UK Travel Planning Navigating Tiny Roads and Big Adventures: UK Trip Report with Merry and Chris Paxton
Mary and Chris from Minnesota share insights from their fifth trip to the UK, spanning 28 days across South Wales, Cornwall, the Jurassic Coast, and East Anglia. Their adventures in a tiny Fiat 500 took them to castle ruins, stunning gardens, Roman remains, and hidden treasures while connecting with locals and experiencing the authentic Britain beyond tourist hotspots.
• Travelling for their fifth visit to the UK, Mary and Chris spent 28 days exploring areas they hadn't fully experienced before
• South Wales offered castle ruins like Coity Castle nestled in residential neighbourhoods
• Cornwall highlights included Tintagel Castle, VE Day commemorations in Plymouth, and ancient stone circles on Bodmin Moor
• The Jurassic Coast provided beautiful walks with Abbotsbury Tropical Gardens being a surprising find
• East Anglia adventures featured Cambridge punting, Norwich Cathedral, and Roman ruins at Caister-on-Sea
• London was best approached by train from their base in Virginia Water, with Black Cab tours and rock music walking tours
• Favourite food experiences included regional variations of fish and chips, Cornish pasties, and scotch eggs
• Driving on the left side in a compact Fiat 500 proved easier than expected and perfect for navigating narrow country roads
• Having a flexible itinerary with "possibilities" rather than strict schedules allowed for spontaneous discoveries
• Connections with locals in pubs and villages added depth and authentic experiences to their journey
⭐️ Guest - Merry and Chris Paxton
📝 Show Notes - Episode 162
🎧 Listen to next
- Episode 82 – Trip Report with Tanya Munro [Insider Tips, Memorable Moments, and Unexpected Discoveries]
- Episode 138 – Exploring London’s Iconic Sights with Discover Real London’s Black Cab Tours
- Episode 44 – Coasting Around Cornwall: Tales and Tips from our 7-Day Road Trip Adventure
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