Hey guys, welcome back to Part 4 of my 2 Weeks in the UK journey!
In the previous post, I shared one of my favourite parts of the trip; exploring the beautiful villages of the Cotswolds.
In the previous post, I shared one of my favourite parts of the trip; exploring the beautiful villages of the Cotswolds.
From the storybook charm of Bibury to the peaceful riverside views of Bourton-on-the-Water, it was a day filled with beautiful countryside scenery and unforgettable moments.
You can read the full post at HERE.
But our UK adventure wasn't over yet.
In this post, we'll be leaving the charming villages behind and heading to some of England's most iconic landmarks.
First up is Stonehenge, one of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments and a place I've always been curious to see in person.
After that, we'll continue to the beautiful city of Bath, known for its stunning Georgian architecture, Roman history, and elegant streets.
And before ending the day, we'll make a stop at one of Gloucester's most famous landmarks, Gloucester Cathedral, a place that Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize as one of the filming locations from the movies.
It's going to be a day filled with history, beautiful architecture, and a little bit of movie magic, so let's get started!
You can read the full post at HERE.
But our UK adventure wasn't over yet.
In this post, we'll be leaving the charming villages behind and heading to some of England's most iconic landmarks.
First up is Stonehenge, one of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments and a place I've always been curious to see in person.
After that, we'll continue to the beautiful city of Bath, known for its stunning Georgian architecture, Roman history, and elegant streets.
And before ending the day, we'll make a stop at one of Gloucester's most famous landmarks, Gloucester Cathedral, a place that Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize as one of the filming locations from the movies.
It's going to be a day filled with history, beautiful architecture, and a little bit of movie magic, so let's get started!
Stonehenge
I actually didn't plan to visit Stonehenge in our original itinerary.
It was a last-minute addition that only happened on the day itself.
While checking the map in the morning, I realized that Stonehenge was only about a 1.5-hour drive from where we were staying.
Since we had some flexibility in our schedule, I thought, "Why not?"
Since we had some flexibility in our schedule, I thought, "Why not?"
After all, it's one of the UK's most famous landmarks and a place that many people dream of seeing.
This was actually my second visit to Stonehenge. I had been here before during a previous UK trip, so I already knew what to expect.
However, since the rest of my family had never seen it before, I felt it would be a shame to be this close and not bring them there at least once.
However, since the rest of my family had never seen it before, I felt it would be a shame to be this close and not bring them there at least once.
Whether you're interested in history or not, Stonehenge is one of those iconic places that almost feels like a rite of passage when visiting the UK.
It's mysterious, world-famous, and has fascinated people for thousands of years.
So despite it being a spontaneous addition to our itinerary, we decided to make the drive and start our day with one of Britain's most famous landmarks.
Before visiting Stonehenge, I had read online that there was a way to see the monument without paying the entrance fee.
Apparently, there was a public walking route that would bring you close enough to view the stones, although it required a bit of walking.
Since there were seven of us travelling together, the entrance fees would add up quite quickly, so I thought it might be a good way to save some money.
Looking back now, I can honestly say this was probably my biggest regret of the entire trip.
The walk turned out to be much longer than I expected. It took us around 20 to 30 minutes each way, and the weather that day was surprisingly warm.
While it might not sound like a big deal, it was quite challenging, especially for my parents.
By the time we reached the viewing area, everyone was already feeling a little tired.
To make matters worse, the viewing point was still quite far from Stonehenge itself.
Yes, we could see the stones, but it wasn't quite the experience I had imagined.
After spending all that time walking, I felt the view didn't really justify the effort, particularly for older family members.
Visitors with tickets can take a shuttle bus from the visitor centre directly to the stone circle area, which is included in the admission ticket, and the walk from the visitor centre to the stones is around 25–30 minutes if you choose not to take the shuttle.
If I had to do it again, I would definitely buy the tickets.
If I had to do it again, I would definitely buy the tickets.
So if you're planning a visit and asking for my recommendation, especially if you're travelling with parents, children, or anyone who may not enjoy a long walk, just get the ticket.
The convenience alone is worth it. Sometimes saving a little money isn't worth sacrificing the overall experience, and this was one of those occasions where I learned that lesson the hard way.
Anyway, putting all the frustrations aside, I still think Stonehenge is worth seeing.
Whether you're viewing it from up close or from a distance, there's something quite special about standing there and looking at a monument that has existed for thousands of years.
