Day 9 Roman Bath England

We each got a tour headset, which we could use at our own pace as we explored this Roman Bath. Thousands of Roman artifacts were displayed, including the famous gilt-bronze Minerva head.

The pediment features a Gorgon (or water god's) head. The figure has been identified as Oceanus, and is sometimes referred to as The Green Man 

In the 1500s, the roofless remains were donated to the city of Bath. Queen Elizabeth I authorized a nationwide collection to help rebuild the church, and it was repurposed as the city's grand parish church—a role it continues to serve

After checking out the Roman Bath and the church, we needed to pick up lunch for the bus ride. We found a spot that made bagel sandwiches, and those homemade bagels looked amazing. Then Marlon and I popped into a local chocolate shop and couldn’t resist a brownie and an iced latte. A sweet little break before hitting the road again.

Day 9 Stonehenge England Summer Solstice

 ☀️ As the sun rises on the longest day of the year, it aligns with the Heel Stone and the heart of the ancient monument. Stonehenge, the world-famous prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England.  Built over 4,500 years ago during the Neolithic period, it remains one of the most architecturally sophisticated and mysterious stone circles in the world. We actually got to witness a specialized Stonehenge Ceremony for the  Summer Solstice. Druids and Pagans, religious groups, were performing ceremonies.   Stonehenge was blocked off for the ceremonies being performed.  We watched them from afar. 

Druids and Pagans Summer Solstice Ceremonies 

Dinner tonight at Flat Iron.  We truly have been blessed to spend this time with Mason

Flat Iron for steak on our last night in England

Day 8 Ludlow & Bristol England Cozy Club

On the bus and headed to Ludlow.  As we drove down the streets in the big bus the streets were so small I can’t believe the town lets buses come into town!  Barely enough room between the sidewalk full of people and the bus!🚌 

Farmers Market was great!  Lots of sight seeing, restaurants and shopping.  We ate lunch at a pub which was ok. Nice atmosphere 

Long ride today, but it was broken up with several stops!  

We have arrived at our hotel and are heading out for dinner at Cosy Club. A long time ago, the place was a bank for the rich. It had marble Floors and a beautiful interior. 

The bull with the top hat at the Cosy Club Bristol is a decorative feature honoring the building's original purpose. Before becoming a restaurant, the Grade II-listed building at 31 Corn Street was a majestic banking hall, specifically the former headquarters of the Metropolitan Bank. 

The top hat pays homage to the 19th-century Victorian and Edwardian bankers, merchants, and gentlemen who would have conducted business on Corn Street. It is a quintessential example of the playful, quirky interior design—mixing traditional British gentleman’s club themes with vintage glamour—that defines the Cosy Club brand. 

Beautiful walk back to the hotel!

Day 7 Liverpool England-Beatles Penny Lane,

Our luggage was removed from the bus, and we left immediately for our Beatles tour.  When we return, our luggage will be in our room 😀 We saw the barbershop where they got their haircuts, the college of music they attended, the childhood residences, schools, and colleges of these iconic band members, including the famous Penny Lane.

We’re staying in a beautiful hotel overlooking the Mersey River, all the way up on the 11th floor. The view is absolutely stunning — such a peaceful place to unwind.

Penny Lane Road

PENNY LANE LIVERPOOL

The bank where the Beatles saved their money

Barber

College of Art 

Performance hall for the Beatles

We continued on to The Cavern Club, the iconic nightclub at 10 Mathew Street in Liverpool, celebrated as the birthplace of the Beatles. They performed on this very stage, and being inside the club with live music playing made the history feel so alive 🎵. And yes — before they became the Beatles, they were called The Quarry Men.

Heading underground in The Cavern

Inside The Cavern

John Lennon statue by The Cavern

We stepped inside The Cavern and descended four flights of stairs into the underground club. Every wall was filled with Beatles history, creating an atmosphere that felt both nostalgic and electric.

We had dinner at a local pub with our new friends, Catherine and Lily from California. Marlon and I ordered scouse and hoped we’d like it — trying something new is always an adventure!

I ordered scouse, and honestly, it didn’t sound bad — plus I was curious to try something truly local. Read the info about scouse below… it’s actually pretty interesting!

The river that runs in front of the famous Beatles statue in Liverpool is the River Mersey. The larger‑than‑life bronze statues of John, Paul, George, and Ringo are located at the Pier Head, set against the city’s beautiful waterfront — a fitting tribute in the heart of Liverpool.

Walking with the Beatles

Goodbye Liverpool