As always after a trip, we take stock of everything we’ve bought. Is it more or less than usual? Hard to say. In any case, there are loads of great bits and bobs again, and as you can see: we love crisps and sweets. My new suit isn’t in the photo. It has also become a tradition to share the donuts we’ve brought with us [Weiterlesen]

I get up early and sort out breakfast, beverages and sandwiches for the journey, plus the usual box of donuts. We set off a little later than planned and make good progress. We arrive at the Eurotunnel in Folkestone at 11 am and soon find ourselves in a queue. LeShuttle had emailed Gabi to say they’d made improvements. But this is definitely no better. Yet [Weiterlesen]

Whilst the whole of Britain is marvelling at the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum (with interruptions due to the unexpectedly high number of visitors), we’re taking a look at the “Baa-ewe” version featuring Shaun the Sheep at the Natural History Museum – to tie in with the latest film, The Beast of Mossy Bottom. Unlike the 70-metre-long original, it measures just seven metres, but [Weiterlesen]

On our way into the city, we drive past Buckingham Palace and along The Mall – the wide red road that still has no marked lanes. At least the locals know exactly where they need to go. We park near Leicester Square and start with the Lego Store. We buy only one thing: an umbrella featuring old and new Lego logos. And we’re delighted by [Weiterlesen]

We park opposite Selfridges – probably for the last time, as Oxford Street is set to become a pedestrian zone from the end of October – and start our shopping trip here. Jellycat soft toys are still the biggest draw. Lots of new ones are added every year, such as cute gloves. The plush Selfridges bag is only available here. The Shoe Gallery is always [Weiterlesen]

Several years ago, Battersea Power Station was converted into a large shopping centre, commercial and residential complex. The building is incredibly iconic and timeless, with its brick walls, numerous decorative details, and, of course, its four chimneys. It is also famous for its appearance on Pink Floyd’s album Animals, on which a large inflatable pig flies over what was then a coal-fired power station. We’ve [Weiterlesen]

We leave Taunton and head for London. But not straight there – we stop off at Bicester Village, another outlet complex with lots of shops. We meet Clare, Dan and their dog Lincoln for a late breakfast at what is probably the biggest Pret à Manger we’ve ever seen. Dan is visiting his brother, who lives nearby, whilst we go shopping with Clare. She soon [Weiterlesen]

Today we’re going to the Clarks Village Outlet Centre with our friend. I’m hoping to find some nice, yet comfortable, brown shoes to go with my new suit, but I’m in for a disappointment: Although the centre is situated on the site of the Clarks shoe factory and there’s a large shoe shop, the selection – apart from the many winter boots – is limited [Weiterlesen]

Today we’re heading to Cheddar, home of the cheese of the same name. It’s a truly charming village, situated at the entrance to a magnificent gorge – the largest in Great Britain. There are also caves here where Cheddar cheese has been maturing since the 12th century, and in some cases still does today. The area is ideal for walking, and on the steep slopes, [Weiterlesen]

Exeter is the county town of Devon and, with a population of around 130,000, the largest city in the area. Nevertheless, it retains plenty of small-town charm – particularly in the old town. We visit the autumn market in the Cathedral and are delighted to find so many local people selling handmade items they have crafted at home or in their small workshops. Pictures made [Weiterlesen]