June 2022. Making the best of four weeks off, after the Mediterranean cruise for Danny and Mexico for Timothy, we organised a train trip in England. On the menu: Bletchley Park, the night train to Penzance, the Dartmouth Steam Railway and the Isle of Wight. On the last day, we roamed around London to sample the new Elizabeth Line.

We had joy and we had fun in England, back in June 2022. Initially, we were supposed to travel to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper, and have a sumptuous lunch on Great Western Railways‘ Pullman Dining. But announced industrial action – i.e. a strike – made us change plans. 

Danny was quick to formulate a great alternative, involving the Isle of Wight and the Dartmouth Steam Railway.

A few phenomena caught our attention.

1: Pre-pension

The whole week, we were surrounded by pensioners. The youth were still having school, the elderly were out and about. Maybe the areas we visited were particularly popular with the elderly. Are Cornwall and Devon popular with the seniors? 

In places such as Paington, there were road signs warning for elderly crossing. I rue not having a photo of that.

2: USB ports

In trains, in the family hotel which was Channel View in Paignton and even in London restaurant Magenta. Often power outlets also had a USB port to charge you devices. It seemed almost standard. 

Why isn’t this the case in Belgium? It’s so easy for travellers and for locals.

3: Pudding 

For Queen Elizabeth II‘s Platinum Jubilee – she’s 70 years on the throne – a dessert was designed via a contest. The winner, Jemma Melvin, designed a lemon and amaretti trifle with Swiss rolls. 

It sounds and looks pretty good. But it’s a flop. It’s too complicated and time-consuming to make, you can’t make individual portions, which bars it from being sold in let’s say Marks & Spencer and it turns out to be too expensive.

Oops. 

So we couldn’t find any. Bummer.

But(t)… we did find spotted dick. And I am talking about food, not a hook-up. 

4: Corona as an excuse… and a reason

The COVID-19 pandemic still is an excuse for less service. For instance, there is no afternoon tea at Osborne House anymore. At least not when we were there.

And then there’s the staff shortages which can be felt everywhere. When travelling, you can feel it in restaurants, pubs and hotels. You have to wait longer for being served.

Brexit will also be a factor for staff shortages. We surely saw some patriottism in Devon. Paington was full of Union Jacks. 

Breakfast hours are limited and we had to book a time slot. So the breakfast staff could manage better. The earliest we could have breakfast, was 8 AM. When you have full day planned for an excursion, that is late. 

You can sense staff are stretched, patience is running low and stress levels are high. Let’s hope things get better. But I’m not sure that will be anytime soon. 

So?

We enjoyed this trip. But we couldn’t help but notice 2019 is not coming back.

England 2022

1. ENGLAND 2022 | Bletchley Park.
2. REVIEW | GWR Night Riviera sleeper train from London to Penzance.
3. DEVON | Cruising River Dart from Totnes to Dartmouth.
4. DEVON | Dartmouth Steam Railway from Dartmouth / Kingswear to Paignton.
5. DEVON | Paignton – Totnes – Dartmouth.
6. REVIEW | The Channel View Boutique Hotel in Paignton.
7. ISLE OF WIGHT | Osborne House.
8. REVIEW | Haven Hall Hotel in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight.
9. ENGLAND | Isle of Wight 2022.
10. LONDON | The Elizabeth Line and the Crossrail Place Roof Garden at Canary Wharf.
11. REVIEW | The Gyle London.