Saltash

I have often crossed the road bridge across the River Tamar, which separates Devon from Cornwall, but never ventured into the bustling town of Saltash itself. On this trip I eventually got to walk around the steep slopes descending to the banks of the river and found it very interesting. Again, have a look at the views. The first two show the two bridges in parallel, with Isambard Kingdom Brunel's famous railway construction on the right in the first photo and in front in the second.

And how's this for patriotism? By the way, that's Brunel standing in front of the building.

The Tamar at low tide.

And this looked a cute little old building, but closer inspection revealed its importance. Have a look at the inscription on the third of the photos!

And the railway station at Saltash in Cornwall looking east.

AS

The Garden House

Another of my destinations was the Garden House - a beautiful landscaped garden run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It's located near Buckland Monochorum west of Yelverton north of Plymouth. I've tried to find the meaning of Monchorum, which is an unusual name, and it appears to mean 'monk'. Unsurprisingly, Buckland Abbey is nearby!

The gardens was created around a former vicarage bought by a retired school teacher in 1945, so it's old as I am, but possibly a bit more attractive. These pictures give a good idea of its charms:

AS

Trerice

I love visiting National Trust properties whilst in south-west England and my short visit saw a quick trip from Plymouth to Trerice Manor at Kestle Mill near Newquay in Cornwall. Unlike Arlington reported earlier, this property was an elegant Elizabethan house constructed in the mid-16th century, though a previous building on the site was mentioned in the Doomsday book.

Alas Trerice had been allowed to fall into disrepair by absentee owners over a long period of time and the NT acquired the property both empty and  desperately needing TLC. This is still in train and only part of the house is accessible by visitors. The rooms that are open for inspection contain furnishings donated or lent by others. Still, it was a pleasant place to visit and savour its history.

AS

Arlington Court & Carriage Museum

After Portugal, I spent 5 pleasant days visiting family in south-west England. I often visit National Trust properties whilst in England and this occasion was no different. My first destination was Arlington Court near Barnstaple in north Devon and on the western edge of Exmoor. This regency house, dating from the early 19th century also has the largest collection of carriages in Britain, giving the destination more importance. I start with pictures of this very comfortable and elegant home.

After that came the fascinating collection of coaches in which the rich and famous have travelled. All the exhibits were well explain and beautifully kept or restored. Their uses, strengths and weaknesses were exposed, providing an important glimpse into the problems of getting from A to B in the pre-automobile age. I'm glad in restropsect to have lived at the end of the 20th rather than the 19th century.

I'd rather like to take my last journey in this!

AS