Monday, October 28, 2024

This England -- Welcome to Bath!

One thing we knew for certain when planning our trip. If the cottage we stayed in during our last trip to Bath was still available, we wanted to rent it again and have a longer visit. It was, and we did! (This photo is from my walk in the area.)


At first we thought we might visit Dublin or Edinburgh first. But we decided to spend the whole first week of our holiday in Bath (Midford, actually, about three miles outside the city) and branch off from there. It was a smart idea. (See the travel tips at the end of this post.)

Doing so allowed us a little time to get our bearings and not cram into two or three days exploration of a major city with so many attractions that it would be difficult to choose. And, we wouldn't yet be at the top of our game so we'd probably still be exhausted when we moved on.


Our flight landed at about 7 a.m. and we hopped a bus to Bath. Less than two hours later we arrived amidst lovely green views. 

 

After a quick stop to pick up minimal food at the Sainsbury's Local across from the station, we arrived at Morgan's Forge. 


The house belongs to friends from home and it had been in Martha's family before she and Mark took it on. It's located on a quiet lane, about a quarter mile up a (very) steep hill from the bus into town and a wonderful pub. Going left or right from the front gate can take you on a lovely walk.


That's what I did, while Rick napped. I went a direction I'd not gone in the past so it was all new and charming. Many of the photos in this one are from that walk.


Upon returning, we went to sit on the patio and Rick couldn't resist the opportunity to take clippers to the hedgerow and even it out. 


I even saw my first English robin! 

Eventually, it was time for dinner so we walked down the hill to Hope and Anchor, the local pub. 

 

And what a charming place it is! 


First of all, our two servers were terrific -- friendly, personable, helpful. The menu was -- for the most part -- upscale British pub food (and good beer!) with one notable exception -- poutine, a Canadian dish. We later learned that the owners hailed from Toronto. We decided to get two things and swap half through. And yes, we had big smiles!


Rick got the fish and chips (which was fabulous). I got the steak/mushroom and ale pie. I was sorry we agreed to switch -- it was one of the best things I'd ever eaten!

And then it was the walk up the hill (which took a LOT longer than going down!) and time to lay low and be ready for the next day! Next time we'll explore beautiful Bath.

Travel Tips:

  • Our flight left at about 7 p.m. and arrived at about 7 a.m. (don't forget -- there's a five hour time shift at this time of year, six during the winter months.) It's an easy flight but a difficult one if you want a nap to refresh you before you go. Just something to think about. (That said, it was direct from Detroit to London, so there were no changes or delays with connections.)
  • If the people at the gate say the flight is delayed and will leave later, don't believe them. I did. And because of that, we nearly missed our plane. (We were sitting in a less crowded spot in the airport and didn't hear the rescheduling announcement). 
  • If you have the good fortune to have a slightly longer holiday, don't forget to build some downtime in your trip, especially on the day of (or after) arrival (and again later in the trip). It gives you a chance to recharge from the flight/time change and helps your energy to come.
  • If you are staying at a cottage or other spot with cooking facilities, pick up some food before you arrive. You don't need a lot -- we got some cheese and bread and something for breakfast. After all, you're still dealing with your own luggage. But at least you have something to get you started the next morning. Often, if traveling by bus or train, you might find a small grocery with the basics near the station.


PS -- Some of you have asked how Lizzie fared in my absence. She had a great caregiver who adored her and they got on well. Meanwhile, since we've been home, she's stuck to me like glue, even sleeping on my head (which she never does). It was nice that one of us slept. I'm having trouble adjusting to the time shift. Switching to regular standard time -- which I hate anyway -- will make it harder!

Sharing with:   Talking About It Tuesday  

49 comments:

roentare said...

Such an elegant town with that traditional English feel.

Tom said...

...the lovely landscapes look right out of a BBC show. Thanks for showing me around.

kathyinozarks said...

Looks like a beautiful homey area food looks good too

Ana Dunk said...

I have been to Ireland 3 times and loved every minute of it. The vivid green is hard to believe. I would love to go to England, but at 83 will probably not make it as not many people I know want to travel that far and I hesitate to travel alone anymore.

