Mid June 2023 – Lymington and Weymouth

12th June – Monday – Portsmouth to Lymington

We left our mooring at 06.30am to make the 18 mile trip to Lymington.  It is a flat calm day and perfect for Hovercraft.

Great action shot. 

A short time later the Solent became quite misty.  Not forecast but nothing like the French Fog seen previously.

After an uneventful passage we arrived in Lymington at 09.30am.  Lymington to Yarmouth ferries play in twos, and there is always one coming and one going whenever you arrive.

An early arrival and a tank of hot water courtesy of the engine, led to washing day then a walk into town.

The next couple of days were very hot, but we summoned the will to walk to the monument across the river from the marina.  Only because it was poking out from the trees and our curiosity won.

Admiral Sir Harry Burrard Neale was a jolly good chap by all accounts.

 

There are large plaques on each side of this obelisk extolling his virtues.  A gallant admiral who then spent his time and money supporting the poor, widows and orphans.  The people of Lymington wanted a permanent memorial to a well loved citizen of the town.

The Town Quay

Georgian shops leading to the High Street.

Sailors Info

We stayed for 3 nights at £153.

The facilities are still very good and additional ones are available on the pontoons.

It is a 20 minute walk to town with everything you may require, including several good chandlers.

15th June – Thursday – Lymington to Weymouth

We awaited the tide until 08.30am.  For once there were no ferries in the channel but we did see 3 boats from the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust on their way in.

They are impressive boats.  The trust encourages young people from 8-24 to attend 4 day sailing experiences throughout the UK.

We needed to pass Hurst Castle (above) in the North Channel as the tide started to turn westward.

With the tide behind us we passed Anvil Point at 9.1 knots and made good time to Weymouth, arriving at 15.00 after 42 miles in six and a half hours.

On the way into Weymouth we spotted The Osmington White Horse.  It is a hill figure cut into the Limestone of Osmington Hill just North of Weymouth in Dorset which was created in 1808.  It depicts King George III riding his horse.  He was a regular visitor to Weymouth.  I read that he was annoyed that it was facing away from Weymouth rather than towards it.  It was restored in 2012 for the Olympics.

River view Weymouth

Weymouth Bridge.  We sat on the waiting pontoon for the 16.00 bridge opening.  The guy in front had left us very little space, but Mick managed to reverse into the small space available.  We polished off the remaining sandwiches and drained the flask, under the close observation of the sightseers, lining the harbourside waiting for entertainment as the awaiting boats jostled before the bridge opening.

We had phoned ahead to be allocated a berth, which is more necessary at this time of year.  The boat in front had not……  He proceeded through the bridge with no clue where to go.  The dozen craft behind him were getting heated, as he very slowly drifted around, oblivious to the chaos he was causing.

While we were waiting we saw this lobster fishing boat arrive and get unloaded.

Additional supplies of lobster had been stashed in secure barrels under the pontoons from previous trips, to be sold together with todays catch as fresh.  Very enterprising.

16th June – Friday

We stumbled upon the Tudor House Museum after our coffee in the courtyard near the brewery.

It’s a little gem.  Free entry Donations are appreciated.

The house has survived since the 16th century including Floods, Plague and Wars.  It has many interesting items.

Including this rope tightener used to tighten the ropes on the bed, which supported the mattress.

Then onto tea.  Recommended internationally by Rebecca and Trevor currently on SV Dignity Too in Grenada.  The Marlboro Eat-In Chippy is located near the bridge.  The recommended delicacies on offer were Pea Fritters.  A ball of Mushy Peas expertly wrapped in breadcrumbs.  OMG.  Don’t knock it till you try it.  We have yet to figure out where the North/South divide occurs for these delights.     

The highlight of our day came afterwards in the cinema to see Greatest Days, the Take That, Mamma Mia styled movie, filmed partly in Clitheroe.  We were marshals on the film due to still being useful folks on the list after covid jab marshalling, and were excited to see the end result.

We booked the day before (just in case), we were the only people in the cinema to start with, eventually there were 10 of us.  The Clitheroe spotting was great fun as is the film.  Light-hearted but heartfelt.  We enjoyed it.  Quite a day all told.

18th June – Sunday

It was veterans day in Weymouth.

The parade started at 11.30 after a service on the promenade.

There were several groups of veterans, bands, cadets and then the military vehicle parade.

It made our day when one of the veterans flagged down a US Army jeep and hitched a lift, ‘one of the perks’ he shouted grinning cheerfully.

These ladies really epitomised the day. 

