Libby Henderson Photography & Travel Blog

England & Wales

2025

England

With stops in Dublin, Ireland (layover) and Wales

My sister-in-law Ruth graciously invited me to visit her in the Manchester area and I'm really looking forward to it! We have some fun adventures planned. Stay tuned!

I'll tell the story through my photos with captions and/or text. Keep scrolling for the latest entries!

Wednesday/Thursday Jan 29-30

TRAVEL DAYS/ARRIVAL

Amazingly, both flights were on time! Went from Chicago to Dublin, Ireland - then a 2-hour layover, and another quick 1-hour flight to Manchester, England. Met some interesting people on the flights. Then Ruth picked me up and off we went!

As I was sitting in the Dublin airport, a familiar face walked into the boarding area. It was Rosie O'Donnell! How strange to see a famous person there. I took a little pic just so I could make sure. At first, nobody recognized her, but then some people did and she started talking -- and then I was sure it was her. I didn't talk to her, she LOVES to talk! But it was a bit of entertainment anyway.

As smoothly as the flights and transportation went, I hardly slept so when I arrived I was exhausted. We went to a pub on arrival, near Ruth's house, called The Fishpool Inn. I had a "pie" which here in England usually refers to a meat pie such as a chicken potpie or a shepherd's pie. Mine was a beef pie, with crusty mashed potatoes on top and gravy - was delicious!

We then went to a beautiful Farm Market nearby called The Hollies Farm Shop. I want to go back when I'm coherent and take some video. Its a lot like Coveyou Scenic Farm Market, but bigger and the produce looks lovely but is imported. All kinds of tiny local things though...so fun!

Just a few of the treats that can be found at The Hollies -the Barn Market in Little Budworth.

Looks so good! But we're not sure where all the produce is from, since it's January.

Lulu and Ziggy, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix; 4 year old half-siblings.

Upon arrival at Ruth's home, I got the tour - it is so lovely! I'll try to grab a video tour of her home later. She has spent the past year or so renovating it so it is a beautiful combination of modern and neutrals - chrome, glass, and warm stone and woods. Stunning! And I met her two dogs, Ziggy and LuLu. I tried to stay awake until about 8 pm, then basically passed out for 12 hours. I feel renewed and refreshed today, ready to start the holiday!

Friday January 31

GREAT sleep! Ruth made us a proper English breakfast here this morning, then we were joined by 3 of Ruth's friends/neighbors and went into Northwich to Poppy Rose Vintage Tea Room for an Afternoon Tea. Quite lovely! Pics below!

The 'real housewives' of Oakmere! Jo, Sue, Rene, me, and Ruth.

A tower of little finger sandwiches, sweets, and scones.

Scones, clotted cream, homemade strawberry jam. OMG.

Poppy Rose Tearoom

So cute inside!

After a lovely dinner of lentil stew, Ruth built a fire and we enjoyed a night in with a little of my favorite Scottish whisky, Stag's Breath. It's a blend of Scotch and a fermented honey - and has the absolute best flavor. Slàinte!

Happy February!

Saturday February 1

The Great Gray Beast February had eaten Harvey Swick alive" - from Clive Barker's YA story "The Thief of Always"

This quote always comes to mind in early February. I love that book and read it to my 5th grade students for several years! Although the sun is out in northern England today, at least for a while.

Ruth and I went out this morning to find some matcha latte! She has never tried it, so I wanted to let her get some. We found a cute cafe and they made me a delicious matcha latte! Then we shopped a bit in Northwich, mainly the green grocer. I found kohlrabi! My favorite.

It is cold and damp here today. Typical weather for this area. We started today with sunshine, but then the rain rolled in.

Forgot to take a pic before I drank some - it had a pretty design on it!

We spent the afternoon resting, playing with the dogs, and sitting in front of the fire. Just what I needed.

For dinner, we met Ruth's friends Sue, Richard, and their son Roarke at Naaz Indian Cuisine in Nantwich, Cheshire. The food! Amazing and delicious. I let the others order, since I don't get Indian food that often. Every choice was amazing! Don't ask me what it was called, all I know is that there was no fish, and all the dishes were mild to medium hot. Flavors abound! So much fun seeing Nantwich, too. A lovely OLD little city.