Photos and videos can only show so much, being there in person feels completely different.
As we stood there looking at the famous stone circle, I couldn't help but think about how many generations of people had come before us to see the exact same thing.
It's one of those places that carries a sense of mystery and history that you can actually feel when you're standing in front of it.
Of course, our route to get there wasn't the smoothest, and if I could do it again, I would definitely buy the tickets.
But at the end of the day, I'm still glad we made the trip.
After all, Stonehenge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK, and now we can say that we've seen it with our own eyes.
Sometimes travel isn't about having a perfect experience.
It's about collecting memories, learning from the little mistakes, and sharing those moments with the people you love.
It's about collecting memories, learning from the little mistakes, and sharing those moments with the people you love.
And despite the long walk and the warm weather, I'm happy that my family got to see Stonehenge at least once in our lives.
Bath
After visiting Stonehenge, we continued our journey and drove for about an hour to Bath.
To be honest, everyone was pretty exhausted by then.
The early start, the long walk at Stonehenge, and the warm weather had taken their toll.
Not long after we got back into the car, most of the family had already fallen asleep.
The car became surprisingly quiet, which doesn't happen very often when you're travelling with a big group!
Once we arrived in Bath, our first challenge was finding a parking spot.
Bath is a much busier city compared to the peaceful villages we had been visiting over the past few days, and parking wasn't easy at all.
We spent quite some time driving around before finally finding a place to leave the car.
Despite the parking struggles, I was really happy to be back in Bath.
This was actually my second visit to the city, and I remembered liking it a lot the first time.
In fact, almost everyone I know who has visited Bath seems to fall in love with it.
There's just something special about the city that makes it stand out from the rest of England.
Because of that, I was determined to include Bath in our family itinerary this time.
I wanted them to experience its beautiful architecture, charming streets, and unique atmosphere for themselves.
If there was one city outside of London that I felt was worth making the effort for, Bath would definitely be high on that list.
And as soon as we started walking through the city centre, I was reminded exactly why I loved it so much.
Now it was time to properly explore Bath.
Our first stop was one of the city's most iconic spots, Bath's River Avon, the beautiful bridge with the river flowing underneath.
We were lucky that we managed to find parking just opposite this area, so it was a convenient place to start our walk around the city.
The moment we arrived, I immediately understood why this place is so often photographed.
The combination of the elegant stone bridge, the calm river, and the beautiful historic buildings surrounding it created such a classic Bath scene.
It felt very different from the countryside villages we had visited earlier, more grand, more architectural, but still with a peaceful charm.
Standing there and looking at the view, it was easy to see why Bath is considered one of the most beautiful cities in England. Every detail, from the Georgian-style buildings to the gentle flow of the river, had a timeless feeling.
It was the perfect first introduction to Bath before we continued exploring more of this charming city.
We were lucky that we managed to find parking just opposite this area, so it was a convenient place to start our walk around the city.
The moment we arrived, I immediately understood why this place is so often photographed.
The combination of the elegant stone bridge, the calm river, and the beautiful historic buildings surrounding it created such a classic Bath scene.
It felt very different from the countryside villages we had visited earlier, more grand, more architectural, but still with a peaceful charm.
Standing there and looking at the view, it was easy to see why Bath is considered one of the most beautiful cities in England. Every detail, from the Georgian-style buildings to the gentle flow of the river, had a timeless feeling.
It was the perfect first introduction to Bath before we continued exploring more of this charming city.
Just opposite the bridge, there was also a large open park area that added even more charm to this part of Bath.
After spending so much time driving and exploring different places, it was nice to slow down and simply take a walk.
The park was spacious, green, and peaceful, with plenty of open areas to wander around.
The park was spacious, green, and peaceful, with plenty of open areas to wander around.
We saw people sitting on the grass, enjoying the sunshine, chatting with friends, or just taking a relaxing stroll.
It had that lovely European city park atmosphere where locals and visitors could both enjoy a little break from the busy streets.
We took our time walking around, enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful surroundings.
We took our time walking around, enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful surroundings.
Sometimes these simple moments; walking through a park, admiring the scenery, and taking in the slower pace of life, become some of the most memorable parts of a trip.
Bath really has a nice balance between history, architecture, and nature.
Bath really has a nice balance between history, architecture, and nature.
Even within the city centre, you can easily find peaceful corners like this to just wander and enjoy.
