Landing at Heathrow after an overnight flight, we picked up the rental car and headed for Northumberland, which is about a five-hour drive from London. I had slept well on the plane, and dozed in the car, but Glenn was quite road-weary by the time we arrived at Eshott Hall.

We checked in, unpacked and headed to the sitting room for a refreshing beverage.  he British do know how to do all things elegant. We were especially enchanted with the plaster ceiling.

The next morning we enjoyed a good breakfast before setting out for our first excursion, Bamburgh Castle.

One of the couples staying there had driven their Morgan. Not the world’s most practical vehicle, it is nonetheless the perfect touring car and eminently suitable for the surroundings.