London to Coombe Abby

June 10, 2013

After another fine English breakfast at Garfunkles, we boarded the bus and headed out of the bustle of London to quiet of the surrounding country that makes up all of the rest of the UK.  It was a beautiful ride through the farmlands with the hedge fences, flocks of sheep and fields of hay.

Our first stop was at the Brooklands Museum.  It is advertized as the “The Birthplace of British Motorsport and Aviation” and located between Weybridge and

Original Brooklands Track and Facilities

Byfleet to the northwest of London.  It is where the first paved racetrack was built.  It had very highly banked curves and numerous early speed records were set there.  The track finally closed at the outset of WWII when the government took over the airstrip that had been created in the infield in 1908.  The first flight by an Englishman took place at Brooklands in 1909.  It was the site of the Vickers aircraft factory  Numerous planes were produced including the

Car that held the track record in 1934
Powered by a 12 cylinder (3 rows of 4)
Aircraft engine

Hawkers and major components of the SST Concord (the first of which is on display there).  The museum itself is filled with early racing cars and motorcycles.  A number of speed records were recorded on the track.  They also have a bus museum and a bicycle collection. 

While we were there, Prince Michael of Kent, the patron prince of the museum, arrived in his antique Bentley convertible wearing his leather helmet and goggles and with his goggled and helmeted body guards riding in the back seat.  He was there to present some so award to the museum.

We  had lunch in the iconic Club House which was used by drivers and race officials in the early years of racing at Brooklands.  Obviously with my love of cars and airplanes, I truly enjoyed this stop.  We spent about 3 ½ hours roaming through the old auto sheds that had been restored to their original color schemes

Cockpit of the Concord

and signage using old photographs. 

From there we headed on to a mystery location, information about which we were kept in the dark by our tour leader.  He had told us that we would be staying in a castle but refused to give us further information saying that he didn’t want us to go online and discover the grandeur of this place.  He wanted us to experience the “wow” factor as we entered.  Well, it was an experience. 

Prince Michael's Bentley

Our destination and lodging was in the Coombe Abby, a restored monastery the original buildings of which were built in 1150.  And again, I don’t possess the vocabulary to describe this beautiful place.  The furnishings, grounds and structure itself are truly magnificent.  I must include pictures and I provide a website for you to see for yourself.  http://www.coombeabbey.com/

We dined in elegance in their

The Front of Coombe Abbey from the Bridge
over the moat

solarium restaurant being served wines, sardines, guinea fowl and a wonderful dessert called eaton mess.  We are becoming more acquainted with the members of the group including our bus driver and found this to be a most enjoyable evening.





The Abbey from one of the gardens

The Grand Suite

The Reception Desk

One of the gardens