Stonehenge and Salisbury

Hi all!

This morning we had breakfast and then caught the train together to Birmingham, where we walked to the main train station and waited for our trains. Jamie headed back to London while I caught a train to Bristol and then onto Bath. 

I came to Bath in March to see Rachel, who I shared a room with for five weeks of my South America trip at the start of the year. I figured out on the train it's five months to the day since I last arrived here. It's one of my favourite places in England and I'm so happy to be back and seeing Rach again!!

Rachel picked me up at the station and we headed straight to Stonehenge. We meant to go last time but ran out of time!! So off we went. 

Up until a year or so ago you could simply park next to Stonehenge, take your photo and leave. However it's now been taken into the care of 'English Heritage' and the 'National Trust' and you now have to pay £15 to read some info and take a bus to look at it....unless you're a National Trust member like me and get in for free! :D

We went into the visitor centre and read the information. Stonehenge is over 5000 years old, and was changed and modified over the first 1000 years of its existence. Juat under half of it has been excavated, and when it was, a confusing pattern of pits, stone holes and post holes were found. The earliest accurate plan was drawn in 1740, but by this time some had been removed or had fallen. An entrance ticket in 1920-30 cost the equivalent today of 2.5p!  

Two types of stones were used. Sarsen, a hard sandstone which originated 26 million years ago and is difficult to shape and work, and bluestone, a smaller and volcanic rock. 

We then caught the shuttle bus and walked around the stones. Apparently on the 21st of June they have a summer solstice party. Typical English weather again - grey, black, windy and cloudy and then beautiful sunshine. I got lots of different photos!

We got back to the car and then headed for a quick stop in Salisbury. We walked to the cathedral and were lucky enough to visit during Evensong. It meant it was free to get in and we heard some lovely choral music! We couldn't see the Magna Carta as it was too late, but at least I can say I've been in the same building as it now! The Magna Carta was signed by king James in 1215 declaring the rights and rules of England. 

We then went to Bathampton to the Bathampton Mill for dinner. We had a roast - I had chicken and Rachel had beef. It was delicious!! Had a great time chatting and eating delicious food. 

Our last stop for the night was at Rachel's work, a beautiful wedding venue at which she is the events coordinator. I met some of her colleagues and saw the building!! :) You could see Bristol in the distance with the sunset over it!

Now we are back at Rachel's house watching a movie and eating chocolate cake. 

Love to all
Claire
Xoxox