Brighton & Whitby

When it rains, it pours

That was precisely what was happening outside my window at around 9pm last night till the early hours of today (i.e. Sunday). Fortunately, the wet and thundery weather appears to have made its departure before I woke up this morning. Although it won't be long till it returns...

When will it stop?

As much as I appreciate the rain, it wouldn't be a "Sun"day if there was no sun.

There's no way we can control this inclement weather. But what we can do, or at least what I usually do, is to think back to all the good ol' days when the sun actually kept its promise.

Brighton

Lunchtime in Brighton

I'm sure the majority of you would have heard of this place. However, if you haven't, Brighton is essentially a large seaside town located in East Sussex. It's become a popular destination for those craving a day away from the hectic city life in Southern England or simply overseas tourists. 

The one thing that did sort of surprise me when I went was the lack of sand on the beach. Obviously, this didn't fit my existing schema of a white, sandy beach that I'd grown up to love whilst I was living in Australia. However, with a variety of other Georgian inspired attractions, vintage shops, plus funfair rides and games, I think these landmarks have clearly made up for what the beach itself lacked. Plus it wasn't that uncomfortable to sit on the beach (just make sure you bring a mat).

Amusement attractions at Brighton 

Sunset ferris wheel ride

Looking out towards Brighton pier

If I had to pinpoint a favourite moment of my visit, it would definitely have to be exploring the Royal Pavilion. It was simply an amazing building on the outside and the inside. Totally not what I would have expected from a seaside town.

Brighton's Royal Pavilion 

Whitby

When I was studying in North East England, people would often ask me how much sunlight we got each day. Their assumption was that the weather was probably horrid, dark and gray. However, my photos have often proven them wrong, especially the ones I took at my favourite UK seaside town: Whitby.

Out at sea

Strolling on Whitby's beach

From boating trips and a steam train adventures, to Captain Cook's memorial museum and confectionary shoppes, Whitby is definitely a place where you need to spend an entire day at (especially since this place ACTUALLY has sand!).

Whitby train station

All aboard the Whitby boating tour!

Chocolate!! 

Replica of Captain Cook's ship

Obviously I cannot guarantee that you'll definitely be graced by stunning weather. However, if you do happen to be blessed, I suggest walking around the entire town to explore every nook and cranny before you narrow down on what you want to see first.

Heading out to sea, Whitby lighthouse on the right

Looking up towards the Church of Saint Mary

Aside from its seaside attractions, Whitby is also home to the famous Whitby Abbey. Ever read about or at least heard of Dracula? That was the historic ruins that inspired Bram Stoker to write his thrilling but fascinating tale. It's definitely worth visiting, although you do have to walk up the famed 199 steps staircase in order to reach it. Was good exercise for me especially since I'd just had a really unhealthy but ever so delicious ice cream from one of the local stalls...

Heading towards Whitby Abbey

Enjoying the glorious sun

That was despite the fact that I decided to end the day off with a good old fashioned meal of beer-battered fish (minus the chips) before taking the 6pm train back to reality.

Yum!

Last photo at Whitby

Worcester, Witley Court & Church

I've never been THIS excited about blogging before

Usually it takes me about a week of relaxing to recover from the exhaustion (and thrill) of travelling. During that period, I most commonly begin to contemplate whether or not I ought to blog about that particular experience. It generally is a big fat "yes" from me, but for some reason, writing somehow gets delayed by all the other interesting things I get involved with in life.

In other words, I procrastinate (sometimes).

But definitely not this time! After visiting Witley Court on an incredible sunny Monday (yes this was just yesterday), I was motivated to start blogging about it (almost) immediately. So, here goes.

Entering Worcester Cathedral

The medieval church of Saint Andrew

Sailing down the River Severn

Worcester

To get to Witley Court, which is located near Great Witley in Worcestershire, I had to head to the city of Worcester by train in order to catch the 758 bus to this English Heritage property. I'd made sure I'd left enough time to explore Worcester, mainly its Cathedral, as well.