After exploring the bridge and park area, we continued our walk towards one of Bath's most famous landmarks, Roman Bath.
I had actually visited Roman Bath during my previous trip, so this time we decided not to go inside. Since I was travelling with my parents, I felt that the interior visit might not be something they would enjoy as much, and I wanted to focus more on letting them experience the beauty of Bath at a relaxed pace.
Instead, we simply stopped outside to admire the beautiful architecture and took some photos in front of this iconic building.
Instead, we simply stopped outside to admire the beautiful architecture and took some photos in front of this iconic building.
The grand stone façade, detailed Gothic design, and its presence right in the heart of the city make it impossible to miss.
Standing there surrounded by the historic buildings of Bath really gave us that feeling of stepping back in time.
Sometimes, you don't necessarily need to enter every attraction to appreciate its beauty.
Sometimes, you don't necessarily need to enter every attraction to appreciate its beauty.
Even just taking a moment to stand in front of these historical landmarks, capture a few photos, and enjoy the atmosphere is already a meaningful part of the journey.
Next to the Roman Baths is Bath Abbey, one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.
Bath Abbey has a long history dating back centuries and has been an important place of Christian worship in Bath.
It is also considered one of England’s most beautiful churches, known for its stunning Gothic architecture, impressive stone details, and magnificent presence right in the heart of the city.
It is also considered one of England’s most beautiful churches, known for its stunning Gothic architecture, impressive stone details, and magnificent presence right in the heart of the city.
One of the first things that caught my attention when walking around Bath was the architecture.
The entire city has a very distinctive look, with beautiful honey-coloured stone buildings lining the streets.
The entire city has a very distinctive look, with beautiful honey-coloured stone buildings lining the streets.
The design feels elegant and timeless, with strong influences from Roman and Georgian architecture. The symmetrical buildings, grand columns, curved details, and carefully designed streets create a very unique atmosphere that you don’t often find elsewhere in the UK.
Walking through Bath almost feels like walking through an open-air museum.
Walking through Bath almost feels like walking through an open-air museum.
Every corner has something beautiful to admire, from the impressive historical buildings to the small details on the windows and doorways.
The use of the same warm Bath stone throughout the city also gives everything a harmonious and luxurious appearance.
It’s easy to understand why Bath is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s easy to understand why Bath is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city has managed to preserve its historic charm while still remaining a lively place where people live and enjoy everyday life.
After exploring the city centre, we continued our drive to one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, the Royal Crescent.
The Royal Crescent is probably one of the most recognizable views in Bath.
Built in the 18th century, this magnificent row of 30 connected Georgian houses forms a perfect sweeping curve overlooking a large green lawn.
The design is elegant and grand, showcasing the beauty and symmetry that Georgian architecture is famous for.
Standing in front of the Royal Crescent, it is easy to imagine how impressive this place must have been when it was first built.
The warm honey-coloured Bath stone, the perfectly aligned windows, and the huge open space in front create such a sense of elegance and luxury.
Unlike the busy streets in the city centre, this area felt much more relaxed.
The warm honey-coloured Bath stone, the perfectly aligned windows, and the huge open space in front create such a sense of elegance and luxury.
Unlike the busy streets in the city centre, this area felt much more relaxed.
This was also a nice place for my parents to enjoy, as they didn’t need to walk too far, but could still experience one of Bath’s most famous sights.
Sometimes the best travel moments are simply standing in front of beautiful places, taking in the view, and appreciating the history behind them.
And that wraps up our short visit to Bath.
Of course, there is still so much more to explore in this beautiful city.
From the Roman Baths and hidden corners of the old streets, to more charming neighbourhoods and viewpoints, I know we only managed to experience a small part of what Bath has to offer.
However, after our early morning visit to Stonehenge, everyone was already quite tired.
Since we were travelling with my parents, we decided not to rush through the city just to tick off more places.
Instead, we took things slower, enjoyed the highlights, and headed back earlier so everyone could rest. Even though our time in Bath was shorter than planned, I was still very happy that I brought my family here.
The city’s elegant architecture, beautiful streets, and timeless atmosphere reminded me again why I loved it during my first visit.
Since we were travelling with my parents, we decided not to rush through the city just to tick off more places.
Instead, we took things slower, enjoyed the highlights, and headed back earlier so everyone could rest. Even though our time in Bath was shorter than planned, I was still very happy that I brought my family here.
