Walks in Bath and Bristol
August 1-3
We've covered a lot of our environs on foot the last three days. First, we encountered a film crew on one of the grand Bath byways. Netflix is filming the Seven Dials, an Agatha Christie series here now. As far as we can tell, that doesn't look like Martin Freeman or Helena Bonham Carter, but word has it they were in town. Turns out this is a popular locale for filming period series and movies. Might be enough to make us check out Bridgerton.
The Kennet and Avon canal runs through Bath and we saw this local inhabitant on one of the boats for hire. May we be so lucky next week!
We also walked by the second deepest lock in England! Makes a nice vertical garden.
Outside of Bath is Prior Park, and the centerpiece there is an estate built by Ralph Allen with the express purpose to market the glorious stone he happened to quarry (he was quite an entrepreneur). It is beautiful and has gorgeous views of the entire Bath area.
On our way back to town, we passed by this old church. It was built in 1498 and is still used for services.
Our walk today took us to a nearby circuit through many wonderful passages. We are struck by the narrow paths between farm fields and homes surrounded by gardens.
The vistas are amazing.
And the huge green meadows made us feel like we should sing "The hills are alive...." About 15 minutes later, we heard another walker sing that very line.
We hopped on the train yesterday to visit the port city of Bristol. These cranes sit outside the local museum, the best we've experienced that showcases local history and voices.
Banksy is one of the locals. Who can resist the grim reaper?
Another crane.This one is steam powered and is still used for historical purposes. It was used for freight from 1878 to 1973.
This iron suspension bridge was built between 1831 and 1864 over the Avon River. By the way, there are 8 Avon rivers in the UK, perhaps because Avon means river in Old English.
After a delicious pub dinner in Bristol, we headed back to Bath via the train. The train station was designed by the same man who designed the suspension bridge.
Great pics, you guys! Love to see your smiling faces!
ReplyDeleteWow! So much variety in the last few days. Fun stuff!-Kelly
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of stone, steel, and grass. Wonderful. Kevin
ReplyDeleteAlso, is that old Austin in the first photo actually got its wheels off the pavement? Kevin
ReplyDeleteI never knew I needed to go to Bath!
ReplyDeleteLove the Sound of Music reference! What has been your favorite British food so far? Have you picked up any British sayings that you want to bring back with you? -AA
ReplyDeleteI have had three kinds of meat pies -- the steak and Merlot was the best. The revelation though was a vegetable called samphire--a salty green that looks like the tiniest asparagus. I will do my best not to overuse the word brilliant when we get back.
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