Another Easter visit from the Hamiltons (2019)

Mom and Dad Hamilton arrived at Gatwick airport late on Tuesday morning. We picked them up in a and headed back to Winchester via the South Downs AONB. Along the way, we stopped for farm shops and our first of many encounters with carrot and coriander soup.

Early Wednesday we hit the road, heading North to Stoneywell, an Arts & Crafts cottage outside of Leicester. A 5-point turn to get back to the car park earned us a very stern head-shake from a surly old English ***, but the cottage was beautiful and the sun was out.

After another quick shot of carrot and coriander, we continued on up to York. York Minster was preparing for an Easter performance of Wagner's Percival. Afterward we walked down the Shambles, walked the walls, and had a well-earned dinner at Melton's (we recommend the baco noir from Canada).

Next morning we kept heading North, stopping in the North York Moors for England's finest view, and at Bamburgh for a seafood lunch and a gander at the castle on the sea. We arrived in Edinburgh in the afternoon and were shortly met by cousins Betty and David. We walked the Royal Mile and ate dinner together before parting ways. Next morning we were back into Edinburgh for some shopping on the mile and a hearty debate about what colour plaid was best for girls' dresses (hopefully Addy and Lainey like red). Back in the car for a beautiful sunny drive down South. Lots of sheep, Hadrian's wall (or was it Adrian's?), and an Italian meal in Stoke-upon-Trent before arriving late back to Winchester.

Saturday in Winchester was a day of rest. We walked into town for supplies, but mostly took it easy. Lamb shanks went into Joule overnight for Easter dinner. We attended Easter matins at Winchester Cathedral, which started with a low and rising rumble on the organ and the Bishop knocking on the door. The cathedral was cool, but outside it was sunny and warm, and we promenaded down to the Itchen and back home.

The shanks came out for dinner and fell off the bone and into our bellies.

The Isle of Wight ferry was busy on Easter Monday, so we booked an outbound for noon and return at 21:40. The crossing was smooth and pretty. Upon landfall, we headed for Osborne House and toured V&A's summer residence. Afterward, lunch along the River Medina in E. Cowes and over to W. Cowes to view the closed shops and harbour, with a stop at Carisbrooke castle along the way. We drove out to the Needles around sunset, and waited for the ferry in Yarmouth in the church, the shop, and the King's Head with some refreshments and a cheese board.

On Tuesday we got the train to London, stopped at UCL, the Dickens museum, and sped back home. On Wednesday we drove out along the South coast of Dorset, and on to Exeter for a tasty pasty pastry. Dad almost missed lunch when we all ducked in the shop without him noticing! Next stop was for standing stones in the Dartmoors, which required from reversing in the car, hiking through fields, and parking among horses. Carrying on into Cornwall the sun came out and we arrived at our cottage near the Pendeen Watch Lighthouse. Beautiful views in all directions! We had a nice walk along the sea cliffs and lighthouse, then got dinner at the Radjel (Cornish for 'ground with loose rocks'), which was a nice local (with mixed reviews, but we liked it).

Wednesday we were off for St Ives, but not before encountering our AirBnB host Ben. Mom and Dad learned everything about him in 10 min., and we walked down to see Portheras Cove on his advice before heading out. Next was the Tate St Ives for a lunch with a beautiful view of the surf and then more pleasant views of the artwork, including Barbara Hepworth's studio and sculpture garden; Barbara is apparently a family friend (of Aunt Nan's, we learned from cousin Betty).

We drove next to Glastonbury, and Gigi's offered up a delicious Italian dinner. We abandoned Cheddar Gorge and Bath to spend the next day in Glastonbury. Mom and Dad raided charity shops while Andrew and Melissa hiked the Tor with a new Welsh friend from Cornwall.

 

We all met up to stroll around the Abbey and have a cream tea before heading home for a takeout Indian meal at home. Last day was spent leisurely around Winchester. Pictures of our entire trip are on flickr.