking stained glass.

An amazing day.

Travel

Road Trips In England: Stratford-upon-Avon To Cambridge

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A very nice breakfast at the Arden Hotel had us ready for the 1:45 minute drive east to Cambridge.

Sunday is a perfect day to travel across central England as you miss the traffic heading into the numerous circle intersections. We arrived at The Varsity Hotel just before eleven and our room was not ready. So we checked our bags, had the car valeted and changed for a workout in their gym and spa.

Our room was ready at 12:30 so we went up to our 3rd floor room, changed and went back down to the spa for a sauna and jacuzzi.

Fully invigorated, we hit the streets to experience Cambridge.

We walked over to Fitzbillies bakery and ordered a sticky bun to go and headed down to the River Cam at the Silver Street bridge to sit, eat, people watch and view the Mathematical Bridge at Queens College.

Walked back towards the hotel and viewed Pembroke College, which dates back to 1347 and was open and free to walk about.

Much of the town center closes up at 5 pm so we decided to eat Indian food at The Curry King, just two blocks from the hotel. Very good, authentic cuisine,

Food, Reviews, Travel

Top Pubs In Stratford-upon-Avon: The Dirty Duck

Just doors down from the Arden Hotel on the waterfront, The Dirty Duck was busy on Saturday night.

We walked in and to our very good fortune the window seat table opened up. We ordered two Gin and Tonics with hamburger and fries. The crowd was very interesting with several languages being spoken all round the room.

Great meal and drinks at what was once called The Black Swan.

Travel

Road Trip To Stratford: Slaughters North To Cotswolds Distillery And Shakespeare

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We left Lords (of the Manor) at 7 am for a 3 mile round trip hike to Lower Slaughter and back for breakfast at 8.

Breakfast was a nice spread of pastries, bread, fruit, cereals, yoghurt and juices. Ordered eggs, bacon, sausage and mushrooms.

We checked out and drove north to Stourton and the Cotswolds Distillery. Their recently opened tasting room and store was light and bright.

We were offered a tasting of 5 gins, 7 whiskies and their very special “1616 – Barrel Aged Gin. You will never find a better (and free) tasting anywhere.

We more than compensated them by buying Cotswolds Distillery clothing, hunter flasks and other items. They filled up one flask with 1616 for the ultimate roadie.

It was then off to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Arden Hotel.

After checking in we set out to experience Shakespeare’s birthplace, exhibits, the New House, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft.

After the tour, we had Gin and Tonics and dinner at The Dirty Duck (The Black Swan years ago) and called it a night.

Food, Reviews, Travel

Top Pubs In The Cotswolds: The Mousetrap Inn, Bourton-On-The-Water

A very popular locals destination. The Mousetrap Inn had most tables reserved or occupied as we walked in Friday night at 6 pm.

The bartender was very friendly and seated us at one of the few available tables.

He quickly recommended the Roast Cauliflower with Chickpeas, dill, raisins and smoked almonds as a vegetarian entree selection. He then suggested two drinks: The Mousetrap house specialty, a Cotswold Dry Gin and soda drink with a unique long ice cube of lemons, cucumber, mint and bitters) along with a twin scotch Old Fashioned. Excellent.

Very unique food, drinks and atmosphere. A must visit.

Travel

Driving The Cotswolds: To Sudeley Castle And Upper Slaughter

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After checking out of The Swan and a pre-drive walk of Arlington Row, we headed northwest to the historically interesting Sudeley Castle.

With over 1000 years of history, Sudeley hosted Kings Richard III, Henry VIII, Queens Ann Boleyn and Catherine Parr, Lady Jane Gray and a young (pre-Queen) Elizabeth I. All before 1550.

We then drove to Upper Slaughter to check in at Lords of the Manor Hotel.

A quick walk down to Lower Slaughter and a peek at The Old Mill Museum and store. A steady rain provided a very British touch to the walk down the narrow lanes amidst meadows filled with sheep and beautiful country houses.

We then walked back to Lords in time for a tour of the gardens Emily, the head gardener.

We then headed to warm up with a full English Tea with scones.