Gretchen Joanna said...

You make me long to return to the Cotswolds where my daughter and I ambled among such scenes. And those are good travel tips! I was quite a bit younger when our flight also landed at Heathrow at 6 a.m., and we did not stop to rest all that first day. I can't imagine it now...

Anyway, your pictures are most lovely and evocative.

Anonymous said...

I’m excited to hear about the rest of the trip. Your smile at tea in the Pump Room says it all. What a lovely photo.

Sorry that the return to reality was such a harsh one! Hang in there.
— Cara.

Anvilcloud said...

Bath, or your part of it, certainly looks like a place where you would want to stay for awhile.

acorn hollow said...

Just beautiful!! Thank you for the wonderful pictures
cathy

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Oh Jeanie, everything looks fabulous! How great to be able to return to "your" place. Your photos make me long for England. Once she takes one's heart, you always feel homesick to return. Your tips are great. Looking forward to hearing more!

Debra@CommonGround said...

You had such a lovely place to stay and your food looks delish. So glad Lizzie made it through happily and rewarded you by being a head warmer. Cats are so funny. Glad you had a great time; looking forward to more posts!

My name is Erika. said...

I like how you planned the start of your trip, and that you had that downtime. And that is so cool you saw a robin. They are very sweet looking birds. Did you have a car or just walk and use the bus? Your
home away from home for that first week looks like a great place to be and to hang out. Good idea about the starting relaxing time. And my post tonight is about some poutine I had. It's a Quebec specialty. I think it's amazing we both mentioned it. (smile) I enjoyed this first post. I'll be waiting for some more. hugs-Erika

Marilyn Miller said...

Welcome home! Sounds like a terrific adventure. Love the cottage idea. And pubs are great for good meals in England.

Pamela said...

What a charming place to begin your holiday!

Linda P said...

Your travel tips are helpful Jeanie. It's good that you were able to take your time in one place. That way you benefited from getting over your jet lag. It's good to see England from your perspective. Everything in your photos looks charming.

gz said...

Good to start somewhere familiar

shoreacres said...

I had wondered about Lizzie. I'm glad she did well in your absence, and is clearly pleased to have you home!

Lisbeth said...

Looks like you got off with a good start. Beautiful surroundings, it looks so peaceful and it is probably very nice to walk around in the neighbourhood. Bath is very high on my list to visit. Enjoy.

David M. Gascoigne, said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
David M. Gascoigne, said...

In the days when we still noshed on beef, I have had fine steak and ale pies in pubs, and steak and kidney too. A fine post to start your trip, Jeanie, the pièce de résistance being the delightful little Robin. But I’m sure you knew that!

Carol said...

Your first stop in Bath sounds lovely. I really want to go to England before we get too old, considering we’re already old. LOL

La Table De Nana said...

You can see in your faces how much you love it there.I know..ve had that face:) (Provence):) Looks beautiful! Glad your trip was so nice.

Anonymous said...

Nice photos, very green and colorful countryside. The drawback to all that foliage, grass and water is a lot of bugs, as you found with the bedbugs. They also have issues with fleas, mites and midges, not to mention all the rats in London.

Iris Flavia said...

This sounds familiar :-) We always try to get the same cabin in Madeley/Perth, too. Home away from home, right.
Cheers to the beer. I found a new series on British food and will share soon.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

A wonderful trip indeed. Bath is a lovely place to start with. Fish and chips is a must when visiting England.

Rita said...

Bath looks absolutely beautiful! I can see why you wanted to go back and spend more time there. You both look so joyous! :)

Steve Reed said...

It's great to see where you stayed -- I didn't realize you were actually outside Bath in a village. Yes, that is indeed a robin! They are so tiny and inquisitive and friendly. Great birds.

I have never seen a pub serving poutine! That's a new one on me!

The time difference is five hours in winter, too. There are only a few weeks when we're off British Summer Time and the states is still on Daylight Saving Time (and then a similar lag period in spring) when the time difference is not five hours. Right now, for example, it's four.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,
What a great idea to rent the cottage. It is nice to have the downtime on these trips. The cottage looks beautiful, nice pub and yummy food. You two have the happiest smiles, great photo. I am glad Lizzie was well cared for while you were gone.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week ahead.

