We just returned from a trip to England to attend a family wedding. Christmas holiday travel can be a bit intense: my youngest daughter noted that Heathrow Airport was a little more romantic in Love Actually than in real life. Other than that, the trip was great.
Before visiting Oxford for the wedding, we spent some time in the south of England. Here are my five favourite memories of that area:
#5.
Rental Car Agencies that give out free mince pies with their cars.
#4.
Arundel Castle, home to the Duke of Norfolk.
Although perhaps not this Duke of Norfolk:
“I am disgraced, impeach’d and baffled here,
Pierced to the soul with slander’s venom’d spear.”
– Thomas Mowbray (Duke of Norfolk), from Richard II
#3.
The charming village of Arundel. The emphasis is on the first syllable, so when spoken, it sounds like Frozen‘s magical kingdom of Arendelle. With a Christmas tree in the middle of town, narrow streets, and cozy shops, Arundel was practically a fairy-tale village of its own.
#2. Driving along a random country road, and coming across a sign for this:
and detouring to visit the home where Jane Austen lived for the last eight years of her life, and did most of her writing:
and having my picture taken beside Jane Austen’s writing desk:
and buying this Mr. Darcy wrapping paper: (More on the paper next week.)
“Mr. Darcy sends you all the love in the world that he can spare from me. You are all to come to Pemberley at Christmas.”
– Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
#1.
Visiting my husband’s wonderful Auntie Doreen in her hometown of Ferring-on-Sea.
“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere.”
– from Love Actually
What a charming village! Sounds like a lovely trip—a time of making more wonderful memories! Hope you had a terrific Christmas, Beth. xo
Great pics – sounds like a fabulous trip!
All the best to you and your family over the holidays and into the new year 🙂
Beautiful photos of the old Europe! Love it. Wishing you all the best over this holiday season. You look great, by the way!
oh… village of Arundel looks amazing!I It's so charming! Great pics!
I wish you all the best! 🙂
Arundel looks like the perfect Christmas town to visit. Love your choices of favorites. Fun wrapping paper!
Hope you and your family had a lovely Christmas, Beth!
What a fun trip! And, to just happen upon Jane Austen's house is so great. Hope you had a very Merry Christmas!
I'm ready to move to Arundel. Now. 😀
Happy belated Christmas, Beth! xoxo
I am so adding this part of England to my holiday list! It looks lovely 🙂
Arundel looks magical; almost fairy tale like. Looks like an amazing trip. Happy Holidays to you and your family Beth!
Arundel looks so lovely!
Happy Holidays, Bethy!
Angie
What a wonderful trip. Arundel looks breathtaking and just like a fairy tale..I hope you've enjoyed your holidays. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Happy holidays Beth! I wish to you and your family a very Happy New Year!
that's so cool–i'm such a jane austen fan! rental car agencies around here should take a cue from across the pond. 🙂
A sensational trip! Love the charming village and Jane Austen's home! Great photos, Beth! Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, dear!:)
What a lovely trip! A belated Merry Christmas!