As many of you know, my husband and I took a wonderful 8-day trip to England over the Christmas holiday.
Yes, it was cold and rainy – but it only added to the scenario.
Although, I will say – England is so incredibly beautiful in the Spring and Summer months – and we are already planning a trip back soon – just when it gets warmer. ๐
I had planned on blogging in a format of Day 1, Day 2, etc – but I am still having trouble downloading some pictures from my camera. So, now I will be posting in no certain order.
I am starting out our travel journey with our trip to Hever Castle (Anne Bolyne’s homeplace) in two parts – Part 1 is about our stay in Tonbridge, the town near Hever. I will share Part 2: Hever Castle in a few days.
For the record, I am a huge Tudor Dynasty fan. I am probably, ironically, starting out with this day because it was one of my favorites. My husband’s too. It was simply magical. Best part of all, I found out that one of the Owners of the Castle after poor Anne’s unfortunate “demise” were The Humphrey’s. That is my maiden name!
(I just knew I came from royalty! ๐
The name also kept popping up in the town of Tonbridge.
Let me say that we chose to stay in unique Inns, many of which were 500-600 year old Coaching Inns. This one was over 600 years old. Also, you might find that the rooms seem tiny in comparison to American rooms. Welcome to England. ๐
The Rose and Crown, Tonbridge, England
The yellow is not as bright as depicted here. This was a very quaint room. Every Inn we stayed in always had the most luscious curtains and drapes, down blankets and pillows, and wonderful guest accommodations.
A cute, little courtyard outside our window.
I just love these old windows. Look at the hardware.
You know a true blogger is going to take pictures of all the design aspects of the room. LOL I love the satin trim on the drapes.
There was a wonderful little hospitality tray in our room. Loved that water bottle. It was all I could do to keep it from “accidently” slipping into my suitcase. ๐
So after we unpacked, we headed out to find dinner.
This is the pub where we ate dinner. With a name like that, it had to be good! ๐
..and it was!
Bill had Steak and Ale Pie with Mash and Peas and the best Brown Ale Gravy imaginable.
I had Bangers and Mash and Veggies. I miss the Bangers! Yum.
This is a happy hubby! ๐
After dinner, we went back to the pub at the hotel where we enjoyed coffee and the most amazing Sticky Toffee Pudding with homemade Caramel sauce. Oh my!
It was a beautiful pub and hotel. These windows are original to the Inn.
Look at those beams. The beams, much of the glass, the floors and the oak panels were all original. It amazed me that this building was over 600 years old! It had quirky staircases, creaky floors and sloped ceilings…and I loved it!
Stairs leading up to the rooms.
Look at the paneling. It was just beautiful.
That ends the tour of Tonbridge, England. Next, we will head over to Hever Castle where I promise, you will love it as much as we did.
Until next time…..
Blessings, Barb
Tracey@Breathing English Air says
I just showed my pie loving husband the picture of your husband’s steak and ale pie, he thinks we should take a trip over to Tonbridge at the weekend!
View Commentmarty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh Barb, this just sounds and looks wonderful. I would love to go. I can’t wait to see more. Hugs, Marty
View CommentiSavortheWeekend says
I’m so envious, I wish we could travel more, you’re so fortunate. I enjoyed your post. Is this the “Rose and Crown” mentioned by Mr. Darcy on “Pride & Prejudice”?
View CommentMelissa Miller says
Gorgeous places! Oh that pudding sounds like heaven. Yum!
View CommentJust Stuff From a Boomer says
I am so jealous. I have been wanting to go to the UK for years. (That’s where they keep all the history, ya know ๐ I too love that Tudor era. I’m anxious to go on your trip with you. Maybe one day I’ll make it.
View Commentโณartina @ Northern Nesting says
Everything looked wonderful! Looking forward to seeing more!
View CommentKarena says
Barb I remember the trip to London for my late husbands 50th Birthday. A wonderful trip and you have brought back great memories. Bangers and Mash!! I miss them too!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
View Commenthong kong property says
the place looks great and so does the food.:D
View CommentCoastal Cottage Dreams says
Oh after reading about England, I want to go back! Can’t wait to read more about your trip….Also miss the bangers and mashed!
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
I will be living (visiting) vicariously through your phenomenal pictures of beautiful England. I dream of visiting the beautiful gardens there!
Looking forward to “the tour”
View CommentKathysue says
Barb what a wonderful trip you had.I can nonly imagine how quaint and charming it all was. A friend of mine has a daughter that studied at Oxford and she visited several times and she and her husband raved about the sticky pudding and the devonshire cream over there, she said it is unbelieveably good. I saw a recipe for it the other day, Have you made it yet? If so I want YOUR recipe, xo Kathysue
View Comment