The Mr and I never went inter-railing in our youth. So when the Mr came with the idea to do it this summer I immediately got excited. But Europe is big. We never could decide where to go. Then the Mr came with brilliant idea to fly to Manchester and take the train home from there. Until I noticed it would take three days, just to go from London to Båstad…

So then we decided to fly to Manchester and Inter-rail in Wales and England and fly home from London.

So we did (except the Wales part)! Once done and we started planning the trip and then realized the visit to Highclere Castle (yes, the Downton Abbey place!!!) had to be done on the Sunday the Manchester stop was somewhat unnecessary. But the plane tickets were already booked. And thank God – I love Manchester!

It wasn’t our first visit and the weather helped (30 C). But it’s just something with that city. Or maybe it was the company. We had a great afternoon//evening with a visit to our favourite pub “Peverel of the peak”. Me wishing I was 20 again and pubs were part of my everyday life. And a stop at our favourite meat restaurant – Hawksmoor.

All in all a great first day in the UK. Even if I melted on our way to the train station in the start of our second day.

After a full day of traveling we have checked-in at Carnavon Arms, a lovely pub and hotel in Newbury. Tomorrow… Downton Abbey.