The city’s elegant architecture, beautiful streets, and timeless atmosphere reminded me again why I loved it during my first visit.
This definitely won’t be my last time here.
There are still many places I haven’t explored, so I’m sure I’ll be back again someday to discover more of this charming city.
.jpg)
The next morning, after checking out from our Airbnb, we made one more stop before continuing our journey, Gloucester Cathedral.
Since we were staying in Gloucester, it would have been a real pity to miss this place, especially when it was located so close to where we stayed.
Also, as a Harry Potter fan, I knew this was one of those special locations that we had to include in our itinerary.
Gloucester Cathedral was one of the filming locations used in the Harry Potter movies, and many fans will instantly recognize the beautiful cloisters that appeared as the corridors of Hogwarts.
Even for those who are not Harry Potter fans, the cathedral itself is already an incredible place to visit because of its stunning architecture and long history.
Even for those who are not Harry Potter fans, the cathedral itself is already an incredible place to visit because of its stunning architecture and long history.
Besides visiting the famous filming location, I also wanted to take this opportunity to explore a little bit of Gloucester itself.
Since we had chosen to stay here as our base for exploring the Cotswolds and Bath, it was nice to finally spend some time seeing what this city was like instead of just using it as a place to sleep.
Sometimes the places we choose as a “base” during a road trip can surprise us with their own charm, and Gloucester was one of those places we were curious to discover.
Walking inside Gloucester Cathedral was honestly a breathtaking experience.
The moment we stepped in, the first thing that caught my attention was the incredible sense of space. The cathedral has a huge, majestic interior with soaring ceilings, beautiful stone columns, and intricate details everywhere you look.
The architecture feels grand but also peaceful, creating a very unique atmosphere that is hard to describe.
The most famous part of Gloucester Cathedral is definitely the cloisters.
Walking through the long stone corridors, with the beautiful fan-vaulted ceilings above, it was easy to understand why this place was chosen as a filming location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. The design is so distinctive, every corner looks like it belongs in a fantasy world.
Standing there, I could imagine how magical it must have felt for the actors filming those scenes.
The ancient stone walls, the soft natural light coming through the windows, and the quiet atmosphere really make the place feel timeless.
Beyond the Harry Potter connection, what impressed me the most was the craftsmanship.
Every detail, from the carved stone decorations to the stained glass windows, showed the incredible skill of the people who built and preserved this cathedral over centuries.
Even if you are not a Harry Potter fan, Gloucester Cathedral is still a place worth visiting.
It is not just a filming location, it is a beautiful piece of history, architecture, and art that deserves to be appreciated on its own.
It is not just a filming location, it is a beautiful piece of history, architecture, and art that deserves to be appreciated on its own.
One of the areas that caught my attention inside Gloucester Cathedral was the large Bible reading area.
The space felt incredibly peaceful, with a beautifully arranged seating area where visitors could sit, read, or simply take a moment to appreciate the surroundings.
The large Bible placed there added to the sense of history and spirituality of the cathedral.
Standing in that space, surrounded by the ancient stone walls, beautiful architecture, and quiet atmosphere, it felt like a place designed not only for worship, but also for reflection and finding a moment of calm away from the outside world.
It was a simple corner of the cathedral, but I found it very meaningful.
Sometimes it is not always the grandest parts of a place that leave the biggest impression, it can be these quiet little spaces that make you slow down and truly appreciate where you are.
And that’s all for today’s post!
Looking back on this trip, one of the things I enjoyed most wasn’t just the places we visited, but the experience of travelling together as a family.
With a group of seven people, things could easily become chaotic, but thankfully everyone played their part.
Me and Lik took turns driving and navigating with Waze, while my sister and two nieces helped with grocery shopping and preparing meals back at the Airbnb.
Everyone contributed in their own way, which made the journey much smoother and more enjoyable.
Most importantly, I feel incredibly blessed to be travelling with my parents.
They are probably the least fussy travel companions anyone could ask for; easy-going, flexible, and happy to follow along with whatever plans we made.
There were no complaints about the long drives, early mornings, or changes to the itinerary.
They simply enjoyed being together and experiencing new places with us.
As our parents grow older, I’ve come to appreciate these opportunities even more.
The destinations are important, but the memories we create together are what truly make the trip special.
Thank you for following along on this part of our UK adventure.
There’s still more to come, and I can’t wait to share the rest of the journey with you soon. :)
No comments
Post a Comment