We enjoyed our 3 days in Cowes at a fabulous B&B, the North House. When we were not enjoying their hospitality we spent our time wandering around the harbour, visiting yacht clubs and searching for small treasures in the nautical shops. The best find was a folding teak table that can be used either outside on the back deck or in the salon of our boat.
Another great find was a nautical shop run by a trust that is raising funds to complete the replica of King George’s Britannia. Not just a shop, more like a museum as it contains some of the artifacts from the original Britannia.
From Cowes back on the car ferry and to another sailing port, Lymington. We only stayed one night, which was a blessing as our room in the b&b was in the roof area, with no air conditioning and in the heat wave that the UK is experiencing, just stifling.
We drove to Bristol via Salisbury and a visit the cathedral.
We arrived to n Bristol in the middle of a pride festival. Very entertaining but our highlight was a visit to the Great Britain, Brunell’s famous iron ship which was the pre curser to the era of ocean liners.
Next stop was Cardiff. I couldn’t say this was one of our great destinations, though Cardiff castle was a highlight. It was also interesting to see the bay and the locks that regulated the extreme tide. Other than that there was very little else to recommend Cardiff.
Only two hours away was the book town of Hay on Wye and of course a must go to place for Peter. We stayed at a lovely b&b,The Swan , and that night going to the bar we found the only 5 customers were all Aussies from Melbourne. One of the guests was Peter Lowe, who had the Ferrari dealership for Australia. The 2 Peters enjoyed a lively conversion down memory lane especially the history of peters Ferrari an another he nearly purchased.
our final destination was stoke on Trent and our nearly finished boat. 4 days were spent ferrying our goods from helens barn, unpacking and setting up house. Exhausting, I think I need a holiday!!!
Karen’s Travel Blog 
Leave a Reply