Road trip through South England – Between Fish & Chips, Stonehenge, and Stadiums

Hello everyone,

I'm back again – this time from beautiful London, where I currently live. Last week was full of impressions, surprises, and small adventures, as I went on a road trip through South England with friends. Originally, we had a very specific route in mind: from London to Canterbury, then to Brighton, through Southampton and Stonehenge to Bath, and finally to Bristol – with the return trip to London. But as life sometimes goes, everything turned out a bit differently…

A little delay – but great anticipation

We actually wanted to set off right on Easter Monday. Unfortunately, the car rental threw a little wrench in our plans, so we were only able to pick up our vehicle a day later. Sure, it was frustrating at first – but what can you do? We didn’t let it ruin our mood and just looked forward to what lay ahead.

Brighton – Sea view and the (almost) best Fish & Chips

Instead of going to Canterbury as planned, we headed straight to Brighton. Upon arrival, we treated ourselves to perhaps the best Fish & Chips of our lives – at Harry Ramsden's, with a breathtaking view of the famous Brighton Pier. Were they the best Fish & Chips? Hard to say – I definitely need to try more! But they were delicious.

After a walk along the pier, which was unfortunately still closed, we ended the day with a sunset and Aperol – a perfect start.

Portsmouth & Southampton – Warships and Cricket Stadium

The next morning, we continued on to Portsmouth and then to Southampton. A historical stop in Portsmouth was a must: The impressive warships in the harbor are definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately, the submarines were closed – yet another reason to come back! At least we visited the imposing H.M.S. Warrior and made a firm plan to check out the H.M.S. Victory next time.

In Southampton, we stayed a bit outside the city center – right across from a cricket stadium. The city itself has a touch of elegance and luxury, but also a rather quiet charm.

Magical Stonehenge – with a little dampener

The next day featured one of our highlights: Stonehenge. We were full of excitement and expectations – which unfortunately were not entirely met. The stones often appear larger and more imposing in photos than they do in reality. It was also a bit disappointing that you could already see the Stone Circle from the road – that took away some of the thrill. And yet: The atmosphere was special, the historical background fascinating, and the site itself remains worth seeing.

Bath – Old Town flair and an idyllic hotel

After the magical detour, we continued on to Bath. A beautiful city where we wandered through the streets, did some shopping, and finally settled into a rural hotel – right by a small stream, with an old mill. It was idyllic, peaceful, and exactly what you need after a long day of travel.

Bristol – A day between Cathedral and shop windows

Our last day trip took us to Bristol. Exploring the city without much expectation, we were pleasantly surprised. I was particularly impressed by the Bristol Cathedral and the adjacent garden. The weather cooperated, the mood was relaxed, and while window shopping, time flew by. In the evening, we headed back to London – and this time, an early bedtime was in order, because the next morning Manchester awaited!

Manchester – Stadium dreams come true

In Manchester, there were two football temples on the agenda: the legendary Old Trafford of Manchester United and the modern Etihad Stadium of Manchester City.

Old Trafford is a rather traditional stadium – rich in history and real football atmosphere. The tour really impressed us! Afterward, we satisfied our hunger at an incredibly stylish restaurant: Tattu. Not only was the food an experience – the presentation was also amazing: cocktails with show effects, light fountains when serving the courses, a small fire show… a perfect closing evening.

On Sunday, we had the direct comparison: the Etihad Stadium – modern, impressive, under renovation for even more fans. Each stadium has its own character, and I'm sure: Watching a game in both would be an unforgettable experience!

Conclusion – Changes of plans make the adventure

A week full of experiences, surprises, and new impressions is behind me. Even if not everything went according to plan, I have learned: Flexibility is key. Sometimes life presents you with different paths – and therein often lies the greatest adventure.

Now a few relaxing days in London await – with markets, walks, and maybe a few new ideas about where to go next.

If you don’t want to miss my next adventures, feel free to stay tuned – we’ll hear from each other soon!

Until then,
Yours, Steffi