Winchester. August 2015.

August 2nd.

After our disastrous last trip we had 5 new tyres fitted, 1 to the replacement spare wheel, also a new locker door. So we decided on a trip to get our confidence back. France wasn't an option as the problems in Calais were ongoing. Also because of this roads in Kent were frequently log jammed due to operation stack. I decide on Winchester as we could use rural roads and avoid the problems, plus neither of us had been there, so a new experience.

  Left at 1030 hrs in hot sunny weather. Had a very pleasant problem free drive through the countryside, much nicer than motorways. Arrived at Morn Hill CC site 1500hrs.

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Set up in glorious weather. Took a walk to the bus stop about 5

 minutes, checked the timetable for tomorrow. Had a very enjoyable barbecue in the evening, sat outside until 2200hrs. then bed.

August 3rd.

Another lovely day. Took the 15 minute bus ride into town for a look round. Checked a few shops but didn't buy anything. Walking in the main street we came across some nice buildings.

This was an old water mill, the grinding stones are in the corner. Then this lovely tudor building.

Buildings certainly had character in the old days. Not far from here was this pub,

with the now standard smokers gathered outside. We didn't go in for a drink so can't comment. All in it's a nice city, well worth a visit. We had another day so after strolling some more we caught the bus back to the site and spent another pleasant evening sitting outside.

August 4th.

Bright and sunny again, so on the bus again into town. We planned on culture this time, rather than retail. Took a stroll along the river to the Cathedral.

Wasn't long before I started singing "Winchester Cathedral" as recorded by the New Vaudaville Band in 1966. Naturally with my voice Hazel soon told me to shut up. Oh well "she who must be obeyed" as Rumpole said. Inside the Cathedral the roof was stunning,

amazing to think these were built with no modern equipment or machinery, everything by hand. The altar was quite striking too.

Fantastic artistry in the carvings. From here we treated ourselves to lunch in a pub called Alfies, had to really as both our fathers were Alfs. Left here and walked up the hill, before the top it rained the proverbial cats and dogs. We sheltered in an archway, a few minutes later the sun was back and dried everthing up in no time. Visited the Great Hall, where this very good model of Winchester is.

Also here is the "Round Table" of Arthur fame,

I think this is the 3rd place I've been in England that claims to be the home of Arthur and Camelot. A little further up the hill is the old army barracks. Mostly converted to apartments but a small area as a museum of the "Royal Green Jackets" (The Rifles).

With tableaus depicting various events.

Interesting if you like that sort of thing. Walked back down to town had a coffee then bus back to site. Just had nibbles in Eevie as lunch had been filling, bit of tv then bed.

August 5th.

Left site 1000hrs and retraced our route through the countryside, pleasant again. Home 1400hrs.