June 14, 2026

June 15, 2026

June 14, 2026 – Edinburgh to the Lake District

At 8:00 AM we boarded the bus and left Edinburgh behind. The countryside was incredibly lush and green. Cows and sheep grazed peacefully in the fields, most with a stone farmhouse somewhere on the property. Many of the sheep had different colored markings painted on their wool. We learned that these markings identify the farm they belong to or indicate they have received certain inoculations.

Our first stop was the beautiful town of Jedburgh, home to the magnificent Jedburgh Abbey. The soaring stone ruins were stunning and provided a wonderful glimpse into Scotland’s rich history.

Next, we visited Hadrian’s Wall, the famous Roman wall that stretches across northern England. Built in just six years, it extended approximately 80 miles and stood about 15 feet tall. The wall was constructed to separate Roman Britain from the tribes the Romans considered barbarians to the north. Our guide mentioned that it served as inspiration for the Wall in the television series Game of Thrones.

Lunch was a special experience at Castleton House in Rockcliffe, the home of Giles and Penelope. Their estate is absolutely magnificent—10,000 acres that have been in Giles’s family since the 1800s. Recently, the estate was passed on to their eldest son, continuing the family tradition. Giles explained that although he has two older sisters, he inherited the estate as the firstborn male. The family manages cattle, sheep, and approximately 40 houses on the property.

We began with soft drinks in the drawing room while Giles and Penelope shared stories about the estate and its history. Then we moved into the dining room for lunch. Half of our group dined with Penelope and the other half with Giles; we were fortunate to sit with Giles. He was colorful, entertaining, and full of stories about the workings of the farm, the estate’s history, and the traditions of inheritance.

Lunch consisted of Coronation Chicken, cold rice, and salad. For dessert, we enjoyed a delicious rhubarb cobbler served with cream.

After lunch, we toured the gardens. They were exactly what you imagine when you think of a classic English garden—beautifully designed, colorful, and meticulously maintained. Each garden seemed even more beautiful than the last.

Our next stop was Levens Hall and its famous topiary gardens. We gathered in the entrance hall and learned about the estate’s history. The house has remained in the same family for generations, although one heir faced difficult times due to a gambling problem. The house was lost, to pay debts. The new owners open part of the estate for tours. The house itself was beautifully furnished with period antiques and décor. We toured numerous bedrooms, parlors, and dining rooms, each reflecting centuries of family history.

The true highlight, however, was the world-famous topiary garden and the surrounding perennial gardens. They were simply breathtaking. Words cannot adequately describe them; a photograph is the best way to capture their beauty.

Finally, we arrived at The Swan Hotel & Spa in Newby Bridge to settle into our rooms. This evening we’ll meet Jeff and Susie, along with another couple, Cathy and Bob, for a cocktail before our 7:00 PM dinner reservation.