This post is a transition from our time in Hampshire and surrounding counties to our trip into London for the second part of our travels. We rented a car for our first six days of travel, which was an adventure in itself, and then utilized London's famed public transportation network to get around the city. The kids especially loved our trips on the London Underground.
Like many places we visited, Winchester has a long and rich history dating back to prehistoric and Roman times. Today, the Hampshire County Councils are based in Winchester, and it is said to be one of the most desirable cities in England in which to live. I can understand why. It was a lovely city to visit, and as it was directly on the way to London from Lymington via M3, it is within easy distance of several major cities.
The United Kingdom is home to 15 designated National Parks, areas of natural beauty and historic or cultural significance. Being an American National Parks lover, I was pleasantly surprised to find that while in Hampshire, we would be staying within one of the newer English national parks: New Forest National Park. At the end of this post is a bonus recipe for bread pudding.
While in Oxford, we visited the prestigious university, as well as the famed Eagle and Child pub, where the writing group known as "The Inklings" which included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, met over pints to discuss their works.
Mentioned in many a Jane Austen novel, and famous on its own for its historic Roman Baths, the city of Bath in Somerset has much to do and see. In addition to the Roman Baths, we walked the Pulteney Bridge that spans the River Avon and, of course, we paid a visit to the Jane Austen Centre.
The Cranky Camper 