We left atlanta, Ga, on September 11, 2007 and arrived at Gatwick, London the next morning. We stayed at the Victoria Inn in London, not really a bed and breakfast, just a so-so hotel, but it provided a place to sleep. We knew London is very expensive, our dollar being so weak, so we did not expect much.
Later that day we visited Westminster Abbey, basically all we did that day, as we had jet lag and sleeping on a plane means no sleep! The next day we took a tour to Stonehenge and Bath, very nice but just not enough time to see all we wanted!
Then on Sept. 14 we took a train to Dover, England. We spent the night at the St. albans Inn before we debarked for our transatlantic cruise. Now this was a true bed and breakfast! A beautiful little roll house and very tastefully decorated with antiques and country style and only about a block from the train station! Now our London hotel was also a roll house but it had just the essentials, no nod to the decor being attractive, just functional.
Both rooms were small, but this was not a problem for us, we are used to traveling on cruiseships! So no big deal-but the St. Albans owner allowed us to store our extra luggage in a separate room, as she realized most of her clientele are taking cruises and have LOTS of luggage! With her doing that, the small room was NOT a problem and also less for us to carry upstairs!
Dover also had some nice things to see, and all within walking distance of the inn! we toured Dover Castle and also the Painted House, which is the ruins of an old Roman house. That night we ate at a very nice Italian restaurant in the town square. We also visited the library there in the town square and were allowed to use the Internet for FREE! there was also a neat little coffee house there we visited-not Starbucks but just as good! Nice little place!
I just wish now we had went to Dover and stayed longer there instead of staying in London two nights!
Of course after this we boarded ship! I hope to do a transatlantic again and if we depart from Dover, I will gladly book at the St. Albans Inn again!