Our Grand UK Tour: Day 05 - Barnstaple to Oxford

I left Barnstaple this morning and started my drive towards Oxford.

It was a misty morning with it alternating between patches of clear sky and then foggy again.

I stopped off at the services for a coffee and a croque monsieur. (not the best one I have eaten) Looking at the price of a Costa coffee and a sandwich at the services, I will be better off having the continental breakfast at the Premier Inn which includes UNLIMITED coffee.

I decided to stop off in Bristol and try and start arranging another car from Europcar. After a bit of phoning, I managed to find another Vauxhall Insignia at the Bristol Airport. After looking at the car and being happy with it (only 4000 clicks on the clock), I had to fill up the VW Passat before giving it back. They sorted the paperwork and I transferred my luggage and all was good. So now I have a lovely silver Insignia. (just no ‘Park Assist’ like the first one)

I got underway again and travelled towards London on the M4 to about Swindon where I came off and headed north through Lechlade-on-Thames. I had to stop in Lechlade as it is a beautiful market town.

I found the Swan Inn and sampled a pint of Anvil Ale from the Old Forge Brewery.

On through Burford and a short while later arrived at the Premier Inn, Witney.

I checked in, got myself settled, and after looking at the in-house ‘Thyme Restaurant’ menu, I thought... there MUST be more exciting food out there.. So I took a walk into town in search thereof.

After getting HORRIBLY lost (I walked nearly 2 miles to get to a road ½ a mile away), I found the “Hollybush” ...

and had…. wait for it… surprise, surprise…. A Steak and Ale Pie!

It was served with the freshest locally sourced carrots, beans and baby peas (in the pod), and some of the nicest chips I have eaten. The pie was the best by far! Absolutely the winner!

..And this was all that was left...