Sunday, February 2

Weather: cold (39°f), rainy, & gloomy to start; later 45f°

We attended Church this morning at Ruth's non-denominational church, Bethel Church in Rudheath, Northwich. It's a beautiful place with lovely people and excellent music and message. It reminds me of a smaller version of my church in Michigan, Walloon Lake Community Church -- familiar songs and service format.

We went to the Knutsford Market after church. They have these markets all over the place here! They are like a farmer's market, with crafters, bakers, homemade soaps, etc. So much fun! I must attend every one I come across now. :)

Tree of Imagination (from website lower-peover village website, https://www.lower-peover.co.uk/Contents/ContentItems/4v5c7g5tpmqnh6rcw0zhet2ycw)

Ruth told me about a tree in this tiny village that died and the people of the town wanted to preserve it in some way. It has been created to delight and inspire children and all those who are still young at heart.

The tree has had to be roofed to protect the soft interior from further water damage. This roof also incorporates an owl box, a bat box and a nesting box within its construction.

Several people have raised the question about the presence of the canon. If you are wondering about it too, please remember this is a tree for boys as well as girls, and it is a ‘Tree of Imagination’……..

Why do YOU think it’s there?

Enormous thanks are also due to everyone who took so much time and cares to create all the wonderful doors and windows you can see.

At the market, we came across a cheese maker. He had fresh made cheeses for sampling and of course, we had to sample! We took home:

Shropshire Blue, Cheshire Red, and Unpasteurized Cheshire Cheese; WOW! Delicious. I've always loved blue cheese, but this was extraordinary. We made a charceuterie board with olives from the Farm Store, fig & shallot chutney, and our 'wee dram' of Stag's Breath whisky in front of a roaring fire. Perfect!

These tiny white flowers are called Snowdrops and are coming up all over the place here in the midwest of England. They are beautiful.... and are featured in local gardens starting this week.

I need a reminder to look for these bulbs at home. They are in the amaryllis family. If we can force crocus and daffodil, why couldn't we do the same with these beautiful, delicate flowers? SUSIE! use your flower gardening magic and find me some bulbs! Please?!!?

From Greek Mythology: As a symbol of hope and rebirth, the snowdrop emerged from the ground as a promise of Persephone's imminent return and the arrival of spring. The delicate white petals of the snowdrop are believed to represent Persephone's purity and resilience as she transitioned between the seasons.

Tuesday, February 3

The sun! The sun! Sunrise from my room at Ruth's.

Sunrise paints the sky with hues so bright,

In the backyard a canvas of morning light,

Chirping melodies, nature's sweet song,

A tranquil day where moments belong.

-author unknown

Cooking and packing day today. Ruth is a fabulous cook and I requested her lamb stew and yorkshire puddings, with roasted veggies. LOOK at what I got!

Tuesday, February 4

Sunrise from Ruth's garden this morning. It's so green here! I love seeing the sun after all the rain. Forecast for today, driving to Wales, is for more rain in the AM and a high of 50°.

Today we are driving to Anglesey, an island of the NW coast of Wales. There are a few little islands there, we'll be on at least 2; staying in a stone cottage built in the early 1700s.

Perspective...

here is a map of the U.K. including Wales, and the island of Anglesey, circled in red.

Zoomed in....

This is Anglesey and Holyhead, we're staying on the NW tip, circled in red.

It was raining as we left England and entered Wales, and kept on raining for most of our stops and drives. But once we arrived at our cottage, the sun came out for a while. The drive became beautiful as we got to the coast though. Unfortunately it was rain/fog and not great viewing today. Tomorrow is another day!

