Tag: Castle

A visit to Kings Lynn, then finding the Star of the Show – Castle Rising

I had seen a leaflet that made me think we really should visit Kings Lynn.  Unfortunately our first impressions weren’t brilliant, which then clouded our overall impressions.  The town centre was the first area that we really saw, sprawled over a large area of interconnecting streets it’s not the most inspiring town centre I’ve ever seen…

We eventually found the mediaeval area, the Minster, the Guildhall and the riverside.  These definitely had their charms but, unfortunately, were unable to hold our attention.  We think that, perhaps, if we’d managed to park by the riverside we would have been more inclined to explore more thoroughly – for instance I later found out that True’s Yard (Fisherfolk Museum) looked to be worth visiting. as well as ‘The Tales of Lynn’ situated next to the Guildhall.  Maybe another time….

As it was we had a quick drink by the river in the Marriott’s Warehouse and then headed back to the town centre to get our hair cut (the morning wasn’t a complete waste of time!)  To be fair having made an appointment when we arrived this probably affected our view of the town as we didn’t have time to really engage in anything.

I had seen a glimpse of a castle from the road on our way to town, and on seeing the sign for Castle Rising we diverted to go to have a look.

This is one of our best impulse visits so far 🙂 Castle Rising is totally enchanting. Continue reading “A visit to Kings Lynn, then finding the Star of the Show – Castle Rising”

France Roadtrip, May 2016 – It’s brightening up over there…. (errr, no it’s not :( )

Our 1st coastal stop in France. Good for cycling and relaxing 🙂

So I lost a lot of what I wrote yesterday (twice – I’ve only just realised I lost the re-write).

Let’s continue with yesterday (we did a lot more than today for a start).  We went back to the castle in Talmont St Hilaire boys (I wonder if you recognise it?)

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We didn’t go in though as we arrived at 12.30.  Just as it closed for a couple of hours.  Most places close for a couple of hours for lunch – except hairdressers and bakeries we’ve noticed.  That’s going to take a bit of getting used to!

We then decided to visit Les Sables d’Olonne (somewhere else I’ve been before with the boys).  I was a bit disappointed as it was a bit of a dump and it took an age to find the seafront (French signage doesn’t seem to be designed to help you find where you’re wanting to go…)

Here I had a crepe.  After ordering I told Calv that I believed I might have just ordered a pancake with cream.  I was right – I don’t know why I did it; I knew that Chantilly means whipped cream!  It was okay, but I won’t make the same mistake a 2nd time 🙂

We drove back to the van on the coast road (why didn’t we just go that way in the 1st place?!

Once back we decided to get a wash done, so off we set to the laundry, set the wash going and decided to head to the bar for 20 minutes until it was done.  3 1/2 hours, 3 wines/beers and an impromptu dinner in the restaurant later we were just about to head out for a bike ride (trust me it sobered me up!) when I remembered the washing!  Lucky I did or it would probably still be in the machine now!

The bike ride in the evening took us halfway back to Les Sables d’olonne to Chateau d’Olonne (the 1st sandy beach following an amazing rocky coastline) – 9 miles there and back (and no, I didn’t use the motor for most of the time – Debbie & Paul…)

Today (Day 5 – I think it’s Saturday..) has been a lazy day apart from a visit to Lidl (won’t be going back..)

I’ve finished my book (Jamaica Inn) and started a new one (Make Me – Lee Child).  Calv has given 1 side of the van a polish and I’ve done the ironing.  Rock & roll!!

Tomorrow we’re off again, this time to Lege Cap Ferret near Bordeaux and we have high hopes of finally seeing some sun!

I hope everyone’s well and am fairly sure your weather is currently better than ours 🙂