The Grand Tour

[Lat-Literal]

This is probably not going to happen but it may well do as I have been spooked by what has been happening this year. After seven long years of being by my parents' side "just in case anything might happen", I am intending to do in August and September a part of what I was going to do after they had gone. My aim is to do the East of England starting in Canewdon in Essex (no need here to mention why such a strange place) and then moving on to Aldeburgh and Southwold, Gillingham near Beccles (again no reasons offered at this stage - not especially fascinating) and ending up on the North Norfolk Coast. Part 2 involves a return to York, on to Durham and then Tynemouth via Newcastle and finally Holy Island. Two things. 1. If anyone has interesting ideas for what to do in these places that would be great. I have many ideas of my own. And 2. Anyone up for a one day or one evening meet? Beforehand, I am still mulling over Womad. It won't happen unless anyone wants to meet up if only for an hour but it just might happen then. So it's a float not with any great expectations. Regards!

(I should add that if things don't work out I tend to accept that - you wouldn't be with someone for ages who insists on being there except perhaps on this forum - I'm very diplomatic!)

[Pianorak]

Drop into Beccles Airfield. Would make a refreshing change from the usual sights.

[BBMmk2]

Come on down to the south east, especially West Sussex!

[Richard Tarleton]

The area framed by Aldeburgh, Southwold, the A12 and the sea is my favourite part of England, complete with Adnams Ale. One of the country's great circular walks starts and finished at the Eel's Foot, East Bridge (near Leiston), taking in Minsmere Level, beach, scrape and reedbed, Dunwich heath and woods, the sandy heath hinterland, wet meadows and so back to the Eels Foot. About 3 hours. Along the way, Dartford warblers, stone curlews, avocets, bitterns, marsh harriers...... PM me if this appeals!

[Quarky]

Matlock Bath highly recommended, Sir.

http://www.peakdistrictinformation.com/towns/matlock.php

If you are feeling extra energetic, you might scale the cliffs of High Tor!

And Whitby and the North York Moors - no need to go any further!

[Alain Maréchal]

When travelling Part 1, or before if you have time, read "The Rings of Saturn" by W.G. Sebald. You will never again think about that area in quite the same way.
(Then, afterwards, read everything else by W.G.Sebald.)

[gradus]

This is probably not going to happen but it may well do as I have been spooked by what has been happening this year. After seven long years of being by my parents' side "just in case anything might happen", I am intending to do in August and September a part of what I was going to do after they had gone. My aim is to do the East of England starting in Canewdon in Essex (no need here to mention why such a strange place) and then moving on to Aldeburgh and Southwold, Gillingham near Beccles (again no reasons offered at this stage - not especially fascinating) and ending up on the North Norfolk Coast. Part 2 involves a return to York, on to Durham and then Tynemouth via Newcastle and finally Holy Island. Two things. 1. If anyone has interesting ideas for what to do in these places that would be great. I have many ideas of my own. And 2. Anyone up for a one day or one evening meet? Beforehand, I am still mulling over Womad. It won't happen unless anyone wants to meet up if only for an hour but it just might happen then. So it's a float not with any great expectations. Regards!

(I should add that if things don't work out I tend to accept that - you wouldn't be with someone for ages who insists on being there except perhaps on this forum - I'm very diplomatic!)

As your plan takes in Aldeburgh and Southwold, I'd suggest a slight detour to visit Walpole Chapel and Huntingfield Church, both are extraordinary but for quite different reasons.

http://www.walpoleoldchapel.co.uk/

http://www.stmaryshuntingfield.org.uk/ceiling.htm

Possibly add in lunch and maybe some shopping at Darsham Nursery https://www.darshamnurseries.co.uk/ and if you like unusual shops with excellent produce perhaps a shopping trip to Emmetts in Peasenhall. http://www.emmettsham.co.uk/

All are close-ish to your outlined itinerary.
Whatever you do, I hope that you enjoy your trip.

[Nick Armstrong]

When travelling Part 1, or before if you have time, read "The Rings of Saturn" by W.G. Sebald. You will never again think about that area in quite the same way.
(Then, afterwards, read everything else by W.G.Sebald.)

And of course a trip to Southwold would not be complete without at least one pint of Broadside at the Sole Bay, at the foot of the lighthouse, from Messrs. Adnams across the way

[Serial_Apologist]

Durham Cathedral: awesomely Norman, austerely northern and not to be missed. The gorge through which the river trransects the city is impressive from every angle, too. And since (I take it) you'll not be driving you won't need to nagivate that city's fearsomely labyrinthine one-way system, if it's as it was when I went there and went around in never ending circles, many moons ago!

[Alain Maréchal]

And of course a trip to Southwold would not be complete without at least one pint of Broadside at the Sole Bay, at the foot of the lighthouse, from Messrs. Adnams across the way

While drinking it you might care to reflect on the Battle of Sole Bay, which, although inconclusive, and leading to great loss of ships and men on both sides, is now seen as beginning the decline of the Netherlands' domination of the sea, and the rise of Britain's. History's turning points occur at odd times and in odd places, not always recognised when happening. Credit to Sebald, not me.

[Serial_Apologist]

While drinking it you might care to reflect on the Battle of Sole Bay, which, although inconclusive, and leading to great loss of ships and men on both sides, is now seen as beginning the decline of the Netherlands' domination of the sea, and the rise of Britain's. History's turning points occur at odd times and in odd places, not always recognised when happening.

I don't think Lat is going "Dutch"!

[Alain Maréchal]

I don't think Lat is going "Dutch"!

I've always considered that expression to be a slur on a noble and inventive (though, to be honest, thrifty*) people! Were you aware that the origin of the phrase probably originated during the very wars I mentioned? If it were not for the fact that, like another of my recent threads, it could be hijacked for political wrangling and be closed by our ever-alert hosts, I would mention what the wars were about.

* Netherlander campers are not universally popular in France: they arrive in fully provisioned vehicles and spend as little as possible in the local economy. Thrift of that extent may be approved of or not, according to taste.

[Serial_Apologist]

I've always considered that expression to be a slur on a noble and inventive (though, to be honest, thrifty*) people! Were you aware that the origin of the phrase probably originated during the very wars I mentioned? If it were not for the fact that, like another of my recent threads, it could be hijacked for political wrangling and be closed by our ever-alert hosts, I would mention what the wars were about.

* Netherlander campers are not universally popular in France: they arrive in fully provisioned vehicles and spend as little as possible in the local economy. Thrift of that extent may be approved of or not, according to taste.

My understanding of the term is going equal ways on the costs when going on a date, or sharing out rounds of drinks. I could be wrong. if so, my apologies.

[Sir Velo]

My understanding of the term is going equal ways on the costs when going on a date, or sharing out rounds of drinks. I could be wrong. if so, my apologies.

I think the expression refers to everyone in a group paying strictly their share, rather than the more relaxed, laissez-faire style favoured by the English where a bill is split equally among the participants; therefore, adverting to the notorious parsimoniousness of the Dutch.

[Serial_Apologist]

I think the expression refers to everyone in a group paying strictly their share, rather than the more relaxed, laissez-faire style favoured by the English where a bill is split equally among the participants; therefore, adverting to the notorious parsimoniousness of the Dutch.

There is scope for misunderstanding, I now see:

https://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,5753,-68084,00.html