Rolling Hills, Royal Races, and Reams of Reads
My first weekend in the UK kicked off in quintessential England-style picnicking at the historic Brill Windmill, a post mill dating back to around 1680. We had fun strolling through the rolling hills and walking through the village.
I've been dreaming of attending the Royal Ascot all year, and it was even better than I thought it would be. With fashion being a staple at Ascot, I was thrilled to wear one of my favorite dresses again complete with my first fascinator (and hopefully not my last). No trip to Ascot is complete without a spot of royalty, as I managed to catch a glimpse of the Queen and Prince of Wales.
Picnicking was also definitely the way to go at Ascot. We were each allowed one bottle of champagne or sparkling wine and there didn't seem to be a limit on the size of your picnic basket... Enjoying scones with clotted cream and jam while watching the races was a perfect afternoon.
Later that week, we ventured to Tintern Abbey, a magnificent 11th-century structure, that left a lasting impression. We spent ages exploring its passageways, feeling transported back in time. To top it off, we treated ourselves to some delicious local ice cream before heading to our next stop: Chepstow Castle.
Chepstow Castle was built sometime between 1066 and 1300 and is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. We just managed to squeeze in a visit before closing, and the views from the top were absolutely stunning.
Next up on the itinerary was probably one of my favorite experiences: a full day exploring Hay-on-Wye, the world's first booktown. Let me tell you, this place is heaven for bibliophiles alike. There are around 30 bookshops specializing in everything from children's books and second-hand finds to brand new releases, poetry collections, and even an "Honesty Bookshop" where all books are just £2 (and you leave your payment in a box.
We spent the day wandering through rows of books, getting lost in the sheer volume. I somehow managed to restrain myself and only left with two. Before heading back, we grabbed coffee at The Bean Box, the cutest little cafe tucked away by the river – the perfect spot to relax and reflect on our time.
The first two weeks have been incredible and I’m excited to continue the adventures in Ireland next week!