Anonymous said...

LOL - you know my Mom's family was French / French-Canadian and I have had many a dish of poutine in my life!! The family tree came down thru Quebec and Montreal into New England. My Mom's parents made it often for us grandkids in the 60s and 70s !!! Dawn P. Albany, GA

This N That said...

Nice cottage and lovely Pub...A great combo for some down time!!

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Looks like a wonderful holiday.
Seems so peaceful and beautiful there.
Love their robins!

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

So beautiful and peaceful looking there.
Looks like you both had a very good time.
Love their robins.

Joanne said...

That looks so beautiful and lovely! Starting slowly is a great way to deal with time change/ jet lag and it's not to have to jump right in.

Prims By The Water said...

This side of the state there are a few restaurants that have poutine. It is good. Many variations of it. Your cottage is just amazing. The food sounded and looked wonderful and the pub would be somewhere I would like to visit. Very quaint. Glad Lizzie fared well while you were gone. She sure missed you for sure. Janice

Jenn Jilks said...

What a lovely idea to stay put. I really don't like traveling. This would be ideal for me.
There is a pause on the gun range. I think he is going to a higher level court. Heaven knows what this is costing our township. We heard shooting today. The landowner is in Paris, so there shouldn't be anyone shooting there.
Hope all is well.

Bill said...

Bath looks like a lovely place to begin your trip. You were familiar with it and it gave you a chance to recharge. The pub looks inviting. Looking forward to seeing your trip photos.

Pam Richardson said...

I am a little late commenting. Jeanie, I am excited to read all about your trip. I have not been to Bath, but I know it is charming. Jet lag is tough and you all were smart to have a little downtime before you hit the ground running. What a lovely English cottage! Thanks for sharing your travels with us!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Goo travel tips and photos
The pub is beautiful. The food looks delicious.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

First off, I am waving at you from Southfield, MI! One of these trips it will work out to meet up! I'm sure I'll be back a couple of times in 2025 so hopefully we can make that happen!

What a wonderful start to your trip! Everything looks so green and lush! Your first pub meal looks delicious, too!

Jet lag is a beast! Good luck with the adjustment. Having a velcro kitty that sleeps on your head does not help!! :P

Red Rose Alley said...

Such pretty green countryside. Love that apple photo, and what a sweet Robin you came across. The local pub is so charming with the leaves dangling from the building, or is that Ivy? Your meals look delicious, and there's nothing like a good fish and chips. I'm glad you had a wonderful time on your trip, Jeanie, and looking forward to hearing more. : )

~Sheri

Sandra Cox said...

Welcome home. So glad you had a good time. Such a charming, beautiful spot. I'd love to visit.

Velva- Evening with a Sandwich said...

What an amazing journey! BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS. Thanks for sharing the journey with us. Welcome home.

Joyful said...

Beautiful photos! I love the travel tips too.

Sherry's Pickings said...

this looks so wonderful. I love England! well of britain really. I had to laugh at Rick doing the hedges.
sherry

Nancy said...

What a beautiful start to your trip. The pictures are fabulous. I just love English Robins. They are so cute.
Your cottage was darling and close to a Pub! Yay!
Thanks for sharing. I am following along.

Sami said...

The English countryside is so lush and pretty. Lovely cottage and cute robin.

Anca said...

The trip from US doesn't seem too long, considering that Bath is not that close to London and you stayed in a village (I think) outside the city.
I'm probably very European thinking that anything over 5 hours is a very long journey. Now with my trips to Ukraine I'm starting to getting used to long trips and lots of changes (plane-train-bus).

Rustic Pumpkin said...

I adore Bath. I did my OU residential week there. Rick's fish and chips look so yummy. You missed the clocks going back by a handful of days.

Granny Sue said...

Looking forward to these posts! We visited Bath but only briefly...it was so crowded and we were so tired!

Lowcarb team member said...

Do you know ! I still haven't been to Bath ! I must go !

A lovely post Jeanie.
The cottage and pub look great and the surroundings so peaceful.

All the best Jan

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