england & france vacation, part three

I like to call this day our literary day – you’ll see why shortly.

While we were planning out everything that we wanted to see and do, we decided that we would be remiss if we didn’t go to Stonehenge, which is only a few hours outside of London. However, we would need to rent a car. Which means we would have to drive on the opposite side of the road.

Seeing people drive on the other side of the road had been spooking us for the first couple days of our trip. But it seems like England knows this throws people off – when you walk up to a crosswalk, there are signs telling you which way to look for incoming traffic!

After getting the car and a very nerve wracking drive through the city, we were off to Stonehenge.

During our research for the trip, we discovered that Jane Austen’s house was on the way to Stonehenge – literally right off an exit from the highway. The house in Chawton is where she spent the last eight years of her life and revised three novels (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Northanger Abbey), wrote three more (Mansfield Park, Emma, Persuasion), and started another. (It also dawned on us to visit Highclere Castle, which is the house in Downton Abbey and not far from Hampton Gardens, but it was closed to tours while we were in England.)

Matt insisted that we stop there, and I’m so glad that we did. It was such an experience to see where Jane Austen wrote her novels, including the very desk and room that she sat while writing! Seeing my favorite author’s home was something that I’ll remember for a long time.

After that it was on to Stonehenge, which was incredible. You’re driving along a stretch of highway, and then – BAM! – there are these ancient rocks standing in a circle just on the side of the road. It’s a little unsettling!

Stonehenge is one of those places where you should get the audio tour guide. I learned so much about the history of the surrounding area, the rock formations themselves, and other interesting facts than I would have if I just stood there staring at a bunch of rocks for several minutes. It is such an incredible place, and a must-see for those traveling to England!

After that it was off to Oxford, where we explored the town, marveled at the architecture of Oxford University, and ate dinner at The Eagle and Child, a local pub famous for its frequent diners – J. R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis.

I loved this place. It was the quintessential British pub, with Pimm’s cups, fish and chips, and mashed peas on the menu. Coupled with its rich history, this was a great place to spend a meal.

We then walked around the town, and Matt’s brother Cooper pointed out C.S. Lewis’ apartment door, which now has matching Mr. Tumnus busts in the corners.

For the running fans in our group, we also stopped at the track where Roger Bannister broke the four minute mile.

Missed a post from my England & France vacation? Here’s part one and part two.