I remember my Summer Holidays when I was young! Every year my Mum and Dad took my brother Charles and me by car to the seaside. We always went to Cliftonville (near Margate) and stayed at The Cliff Hotel which was a small private hotel owned and run by Mr. and Mrs. Walters.

Sometimes, our Cousin David came with us. I also remember my Grandma (my Mother’s Mum) coming with. Every day they were moving her to a different room, for one reason or another!!

We loved those holidays! Cliftonville had vast sandy beaches and I can still smell the sea! The weather was always good (!) and in the evening sometimes as a treat we were taken to “Dreamland” (a mini theme park in Margate). Afterwards, if we were really good , we visited the Ice Cream Parlour!!

These holidays unfortunately ended when War started in September 1939, but I always remember them with warmth!!

“Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross
to see a fair lady on a white horse.
Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes
She shall have music wherever she goes.”
(Children’s Nursery Rhyme)

An interesting ride in the countryside with my son this week-end took me to the pretty villages and small towns in the lovely surroundings of Oxfordshire.

BANBURY was our first stop, though I must say that the legendary “Fair Lady on a White Horse” at Banbury Cross was a little disappointing!   The horse was anything but white, being in need of a good clean.

Nearby CHIPPING NORTON  was certainly worth a visit with its charming wide streets and happy atmosphere.

Sulgrave Manor

We had a delightful light lunch at SULGRAVE MANOR, former home of a distant ancestor of George Washington – pretty gardens and house!

BICESTER OUTLET VILLAGE  – We stopped  here on our way home and found it quite fun.  Lots of interesting Designer Boutiques where one could browse even if you’re not tempted to buy!

It is unnecessary to go abroad to see lovely places. Here in England alone we have such lovely places to visit.
These past few days I was joined by my son and daughter-in-law who were on a visit here from Germany. Firstly, we drove to Rye, which is in West Sussex. This is a charming medieval town with cobblestones and endless antique shops. Lovely!

Saffron Walden, near Cambridge, is also worth a visit with lots to see.

Bourton-on-the-water in the Cotswolds is a charming place. This lovely town had recently suffered with the floods, but there was very little sign of it when we were there.

Believe it or not, I, the VOG, had never been to any of these places before!