Flamborough, Yorkshire 
Chartwell Mansion, Kent 
I have just come back from a holiday in England. I can honestly say this was a real holiday – not the usual whistle-stop tour to see family and friends. The difference this time was that we had more time for day trips: all rich with culture, natural beauty, history and, amazingly, blue skies.
Sutton Hoo
The first place we visited was the wonderful Sutton Hoo in Suffolk – a mystical place, full of Anglo Saxon ghosts.
Sutton Hoo is home to one of the most important archaeological discoveries of England – a royal burial ground. Have you heard of the Netflix film ‘The Dig’? It is based on the true story of the Great Ship Burial. Well worth watching!
National Trust
In East Anglia I officially became a member of the National Trust, a heritage and nature conservation charity.
The annual membership gives us free access to places of historical interest such as castles, country houses and gardens. An added bonus is that you can often park free in areas of natural parks e.g the Lake District
East Coast
I have never seen the North Sea so blue! I am relatively familiar with the East Yorkshire Coast, as this is where my mother was born. We often visited places like Bempton, Flamborough, Bridlington and Robin Hood’s Bay. If the weather permitted, my Mam insisted on dipping her toes in the cold sea.
This time the normal rugged shoreline showed its better side. It was magical. I have only respect and wonderment when I listen to the waves crashing against the cliffs and rocks.
Chartwell, Kent
A fascinating house which belonged to Sir Winston Churchill. Full of exhibits to do with his life as a politician and as a painter. A highlight for me was seeing his art. One that caught my eye was titled ‘Tea at Chartwell‘ (29th August 1927) in Churchill’s dining room.
He is seen sitting with guests, one of whom is Diana Mitford (later to be Oswald Mosley’s wife) who was a British fascist. A little ironic given what happened later in history.
Charleston Farmhouse, Sussex
Described as a Bloomsbury house and garden because some of the 20th century’s most progressive artists and writers lived together in Charleston. Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant moved into the property in 1916 and began to paint every surface of the house. Over the decades it has become an iconic representation of the Bloomsbury Group’s art and way of thinking.
A brilliant place. A living piece of art.
A great way to finish a great holiday.
I can’t wait to explore other places in England. Maybe along the Jurassic coast of the south next time?
We’ll see!
