Cathedrals and Castles

Before leaving Winchester, we stopped at the Winchester Cathedral, which has beautiful stained glass windows and is the resting place of Jane Austen.

Driving north we made a brief detour at Highclere Castle, which is the "real" Downton Abbey.  Although dozens of signs said the castle was closed, we were able to drive fairly close to snap a quick photo.  The third season is currently being filmed at Highclere but, unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to meet the Dowager Countess.  

After navigating the roadworks in Warwick and making a few detours, we were able to stop for lunch at the Thomas Oken Tea Rooms - the former home of Mr. Oken who was heavily involved in local government and religion in the 16th Century.   

The highlight of Warwick was Warwick Castle (naturally), and we had a great time wandering the castle grounds, climbing up the towers, and visiting the restored rooms. 

After visiting the castle and the castle playground (all castles have playgrounds, don't they?), we wandered through town, saw the statue of Randy Turpin (The Leamington Licker), and stopped for dinner at The Roebuck, which is Warwick's oldest public house dating back to 1470.

For the night we bedded down at Castle Limes Hotel where Ava had her own room with a pull out bed.