It’s our final day today. We have decided to relive some ancient memories and visit Shugborough Hall. T and I both went to college in Stafford just up the road, I lived in a house in Milford two miles away and T in Ingestre which is also about two miles away. We’ve found a campsite within walking distance of the hall and arrive around one pm. It’s only £25 a night all in which is a bargain considering the prices we’ve been paying.

After lunch in the van we walk to Shugborough along the canal which is just behind our campsite pitch.

It’s sunnier than expected and an enjoyable walk along waterways and over bridges.

I’ve never been inside the hall but we did attend a craft fayre in the gardens probably back in 1987 and bought a painting that we had on our wall for many years.

It’s an enjoyable wander around the house hearing about Thomas and George Anson’s adventures. Chinese artifacts abound from George’s voyage around the world. The last Earl of Lichfield was the photographer Patrick Lichfield who lived here until his death. His apartment is part of the tour but not on a Tuesday.

We also visit the servants quarters and learn that the butler earned twice as much as the housekeeper but the chef earned the most.

Next stop a cuppa in the cafe sharing a below par piece of cake. The formal gardens are past their spring best but still lovely with plenty of promise for the summer.

The Clifford Arms in Great Haywood for a pint is only 5 minutes walk. I’ve never been here and T last visited 43 years ago. We end up staying a couple of hours and eating here.

Along the canal back to the van and Netflix. A great final day. Tomorrow it’s a quick 90 minute hop home.

9 days and 570 miles adventuring in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Staffordshire.

23&24:04:25