Dover

As one of English Heritage’s most ambitious projects for many years, the entire interior of Henry VIII's Great Tower palace at Dover Castle has now been breathtakingly recreated. Historians, designers, artists and craftspeople have combined to present it as it might have appeared when newly completed in 1184.  Even though it was our third (or fourth?) trip to Dover Castle, it was our first time seeing the completed renovations.

And, of course, some old favourites:

 A souvenir rock from the famous white cliffs.

Chester

 Back in England...

The city of Chester is a beautiful walled city full of gorgeous Elizabethan architecture, pedestrian streets, Roman ruins, a castle and a cathedral.  We enjoyed exploring it for a day on our way home from Wales.

 Handel's Messiah was rehearsed here - at Chester cathedral - previous to its debut in Dublin.  This is the original manuscript:

 Ancient Roman amphitheatre:

 Street performers:

Town Hall:

 It was a lovely day for walking the walls of the city:

Chester castle:

More local outings...

Continuing with some of the must-sees within an hour's drive of our home:

Cambridge

  We toured Trinity College:

...and King's College:

The River Cam, for which Cambridge is named:

Also in Cambridge, we visited the Fitzwilliam museum, the local market, and the American WW2 Military Cemetary:

Another favourite outing of ours is a beach-trip to Hunstanton on the North Sea.

The North Sea is not as toasty-warm as beaches in California/Florida, but for a family of mid-westerners, a beach within an hour's drive of home is pretty exciting regardless.

On the way home from the beach we stopped at Norfolk Lavender and enjoyed seeing the lavender distillery, shop and museum.

Local Highlights with Grams & Gramps

There were plenty of local 'attractions' to share with Grandma and Grandpa.  We spent a rainy morning in the nearby market town of Stamford, shopping the outdoor stalls and sampling the bakery.  We also visited the Burghley House and the Gardens of Surprise.

We had fish 'n' chips at Linfords a couple of times.  Linfords is consistently ranked in the top 10 'chippy' shops in the UK, and conveniently located only a few miles from our house.  Salt, vinegar, and then wrapped in paper.  So authentic.  And very delicious.

Sunday afternoon walk on the "Snail Trail" and public footpaths near our house.
Crossing the stile:

Downtown Peterborough

The Guildhall

P'boro Cathedral

Uh... the bakery (definitely a must-see!) ...and the new fountains:

And finally the P'boro Museum (free!) which was hosting a hands-on exhibit about Medieval Life.

I told Emily this was the English version of "time-out."

We also took a little trip up the road to Sir Isaac's Newton's birthplace and childhood home - Woolsthorpe Manor.  It is also the location of the famous apple tree and fun little science discovery centre.