We visited several castles on the way, namely Conwy Castle, and Castle Caernarforn. Then we crossed the Menai Suspension Bridge, which is one of only two ways to get to the island. On the island, we found going to the right was a good explore; we were heading to a north point, and did soggy drive-bys of Castell Aberlleiniog, and Beaumaris Castle. At the end of the land, we found an adorable place for a late lunch called The Pilot House Cafe on Trwyn Penmon Point.

top left: Castle Caernarfon

top right: Conwy Castle

left: Menai Suspension Bridge

Beaumaris Castle

Castell Aberlleiniog

This is my favorite picture so far. I've loved this perspective, and row houses of all different colors have always been a goal of mine. Even with the gloomy gray sky, I love how it turned out!

The town of Beaumaris, on the way to the Trwyn Penmon Point on the Irish Sea.

We stopped for lunch at this adorable diner on the seashore, The Pilot House Cafe on Trwyn Penmon Point. I had a cafe latte, chicken fingers, and "chips". What a view! Looking west toward Ireland across the Irish Sea.

Penmon Dovecoat

Here are a couple pics of the Penmon Dovecoat which is an ancient structure built in 1600 to house pigeons and doves, which were a source of meat and eggs. On the grounds I came across this old craggy tree reflecting in a perfect puddle.

Orchard Cottage at Church Bay

Our home for the next few days, this adorable little 3 bedroom, 2 bath old stone cottage was built in the early 1700s and is nicely renovated to have all the creature comforts.

Ruth and I (and the pups LuLu and Ziggy) had dinner tonight at the Bay Inn Restaurant on a nearby island called Holyhead. I tried a new soup I've never had, pea and mint. I should remember to try making this at home. A very Welsh soup. YUMMM!!!

Wednesday, February 5

Note to Self: Wales is COLD in February and old stone cottages aren't much help. God bless electric blankets!

Wednesday is an EXPLORE day for Ruth and me. Mostly exploring the small island of Holyhead, off the north coast of Anglesey.

This beautiful but cold and windy beach was at Porth Trefadog on the main island. The thing out in the water at the horizon looks like an oil rig but it's not - and I've never seen a ship that looks like this before - but we're pretty sure it's a ship. If anyone knows, message me! You'll hear the wind in the video.

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We found our way to the Holy Island/Holyhead Penrhos Feilw Standing Stones. They are about 10 ft. high and 10 ft. apart. You can tell how tall by looking at the power line pole next to them. The sign on the site says: These stones may have been set up in the Early Bronze Age (2000-1500 BC) since burials of that period have occasionally been found in association with large standing stones such as these.

The vast seaside as seen from Holyhead Island.

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Porth Dafarch Beach

Wow. Awe-inspiring place on the shore with the quintessential 'craggy coast' of Wales in all its splendor. So quiet yet wild.

It's so far down there! We didn't go down because:

1: it's SO FAR DOWN and you have to come up!

2: the sign says it was seasonally closed.

South Stack Lighthouse

This is the South Stack Lighthouse on Holyhead. We saw the North Stack Lighthouse but only from a distance. This one is by far the most picturesque and dramatic!

We found the Sea Shanty, a dog-friendly restaurant on the coastline.

After driving around out there for a while on many switchbacks, hills, and narrow rows filled with hedgerows, we grabbed a bunch of firewood and went home. Thank God Ruth knows how to drive on the wrong side of the road! I keep my eyes closed quite a bit of the time.

Low and behold, we found the heather blooming in our back garden here at the cottage. It's so pretty and unlike the heather we have back in Illinois and Michigan.

Cold, Crisp Evening

A toast to Wales (above) with a roaring fire in our cottage

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In our back yard, Orion came out to play with the half-moon in the cloudless sky. (right)

Thursday, February 6

Exploring the north shore of Anglesey Island

We drove north from our place on Church Bay to the north coast and visited a couple of beautiful coastal towns. Little towns....like townships or shires!

The yellow gorse is in season - I remember this from Scotland as it's all over there, too. Pretty but very thorny and scratchy. Similar to purple heather but yellow.

When we called a restaurant earlier to see if they were open today (lots of places are only open on weekends out here during the off season) the lady who answered was super nice. We asked her if she knew any "must see" spots in the area that most people don't know about and she suggested Parys Mountain (Mynydd Parys) Copper Mine area. We found it and wow! We were so glad we did! Hiked up to the ancient stone windmill at the top, that used to remove water from mine shafts. It's so colorful - the photos don't really do it justice. We heard that it's prettiest when it rains but adding rain to today's cold wind would have made it no fun.

