Two years since visiting England and now it’s time to return for an English summer jaunt.
Italy to the United Kingdom
The direct way to fly from Italy’s Lamezia Airport in Calabria to England’s Stansted Airport is with RyanAir.
Depending on the time of year, you may get a great deal, otherwise, it’s a little pricey.
Tip:
If you can, travel outside Italy’s busy summer months (July-August) but also the Christmas and Easter periods.
So, the best times to book are in January to May or October to November. Sometimes you can also find good deals during the first part of June and also the end of September.
Landing in Stansted
Now always nervous when landing in the UK since my detainment for 6 hours back in 2016, it’s with apprehension I venture down the non-EU Passport Control queue.
Surprisingly, an officer waves me to the EU queue then another to the ePassport Gate as my Australian passport contains a ‘magic’ chip. At the automated self-service passport system, I enter the United Kingdom with ease this time whilst breathing a sigh of relief.
Stansted to Street
Picking up the hire car at Standsted Airport, we head for south-west England and the lovely rural county of Somerset.
The long drive to Street in Somerset typically takes around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic, time of day, and the number of incidents. Today, the drive takes 5 hours – not a great trip.
Somerset
Somerset is the base from where the frivolities begin.
If you haven’t heard of the county of Somerset in south-west England, then picture a postcard scenic vision of fluorescent-green undulating hills and Medieval stone architecture.
Throw in the mix King Arthur, the legendary sword of Excalibur, mystical Glastonbury Tor, and the Somerset picture starts to unfold.
Street
Street – yes, the name of the village and not a mistake – is the base whilst in England.
On a Thursday morning, the main road in Street bursts with colourful Farmer’s Market stalls where you can indulge in delicious cheeses from around the region, especially from Cheddar.
Strolling through the stalls of local handmade arts and crafts work up a thirst…
…for a visit to the Fondo Lounge to enjoy a coffee and yummy breakfast.
The lounge’s unique decor bursting with memorabilia is inviting – rest a while.
Taunton
The busy city of Taunton is a quick stop-off to return the one-way airport hire car before catching a bus (£6) back to Street – public transport in the UK is expensive.
Completed in 1508, the St Mary Magdalene church’s 50-metre-tall tower dwarfs many surrounding streets and buildings in Taunton.
Steeped in 1,000 years of military and religious history, it’s only a quick trip today but there’s always time for a street photo or two.
Whilst in Taunton, check out the Ruay Thai Supermarket on 122E Reach, for a fantastic stock of groceries, frozen, and even fresh vegetable and meats – all Thai of course. I’m taking a load back to Italy.
Walton
Only an easy walk of a few kilometres from Street lies the tiny quaint village of Walton on the Polden Hills, which is parallel to the Somerset Levels.
One pub (The Royal Oak), a Norman church, and cosy clusters of lovely stone cottages make up this village.
Walton’s peaceful surrounds are a great spot from which to watch gorgeous Somerset sunsets – it also helps that friends live here…
Although I’m able to sit on this Beast, I’m not allowed to take this for a ride – shame.
Haselbury Mill
Stopped off at the Haselbury Mill grounds on the way back from West Bay, which is a pleasantly picturesque function centre dotted with wonderful curios.
The occasional but constant reminder is never far in the British psyche.
Intriguing historical buildings adorn the meticulously manicured gardens, which feels as though you’ve been thrown back through a time warp of yesteryear.
The beautifully converted barn is now the weddings and events function centre, which I have to attend in April 2020 for a wedding and can’t wait – so exciting.
Wandering through the grounds, you bump into numerous rustic vintage cars from a bygone era.
Glastonbury Festival
Another reason for returning to England is to take part in the fantastic massive 5-day contemporary arts Glastonbury Festival. Running since the day after Jimi Hendrix died in 1970, this music festival is incredible and sees around 200,000 festivalgoers during the 5 days.
Check out my separate post on the festival and what to expect should you be lucky enough to secure a ticket: Glastonbury Festival – Sweltering in 2019!
Somerset Day Trips
When you think there isn’t much more than you can squeeze into a quick English jaunt, then think again…
With the newly christened four-man tent from Glastonbury festival and in need of another get-away, set out on a road and camping trip travelling to Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall – separate posts to come.
London
Love catching up with friends whilst in the UK, which usually means a drink or two so an overnighter in London sees a quick trip to south-east England’s Maidenhead in Berkshire.
Maidenhead
As pretty Maidenhead lies along the south-western bank of the River Thames, it’s a quick drive to the start of a lovely morning stroll along the canal.
