Winchester, Hampshire

[Sundae]

I can't offer much commentary on these photos, as they were taken by Dad.
Mum & Dad save loyalty points from a national supermarket (okay, Tesco) and use them for weekends away in the UK, and even their holidays in Spain.

They started having UK breaks before they both retired, because Mum knew too many couples who had nothing in common after retirement, and she wanted them to do more together before they were forced together. If you see what I mean. I think it was a very good idea.

So this is Winchester, weekend just gone. I stayed at home obviously, and lolled around on the sofa, glorying in my sole control of the remote control.

A lickle bit of history - Winchester was once the capital of England. The cathedral dates from the 11th century and is one of the largest in Europe, depending on what measurements you use.

Apparently King Arthur's Round Table is preserved in Winchester Castle. At the very least it's been carbon dated to the 13th century.

Mum loved the street market and independent shops. Sigh. They seem to be a dying breed all over the UK. Ours were bulldozed in the 60s. One of the oldest arcades in Leicester closed while I still lived there. Half the units in the arcades in Great Yarmouth were closed, and those occupied looked seedy. Ditto the only three story Victorian arcade in Cardiff.

Heartbreaking. I have no choice but to shop in supermarkets. But if I did, I would.

Anyway, you want to see Winchester.
I'll start with the mundane. The 'rents hotel and hotel room.
They can only stay at specific hotels (although there is a lot of choice). This hotel had a plumbing issue and had no hot water from Saturday morning until they left on Sunday. Shame - they said the staff were marvellous. Oh - and they got a refund on dad's credit card, despite paying in vouchers