Driving back from Devon to Sheffield, via M this and that, we decided to stop at two remarkable places and thus give ourselves a break from loonies towing caravans, smart arses who think that driving faster than the speed limit is clever and convoys of lorries.
Gloucester Cathedral is one of the most stunning Norman cathedrals you could imagine. When you enter the body of the building the space seems almost too huge to be real. The stained glass is terrific and the NE and Lady Chapels have to be seen to be believed. One of the most uplifting of all the cathedrals we've seen. Fortunately the building was spared the excesses of Uncle Harry. Recent restoration work on the outside of the Nave shows that today's masons are every bit as skilled as those in history. The cloister is exceptional and its enclosed garden a place of tranquility; a place which, were you alone in it, would almost imposes meditation.
It's most unfortunate that most people who visit the place are only interested in the Harry Potter association - bah humbug!
The general area around the cathedral is lovely - if you like well preserved and maintained historic buildings. A great place to visit.
Worcester Cathedral was our next stop. Unfortunately the whole of the nave was filled with hundreds of seats in preparation for a music extravaganza; this detracted from, what would have been, a splendid and impressive space. The cloister is lovely with a pleasant enclosed garden. Something about the building was less spectacular than we had expected - maybe we were still enraptured by Gloucester Cathedral. At least there was no reference to the Potter mania.
The journey bored on and on. We arrived in Sheffield and gave thanks for a safe trip; motorways are the best way to cover distance, but I can't see why anyone would enjoy driving in the mad-dash, risk-taking traffic which is unavoidable. Caravans - I've had my fill ...
