Did not sleep well as worried about oversleeping, had set alarm which did not go off( found out later had set for pm) luckily woke up at right time had breakfast finished packing so on time for taxi, which took us to coach point. On trip to Stretton where we were to travel on actual coach, driver said did not know the way Farnworth so assisted, but very surprised in these days of sat nav that he was struggling.
At Stretton had to sort out luggage labels, place was very busy with not enough seating or staff to serve us quickly. Eventually boarded coach and travelled to destination, there were no stops on the way and we arrived at Charlecote Pheasant Hotel lunch time. We were greeted by assistant manager then off to our rooms. I forgot to say my left big toe was painful particularly when walking so not very good on a trip such as this, hopefully it will abate in time.
Hotel was modern rooms spacious and even better a bath as well as shower and free Wi Fi, Brian wanted to rest so Andy and I went exploring the area, there seemed to be nowhere locally to go to but there were buses to Stratford. Noticed across the way in grounds of hall deer in the distance.
After our walk went for a coffee, back at hotel, was surprised that there only was one member of staff serving behind the bar and for meals, so had to wait some time for the coffee to arrive, after this went to room for a rest.
Later met with friends and decided we would go into park to explore,Charlecote Hall, could not get through gate, there was a small notice asking people to go to shop before entering, did not understand until member of staff appeared on other side of road asking if we were members of National Trust if not we had to cross the road and pay to go in. The tone of the mans voice was not pleasant and it all seemed rather odd, why not have a prominent notice explaining the charges and process, so we decided not to bother, but did have a look round their garden centre which had a pleasant selection of plants, again rather odd, a member of staff turned the sprinklers on which meant visitors had to try to avoid the spray from them whilst wandering round, sadly I got it wrong and had some water spray me, decided at the time not to complain but may take up in the future with National Trust.
Then back to the room watched tv until time to go for evening meal, when we first arrived had bren asked what time we wanted to dine so decided on 6 30, there seemed to be people sat about whilst others were in a queue, got chatting to man in queue who was also confused about the process, eventually we were led to table but asked man if on his own if he would like to join us at our table which he did. Meal was pleasant and waitress service. Afterwards Brian and Andy decided to retire for the evening, so spent a while chatting to man whose name is Arthur before going back to my room. The joys of the internet, spoke for a little while to Jane, was pleased to hear her daughter and grandchildren plus her pet dog had arrived safely for a visit, then had a read before going to sleep.
