A holiday being Julie again, I went to Camber Sands last Year as Julie, a full seven days as a woman. This year I went to Romney Sands, just up the road. Instead of a caravan, I went for a chalet, it was very nice and less creaky. I paid a bit more to arrive early, got in at 1pm, enough to get changed and settle in, and change to Julie.
I haven't been dressed as Julie for a while due to work etc… It's so delightful, picking what to wear (no trousers) and shaving, then applying makeup to become Julie. I took about ten freezer bags (Iceland) easer than suitcases, one for shoes, one for dresses, one for tops, one for cleaning essentials etc…
My plan was to visit places every day and enjoy being a woman, below is the places I visited, also went shopping and got a Chinese meal. The weather could have been better and there was no internet, so no freeview, which was annoying, only got internet when I went out. Overall, I loved it.
Walmer Castle & Gardens
First on my list was Walmer Castle, wanted to go there ages ago, never got the time. There is a small car park over the road, being a National Trust if you are a member it's free, but I'm not, so I paid £3, as I found out at the ticket office, they had a field open for parking so If you go it's worth seeing if its open first.
There was an unexpected coach load of visitors, so I rushed to the ticket office, before they did, it was £14.50, yes prices have gone up, if I visited more National Trust places I would become a member.
The Duke of Wellington stayed at Walmer Castle every autumn in his role as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a post he held from 1829 until his death at the age of 83 in 1852. There are boots, clothes, old pictures and an old clock, which chimes every 3 hours, once it's finished chiming it plays a song, there was a charming mature woman guide who said she has only heard it chime only four times, since she has been there.
The gardens are very nice, there was a red rose that smelled wonderful, I think it's called “Royal Parfuma Rose” (Hybrid Tea) ‘Gräfin Diana’ bred by Kordes. You can walk around the Castle, there is a tearoom, but with the coach load of visitors, it was full, you can buy plants and the usual stuff if you wish.
I have uploaded pictures on my Flickr page, so go and have a look.
Battle of Britain Memorial
On the way back from Walmer Castle, I decided to go to the Battle of Britain Memorial, you have to pay for parking, but I didn't have change, so I paided for the parking with my ticket at the reception, also paid for the exhibition.
I went outside first, to see The wall contains the names of all those aircrews known to have flown at least one sortie with an accredited squadron or unit of the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain in 1940, including those who survived the war and, in some cases, only left us in recent years.
I would have like to of seen another wall installed which list's ground crew and women which were also involved in the war. There are three replica aircraft: Mk1 Spitfire, Hurricane and a Stuka. Nice to get to see the size of the planes, even if they are fibreglass.
It started to rain, decided to get a coffee and sandwich in the upstairs restaurant /observation deck, the man serving was charming, the BLT sandwich wasn't bad either. When the rain stopped, I went back outside taking pictures, then I went to see the exhibition, they had dressing up for children, shame they didn't do adult clothes, I would love to be a WREN etc... They had a spitfire flight simulator, it was harder than I thought, I didn't shoot down any enemy planes, only a few bullet holes.
It was OK, but you can do the whole thing in an hour. I have uploaded pictures on my Flickr page, so go and have a look.
Great Dixter House and Gardens
Been here before, lovely garden and house. The last time I visited, it was raining, good old British weather, this time it stated dry. I explored the house first, full of interesting items, one of the guides was talking to a visitor about the candle flame marks, they used to bless future, wall etc… with leaving a scorch mark to bless it.
The garden paths are very narrow, and the plants have shot up due to the wet weather and Sun. Whether you're a gardener or novice, just meandered around the gardens and check out the shop and plant sale.
The price is about £14 per adult, so go around at least twice, there is always something you have missed or someone was in the way. If you are doing photography, take your time, I end up with hundreds of pictures and If a few are decent then I am happy.
I have uploaded pictures on my Flickr page, so go and have a look.
Rye
It's a picture postcard place, went here last year, this time had to go to Boots and get some female things, the first place of call was the Hot Chocolate shop called Knoops, so many types of Hot Chocolate, I went for the basic No.64, it was very good, and there wasn't a queue.
I had a wonder around the Church towards the Castle, went inside last year, just soaking up the atmosphere. It was a warm sunny day after all. Found a quiet spot watching the people go by and drinking my hot chocolate.
I have uploaded pictures on my Flickr page, so go and have a look
Leeds Castle Sculpture Trail Safari
Leeds Castle’s Sublime Sculpture Trail Safari is one of the highlights of the wider Festival of Craft and Design, running from the 26th August to 8th October. This year’s theme for the event is animals and their habitats, with a stunning range of sculptures made from different materials placed throughout the Castle grounds for the public to enjoy.
It's quite enjoyable, one or two pieces I could take home if they let me.
I have uploaded pictures on my Flickr page, so go and have a look
Smallhythe Place
Ellen Terry's early 16th-century house and cottage gardens, Dame Ellen Terry was an 'A' List celebrity of the Victorian era. Her lavish productions drew huge audiences, her naturalistic style revolutionised stage performance and despite her unconventional personal life, she helped turn theatre from low class entertainment into a serious art form.
The Theatre Tea Room serves drinks, cakes, light lunches and snacks. Located next to the Barn Theatre, it enjoys views of the Kent countryside. I would highly recommend a fruit scone with Strawberry Jam! But mind the wasps!
I would also recommend the little rose garden to the side, parking is a bit limited and the entrance fee is £10 per adult.
I have uploaded pictures on my Flickr page, so go and have a look
Pashley Manor Gardens & Sculptures
The sculpture ranges from abstract to engagingly figurative. I do enjoy walking around Pashley gardens, I walk around it twice, why not as an adult ticket is about £14, the tearooms are delightful, can be packed at times, I would recommend a coffee and cake.
So many styles and materials are employed to delight every taste. The exhibition changes each year and most pieces are for sale. Bring your big wallet!
Among those who have exhibited at Pashley Manor Gardens are: Bob Allen, Jo Ansell, Mary Cox, Kate Denton, Sami El-Dahshan, Nicci Fairbank, Philip Jackson, Lou Johns, Ev Meynell, Jeremy Moulsdale, Guy Portelli, Tanya Russell, Helen Sinclair, Alex Smith, Emily Stone, Graham Thrussell, Joel Walker, Yvonne Wildi and Jenny Wynne-Jones.
I have uploaded pictures on my Flickr page, so go and have a look
A day at the beach
You can't go to the seaside without going to the beach, I went to Camber Sands, but the tide was in so it's pebbles unless you walk about a mile. The parking for the day is about £30 but if you park on the Dungeness side there is a free car park and a Burger van.
I have uploaded pictures on my Flickr page, so go and have a look
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