Barton Le Clay

Arrived in Cambridge with sunny weather and the river Cam awaiting our punting experience. Wow what a beautiful relaxing space filled with green parks, students and amazing colleges. Relaxing on the punt with our young tour guide filled with enthusiasm and pride of his lovely city. A good walk around, lunch in the park and onto Barton to stay with the lovely Jackie. Out for dinner and a lovely catch up before bed. Our last day in UK is here and with great sadness mixed with wonder we visit St Albans before returning our hire car then off to Heathrow.

Haverhill

Headed off to Henry Watson Potteries North Suffolk. On to Sutton Hoo, site of Saxon burials and exhibition of amazing finds from the archeological digs. 

Derby

Derby today to visit Hansons Auctions and see the great man in action....unfortunately Charles was doing valuations, but made do with a long distance photo. Onto Grantham, and a quick walk around Margaret Thatchers home town. On to Burghley House...Queen Elizabeth 1 often visited this stately home of her advisor, William Cecil. Arrived at Haverhill via Cambridge to stay. Chatted with locals over a few drinks into the night at our accomm, Rose & Crown.

Menston

From Yarm to North Yorkshire to stay with Jo in Menston, Ilkley. Beautiful countryside filled with farms and weather becoming misty and cool. Glimpses of the moors in the distance as we near Ilkley. Wow, every view is breathtaking as each village draws us nearer our destination and the welcome of family waiting to greet us.

Staithes, Whitby

Met Stewart & Julia and headed off towards the coast. First stop Saltburn on the Sea....Victorian terraces perched high above on the cliff overlooking our first glimpse of the North Sea. Rode down to the pier and beach on the wonderful funicular, a small covered car powered by the weight of water to descend to the beach below and back up to the top of the cliff again. As with most piers here, the amusement centre was in full swing and seagulls squawking everywhere. Next was Staiths..a fishing village with tiny cobbled streets and cute quay. Captain Cook museum here, which was quite interesting. Headed to Whitby next for the  inevitable  battered cod, chips, mushy peas, cup of tea and bread. When in Rome blah blah! Lovely walk around lanes full of interesting shops and Whitby Jet. Time to say farewell to S & J as we headed to East Ayton to Pillar Box House for the night.