On The Road to Wales, Bath & Castle Combe
/Today’s journey took us 112 miles west through an incredibly scenic English countryside! We marveled at the vistas of the Cotswold Hills as we approached the Elizabethan village of Broadway.The beautiful homes, the quaint shops - I can only imagine what it must be like to live here!
With barely enough time to take pictures, we continued on to Wales to see the romantic ruins of 12th century Tintern Abbey.This drive was particularly scenic, with rolling hills, several sheep farms and the River Wye, straddled between lush greenery.
Tintern Abbey was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks who farmed the properties for hundreds of years.It was during the 16th century when Henry VIII led the English Reformation (the Church of England broke away from the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church) that the Abbey was left to fall into ruin.
Today it is considered one of the most romantic ruins in the world, attracting visitors from around the globe.
We were treated to more picturesque countryside as we made our way to the Georgian city of Bath, and the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths!The ancient Roman Baths and Temple date back prior to 76 AD. After the Romans pulled out of Britain around the 5th century, the baths fell into decay and were eventually covered up.It wasn’t until 1880 when sewer workers repairing a leak discovered the ancient baths and its treasures.
One final stop for tonight - the picture-book 13th century village of Castle Combe.This town is so lovely, it was voted the prettiest village in the UK!It also was used as a location for the film “Dr. Dolittle” and more recently “War Horse.”We strolled along the river, discovered a 400 year old door, and had a delightful dinner and British ale at the White Hart Pub.
It won’t take me but a minute to fall asleep tonight! Tomorrow, we explore prehistoric wonders and make our way to a seaside resort!