A couple of days after our weekend visit to James's parents place Megan & I headed off on a day out to Chiddingstone..... a heritage listed village about 1/2 hr drive away. The buildings date back to 1453 while at the local church interesting gravestones were found from as far back as the 1700s.
Back to the car and a short drive further along these lovely (but narrow) country roads....
and we arrived at Hever Castle.....
The original medieval castle was built in 1270 and in 1505 became the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII's 2nd wife. Early in the 20th Century it was owned by the wealthy Waldorf - Astor family who restored and extended the castle. Hever Castle was surrounded by beautiful gardens - which were only started in 1904.... we spent the whole afternoon here....
The following day turned out to be rather bleak and drizzly so Megan and I wandered down town for cakes, hot chocolate and coffee at lovely local cafe followed by an afternoon game of Scrabble.....
A sunny day.....James had the day off so another day trip - this time to Brighton...... Old world seafront, the obligatory walk out along the Brighton Amusement Pier. lots of laneways with interesting shops and a hippie feel......
Before leaving Brighton we visited the beautiful "Royal Pavilion" decorated with an Indian /Chinese theme......it was amazing but unfortunately no photos were allowed of the interior......
Dating back to 1787 the building was the "seaside" palace of Kings George IV & William IV and then Queen Victoria who ultimately sold it to the Town of Brighton in 1850.
The next 3 days saw Megan and I head off on our 3 day road trip.....but more on that next time.... I have Xmas biscuits baking and must head back to the kitchen....
Till next time,
Asta
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