The Phillips Family in NZ

Cardiff, Bath, Devon & Cornwall

We left the Northwest behind and travelled south down to Cardiff, Wales as a stop off point to Devon and Cornwall. Wales was like being in a different country with all the road signs and brochures we collected being in both English and Welsh. Welsh is such a strange language - it looks like they use very few vowels and just jumble up all the rest of the other letters!

We first explored Cardiff Castle which was a very interesting tour, learning all about the Bute family who once owned the castle. The Lord of Cardiff grew grapes and brewed his own wine in the area to which the Punch magazine (a satirical publication) once referred to Bute's wine needing 4 people to drink it. One to pour, and two people to hold the poor victim down!

Here is a view from the Keep looking towards he Millenium Centre/Cardiff Arms Park where they were already advertising for the NZ game in November!

Here is Danielle & Connor by the emblem of Wales - the dragon

Next day we travelled to Bath, where we explored the Roman Baths - site of a hot spring where the Romans built a huge spa around it around 4 BC

Despite having tired and sore feet we couldn't soak them in the water!

Much of the original stonework had been excavated and much of the original structure restored. There was also an excellent audio commentary available

We tracked down a Bed & Breakfast at a farm to stay for the night at Holdsworthy. Here the kids have made friends with the family of the owners

Next day we caught up with some relatives - Nica and Len at Bude

We had a wonderful lunch with Nica and Len down by the waterfront at Bude

22/9 and another theme park - this time the Crealy Adventure Park. Few exciting rides for adults, mostly suitable for the kids

After the park, we drove to Hayle as our base for exploring the south west of Cornwall. After dropping our bags we headed off to St Ives

23/9 - At the end of England - Lands End

The First and Last House in England, Lands End

There was even a Dr Who display at Lands End - Connor really wanted to see it!

Next stop was Mousehole, similar to St Ives but a lot smaller

After a lunch stop at Penzance, we headed further around the coast to Marazion and St Michaels Mount. The tide was in so we had to catch the ferry across to the island

Originally a monastry, the chapel commenced building in 1080

Tide was out when we were leaving, so we walked the causeway back to the mainland (saving GBP5.00!)

24/9 - And another theme park - this time Flambards, which was a lot better than Crealy - more fun rides

Vicki & Connor on the flying balloons

They even had a display about the New Zealander Richard Pearce, there was also a great display of London during the WW2 blitz. After this park, we drove on to Bournemouth - click on NEXT

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We first explored Cardiff Castle which was a very interesting tour, learning all about the Bute family who once owned the castle. The Lord of Cardiff grew grapes and brewed his own wine in the area to which the Punch magazine (a satirical publication) once referred to Bute's wine needing 4 people to drink it. One to pour, and two people to hold the poor victim down!
Here is a view from the Keep looking towards he Millenium Centre/Cardiff Arms Park where they were already advertising for the NZ game in November!
Here is Danielle & Connor by the emblem of Wales - the dragon
Next day we travelled to Bath, where we explored the Roman Baths - site of a hot spring where the Romans built a huge spa around it around 4 BC
Despite having tired and sore feet we couldn't soak them in the water!
Much of the original stonework had been excavated and much of the original structure restored. There was also an excellent audio commentary available
We tracked down a Bed & Breakfast at a farm to stay for the night at Holdsworthy. Here the kids have made friends with the family of the owners
Next day we caught up with some relatives - Nica and Len at Bude
We had a wonderful lunch with Nica and Len down by the waterfront at Bude
22/9 and another theme park - this time the Crealy Adventure Park. Few exciting rides for adults, mostly suitable for the kids
After the park, we drove to Hayle as our base for exploring the south west of Cornwall. After dropping our bags we headed off to St Ives
23/9 - At the end of England - Lands End
The First and Last House in England, Lands End
There was even a Dr Who display at Lands End - Connor really wanted to see it!
Next stop was Mousehole, similar to St Ives but a lot smaller
After a lunch stop at Penzance, we headed further around the coast to Marazion and St Michaels Mount. The tide was in so we had to catch the ferry across to the island
Originally a monastry, the chapel commenced building in 1080
Tide was out when we were leaving, so we walked the causeway back to the mainland (saving GBP5.00!)
24/9 - And another theme park - this time Flambards, which was a lot better than Crealy - more fun rides
Vicki & Connor on the flying balloons
They even had a display about the New Zealander Richard Pearce, there was also a great display of London during the WW2 blitz. After this park, we drove on to Bournemouth - click on NEXT