Video at the bottom of this section.

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The video shows the strange landscape of the Parys Mountain Copper Mine area, and the old ruins of a windmill. There's a lot of familiarity to what I'd imagine the surface of Mars would look like, but with low scraggly vegetation and very little water besides rain water puddles. Reds and yellows are prevalent, although that seems difficult to capture. It was a nice hike up to the ruin, just rocky and hilly terrain. So glad we did this.

The next stop was for lunch in Gwesty Gadly's Bay View Restaurant. Near the coast, this charming B&B Inn and pub had delicious food! We got: a Welsh beef hamburger with chips, and bangers and mash. We shared both. Really wonderful meal. And the dogs were welcome too! Of course I had to snap a pic of an old red phone booth on the property. None of these work anymore, but they're nostalgic for sure.

Ever heard of a Milk Station?

No? Me neither - but they've got them here! The one we found was really near the Gadly's restaurant, and is supplied by a local dairy farm - and you can't get any fresher. Super fresh milk and cheeses straight from the farm.

Llefrith Nant Dairy is located near Camaes Bay on the north coast of Anglesey and they sell their milk through a side-of-the-road vending machine.

You can also buy reusable glass bottles to take your milk home in and use again and again - no more plastic!

A typical milk station in Wales.

Yes this looks like candybars etc. but it's cheeses, crackers, and spreads.

Back to the little stone cottage in Church Bay - took a walk down to the seashore. So pretty mid-afternoon. Still cold and windy, but the sun is super bright and charming.

Ziggy enjoying a fire in our stone cottage.

Enjoying a little nosh of wine (Chicken wine evidently!) and cheeses from the local vendor, apples, and deliciousness! Our host here at the cottage left the wine for us.

Friday, February 7

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We packed up the dogs and our stuff and left our beautiful little seaside cottage in Anglesey this morning and made the most amazing drive through the Gwydir Forest and Snowdonia National Park. I can't stop talking about the beauty there. I hope this video does it justice. It felt like a fairy tale - fog on the mountains, mist... craggy, mossy trees, stone walls, old houses, lakes.... WOW just wow.

Watch this video if you can stand the driving on the wrong side of the road part!

As we left the mountains, we were on our way to Betws-y-Coed, a village on a river just south of Snowdonia. A cool shopping spot, and a spot of tea and proper Welsh breakfast.

Giant old cedar trees on the Church grounds. ⬇️

This adorable candy store had ALL the licorice candy! Licorice toffee = 💀!!!

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Breakfast at the Caffi Caban y Pair in Betws-y-Coed then more shopping.

My sister-in-law Ruth and I are having so much fun in Wales! She's a wonderful host, too - and thankfully is doing all the driving! I'm afraid we'd be in about 100 accidents if I tried this. It's really hard to get used to, even as a passenger.

Near Corwen we came across a Farm Market store that had ALL the cheese! I'm officially a cheese-a-holic. It's just so good here! Especially the blue cheeses. They're my favorites.

Dinner in Langollyn, which is near the Wales/England border. This place is historic, beautiful, and right on the white waters of the River Dee.

The last stop before we arrive back at Ruth's beautiful home - a local Aldi in Chester.

OK fellow Aldi lovers; this Aldi is bigger than most of ours, and the AOS (aisle of shame) is 4 times as big! So much to look at! It was fun to see some similar brands, and a lot of new ones.

A quick shout-out to last night's Sunday roast dinner compliments of Ruth.

This was a beef roast with all the trimmings, including roasted veggies & potatoes, gravy, and yorkshire puddings.

Monday, February 10

We took off this morning for a two+hour drive up to York. We wanted to see the York Minster, the Shambles and market, and the Jorvik Viking Museum.

York city wall gate

This is a gate, but the city walls go all around the city of York. The originals were built almost 2000 years ago by the Romans. There are some ruins left around the city, and some sections are still standing and in good repair.