It being Weymouth, there is always a sand sculpture to admire.  It is the Kings turn this year.

Sailors Info

Boatfolk are in charge at Weymouth marina. 

It is very well managed and maintained.  New individual bathrooms are available and more are under construction.

£43 per night including electricity.  Excellent wifi.  Tesco, Asda and large shopping area nearby.

Next stop Brixham

Early June 2023 – Portsmouth

5th June – Monday – Brighton to Portsmouth

A slightly later start today, as we had to wait until 2 hours after Low Water to exit Brighton Marina with enough water under the keel.  Again keeping close in to the red buoys.

Once again we also had to dodge the fishing pots which had plagued us since Dover.

The tides were strong and the sea churned, after so many days of constant wind.  We steered for the first 3 hours against the tide, had an hour or so of respite with the auto pilot and then steered the next 4 hours with the tide in the rocky sea.

Mick planned the passage through the Looe Channel, past the Boulder Starboard channel buoy.  You can see how the buoy is being taken by the strong tide as we whooshed through at 9 knots.

The 43 miles took 8 hours and we arrived at Haslar Marina at 15.20pm.  A very tiring day. 

The Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth is a welcome sight, directly opposite Haslar Marina in Gosport.

Tuesday was a shopping, cleaning and jobs day.

The Solent channel is always busy with lots of interesting vessels.  Above is a windmill blade entering port.

7th May – Wednesday – Into Portsmouth

We crossed on the ferry (£4.80 per person for a day ticket). 

Greeted by HMS Warrior as part of the Portsmouth Dockyard Museum complex, tempting passers-by.  We have trodden that path, and as good as it is we wanted to see a bit more of Portsmouth.  The Cascade Shopping centre on Commercial Road forms the centre of the retail area, overshadowed now by Gun Wharf Quay.  On the map we spotted the Town Museum, so headed that way.

Portsmouth is a mix of every type of architecture, having been severely bombed during WW2.  The Guild Hall is a survivor.  Northern readers may spot its resemblance to Bolton Albert Halls, which is its architectural twin, albeit a little larger.

Portsmouth museum is a little way out of the centre and a little hard to find considering it is enormous.  It was one part of a 3 garrison complex.

The free museum has a comprehensive collection relating to Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  There are obviously displays of the towns maritime history.

Upstairs are several rooms representing different eras.  Those of us of a certain age will recognise many items above.  The TV played Andy Pandy, Bill and Ben etc on a loop.   Drag me away.

Finally there was a fascinating display of crafts which are in danger of going extinct.  Including a video about making wooden ladders, featuring an old craftsman passing on his knowledge.

As entry was free, as usual, we headed to the café for a homemade cake and coffee.  It is worth searching out these gems of municipal museums.

We ended the day in grand style at Gun Wharf Quay, luxury outlet and entertainment area.  High end shops at almost reasonable prices.  Mick stayed in the Custom House hostelry while I had a proper look round.  Drinks in the sunshine, out of the wind.

8th June – Thursday – Arundel Castle

Arundel has been on my list for 30 plus years since my mum and dad went during a holiday to Eastbourne.  We bought the train tickets from the lovely lady at Portsmouth Harbour ticket office, who gave us yesterdays map.  She is being made redundant soon as all ticket offices are to close.  She was a great help to us.

We were up early and caught the 8.00am ferry, £4.80.  The railway station is right next to the Ferry Terminal.  We were early so bought a regular non-saver return ticket £28 for 2.  After changing at Barnham we arrived at Arundel station at 09.45 ish.  Online everyone tells you to get a taxi to the castle.  But it was only a 10 minute walk to the castle gates, which open at 10.00am.  Even the taxi lady told us to walk.

The first view after the gates.  Arundel is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk and is held in a charitable trust. 

The gardens, rose garden, Fitzalan chapel and the Castle Keep are open from 10am, the Staterooms open at 12 noon.

Rose Garden

Rose Garden, the smell was amazing.

Fitzalan Chapel.  The roof was modelled on the roof in Westminster Hall in London.  The church is split into two by a large iron gate.  The Dukes of Norfolk have always been a Catholic family and after the Reformation the family were allowed to keep half of it as all their ancestors are buried here.  The other half carried on in the Protestant faith.

The Keep Portcullis

The impressive Arundel Cathedral of Our Lady and St Philip Howard, seen from the gardens.  We heard there was a special display in there which was ending today.  Staff on the back entrance stamped our hands, for re-entry and let us have a look.

The display was a beautiful annual flower carpet, filling the isle of the church.  Similar to Well Dressings.  There were also wonderful displays of flowers throughout the cathedral.

