I have just returned from a short trip to England and thought I would share some photos from my visit.
One of my favorite television shows is Downton Abbey; naturally I wanted to see Highclere Castle, which is where the show is filmed. Unfortunately, the castle was not open for touring during the time of my visit. I did however, get to climb up Beacon Hill (whew! It was cold and windy) to get a zoomed in photo of the Castle.
Beacon Hill climb
Beginning of Beacon Hill Climb
Highclere Castle
Beacon Hill is near the village of Burghclere and Watership Down, in north Hampshire. The hill’s name is derived from the fact that it was one of many Beacon Hills in England and beyond. This hill was once the site of the most famous beacon in Hampshire. It is 261 meters/856 feet high and has one of England’s most well-known hill forts on its slopes. From there, outstanding views of the surrounding area and much of Hampshire may be obtained.
View from Beacon Hill
View from Beacon Hill
After climbing Beacon Hill, I made my way to Winchester to see Winchester Cathedral.
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester developed from the Roman town of Venta Belgarum, which developed from an Iron Age settlement. Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, with the distinction of having the longest nave and overall length of all Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
I visited the Christmas Market at Winchester Cathedral and stopped to eat bratwurst and drink some gluhwein. The Christmas Market is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and was quite crowded with shoppers. There were pretty wooden chalets situated in the Cathedral’s historic Inner Close surrounding an open-air real ice rink. All the exhibitors had high quality and unique products for sale. It was wonderful, I have never experienced anything quite as beautiful in the United States and I enjoyed walking and looking at everything.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
After walking through the Christmas Market at the Cathedral, I made my way through the old City of Winchester to the City Mill. This mill is a rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill, powered by the fast-flowing River Itchen, which is seen passing under the mill.
Old City Mill
Inside Old City Mill
Lighted tree in City of Winchester
Next post – the City of London.
Thoughts and Adventures 