Month: October 2023

Departing Liverpool, we head 90 minutes north to Kirkby Lonsdale, This pretty market town is within easy reach of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Our accommodation is in a delightful Mews, close to all the amenities.

For our first day in the area, Scott has selected a 4 hour walk for us, near Ambleside in the Lake District. Due to road works near Windermere, a simple 20 mile drive took quite some time!

After our big day yesterday, we decided to have a quiet day in and around Kirkby Lonsdale. A very pleasant small town, with an abundance of pubs, cafes and shops.

After a very pleasant three days in Bath, the travellers were off to Liverpool. On the way, they made a detour to Macclesfield to catch up with Sue’s niece Vicki, her partner Chris and children Maisey and Wesley.

On to Liverpool, and our accommodation, which turns out to be rather disappointing. A terrace home in a rather “scruffy” part of town, so we decide to stay for 2 nights, instead of our original 3.

A must visit is the Beatles Experience, at the Royal Albert Dock. An interesting and informative exhibition, including a mock Cavern and Abbey Road studios.

The next day is Scott’s birthday, and the Rugby World Cup final, with New Zealand playing South Africa. We sort out a venue, “The Long Shot Bar”, to watch the big game.

The rugby result was disappointing for the Kiwis! However, the next morning, whilst the youngsters had a sleep in, Sue and Blair headed into town for a Beatles bus tour. This 90 minute guided tour included a drive through the city, then out to the area where the Beatles grew up, their childhood homes and iconic sites. A great tour!

After a pleasant flight, the Pharts are met at the Airport by Scott, Eva, Andrew and Neethd. Two rental cars are collected, and it’s off to their Air BnB in Bath. Sue went to University in Bath, so a trip down memory lane for her. The accommodation is ideal, and just a short walk down the hill to the city centre. We have a good look round the town, and are most impressed.

The next day, it is to be another trip down memory lane with a visit to Wells and Cheddar. Sue’s parents went to school in Wells, and she spent a lot of her childhood on the Mendip Hills. Before the drive to Wells, Sue and Scott trek the short distance to Bath University, so Sue can once again relive old memories.

That evening, we dined at a restaurant recommended by our Airbnb hosts. Chez Dominique, a French bistro near the Pulteney Bridge. Excellent!

The Old Pharts are on the move again, flying to England, with a 24 hour stopover in San Francisco, USA. Staying at the RIU Plaza Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf, which is very comfortable and ideally located. Dinner that night was burgers at the famous Boudin bakery and restaurant.

After a substantial hotel breakfast and morning walk, it was back out to the Airport and on to Heathrow, London.