Testing weekend with new T&L friend in Hampton and Windsor, London.

We first made contact on Thelma and Louise and discovered that we lived near enough to meet up for coffee and chat, a couple of times, before we ventured on any trips.

We found that we could get along with each other, so decided on a weekend test. As we both wanted to see Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle, we managed to locate a very budget friendly coach company which did a combined trip to both these very places. I think we were both a little nervous as to how we would get along for a weekend, but we went ahead and booked.

It was an early morning start and I was on the coach at 7.15 am, half an hour before my travel buddy, as we decided to both get on at out nearest town. We were in mobile phone contact, to save the worry about one of us not turning up! From Sheffield, where I entered the coach, it was about a 5 hour journey, including a couple of stops for coffee, on the way.  We were very organized and took our own packed lunch, to eat on the coach and save time when we arrived. Almost everyone else did this too, so we weren't alone! We found plenty to chat about on the journey and caught up with each other's life stories!

The weather was glorious for October, 18 degrees and we were taken right to the entrance to Hampton Court Palace, which is absolutely magnificent and a 'must see'. The place is so full of history and set out in a most authentic and fascinating manner, it was like being in a time warp. Tickets were included for us and headphones for the palace tour, plus actors dressed in costumes were parading about. We saw Henry Eighth and various wives strolling about, so much fun. I was just entranced with the whole experience.

Later, the coach picked us up and we were taken to a hotel near Heathrow where we had a lovely twin bedded room and a very nice 3 course meal. If anyone is interested, I choose, Chicken & Leek soup, Chicken Breast, potatoes, veg and finished with Treacle Tart. We had a glass of wine to celebrate our first trip and hopefully not the last.

The hotel was very clean and well furnished, I think it is a business one during the week, and we got special rates being in a coach party. We checked out the prices on the literature at reception! We were too tired to go anywhere else, so after a little TV and hot baths, we turned in early at 10.15 pm. I would certainly use this hotel again.

Next morning, after a full English breakfast, we set off in our coach again, about 10.00 am this time. It only took about 10 minutes to arrive at Windsor, where we had a walk round the famous town before going into the castle. Once again tickets were included and we saw everything that we wanted too, including the very famous Doll's House and Round Tower.  We even saw the playing fields of Eton in the distance.

After Windsor, we were taken on a Thames Cruise for about an hour, which was so relaxing and such beautiful scenery. Finally picked up by the coach for the last time and driven the long way back up to the north and home again, after a very tiring but enjoyable weekend.

We both decided that we would like to go on a longer holiday together and only have to choose where to go now.

Thank you Thelma and Louise for the introduction.

Travelstyle is the coach company we used and the hotel on this trip was the Quality at Heathrow. Both of which I would use again, with no hesitation.

The whole trip with everything included was £99.95, a very good deal.