Yes, I'm Going to England!

By Tuesday, February 16, 2016 , , ,

Photo Credit: Desktop Nexus
I shared in my previous post that I’m going to England, but left it at that. Time for details if you care to know them! 

 It may be a surprise that I’ve never been to England since I talk so much about it and analyze British TV so much on this blog. But it’s true! I’ve been to Ireland, which was amazing, but England has been at the top of my travel wish list for years now. I’m so excited that in a few months, the wish will finally become reality! 

First, we (my mom and I!) will start in the northern parts of England and enjoy the green countryside for a bit. This is where Derbyshire, the pretty county made famous by Pride and Prejudice and Pemberley, sits in all its lush glory. And yes, Pemberley is a goal. We hope to stop at Chatsworth House, the house used for Pemberley in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie, as well as Stanage Edge, the big cliff where Elizabeth stares dramatically into the wind. Nearby is also the little village of Bakewell, which I hope to explore a bit. From there, we’ll take a train to London, which will be our base for everything else!
Chatsworth House
Photo Credit: Wallpapers Wide
Ah, London. I know the must-sees for there include Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and perhaps the Tower of London. And I definitely plan to be touristy and get pictures in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. This British history nerd will be in heaven.
London, England
Photo Credit: WallpapersCraft
And while we’re staying in London, for several of those days, we’ll take a train for an hour or so west to see some other important stops. Jane Austen’s house in Chawton, Hampshire is one. From the pictures I’ve seen of this place, it looks like a bit of a time capsule. Tucked into a quiet and picturesque countryside, this house is where Jane Austen lived for about eight years, and it was during that time that most of her novels were published. Her writing desk and piano remain preserved there, and I can’t imagine what I’ll feel stepping into this little bit of her world.

Jane Austen's House in Chawton
Photo Credit: @janeaustenshousemuseum on Instagram
Similarly…Oxford. AKA, C.S. Lewis town. We hope to tour Oxford University itself, where Lewis and Tolkien taught literature, as well as the nearby Eagle and Child, the pub they frequented with the rest of their literary group called the “Inklings.” It was here that they talked faith, literature, and of course, the books they were writing. Oh, to be a neutral observer of one of those chats back in the day! Also in Oxford is the Kilns, Lewis’ house that I hope to see. The library in it is pretty well preserved and I hope to get a picture of my Narnia book on his desk (*cue fangirl squeal*).

Oxford, England
Photo Credit: Wallpapers.Brothersoft.com

And of course. Highclere Castle. The actual Downton Abbey castle. I can hardly wait to walk through the great hall, ogle the library, sit for a moment on “Matthew’s bench” out on the lawn, all the while pretending that I’m Lady Mary Crawley herself. We ordered those tickets recently and I couldn’t quite believe it was happening.
Highclere Castle
Photo Credit: Alpha Coders
So, any of you been to England before? Restaurant suggestions? Hotel suggestions? I am all ears.

*I do not own the rights to the photos in this post. All photos used were retrieved from credited Internet sources*

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8 comments

  1. UnknownFebruary 16, 2016 at 9:46 AM

    So fun!! Traveling is seriously the best and I have to add some of these to my list :)

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    1. ElizabethFebruary 17, 2016 at 10:25 PM

      Thanks, Jamie!! I am SO excited :) I haven't been out of the country in years and I'm positively itching to do so! Cannot wait!

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  2. Julie KlassenFebruary 16, 2016 at 10:36 AM

    How exciting, Elizabeth. I'm so happy for you! Hubby and I hope to return this fall. I am curious about your plans to start in the North (an area I have yet to visit). Does this mean you are flying into a different city first (besides London)? Just curious, and always considering new itineraries. Whatever the case, hope it's a great trip!

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    1. ElizabethFebruary 17, 2016 at 10:28 PM

      Thanks so much, Julie!! I hope this will be the first of many trips to England for me :) I certainly expect it'll be hard for me to leave! And yes, we are flying into Manchester first and then leaving from London! Our travel agent recommended this route since there are only a few things we want to do up north this time, and she said the Manchester airport is very easy. I'm excited that you get to go back this year too! I always love looking through your pictures and seeing what inspires your books! :)

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  3. EmilyFebruary 16, 2016 at 10:43 AM

    That's so exciting! That sounds like an awesome trip! I'd love to do something similar one day. I've just been to London for a short, 2-day "layover". It be fabulous to see some of those other lovely places - I look forward to reading about your trip when you get back!
    When I was in London (with my parents) we stayed at the Hilton in Trafalgar Square. (http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/the-trafalgar-london-LONTSHI/index.html )
    It was a really nice hotel in a great location. Whether or not you like that hotel, that area seemed like a pretty central area and it's right off one of the main streets in London so it makes getting around pretty easy. I don't know how close it is to public transportation as we always walk everywhere. :) But considering it's Trafalgar Square, I'm guessing there's plenty of public transport nearby. It's a short walk to Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster (there's also some of the iconic red phone booths along the way). It's also a short walk along the Mall to Buckingham.
    If you want to grab something quick and fresh to eat, I enjoy Pret a Manger. (https://www.pret.co.uk/en-gb/?country=uk&_ga=1.111678596.1494151126.1455640226)
    If you love chocolate and enjoy gelato - Gelupo Gelato is fantastic! They have a dark chocolate gelato that is absolutely delicious!!! (http://www.gelupo.com/)
    If you like musicals, London has a large Broadway scene and there are places where you can go to get day-of tickets that are supposedly cheaper. (One of them is just about 2 blocks from the Hilton)
    I hope you have a fantabulous trip!!

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    1. ElizabethFebruary 17, 2016 at 10:30 PM

      Thanks so much for these suggestions, Emily!! Those are very good to know, especially the gelato place! ;) Definitely need all the food recommendations we can get! :)

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  4. WendyFebruary 17, 2016 at 1:44 PM

    So excited for you!! I can't wait to see some of the pictures from your trip! :D

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