Pilgrimage to Abingdon

A friend and I have plans, reservations, etc. to travel to Abingdon, England and spend a week there, touring around to various places. Since this is 'holy ground' for we owners of britcars, what are the "must sees" while I am there? I know I will see Stonehenge (if only to find out what a 'henge' is) and will try to get to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Another friend here has suggested that I see some Morris Dancing while I am there. I had to look it up <http://www.ucolick.org/~sla/morris/sms/smsleaf2.html>
and it sounds insane and zany enough for me to try! I understand there's nothing left of the old factory in that town, but I'll bet there's some sort of clubhouse or something left in Abingdon. Any suggestions?
Thanks! AL Bradley P. S. I also live in Abingdon, Virginia, so there's more than one reason for staying in that town!

Al, In the June-July issue of British Car, my favorite magazine, is an article entitled "England for Gearheads" that might make interesting reading. If you do not have access to a copy, contact me and I will copy the article and mail it to you

Thanks, Gerry! I have the magazine but hadn't thought of it! I plan on seeing lots of pubs! AL Bradley

Have a pint of bitters for me Al, I don't expect to ever make it over there. I dream in colors, but not flavors.

I'll try that, John, and report on the results. AL Bradley

Be sure and have some Old Speckled Hen!

I was relieved when I read the post. When I saw the title, I thought you were doing a pilgramage to your front porch.

Is the National Motor Museum the one featured in the last issue of British Car?

Al: Other places I would recommend - the Racing Car Museum at Donnington Park (not too far from Nottingham) - the best collection of racing vehicles I have ever seen. Last time I went most cars were NOT roped off - you could lean inside, and if you leaned on them, they move! Also, the MGOC headquarters in Swavesey, near Cambridge is worth a look if you are in the area but not worth a special trip. The railway museum in York is also awesome and York is worth visiting anyway.

Any Pub! Pub food is wonderful, and inexpensive. Always try the "real" cask beer, stay away from stuff that is pressurized. Cold draught Guiness is the best!

Thanks, Eric. I'm concentrating on my 'English lessons' right now, but will print your suggestions and take them with me. With your background in England, maybe you already know what a henge is? AL Bradley

It's a pile of old rocks!

A word of warning - unless you are bound and determined to see Stonehenge, don't bother! It can be a nightmare to get to, and the facilities, though much improved from 40 years ago, are not the best. You can only walk around at about a 50ft distance. 40 years ago you climbed over the fence and could sit on the stones! We went two years ago - Mary wanted to see it but she was very disappointed.

You can find "henges" all over England - and there are some in North America - I know of one, called an "Indian Circle" on the Bighorn mountains in Wyoming.

Al

It would be awefully nice, if you could have more than a mere week.

If you really want see Stonehenge, I would combine that with a visit
to Blenheim Palace, (birthplace of Churchill) at Woodstock.

I would also recommend spend a night or two in a countryside Bed & Breakfast.

If you flying in and out of London, try to squeeze in a trip to London Transport Museum in Covent Garden (a walking distance from
Trafalgar Sq. and Picadilly Circus)

<http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/prm/blstonecircles.htm?terms=Stonehenge>

If you do some research there is a company that rents classic cars MG's included and just hit some of the back roads anywhere in the country (my preference is north yorkshire moors) for some true MG driving

Al...what have you heard about this Morris Dancing deal? The link is a hoot!

Be careful - I am an ex Morris Dancer!

Scout me some places over there. I need a new job!