Seagulls on patrol

Frequent flyer

A fine day in Worcester

If it's a very sunny day when you go, you should definitely take a walk by the River Severn as it looks absolutely stunning in the sunshine. There's also an opportunity to take a cruise up and down the river. Unfortunately, I didn't have time for this but I guess this, and the fact that I didn't get to see the other museums in Worcester + buy Worcestershire sauce, means I'll definitely have an excuse to go back again!

Walking to Witley Court

Witley Court's river

Witley Court

Hooray!

This was the main highlight of my day trip. And I am thoroughly pleased to say that I was NOT disappointed by it at all. In my opinion, the history of Witley Court is to an extent bittersweet. Although originally one of the most extravagant country houses in the UK, it suffered from a terrible fire in 1937 that has left the majority of it in ruins. Fortunately, a great portion of its beauty and charm has still been retained as the pictures show. And with the help from a series of info panels accompanying the key highlights of property, it's still possible to imagine how luxurious and spectacular the decor used to be.

The south facade

Inside the conservatory

Peeking through Witley Court

Personally, I would say that it is genuinely one of the most romantic and attractive Grade 1 buildings I have EVER been to in the UK.

The east parterre

Roaming around the garden

Next to the south facade

When I travel, I like to go in whatever direction my mood and guts take me in. Having ground rules can make travelling too stressful! However, if you did want me to recommend a must-see part of Witley Court so that you can plan out your route, then you should certainly pencil in the Perseus & Andromeda Fountain. It's design based on the Greek myth about Perseus flying on Pegasus to save his to-be-spouse, Andromeda, from a terrifying sea creature. An eye-catching masterpiece, water is shot from the fountain at every hour between 10am to 5pm. It's definitely something you HAVE to photography (and also film!).

The Fountain's sleeping

The Fountain's alive!

Great Witley Church

Outdoor tearoom

Taking it easy

Which way is which?

If you're feeling a bit peckish and tired after walking around Witley Court and all its garden trails, then head next door to the lovely little outdoor tearoom run by Great Witley Church . The pear flavoured popsicle is highly recommended (by me), just to let you know. And whilst you're there, why not check out the Church itself? I mean, who would have thought that a church with such a simple exterior could be so much more extravagant on the inside? See my pictures if you don't believe me.

Arriving at Great Witley Church

The Church's baroque styled interior

There are 48 ceremonial counties in England alone, and I have now officially visited 25 (= an average of around 6 new ones annually across the 4 years I've been here).

Bring on the next one :)

Mondays could never have been this enjoyable

Bishop Auckland

Auckland Castle

I think the title basically summarizes the main point of my journey. Usually I’m the one who recommends places to all my fellow readers. But on this occasion, this trip was based on a recommendation from a close colleague of mine at work. She’d mentioned it a while ago but I’d never gotten the time to go…until now of course.

On its official web, you’ll find its brief description as the, I quote, “Palace of the Prince Bishops for Over 900 years” (Auckland Castle Trust, 2014). Upon my arrival, the castle itself looked to me like most of the other historical buildings I’d seen before; majestic and profound. It didn’t strike me as particularly outstanding (probably because I'm a harsh critic/ castle-fanatic). However, it was only when I went in that I quickly understood why it was definitely admirable.

I mean seriously, just LOOK at the pictures

Why hello there...

I felt that the chapel was the most impressive part of it, especially the colorful and gloriously decorated ceiling.

In the chapel #castletour

The magnificent ceiling

And let's not forget about the food.

Time for a spot of tea (and cake <-- of course!)

Yum...

And…Deer House

This title is slightly misleading because there are no deer living there anymore (or perhaps they were hiding from me :( – there used to be though! In fact, I found it home to a large herd of sheep! 

Stop baaaathering us :P

This was the only deer I found

Nevertheless, the house itself is certainly an architectural masterpiece, don’t you think?

The deer house

I think the most delightful part of my day was simply being able to sit for hours (well, about 1.5 to be precise) in the park that the deer house was located in and draw. Being among such lovely greenery was seriously the most relaxing thing ever after a long a stressful week.

In company of mother nature

So if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed by work or just in need of a break from reality, give Bishop Auckland a try.

Seriously, you won’t regret it.

Auckland Castle Trust (2014) “Auckland Castle” Home page. [online] Available at: < http://aucklandcastle.org/> [Accessed 11 July 2014]