Bolsover Castle and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

On Saturday we decided to visit our first castle in England. Before our trip we had to start our morning off with coffee from our favorite cafe.

Bolsover Castle was only about 45 minutes from our apartment. This castle was nice because it wasn't very busy. Most of the castle had not been restored, but it was still interesting to see what each room used to be. This castle was actually built for luxury and status, not defense. Andrew enjoyed running around and looking. He didn't have to be as careful in this one because there was not fancy, old furniture and art that he could bother.

We are getting a little better at our family self portrait.

Nice view

Andrew had fun trying to build his own castle

Andrew quickly identified where the water was coming from on this fountain. There is never a dull moment in England with this two year old.

After the castle we decided to go have a late lunch at the oldest inn in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. This pub/inn was so interesting. It is actually carved out of a rock at the foot of the Nottingham Castle. Word has it that travelers would stop for a pint on their way to the Holy Land. We can now say that we stopped there for a meal and a drink. The tables are all really close together, so naturally we met the people sitting next to us. They were from Canada, and I just have to note that everyone I have ever met from Canada is so nice!

As we were sitting at our I table I looked around and saw this chair behind me...

This is the sign I read above the chair. How funny? Maybe it will give us a little luck for baby #2!!

After the pub we walked around the town of Nottingham. We came across this statue of Robin Hood and read about his history. Speaking of history, I was talking to mom about our adventures for the day and she told me that our family is actually from Notthingham. She found this out recently from my Great Aunt Jane who is 91. It was about five generations back. Crazy!!