We’ve been to and fro across the south of England 5 times in the past 6 weeks, from Surrey to Cornwall, back through Bristol and the Cotswolds to Surrey, then west again to Salisbury then Somerset and Dorset, returned to Surrey, then back to Salisbury again.  It’s been a busy time, having to return twice to Surrey for blood tests then doctor’s appointments two weeks later, all in order to get prescriptions filled before we take off into Europe again.

After leaving Cornwall we called in to stay with friends Doreen and Arthur we met in Marbella, and they kindly showed us some of the sights around Bristol. 

With Doreen & Arthur in Bristol

SS Great Britain in Bristol

Then it was on to Great Rissington in the Cotswolds, where we caught up with Peter and Pat (from Datapoint UK days 1996/2000) at their lovely cottage and The Lamb Inn.

d’Hobby at Great Rissington

The Lamb Inn, Great Rissington

Our visit to Salisbury in Wiltshire in April was very enjoyable, although cold winds blowing and occasional rain showers persisted.  The cathedral is a must to visit and take the guided tour, as it is steeped in history, dating from the 12^th century when it replaced the original 11^th century cathedral at Old Sarum (on the hill to the north of the present town).

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral – baptismal font

Salisbury Cathedral – baptismal font

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral – Jan picks up another stray

The town is also very quaint with old buildings surrounding the market place, with the general market filling the space twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Salisbury town centre

Salisbury town centre

Salisbury Market Square

Old Sarum – views of Salisbury and campsite:

View of Salisbury and campsite from Old Sarum – d’Hobby circled

Old Sarum from the campsite, dates from 4,000 BC, Norman castle (now ruins) built in 1130

After Salisbury it was on to other friends Nick and Lorraine in Somerset (whom we also met in Marbella), who very generously hosted us for a week.  Not a good start to the visit though when we got bogged down in their paddock when we arrived, and d’Hobby had to be towed out by tractor!

d’Hobby bogged down in Somerset

d’Hobby bogged down in Somerset

Nick & Lorraine’s lovely 16th century cottage in Somerset

Nick and Lorraine showed us around the countryside and coast of Somerset and Dorset, visiting places like Bridport and West Bay (where the recent TV murder mystery series “Broadchurch” was filmed), plus Weymouth, Glastonbury and Street (factory outlets – shoppers heaven).  We also got d’Hobby serviced and MOT’d (WOF) in Somerset which resulted in the rear brake shoes and cylinders being replaced, so we should be good now for another 10,000 km this year.

West Bay – “Broadchurch” setting

West Bay – “Broadchurch” setting

West Bay – “Broadchurch” setting

West Bay – “Broadchurch” memorabilia

Weymouth and Chesil Beach from Dorset hills

Spring-time has finally arrived in the south of England now, albeit a month late, with blossom everywhere, the trees with their new coats of leaves, and the bluebells, primroses and cowslips are finally out in bloom in the woods, with an especially fine display around the campsite at Alderstead Heath when we returned to Surrey last week.

Bluebells at Alderstead Heath campsite, Surrey

Bluebells at Alderstead Heath campsite

Cowslips at Alderstead Heath campsite

One noteworthy place we visited last week while in Surrey was Ightham Mote – a National Trust property near Sevenoaks in Kent, which is a moated manor house dating from the 14^th century, and further developed through the 15^th, 16^th and 17^th centuries. It stands amid tranquil gardens and park-like grounds, and is a lovely property which had £10m spent on it in restoration work before it was opened to the public.

Ightham Mote, Kent

Ightham Mote, Kent

Ightham Mote, Kent, interior courtyard

Ightham Mote, Kent, Victorian dog kennel

We arrived in Salisbury again yesterday (Saturday) accompanied by more showers and cold winds, to meet up with Trish and Dave our good friends from Napier, who arrived in UK in late April and picked up their motorhome in Devizes last week.  Together we start a new adventure now, with plans to travel in company now down through France to Provence then on to Tuscany and Italy, then on to Croatia and/or Greece for the summer.

d’Hobby meets Marge – new best friend, Salisbury

Next update should be from France (again).  Cheers!