Capturing Romantic Olde England

Great Britain: Is a romantic couple’s dream! Castles, dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities, and best of all our cousins from across the pond speak English! The first time we traveled together to England, we ended up spending much of our time in London.  London rivals any city in the world. Not only can you catch some of London’s best attractions: Parliament, West Minister Abbey, Imperial War Museum, Churchill Museum, but some of the best theatre in the world!

London theatre

One of the most romantic things to do in London is to take in a dinner and a play in the West End.  Ticket for the performing arts are generally cheaper in Europe than in the US and frankly, the quality is MUCH better.  Luci is a theatre snob and you can’t beat London’s West End.  Go to one of the many ticket brokers and get same day tickets for at least half off.   We saw the age old standard of Les Miserable the “the bible coat story” as Mike calls it, also known as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.  Both were better than any Broadway production we’ve seen.  Walking hand in hand discussing the performance along London’s lively streets is unforgettable.  We found a street side vendor near the home of some of our friends that made marvelous crepes.  The chocolate banana caramel was to die for! Again, English food is bland and boring. Eat French and Indian and you can’t go wrong.

Of course in order to be a true romantic, you must make the trek out to Jane Austen’s home: see our (post) on our visit.

Castle Climbing in Wales

While London is generally one of Great Britain’s top spots, Wales is the most beautiful. It’s green rolling hills and friendly people make it a must see in Great Britain. Just be aware it’s almost impossible to pronounce anything on the signs. One of the most spectacular castles in the UK is Carreg Cennen.  It is just south of Llandeilo.  The castle sits atop a green hill that offers stunning views.

Take the moderate hike from the parking area and pack a lunch spend the day exploring the ruins and enjoying the commanding vistas.  There is a small gift/craft store and tea room at the base of the hill.  We hear that they have great ice cream.

While the exchange rate between the pound and the dollar is usually horrible. When we went to Great Britain, the pound was twice the dollar. We noticed that the prices weren’t necessarily that different but once you doubled it with the exchange rate it felt like we were spending monopoly money. So you have to be smart when you travel there. We were lucky and stayed with friends who were living there and were able to enjoy a lot of what GB has to offer.  But we also know folks who have rented a house. This travel technique was made popular by the chick flick, “The Holiday.”

Want somewhere fun to stay?

8 Old School, St Benedicts Abbey (rent this for a week!)

Ever wonder what it would be like to swap your digs for an English cottage like Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet in the chick flick, “The Holiday?”  This is your chance!    Who knows…maybe you will meet your own Jude Law?  This is such a great option for experiencing the real Great Britain.  Cottages are “self catering” so you cook for yourself.  (Great way to save some cash and eat better food. The

Inside 8 Old School, St Benedicts Abbey

English aren’t known for their cuisine.)  If you are traveling as a family or with multiple couples, this is a great solution and so much cheaper than a hotel!

The UK has so very much to offer the wandering couple.  We offered a few ideas, what is your fav couple site in Olde England?  96XKZ4PP77NE

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6 Responses to Capturing Romantic Olde England

  1. Cathy Sweeney April 13, 2011 at 10:27 pm #

    Oh, this has me craving a trip to the U.K. London is one of my favorite cities. Glad you mentioned the Churchill Museum (& War Cabinet Rooms) — that was a highlight for me. Haven’t been to Wales yet, but am really looking forward to doing that sometime. I really do like the self-catering idea.

  2. Debbie Beardsley April 15, 2011 at 1:11 pm #

    This post has me nostalgic for cheery olde England! You are spot on regarding theater in London. Even the lesser known shows are really good. I love the Cotswolds. Charming villages with beautiful houses.

  3. Sensibletraveler April 24, 2011 at 12:52 pm #

    London is so great. I haven’t gotten a chance to see the countryside of Wales. It looks beautiful!

  4. Natalie April 25, 2011 at 11:04 pm #

    I am going back to England soon to see family but reading your post has reminded me about the various things to do and places to see. maybe should extend the trip and treat Turkish hubby to a life outside of Turkey!

  5. Liv June 22, 2011 at 4:16 pm #

    I love the history and culture in England. It is something I take for granted when I am there and miss when I am elsewhere!

  6. admin June 22, 2011 at 4:22 pm #

    so much to discover in GB. Thanks for the comment.