The aged Hurley Lock is where the river divides into several channels and for those that enjoy camping, it’s possible to camp at Hurley Lock along Mill Lane. The village of Hurley ‘predates the Norman Conquest’.
Continuing an amble along the calm canal and through a wooded park…
…we reach the charming village of Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
Stansted to Italy
Following the hectic 5-week English summer jaunt, it’s back on the motorway that carves the English countryside for the long drive back to Stansted. Numerous traffic accidents, breakdowns, and of course a diversion thrown in for good measure, sees the drive taking almost 6 long hours.
Stop at the Welcome Break Fleet Services along the M3 motorway if you need a break, but expect to be served expensive coffee (£3+) that isn’t great – seems as though the UK is going down the US route of quantity over quality.
Instead of driving through the night to catch the red-eye morning flight at 06:25 hrs, indulge in an overnight stay at Stansted Airport in the Radisson Blu Hotel.
Quite flash in the modern comfy and cosy room with private bathroom – very clean and quiet.
The £98 per night for a double doesn’t include parking, which costs an extra £12.50 for 24-hours – ouch!
Spotted this cute relic at a restaurant’s entrance.
Luckily, the RyanAir flight from Stansted to Lamezia in Calabria arrives only slightly late – always a bonus.
Visit Nilla’s Photography for more images. More posts on the United Kingdom at Image Earth Travel.
Beautiful post — & hair! 🙂
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Thank you dl-Al for your kind comment and yes, the hair colour is very cool – my hairdresser wants to dye it this colour… 😉
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The hairdressers I’ve gone to seem to especially want me to do things that will involve coming back frequently lol
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Exactly, it’s all a money-churning ploy! Lucky we’re wisened up to these tactics… 😉
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it’s funny to me that very young women seem to be the ones who buy the most beauty products — it’s when we’re older that we should need it lol
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Ha, ha, maybe it’s because when we’re older, we realise what the marketing BS is all about? 😉
From an early age, my mother always taught me to look after my skin regardless of age – her skin was gorgeous even in her 70s – her secret? She never baked in the sun – ahead of her time.
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Bs indeed lolol
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😉
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England is so beautiful! I really need to visit more places there – it’s part of my heritage after all! I love the lounge, it looks so cosy and welcoming! And seeeee I told you not to worry about getting detained! hahahaha
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England is very beautiful and I didn’t know it was part of your heritage, so even more reason to visit.
It was a breeze this visit. 😉
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Another great travel report and beautiful pictures. Any plans in the (near) future to travel again, dear Nilla?
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Hi Patty, thank you for the great feedback.
Back to Australia in February for a quick trip… 😉
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We found it much quicker to go through customs the last time we visited UK too. I think things were improved for the Olympics.
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Hmmm…not sure that things were improved for the Olympics all those years ago, just different to the time that I was detained.
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Yes, it was definitely better after the Olympics. Many more staff and desks operating than the first couple of times we went. It took us over an hour in 1999 to get through customs, last time it was a matter of minutes.
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Ah, right that sounds much better then, but it’s never taken me minutes in any customs in nay country. 😉
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You need to go to Canada! We couldn’t believe how fast and easy the process was. 😀
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Now that’s a great excuse to go as I’ve never been to Canada! 😉
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Do it!
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Have to but next year is a big year with 2 weddings (also have another here next month), one in the UK and one in Italy, visa renewal for here, and loads of other things keeping me away from Canada – but, all good things. 😉
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That all sounds like fun.
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Nice post with cool pictures. Thanks for sharing. – Jojo Reyes Jr
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Thank you Jojo for your kind comment.
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You make it sound fabulous and now I know why the mammino stayed so long!
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It was a great trip albeit, very fast and jam-packed with things to do and people to see. Indeed he did. 😉
I have another 3 posts on the UK from the same jaunt coming out over the next 3 weeks, so check back later for more…
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Great post and great photos!
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Thank you Giovanni and happy you enjoyed this jaunt with me… 😉
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Lovely post, lovely place! Love the coffee shop!
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Thank you Valerie! Yes, the coffee shop is quite funky.
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It looks like such a great part of the world.
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Hi Suellen, it is a lovely part of the world and so easy for travellers – it helps that my partner is from there…
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This post has made my feet very itchy. Time to do some travel planning!
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Yes, do it and I’m glad my post has made your feet itchy! Stay tuned for the next 3 chapters on the UK over the next few weeks. 😉
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Great trip.
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Yes, it was Kelly. I have more posts over the next few weeks coming out about this trip… 😉
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I will look forward to reading them
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Cool! Thank you for your continual support – much appreciated. 🙂
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