We returned to England after our Scandinavia tour to visit family, and see a little more of the countryside.  I also found that internet service was available in the libraries.  And free of charge! 

Monkey Island is one of our favorite places to visit. It is a combination of restaurant/pub and conference center.   We always enjoy this island and lovely location.  The day we were there, they were having a wedding reception. 

The Cotswolds are said to be among the best-preserved rural districts in England.  We visited Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Lower and Upper Slaughter.  Washbourne Court is a 17^th century building besides the River Eye.  It is a hotel as well as a lovely spot for tea or lunch. 

 During our travels, we made a stop at St. Mary’s Church in Ewelme.  It was built in 1420 and is associated with the name of Chaucer.  Thomas Chaucer and Duchess Alce Chaucer are both buried here.  There is also an almshouse of 15 houses around the square courtyard.  They claim that there is no other brick buildings of such an early date are known in this part of England.  There was also a school attached which has been in almost constant use for 5 centuries. 

Cliveden was a new place for us.  Lady Nancy Astor once owned Cliveden Manor House.  It’s included in a list of historic homes and is run by the National Trust.  The grounds are unbelievably beautiful.  Its also a hotel, and conference center...and there was a wedding there when we visited.  Obviously having wedding receptions in these locations seems to be a popular idea. 

We always enjoy some of the local pubs.  These are some photos of a favorite.  If you look closely you can even see the menu written on the board. 

The New Forest was rather a surprise the first time we went there.  It was “new” in 1079 when William the Conqueror cleared the area of farms and villages and turned it into his private hunting grounds.  It is 145 square miles of mainly open, unfenced countryside and dense woodland, and a haven for herds of free-roaming deer, cattle, and the New Forest ponies. 

 The Isle of Wight has a very special atmosphere, almost Victorian.  Queen Victoria built a home here, and died here.  Thanks to ferries, hovercraft and hydrofoils there is a connection to the island from Southampton, Portsmouth, Southsea and Lymington.  It was the perfect place to go on a hot summer day.  We took the ferry over and just wandered around the town of Yarmouth. 

I’m afraid our few days in England came to fast end, and we had to return home with some beautiful memories.  But there is always next year! ;o)