London does not have the vibrancy or energy of New York. It does have extraordinary experiences within two hours drive of the city. We headed for The New Forest, South West of London, an area, encompassing Brockenhurst, Lymington and Beaulieu.
The township of Beaulieu
The New Forest has over 200 km of bike riding trails, great Trout fishing and extensive walking trails. Horses run wild so it's a wonderful playground. Thank god the snow and rain had made riding and walking difficult and trout fishing is apparently a summer sport. We were restricted to enjoying the environs of the wonderful hotel, "The Pig". Thoroughly recommended.
Lord Montagu of Beaulieu owns the town of Beaulieu and the surrounding 7000 acres. His grandfather was given ownership of the land and all on it as a wedding present. The Estate which is home for Beaulieu Abbey, the Palace House and Gardens also houses the National Motor Museum.
Lord Montagu's "Home"
The National Motor Museum houses over 250 motor vehicles reflecting the history of motor cars in Britain. It has the worlds largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles. There's even more. The Museum offers an experience in the "World of Top Gear". See actual cars, or what's left of them, from their most ambitious challenges.
Motoring History
An early Man Cave.
Our UK experience was finished with an illegal drive through the grounds of Downton Abbey. The grounds on which Highclere Castle, the real name, rest, border a property owned by Chris and Clare Berry, friends of Jimmy and Tig Nathan. Chris is a master designer of extraordinary tables. View some of his handy work on berrydesign.co.uk. Chris and Clare were kind enough to have us for lunch which finished with an intermit drive through the grounds of the Abbey, or should that be castle?
