On the 1.5hr drive to Ludlow in the Shropshire countryside, via historic Warwick Castle. The history embedded in this place was palpable. As the boy's coloring books advised: In 1066 William the Conqueror invaded England and became King. To be sure he stayed king, he built lots of castles. One of these was Warwick, built in 1068. The grounds were expansive and the whole experience was so authentic, the boys loved it and it was well worth the diversion. They had set up tents inside the grounds and a falconer gave a talk about the beautiful birds as they circled the enthralled onlookers, including the boys. More stocks, spiral staircases and flying foxes. The views from the turrets was like looking into a miniature world.
Driving through Little Sutton (not really a town, more of a series of laneways around a church) in search of the next accommodation experience, we found Little Sutton Farm at the far end of a series of hedged roads, beside a lovely working farm. It was a big converted barn, with lots of room outside for the kids to roam the fields, play with the farm cat and feed the alpacas next door. The barn itself was warm and cosy (grey clouds brought sporadic rain over the next few days, between lots of sunny spurts). Pete dropped Doreen around moments after we arrived, and the boys took to her straight away. Her stories about Joe had us all in raptures and Jack particularly thought she was wonderful. He made a great castle birthday card for her which was brilliant. Davey was fortunate enough to cross off England's best loved meal... curry! Sensational!
Most mornings Davey and I crossed stiles and followed public footpath signs across the surrounding fields. It was glorious. During the week, we hung out in Ludlow a lot. A very cute old world town, with some back alleyways revealing one or two curiously incongrous finds - including Material; a cool art store with jewellery, art books and a tiny gallery. They had a cat who swiped the customers - not too good for business some may suggest. The ramshackle nature of Ludlow Castle, in the centre of town, stands in direct contrast with the other castles we're encountered. It was mostly ruins, which were great to run and play hide and seek inside.
Doreen's birthday (the original reason we actually embarked upon this wonderful journey) was a laid back affair - but extremely enjoyable nonetheless. We gathered all our supplies (pork pies and scotch eggs [which Sammy devoured!], from the deli in Ludlow, beers, cheese and baguettes) and headed to the river beside the castle (spotted by Davey the day before). Picnic inhaled, we perfected our rock skimming skills and found Jack to be the skim king (surprise surprise). Evening came and Doreen's birthday dinner with Pete and Joan was a great success: Prawn cocktails and salmon and vegetables. Mmmm!
Our last day in England took us up to Pete and Joan's in Shrewsbury. As we disembarked from the car, as if on cue, the Royal Air Force's aerobatic team - The Red Arrows soared overhead. Flying in perfect formation, they dipped and soared over the house as Ted and Barney romped around their gorgeous garden. Another stellar meal: Fish Stew with Mussles. Mmmm! It was really great to connect with Pete and Joan - a special part of Davey's family for the boys to know.
Off to Birmingham tomorrow for an early flight to Paris...!
