Brighton (3rd -5th July 2022)

 

We stayed at an Airbnb just outside Brighton, and due to the lack of parking in Brighton City Centre, we decided to take Uber Taxis. This cost us about £20-24 return each day. Our first stop was the Mesmerist Pub which has a very disappointing roof terrace with no views, and although advertised for a soul, Motown evening, the staff had no idea about this and there was no live music, although they were very helpful and suggested other venues. They also served Caribbean food which we both wanted to try. We then visited 2 -3 pubs before finding live music in the Black Lion which was very good and then we returned back to the Mesmerist and had some very tasty food.

The next day was very hot and sunny and we went back to Brighton seafront. We had an exceptional breakfast at the Breakfast Club if very expensive and strolled around looking for the Lanes. They are full of artisan and retro shops which we eventually found 2 hours later after asking numerous people for directions. We then went on an open-top bus tour which was very informative if a tad windy and then had Vietnamese food at a restaurant called Pho. This like the Caribbean food was a first for us and very tasty indeed.

On the final day of our homeward journey, we went to the picturesque town of Lewes in the morning. It was very quaint and had a plethora of shops. We then headed to Hever Castle and gardens, which was the ancestral home of Anne Boleyn where we spent a very pleasant 3-4 hours exploring.

                                  

I really enjoyed Brighton, it feels safe and relaxed and you don't feel threatened. Although Jayne said a few blokes were checking me out which never usually happens when I am out and about I didn't feel awkward. The people are friendly the shops eclectic and the food was phenomenal. Lewes is definitely worth a visit and Hever Castle is just beautiful.

I found Brighton to be a buzzing and interesting place, full of unusual shops and people. Our taxi driver was telling us that it is very much a town affected by the number of university students which gives it a young and vibrant feel. Personally, I was happy to wear my brightest, most flamboyant clothes and never felt out of place. I enjoyed the varied mix of different ages and personality types. Would definitely come back again! 

Lewes was a charming town with a vast array of shops along its high street. Very friendly people and a great place to stop for the morning. I found Hever Castle both beautiful and interesting. Very picturesque, the gardens being well maintained and stunning. The Castle itself was fascinating. I would say that it felt more like a stately home than a castle. The rooms were amazing to view especially with the headset guide which was freely available. The gift shop housed an exhibition of miniature replicas of period houses and rooms and gardens which I found astounding.

                                

                                       

Escapades in Kent (27th June - 1st July 2022)

 

We had reservations at the Parkdean Holiday Park at Romney Sands, Kent from the 27th of June till the 1st of July. On our way to the Holiday Park, on Monday, we decided to spend some time in Rochester, Kent. What a lovely place to visit, full of cobbled streets and interesting shops not to mention a cathedral and castle, what's not to like?! We then drove to Romney Sands and our base, which was a caravan, for the next 5 days. The Parkdean Holiday site had nice and friendly staff and also the Dymchurch to Hythe model Railway running through it, which was cool and which we rode on the last day. This was the only positive we could see as the evening entertainment left a lot to be desired and also the lack of wi-fi was a problem in contacting our children whilst we were away.

Tuesday

The weather was bright and cloudy and we went to Battle for breakfast and the abbey which in 1066, was the place, William, the Conqueror beat Harald Hardrada, who ended up with an arrow in his eye, maybe. The high street is quite pleasant. We then drove to Hastings, which is larger and more touristy than Battle where we went up in a cablecar, and visited a true crime museum

Wednesday

Another lovely day and we drove to the beautiful picturesque town of Rye with its charming cobbled streets and artisan shops. We then went to Dungeness, which although quite barren had a fish stall that had fresh crab, which lived up to its reputation then off to Hythe, which we found disappointing compared to Rye.

Thursday

We went to Canterbury, and spent 3 hours, visiting the cathedral where Thomas Becket was murdered. The guides around the Cathedral were polite and very informative. There was lots of history, for example, the ducking chair, and many old pubs but also there were many new shops and outlets nestled amongst them. We bought some cherries from a stall on the side of the road, and they were juicy and sweet. We headed for Broadstairs, which is a classic English seaside town, and had a posh if quite expensive ice cream from the famous Morellis. We did see a blue plaque outside a house for the animator and author of the Clangers, which made both of us smile. We then headed to Sandwich, which was a quaint town that was holding a Folk Festival in quite a few of the pubs, which was a lovely way to spend the evening.

Friday

On our last day, we started off by taking the train from Romney Sands, which had a station on the Parkdean resort to Hythe on the Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch railway. It was a charming way to travel, especially in an open carriage, which was very exciting even though Jayne's hat decided to blow off. We then made our way home, buying some more cherries on our way, but stopped off at Leeds Castle. This was probably the most beautiful castle and grounds we have ever seen. We tried to complete the maze, but due to frustration, heat, and foreign school students we cheated.

 

I loved visiting Kent, which was the first time we had both spent some time there, and with the nice weather was blessed to see Kent in its best light. Rochester and Leeds Castle were amazing as was Sandwich Folk Festival. We tried to cram as much as we could into our vacation but there are still lots that we can visit and explore. Canterbury was very historic but didn't really like the clash of new and old. The caravan on the Parkdean resort was clean and the staff were helpful but the lack of wifi, even making phone calls, caused issues sometimes. As for the entertainment, well, words can not really explain this, it has to be seen to be believed but I would give them 5 out of 10 for carrying on when they had technical issues and vocal ones as well. The train was fabulous and would definitely recommend a visit.

I had only been to a couple of Kent beaches before this trip. I must say that I fell in love with Rochester to start with! It had bunting which coupled with the array of boutique shops and cobbled streets made it look very English.  Romney Sands was disappointing for me personally but I can see that it would be a great place for younger children who love a beach but aren`t yet fixated on any social media!  A favourite of mine was The Dymchurch railway which I found to be immense fun and exhilarating even for a 54 year such as myself-shame about the hat. I loved the Cathedral at Canterbury as well as the shops but my all-time surprising favorite was Leeds Castle (Not in Leeds) which was stunning as well as interesting- although I would have called it more of a stately home than a castle, myself. Well worth a visit.