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A Herbert's Travels
Another weekend away with my Godson, this time in Cornwall.
Setting off on Friday in the drizzle, thankfully by the time we reached our first destination, Launceston Castle, the sun had decided to join us. Built shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, the castle is a typical example of the Norman motte and bailey style. After exploring the castle, we enjoyed a sword and gun fight in the outer bailey, as well as an ice cream each. Then it was time to drive to our B&B accommodation for the weekend in The Cornishman Arms in Tintagel, and a lovely meal in the pub. The next morning, after a lovely breakfast, we walked to Tintagel Castle. A medieval fortification built on Tintagel Island, a lot of climbing is involved while exploring the dramatic setting of this ruined castle set on the north Cornish coast. The castle also has many associations with Arthurian legend. By lunchtime, we were well and truly ready to drop into the beach cafe for refreshments. The afternoon was spent on the beach, where the tide was now out. We explored Merlin's Cave, went rock pooling and even got our feet wet in the sea. Then we joined in with a group of lads who were busy constructing waterways to divert the flow from the waterfall to a dam they had built. After a couple of hours on the beach, the tide was coming in and it was time to walk back up to the village, where we popped into one of the many sweet shops. Then we had time for a quick look around the Old Post Office. Built in the 14th century as a private residence, it briefly was the Post Office during Victorian times. We then both enjoyed a burger each in a lovely restaurant. Returning to our room, we watched Bugsy Malone before retiring for the night. On Sunday we left Tintagel and drove up the coast to Dunster Castle, near Minehead. Arriving at lunchtime, we popped into one the teashops that backed onto the car park, where I had an amazing cheese and bacon toastie. We then arrived in the intact castle as the Head Housekeeper was interviewing prospective servants. My Godson got singled out as a potential Kitchen Boy, and learnt how to make sure that the Family recived only the best part of the bread, where the burnt bottom half was cut off for the servants and the upper crust served upstairs. We then toured the castle and extensive grounds, including the watermill and adventure playground, before it was time to head home.- comments