Jun 13. Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral

 Jun 13. Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral

On our British Isles cruise in 2022 we were not able to take this tour as we were quarantined in our cabin with Covid.  So this was a ‘must see’ on our return to Southampton.  It is the midway point of our Baltics and Norway cruise and rather than stay on the ship while we embark new passengers and fortify supplies ( ie food and wine!) we are off for our tour.

Our coach took the scenic route to Stonehenge, travelling through New Forest.  This link describes the area created by William the Conqueror as a royal hunting ground - The New Forest may not be a very hilly landscape and there are no sweeping mountain views, but a walk in the forest takes you into a part of southern Britain that William the Conqueror would probably still recognise. However, this is not some woodland theme park; the forest is a working environment. Around 7000 commoners’ animals graze the open forest, as they have done for centuries; a quarter of the park is farmland, and the forest still produces many tonnes of timber every year. It is these very activities that have helped to preserve the New Forest over the centuries.  

We passed through several small towns and hamlets.

Finally we reached Stonehenge.  It is well laid out in several areas of the site to learn about life as far back as 3000 BC!  Of course we didn’t have time to explore all of the areas but went to the Stone Circle, the most well known area at Stonehenge.  It is quite fascinating!

                              The Stone Circle

Burial mounds

From here we went on to Salisbury where we saw the famous Salisbury  Cathedral.  I was in awe!  To think that this monstrous cathedral was built in the 13th century is unimaginable.  I have wanted to see it ever since I read Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth!

We got back to the ship just before all aboard time.  I really overdid it today, walking almost 5000 steps ( Mary did well over 8000!), and I had to lie down to recover.  This old body lets me know it has had enough!!

We did go to the dining room for dinner and then I came back to the cabin for Advil and to put my feet up while Mary went off to the theatre. I was asleep by 8:00 PM!!

Thank goodness tomorrow is a sea day!  

Two Tired Travellers