Kings, Lords & Courts

In late August we headed south for some quick stops before going to our vacation in the Lake District. Dad picked out our first stop: Runnymede.

Do you have any idea of why Runnymede is famous? That's one of the nice things about having visitors is they tell you about places you would have never discovered on your own. It's the place of the signing of the Magna Carta by King John in 1215. I'm no historian, but my understanding is that the Magna Carta is considered one of the foundations of democracy and a model for constitutions all over the world. I don't think King John had any interest in furthering the cause of democracy. He was just forced into it by his rebellious barons.

I love moments like this on vacation - signs that your kids really do love spending time together.

Enough of educational moments! Next it was time to visit Highclere Castle, film location for Downton Abbey. 

No pictures are allowed in the house, so I had to settle with taking some shots of the outside. 

This is our Lord and Lady of the Manor shot. It might have been more effective without the zip-up hoodie, Husky cap and high street jacket.

The grounds and gardens at Highclere are just exceptional. I think I just might say that about everyplace we visit. This time though, these grounds really are at the top of my list. Beautifully designed gardens, rolling hills, striking old trees - just perfect.

We have this recurring theme of taking vacations with my parents and spending a lot of time being really, really cold. This was late August for heaven's sake, but boy was it a nice day for a hot chocolate. 

The next day it was time to head up to the Lake District. On the way, Camille had picked out our next tourist stop: Lancaster Castle, home of famous Pendle witch trials.

We had one of our best tours yet at this castle. The guide was so knowledgable and interesting to listen to. Besides extensive knowledge of the royalty and nobility of England, he had a spooky ghost story, dramatic tales of the witch trials, interesting details of the courts held at the castle and much more.

We had a busy two days of tourist sites and lots and lots of driving. By the end of our time at Lancaster Castle, we were all ready for some famous fish and chips and to settle into our country place in the Lake District.