Walmer

On Monday morning we had to move from the caravan to the hotel, which was only a 30 sec walk away. But we had to move all out stuff. And as we couldn't get into the hotel for a few hours, most of it had to be repacked into the car.

After finding temporary homes for out things, we went to Walmer castle. This is one of the three defences built by Henry VIII to defend the against the French and Spanish. This castle was used during WWII and has been the home of the Lord Warden on the Cinque Ports, a group of wealthy ports along the Kent coast. The last Lord Warden was the Queen Mother, who liked spending time here.

We weren't allowed to take photos inside, apparently idiots keep selling this. But we could take photos outside.

One of many guns.

I swear he should be holding a phone, taking a selfie.

After the castle we went back to the beach for another sit by the beach with our books (and another hot chocolate!). - a favourite pastime.

Tuesday we went to Dover castle, but I didn't take any photos. It was less informative than last time and there were too many school groups with loud annoying children running around. Maybe I am just getting old but kids don't seem to have any manners any more. 

Deal

Because of Mom's ankle, we had a more chilled out day on Sunday and headed to Deal for a mooch around. We walked along the sea front and pier before getting a Sunday lunch. 

Deal sea front.

Dad made a friend.

Deal from the end of the pier.

After lunch we walked to Deal castle. The castle was built by Henry VIII to protect against the French and Spanish after he broke he marriage to Catherine of Aargon, his first wife, and managed to annoy every other Catholic country in Europe. It was never actually used as a defence but was built really well. The walls were rounded so cannon balls would skim off and the inside was a rabbit warren. He made it intentionally confusing so if it got invaded, it would be easier to defend.

castle

Heading inside.

The lower floors were empty, as they would have been, for fighting and storage. The upper flower was refurbished for the commanders and had panelled walls etc. 

We had a good look around but there were some extremely loud and annoying children running around, screaming. Their parents apparently thought it was just fine to let them keep on doing so. We did not. So we left after grabbing some Sloe gin and Damson Gin from the shop.

We then headed to St.Margaret's beach and sat on the beach for a while. They do an amazing hot chocolate at the little cafe there! And then spent another lazy evening at the caravan.

Vineyard trip back

On Sunday, we headed slowly back to Hampton via some vineyards and a pub for lunch. First stop was Chapel Down Vineyards. We got there early so walked around the vines before doing our wine tasting.

Their herb garden could do with some weeding and tidying (it seems to have gone a little out of control since I was here last).

Crazy herb garden

The walk around the vineyards was nice and then we headed for a tasting (mom was our designated driver). They have some great wines and a lovely cider. We all got some and dad decided to buy a giant cork (much to mom's confusion and disgust). He was very proud and happy with his giant cork (a table or stool) but none of my photos seem to be on my phone. :(

Second stop was Biddenden, a short distance away for a second walk around some vines and another tasting.

I made mom and dad pose for some photos!

Dad ended up walking around bare foot for some reason.

At the vineyard, they even remembered me from my last visit. (which I think is a good thing). And of course we left with some more wine and some cheeses. 

I had booked a Sunday lunch at a pub near Tunbridge wells which turned out to be amazing! I forgot to take any photos though. We were too busy eating. We got back and spent the evening nibbling on cheese and crackers, drinking more wine (obviously) and watching movies.

This morning we had lunch and did a little shopping before they headed off home. 

However I have just had a phone call to say they had packed my kindle and 2 of my bottles of wine. The little thieves! (At least one of the things I brought was a book!)

Foraging!

The main reason for the trip was to go foraging (with expert guidance!). I went on this trip last year and Dad really liked the sound of it so I brought them vouchers for it. (And tagged along of course.) This time was near Ramsgate and more sea plants than the oysters and seafood last year. We got there a little early and wondered around the park.

Sunny!

Directions to Rome

Viking ship!

This was a much bigger group than last time (~25 compared to 3). We set off along the cliff top  first.

sea fennel.

Lucia explaining Alexander seeds to mom and dad

We went through a field and round the back and through some woods. I am not sure if was really a path.

And down to a tunnel through to the sea front.

Heading in.

Day light!

Scramble down to the bottom

Out on the white cliffs.

On the beach front, Lucia showed us samphire and sea-blite which can both be eaten rare.

Samphire

Sea-blite 

After getting samples to take home, we headed to the camp for lunch. Mom and dad especially enjoyed the Sea buckthorn juice.

Drinks list

Menu

It was all really nice and very different from my normal lunch. But my favourite was the desert, a trio of cakes and a glass of elderflower cordial.

After lunch, we headed to an abandoned car park which sounds odd but was the home of the lovely sea buckthorn. We all descended on the trees and collected as much as we could. It sounds bad and we did feel a little guilty but Lucia assured us there was lots around and it was a sustainable plant. 

Sea buckthorn

Way home.

We headed back to st. Margarets and were hoping to check out the lighthouse. But could not figure out how to get to it. (The last time I walked from Dover along the cliffs but we were not doing that.) However we did find the beach so that worked!

Dover cliffs.

That evening, we didn't want a lot to eat so just had a snack at the bar and headed back to mom and dad room (and away from all the kids) for a bottle of wine and movie.