Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a large waterside complex designed to showcase 800 years of British naval history. Tickets are valid for one year from the date of purchase and that's important because there is so much to see and do it's impossible to do it justice in a single visit. We devoted three full days to the dockyard and were still only able to tour the Mary Rose Museum, Submarine Museum, HMS Victory,  Explosion Museum, and take in a Harbour Tour.

Hospital of St. Cross

One of our favourite places in all of England is a short walk outside of Winchester proper. The Hospital of St. Cross is Britain's oldest almshouse and was founded by William the Conquerer's grandson Henry of Blois between 1132 and 1136. 

Winchester Walkabout

Winchester is a walled city and at various places the wall and its fortifications are not only visible but still in use by its present day inhabitants. To reach High Street (the pedestrian-only main shopping area) we would pass through the Westgate. Just to make it interesting we'd zip through the middle tunnel one day, then opt to use either the right or left passageway the next. Variety is the spice of life!

Winchester's Great Hall & Round Table

The incredible thing about England is that around every corner there is something grand, spectacular and awe-inspiring. History is entrenched here so deep it's intoxicating, and while most people associate Winchester with its magnificent Cathedral it's so much more than that. It's also home to the Round Table.

Belfries & Markets

On Wednesday we took the 1.5 hour long Winchester Cathedral Tower tour. "Climb the 213 steps to the top of the tower and experience magnificent views across Winchester and the county," the brochure said. "You will see the ringing chamber, the great Cathedral bells and walk the full length of the nave roof with its huge wood beams." 

In Winchester With Poppy

It's the end of our first week house and petsitting in Winchester, England and we're enjoying our time with Poppy who is a 7.5-year old Golden Retriever. A total sweetheart she's kind, gentle, goodnatured, affectionate and in no time flat she's become John's shadow! 

Salisbury

We'd visited Salisbury back in the Dark Ages (the 1970s really, but sometimes it seems that long ago) and decided to return to take a second look at the cathedral as it was the one that made the biggest impression on us.

Au Revoir

The end of a housesit is always a mixed bag of emotions for us. We look forward to the homeowners safe return and enjoy watching the reunion with their beloved pets. We also feel a little sad, however, because it's time for us to leave and say goodbye to those same pets of whom we've grown quite fond.