Coach Trip to Warwick Castle 26th July 2008

The morning was bright and fine. We arrived at Upminster Station Car park in good tome for our trip to Warwick Castle. There were lots of old faces and some new, soon the coach arrived, it had air conditioning this made our journey much more confortable. Our driver Dave made good time. Soon we were at Oxford Services, then onward on the M40 to Warwick Castle. The coach Park was full on our arrival we parked within the castle grounds. Group photos were taken, then we all marched off towards the main gatehouse. The castle is very impressive with Guy's Tower and Caesar's Tower on each corner, with the gatehouse in the centre. It has walls and ramparts with several smaller towers. Within the castle walls in the heart of the castle you will find the Great Hall, State Rooms and Chapel. Pam and myself decided to make our way to Oak Tree Lawn to watch the flight of the eagles a medieval falconry display, with eagles and vultures. Pam was keen to watch the jousting, Warwick Castle was only one of five places in England to be given permission by Richard the Lion Heart to hold jousts. It was a pleasant walk to the jousting arena along the river Avon towards the mill. There has been a mill at the castle for 600 years. Pam took lots of photos of the river and mill as we walked towards the bridge that crossed the river. It was now getting due for dinner time, we made our way towards the heart of thr castle, the impressive display of armour and lavish rooms. At the restaurant we all got together again. After dinner and a free bottle of wine we walked towards the Rose Gardens. All to soon it was time to leave for Stratford on Avon. Both Pam and myself had been to Stratford before se we decided to have some retail theropy. Lots of shops in the paved pedestrian area. Soon we were by the canal with all its narrow boats and small coffee shops. We sat by the river and had our coffee before walking back to the coach. On the journey home there was a raffle and a second fun Quiz. We arrived back in Upminster about 9pm. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Stella for organising the trip. Pam and I had a very enjoyable day.

David.

Photos to follow.