TUNBRIDGE WELLS
As we had an appointment at JC Leisure in Rye on 29 Sep, we started working our way across from Hampshire. We chose a site in Crowborough, which would enable us to visit Tunbridge Wells and Sissinghurst Castle. We went to Tunbridge Wells by bus, which was fine until we wanted to come home. The Covid restrictions meant that numbers on the bus were strictly limited, and we were refused entry on three buses before striking lucky. It is another affect on our lives, of this virus. However, we did enjoy the few hours we spent in Tunbridge Wells. We only explored the famous Pantiles area, but on a sunny day, it was very pleasant.
SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDENS
The next day was spent at Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. The house was not open, but we were happy to enjoy the gardens. We also had a very nice National Trust cream tea, sitting out in the sunshine. The gardens are a bit overgrown, but this is probably due to Covid related volunteer issues. The buildings surrounding the grounds are very attractive and it was interesting to see the summer house overlooking the surrounding countryside, where Harold Nicolson (husband of Vita Sackville-West)did his writing.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, at Sissinghurst in the Weald of Kent in England, was created by Vita Sackville-West, poet and writer, and her husband Harold Nicolson, author and diplomat. It is among the most famous gardens in England and is designated Grade I on Historic England’s register of historic parks and gardens.
After Crowborough, we had a quick trip back to Portsmouth for a medical appointment, then spent a few days at East Hoathly. The campsite was in the countryside and was a peaceful spot for country walks. Our next stopover was at the campsite near Battle, which is a beautiful terraced site amongst trees and with lovely views over the countryside. It is a convenient site for a nice drive to Rye.
RYE
Rye is such a lovely place, it is no hardship to be forced to return for work on the van. It is a bit of a walk into the town from the dealership but is a reasonable stroll to Rye Harbour Village. We had a walk there to start with once the van was dropped off. Disappointingly, there was nothing open so we were not able to have a cup of tea and a cake. After a look at the water, we decided to call a taxi to take us into town. The taxi driver was very helpful and dropped us at his favourite tea room.
We enjoyed a wander around historic Rye with it’s attractive buildings and cobbled streets.
Rye is an English town near the coast in East Sussex. In the centre, cobbled lanes like Mermaid Street are lined with medieval, half-timbered houses. The redbrick Lamb House was once owned by writer Henry James. Nearby, the tower of the Norman St. Mary’s Church overlooks the town. The 14th-century Ypres Tower, which formed part of Rye’s defences, is now Rye Castle Museum, with paintings and displays on local history.
Back at the dealership, we collected our fixed van, and the carpets which had been professionally cleaned. We were very grateful next day when the weather turned a bit chilly and damp and we had lovely warm, homely carpets to keep our feet warm! It was now time to leave East Sussex and make our way, via Gosport, to visit Suzanne and family in Wantage then the rest of the family in Bedfordshire. We also caught up with some friends and swapped our Summer wardrobes for Autumn clothes at Clyde’s sister’s house.
Although we had been on campsites and visiting towns and National Trust properties, we were still very much restricted by the Covid regulations. The rule of six people indoors together has prevented any of our usual family gatherings and the children have had their activities curtailed and education interrupted.
CHEDDAR
It was now mid October and we decided on a visit to Cheddar for a change of scene. The campsite was very attractive and situated a short walk from the village. We did not visit the gorge as we have been before, but took the opportunity to get the bus to Glastonbury and Wells.
Cheddar is a large village and civil parish in the Sedgemoor district of the English county of Somerset. It is situated on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, 9 miles north-west of Wells, 11 miles south-east of Weston-super-Mare and 18 miles south-west of Bristol. Wikipedia
The parish church is behind the campsite and I enjoyed hearing the bells from “home”. The walk into the village was along the footpath behind the site and away from the rather narrow road that snaked between the buildings on the edge of the village. There is a small river running around the campsite which is very picturesque.
GLASTONBURY
We caught the bus to Glastonbury and were grateful, as we could both enjoy the fabulous views in all directions. The town is well known for it’s alternative therapies and lifestyles. It is also home to the famous music festival. There are a wide variety of small shops and decorative courtyards to explore.
Glastonbury is a town in southwest England. It’s known for its ancient and medieval sites, many rich in myth. Glastonbury Tor is a tower-topped hill linked to Arthurian legend, overlooking the marshy Somerset Levels. Once said to be King Arthur’s burial place, Glastonbury Abbey is a ruined monastery dating to the 7th century. Nearby, centuries-old Glastonbury Tribunal has a museum with Iron Age artefacts. ― Google
From the lower end of the main street, we could see the Tor on the hill. We decided against visiting the Abbey and walking up to the Tor, as it was a bit steep for Clyde, still awaiting his knee replacement. Instead, I had an interesting visit to the Tourist Information office and a chat with the TI lady.
WELLS
We have visited Wells before and enjoyed a visit to the Cathedral. This visit was a bit short as we were relying on the buses which were not very plentiful. The bus from Cheddar was very late and we had just decided to forget it, when it turned up. That left only 90 minutes in Wells before the last bus back. We had a quick visit to the town centre and the Bishops Palace grounds before dashing back to the bus station. It was another scenic bus journey to enjoy, even if we dipped out a bit on the delights of Wells.
After a few days at Cheddar, we spent some time visiting the children and grandchildren in Havant, Wantage and Great Barford. Whilst we were on the campsite at Southbourne, having arrived on 2 November to await an operation on my hand in Portsmouth on 10th, another lockdown was announced and we were to be ejected from the site on 4th! We had no idea what to do this time and phoned the Caravan and Motorhome Club to see if they were offering refuge. We dashed up to Great Barford for the night and celebrated Jessica’s birthday (a bonus!). Whilst there we had a call to say that we could go to Rookesbury Park campsite near Wickham. It was a huge relief and we travelled back to Hampshire to set up home for a few weeks.