A Guest Blog from My Niece, Sophie Herbert Slater
What did you do this summer? Did you travel? Did you learn about new and interesting places? I always enjoy seeing photos from others taken during their vacations.
This year, my niece, Sophie Herbert Slater, and her beautiful family went on a much-anticipated journey to Great Britain, visiting London, Dorset, Oxford, and Edinburgh, Scotland. During their 17-day adventure, they spent time with friends and relatives, toured the historic Bodleian Library, experienced "The Making of Harry Potter" at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, hiked and biked through the scenic countryside, explored a castle, attended The Fringe, the world's largest performing arts festival, and so much more. It was truly a memorable and fun-packed trip abroad.
Here are some photos and Sophie's own captions - thanks for sharing, Sophie!
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- This is the part of the famous River Thames, the longest river entirely in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom, after the River Severn. The River Thames Uber boat is a great way to see London and its many iconic sites.
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- While we didn’t go on the London Eye, we enjoyed seeing it from the boat.
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- My family and I spent the first five days staying at my Aunt Heather and Uncle Mark Mays’ in Putney, London. We loved exploring nearby Richmond.
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- It was fun to wander through this iconic Richmond square that’s become so recognizable thanks to Ted Lasso.
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- Here is Dan, standing in front of the apartment building he lived in while studying abroad in London in 1999. It’s just south of Regent’s Park. The park was beautiful, but very dry due to drought.
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- Recognize this former power station from Pink Floyd’s 1977 Album, Animals? The Battersea Power Station was one of London’s most imposing structures in its day.
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- We all loved our visit to the Warner Bros. Studio tour of “The Making of Harry Potter,” in Leavesden, which is north west of London. It was unbelievable to see the artistry and vision that went into creating this timeless series. Here is Felix in front of the Hogwarts train.
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- Recognize this greenhouse from the 2nd Harry Potter film? We loved the greenhouse and thought my Aunt Martha would, too.
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- This is just a fraction of the massive Hogwarts model.
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- So many of London’s museums are free to the public. While we will have to return to visit them all, we managed to spend a morning at the impressive Museum of Natural History. Here is a tiny snapshot of the extensive mineral and gem collection.
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- Despite the 100-degree Fahrenheit day, we walked from the Museum of Natural History to the beautiful Princess Diana Playground in Kensington Gardens. The children adored this pirate ship and created fun games with other kids.
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- We had a splendid beach day with Laurence Booth-Clibborn, who is also Martha’s godson. We climbed up to the top of the Hardy Monument before spending the afternoon fossil hunting and swimming on the Jurassic Coast. You might remember Laurence’s beautiful wedding photos from May.
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- Traffic stopped for this goose procession.
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- Julia met us with a delightful picnic, which we enjoyed on the rocky shore.
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- The next day, we hiked up the cliffs towards White Nothe. The view was stunning.
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- The cliffs of White Nothe are made of chalk, which is a type of limestone.
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- After our beautiful adventure in Dorset, we spent one day exploring Oxford. We were in awe of the majestic architecture of the Radcliffe Camera, the earliest example in England of a circular library.
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- We also enjoyed a visit to the Bodleian and Weston Libraries, including this special exhibit about the precious roles pets have played in human’s lives throughout history.
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- Here’s Silas inside the Bodleian library, which was founded in 1602 by Sir Thomas Bodley. it is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and holds more than 13 million printed items.
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- Here are Silas and Felix across from the Sheldonian Theater.
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- Next, we spent two nights “glamping” in a bell tent at the YHA hostel in Hawkshead in the Lake District.
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- The architecture and landscape all through the area is stunning! This is St. Michaels & All Angels Church.
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- We hiked about 12 miles to and through Grizedale Forest. It is made up of many hills, tarns, and footpaths – all managed by Forestry England.
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- Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit was inspired by her time in the Lake District. We took public footpaths through many beautiful sheep pastures.
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- Next, we drove to Callander, Scotland by way of Stirling Castle. We loved their incredible castle kitchen exhibit.
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- Here’s a view from inside the castle.
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- During our full day in Callander, which is situated just south of the Highlands, we took a 28 mile bike ride through stunning scenery like this.
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- Dan loved this book exchange inside an old telephone booth, located near Rob Roy McGregor’s grave in Balquhidder.
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- Here is one of many highland cattle we saw on our journey.
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- The drive through the highlands to Fort Williams was also magnificent!
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- Here I am with Silas and Felix before we set out on our hike up Ben Nevis.
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- During our full day in Fort Williams, we hiked up Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom. We were so fortunate when the clouds cleared and were rewarded with this stunning view.
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- We made some sandwiches with an assortments of provisions purchased at the Ben Nevis Holiday campground store and then enjoyed exploring the ruins of the meteorological station that operated at the peak from 1883 until 1904.
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- The trail, which is a little over six miles each way, was certainly mixed terrain! Here is Felix near the summit.
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- Here’s a view from the summit.
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- Silas realized that he was the highest person in the UK when he was atop this emergency shelter at the summit.
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- We saw the most vibrant rainbow after our trek from the Ben Nevis Holiday campgrounds, where we also rented a caravan.
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- We spend the final three days of our trip in Edinburgh, where The Fringe Festival was in its final week. This is Felix and me atop the monument tower built for Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson in the early 1800s. The 143-step ascent offers rewarding views of this historic city.
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- We had the privilege of seeing dozens of performers on the streets of Edinburgh. We especially loved the playing of guitarist and composer, Bartek Dabrowski.
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- We walked about 30 miles during our time in Edinburgh. Seeing a city on foot offered the chance to pop into so many fascinating shops, including The Gently Mad, a stunning antiquarian book and bookbinding store.
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- And, in addition to the street performances, we saw an incredible performance by Afrique en Cirque and a fun show by 360 All Stars. The performances take place in venues throughout Scotland, including the university’s Assembly Hall. It was a very full two and a half weeks, and we enjoyed every minute.
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