York Minster is a 7th century cathedral that has been the center of Christianity for the area since it's inception. It is beautifully maintained by the Anglican Church of England now. Just look at the beauty inside and out.

The Museum Gardens are right near the Minster, and have several ruins that you can tell are crumbling but still partly in tact. A beautiful garden museum, even in the rain!

This is called a Monkey Puzzle tree. It's the strangest thing!!! Very hard 'needles' that are large and flat. Razor sharp. Probably not very safe to touch. Beautiful to look at though.

The Shambles is the oldest area of the city. The streets are very narrow and closed in - the buildings loom above in sometimes precarious positions. This is the coolest place to find all kinds of shops, tea rooms, coffee shops, and of course, Harry Potter's store, The ShopThat Must Not Be Named. So much fun!

We found a pub for a late lunch in The Shambles, called The Three Tuns. Such interesting history!

We had burgers and 'chips' (fries) and sticky toffee pudding.

The Jorvik Viking Center is a living history museum (or almost living!) where you are hosted by humans dressed up as Vikings from before 1066 and take you on a tram tour through ruins and reenactments (using autonomation) to show you what it was like back then in the city of Jorvik (York). I thought it would be cheesy and maybe more for kids, but it is really well done and geared toward everyone, young and old. Very informational, interesting, and fun.

Below is just a last few looks at York, as it was getting dark.

Wednesday, February 12

I don't blog on the "regular" days....but I should because there's always something extraordinary going on here! Today we went into Chester, a very old town only 15 minutes away. We heard from Andrew and Susie about a restaurant there that is affiliated with a cooking show they watch called Farming the Wild featuring Mark Robinson, chef, hunter, and entrepreneur.

The typical streets of Chester, mixing old and new. This is an outside look at the restaurant, The Forge.

Inside, the decor was very modern and had a upscale vibe. The video below shows all you need to know. Super cool and trendy.

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THE FOOD we ordered was unique and delicious for the most part. Here are some pics with captions to match the menu (above.)

Heirloom Squash Tart with goat cheese and nasturtium

Smoked Red Pepper Hummus with crispy chilli oil, red onion marmelade, pepper crackers

Wagyu & Brisket burger with THE BEST chips (fries) on the planet!

Sirloin Steak with watercress and pickled shallots, and garlic aioli

The BEST I'VE EVER HAD cappuccino, and a Spiced Pear Creme Brule with salted oats and sorel

Sticker Ginger Pudding with apple caramel, clotted cream ice cream, and crispy ginger

Thursday, February 13

Who knew, eh? There is Tim Horton's in the UK! Had to stop in for a cappuccino and a donut.

We did a little shopping at the local T.K. Maxx; just about the same as T.J. Maxx - same company etc. just a little different name. They had the carry-on I wanted to get, so it was a successful trip there. I'm all set for my trip home on Saturday.

Ruth planned a beautiful luncheon for us today at Abbeywood Estate & Gardens. It was beautiful, even in the dead of winter; I can only imagine what it looks like in Spring or Summer! Had a lovely lunch, too - bacon, leek, and chorizo quiche and sweet potato/basil soup.

This link will take you to their website, where you can see what the gardens look like at prime time. Stunning. https://abbeywoodestate.co.uk/

Valentine's Day

Friday, February 14

Organizing and packing today - time to go home tomorrow.

Also today: A fun trip to Seven Sisters Ice Cream Shoppe in Nutsford, Cheshire.

I've now been to all the British Isles, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. (Although Ireland was brief and was only the Republic of Ireland, not Northern Ireland.) Next time I come hopping over the pond I'd love to visit the islands up north off the Scottish coast such as the Outer Hebrides, The Shetlands, and the Orkney Islands. Preferably in September.

Ruth is a wonderful host, spoiling me every day I was here. In fact, all of the people I've met here whether friends of Ruth's or strangers - have been lovely and welcoming. From fabulous cooking, to adventures to restaurants local and far away, to several days on the island of Anglesey.... it was a fantastic three weeks. I can't thank Ruth enough, I will be back!

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