Back to the castle, where entry to the Keep is via the moat.

Inside the castle keep, which is a similar age to Clitheroe Castle 12C.  There are 3 floors within the tower and tight spiral staircases to negotiate.

We had lunch in the main café at 12.00 to let the first wave of visitors pass.  The food was good and not silly money.

The first wow is the Grand Hall.  Where there are many artefacts to distract us.  Including a Van Dyck painting of King Charles the first.

Queen Victoria’s bedroom, one of many on display.

There are so many amazing rooms, dining rooms, sitting rooms etc.

The final wow is the library.  Above is half of it.  Again so many artefacts to explore, including a signed declaration by Elizabeth the first..

The last destination is the water gardens.  We left after 5 hours, our heads full of memories.

Arundel inc Gardens and Bedrooms (which are sometimes in use and not available to view) - £59 for two with Gift Aid, £10 back to spend in the café.  Expensive but so impressive.

We had a walk about in Arundel centre which has many bespoke shops and cafes.  Then back to the station.  Once again we ended our day in Gun Wharf Quay, eating at the Custom House.  A day to remember.

While we were out HMS Queen Elizabeth, aircraft carrier appeared today.

Friday – we did nothing

10th June – Saturday – Southwick Revival

Earlier in the week our friends Nigel and Mary contacted us about a 1940s revival they were attending, asking if we fancied joining them.  Yes please, tickets were quickly purchased on line.  The village of Southwick turns back the clocks to the 1940s and the whole village gets involved. 

They collected us from the Marina at 09.00ish and we arrived by 9.30 to the car park.  The motorcade of vehicles was due at 10.00am and just started as we approached the main street.  Every kind of military vehicle you could think of passed by.  Some louder than others.

A steam bus took passengers round the village all day.

A Tank heading up the high street.

Mr Mannering with Pike in the back.  So many people were dressed up in 1940s fashions too.

Mick and Nigel were booked in to see a presentation by Bruce Crompton of Combat Dealers TV programme fame. 

He provided them with an insight into his unusual life and his recent parachuting accident, with lots of anecdotes of his adventures in the military.

Mary and I toured the many vintage stalls and historic artefacts.  Stopping for tea and cake in the Memorial Hall.

There were excellent displays in the church about Operation Overlord, the planning for D-Day which was devised in nearby Southwick Hall, which became the headquarters of the main allied commanders led by General Eisenhower. 

We had a stop in the Golden Lion, then to the tea rooms for burgers, made outside.  We saw the fashion parade and best dressed competition, and another stop at the Red Lion.  There was also a funfair and play area and brass band.

The vast display of vehicles and the re-enactment camp were fascinating.

Beautiful cottages in the village.   

Lady demonstrating a sock knitting machine in the encampment.

The yanks were here too.

Waiting for the final Motorcade at 4.30pm.  Mick, Ann-Marie, Nigel and Mary.

Mr Churchill made an appearance in the second parade.  We had seen him in the church and the pub.  He is Rent-A-Churchill and apparently makes many appearances around the country.

What a terrific day out.  It was a long day, and very hot, we paced ourselves well with breaks and I am glad we stayed till the end.  A great day out for a £8 ticket, bargain too.

We headed back to the marina for dinner.  In passing we had to move the boat as the berth-holder of the mooring we were in was returning due to engine trouble.  Glad we had more hands to help.

We had a quick brew onboard before dinner at The Creek, marina restaurant.  Just what we needed after a long but enjoyable day.

Thank you both so much for asking us to join you, we learned so much.

Spinnaker Tower lit up for Pride Month.

Sailors Info

Haslar Marine is run by Boatfolk.  Same as Conwy.

They give a discount of 7 nights for the price of 6.  Approx £38 per night.  Normally £43.

The facilities are new, in an individual bathroom configuration with hairdryers in each.  Some people insist on meddling with the radiators, which in this weather is very annoying and wasteful of energy.

Easy access to local shops and restaurants.  Easy ferry to Portsmouth.  Aldi, Morrisons and Iceland supermarkets.

What a great stay.  Lymington next, for a rest.

Late May 2023 – Brighton

28th May – Sunday – Passage from Eastbourne to Brighton

We slipped our lines at 05.45am to enter the lock for the 06.00am lock opening.

5 boats in total entered the lock.  The fishermen were gutting fish on the deck of Fishing Vessel ‘Talsiman’ while waiting for the lock.

A seagull was on hand to snaffle a frozen fish from the fishermen’s gutting platform and fly to the floating deck in the lock, to finish it in peace.  Tough going as it was frozen. 

