And a busy weekend it has been. On Saturday we drove to Stratford upon Avon and had a look around there, and if you have never been to Shakespeare's birth place, it is worth a visit. Only a small place, but because of the bard, busy with tourists. Not that I know anything about him, but the history and ancient buildings are worth seeing. Below is Shakespeare's birthplace.
Then after that we drove onto Warwick about half an hour away. This was a quiet place when we were there, although it is probable that we missed part of it. The photo I have put in is of 'Eastgate'. This building first built in 1420 fascinated me, as it was used for hundreds of years as part of a school nearby and has now been purchased and remodeled as a private residence available for hire. The link will tell you the prices, but if you could afford it, that would be quite the place to stay.
After that we moved on to the hotel in Walsall that we had booked for the night. Another holiday inn by Express. We like these for a short stay. They are clean and comfy with all the amenities you need. Breakfast is included in the price, but as we were going for a Sunday lunch, we just had some toast and a hot drink.
And then onto the real reason for this weekend away. We had been given as a Christmas present from my brother and his wife, a riverboat cruise dining experience. This was on the canals in Birmingham centre, and was a three course Sunday lunch.
We boarded at just before twelve, set off shortly after, being served by waitresses, a very pleasant choice and as the boat only does about four miles an hour, just a gentle relaxing time. It lasts about three hours, and is so easy going. The food was excellent and I would recommend it to anyone.
These narrow boats are not the easiest to get into and as they are only six foot ten inches at the widest, not for the disabled. That would be the only downside though. A couple of photos below of narrow boats.
The bottom one is the one we took the cruise on. At over seventy foot long, these have to be turned around with care!
And the last photo is of my lovely partner Denise. Of all the photos I took, this is the one that I think came out best.
