Synopsis: A trip by train to Pendennis Castle for Mum and I, which didn’t quite turn out as planned. The rains came in causing the joust and falconry displays to be cancelled. Not a complete write-off.
(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)
Mum and I got a fair old dousing today, which wasn’t exactly what we had intended. The intention had been to see a medieval joust and a falconry display at Pendennis Castle (EH), Falmouth. As it happened both were cancelled.
I don’t intend to write a lot, but I will say neither of us felt the day was a complete write-off. The journey by train between Exeter and Falmouth was very convenient and comfortable, and we were able to sit back and watch the scenery go by. The Falmouth Docks stop is within 10 minutes walk of Pendennis Castle. And, at the castle the events manager worked very hard to keep everyone happy by arranging a talk on falconry and a talk on medieval armour, both of which were done well and were most interesting.
The event had drawn a lot of people to Pendennis castle and this pushed the limited catering facilities beyond their capacity and people were struggling to find places to eat in the dry. Mum and I did eventually find a couple of stools on which to perch while we ate a picnic lunch (I’d come prepared).
After the two talks Mum and I wandered around parts of the castle. Whilst doing so I had Mum stand at the entrance to the castle keep, which is exactly where her mother, father, brother and sister-in-law stood sometime many years previous. Below you will find the photos, two old, and the one taken today. So, Mum follows in her family’s footsteps.
I was carrying enough food and drink with me, such that, whilst on the train home Mum and I were able to have some supper as we travelled.
The day was something of a shame, as it wasn’t all it might have been. Pendennis Castle is a lovely castle, in a wonderful location, with far reaching views in both directions along the coast. It could have been a magical experience, to watch jousting and falconry at this location. But, we went home content with our day, if a little thwarted by the English weather, as can sometimes happen in this fair isle of ours. Unusually, for me, I don’t have many photos from this day to share with you.
No entry fee payable for us today as I’m a life member of English Heritage, as I was told by the ticket sales lady on entering the fort. Other entrance ticket rates for events such as the jousting tournament at Pendennis Castle are shown on the English Heritage web site.
Trip Statistics:
Train out: 09:12 – 12:44 (3hrs 32mins) – two changes
Train return: 17:27 – 20:53 (3hrs 26mins) – two changes
Buses: (none)
Trains: Off-peak day returns for two from Digby & Sowton to Falmouth Docks: £20.60 each
(I should have purchased a Devon and Cornwall Railcard – realised this too late)
No comments:
Post a Comment