The weather was still ‘sunny with a chill NE wind’ which was gusting to 20 knots as we passed Beachy Head and the White Cliffs.

Beachy Head lighthouse dwarfed by the cliffs.

We took turns steering round Beachy Head.  The sea was rocking and rolling but less so than previous passages.  We arrived in Brighton at 09.30am, 22 miles in just over 3 hours, working the tides and making speedy progress.

The entrance into Brighton Marina above.  Keep in tight to the red buoys at present.  Dredging is in progress, ingress and egress are not advised 2 hours either side of Low Water, due to the shallow channel.  

We spent the rest of the day re-familiarising ourselves with Brighton Marina.  A number of the restaurants have changed since our last visit.

29th May – Monday – Bank Holiday – trip into Brighton

After a hearty Wetherspoons breakfast (I had Miners Benedict, Black Pudding instead of Ham with perfect poached eggs, yum), we took advantage of the £2 bus tickets, which are available in many areas until October.  It is a 40-60 minute walk to the Pier, so we are usually tired before we start our day.  This way we arrived fresh from the Number 7 bus.

There is always something going on in Brighton, that’s why we went on the Bank Holiday.  Retirees tend to avoid Bank Holiday destinations. 

At the bus station in the adjoining gardens we found the Brighton Spiegeltent, it was the end of the Brighton Festival but the big top, marquees, stalls and theatre were still operational. 

Before noon the Big Top was hosting a children’s disco.

The mobile theatre was starting a performance.

And the vintage mobile cinema was taking tickets.  Affectionately known as ‘Audrey’, she is the last of 7 built in the late 60s to promote the British Film Industry.

Numerous stalls, marquees, bars, play areas and entertainment made up the encampment.

We then trod our well worn path through North Laines, The Lanes, shopping centres and cafes.  We walked back to the marina and ate on the boat as we were so tired.  We can rest tomorrow.

31st May – Wednesday – Walked to Rottingdean

From Brighton Marina we took the Undercliff Walkway to Rottingdean.

It is a 2 mile walk to Rottingdean.  The wind was against us going, but helped on the way back.

I had googled The Grange which is now the local library, museum and art gallery.  There was a talk about R.H. Jones a local architect famous for his love of Art Deco and more famous for being the architect for Woolworths in his younger days.  A new store was opened every week, culminating in 600 altogether.  They had a gang of their own workers, like McDonalds do today.

We had tea and cake in the garden afterwards.  The garden was created by Gertrude Jekyll.  For a café near the home of Rudyard Kipling, they made ‘exceedingly good cakes’, sorry.

In the museum we saw a box of ‘Cludeo or Murder at Tudor Close’.  Tudor Close was a nearby hotel, and travelling entertainers Anthony and Elva Pratt hosted Murder Mystery games at the hotel, played by guests and local actors.  They took the idea to Waddington Games who produced the first sets in 1949.

We then went in search of some of Mr Jones’s building.  Starting with St Margaret’s flats in Rottingdean, which must have been a shock to the quaint village at the time.

We walked a further mile to the Lido in Saltdean, currently under renovation.

Then onto the Grand Ocean Hotel, which bears a striking similarity to the Midland in Morecambe.  This hotel was built 5 years later than the Midland……just saying.  It was later bought and run by Butlins for many years.

After over 7 miles walking we decanted to Nando’s for tea.

3rd June – Saturday – To Hove

After a couple of rest days we took another £2 bus to Hove.  Neither of us had been before.

It is the Lytham to Brighton’s Blackpool.  With some very grand crescents.

 

George St.  Shopping, Cafes and more.  The bus terminates here.  Walking to the seaside there are lots of high end boutique shops.

Leading to the beautiful Georgian Terraces.

I would struggle to choose.

We walked back into Brighton and caught the bus back. 

4th June – Sunday

Many of these floating homes have appeared in Brighton Marina since our last visit.  They are moored on several pontoons in the eastern end of the Marina.  They float in less water than most boats, which will help the marina use the existing pontoons, which are now unsuitable for boats due to silting.  They are on sale in the local estate agents for around £225,000.  Ouch.

We enjoyed an excellent Sunday Lunch at Brighton Marina Yacht Club.

We enjoyed the sunshine.

Out of the wind afterwards.

Sailors Info

£45 per night inc Electricity.

The new facilities mentioned previously are kept spit spot by a team of cleaners who are present throughout the day.

Asda and many restaurants nearby.

A pleasure as always, despite the chill wind.

Next stop Portsmouth