Tag Archives: travel

05/05/24 – Preston – Ashton-on-Ribble and Penwortham

Headed out to Preston today but instead of the centre I went onto the outskirts visiting the Ashton-on-Ribble and Penwortham areas. Started in the Ashton-on-Ribble area, home of Tulketh Mill which was an Edwardian former cotton-spinning mill. Started here with “The Tap End”. I then headed over to Penwortham, with a long street of pubs, restaurants and independent shops. Started here visiting “1260 Craft & Crust”, and onto “Tap & Vine”, “No 16 on the Hill” and “GINjarALE”

03/05/24-04/05/24 – Blackpool and Cleveleys

Another trip over to the Fylde Coast, starting with Blackpool visiting “Shickers Tavern”, a new opening for this year and “Thirsty? Alehouse”, which has reopened with new owners after a period of closure. Saturday takes me up to Cleveleys for another new opening “Wobblinn”.

04/05/24 – Beer and Buses – Stalmine, Knott End and Preesall

A Saturday evening out with the “Fylde Tramway Society” heading out from Blackpool further out to visit pubs at 3 different villages, these being Stalmine, Knott End and Preesall. The bus used is owned by “Fylde Transport Trust”, Blackpool Corporation 529. A Leyland PD3 which entered service in 1968 and was withdrawn in 1980. A beautifully restored bus which returned to the road in 2008.

27/04/24 – Retford, Worksop and Woodhouse

A day out by train heading out first to Retford, an attractive market town, one of the oldest English market towns having been granted its first charter in 1105. Visited 3 pubs here, starting with the “Idle Valley Tap”, before moving onto “Beer Under the Clock” and “Brew Shed”, home of Harrisons Brewery. A short train journey to Worksop, known as the “Gateway to the Dukeries” to visit “The Station Hotel”, “Fuggle’s Chapter One” and “The Mallard” who were hosting their St George’s Beer Festival. Finished off in Woodhouse with a short walk to “The Oxbow”.

21/04/24 – Watford

After a busy week in Kent, I was heading back via London so decided to nip out to Watford on the train to visit a couple of pubs I have been meaning to visit for some time. “Two Trees Micropub” and “Mad Squirrel Watford”.

17/04/24 and 20/04/24 Faversham, Sittingbourne and Queenborough

Starting at Faversham well know for its historic churches, whilst here I visited “Furlongs Ale House” and “Creekers Tap”. A short train journey to Sittingbourne, famous for its brickworks and paper mill. 3 Micropubs visited here, “Yellow Stocks”, “Donnas Ale House” and “The Paper Mill”. Finally a train out towards Sheerness getting off at Queenborough, which has the only true concentric castle built in England. Visited “The Admirals Arms” here.

18/04/24-20/04/24 Westgate-on-Sea, Birchington-on-Sea, Swalecliffe and Whitstable

Starting the day at Westgate-on-Sea, a lovely Victorian town. Visited “Bake & Alehouse” here. Onto Birchington-on-Sea, with some lovely views across Minnis Bay. Here I visited “Old Bay Alehouse” and “Wheel Alehouse”. On the train to Chestfield & Swalecliffe, Swalecliffe being well known for its Brickworks, hence visiting “The Brickfield” here. Lastly onto Whitstable, famous for its Oysters. Whilst here I visited “The Handsome Sam” Micropub.

17/04/24-20/04/24 – Minster, Ashford and Charing

A visit to Minster, Ashford and Charing. Started off at Minster with a visit to “Hair of the Dog” Micropub in the town. Ashford I visit “Curious Brewing” located a short walk from Ashford International Station, before finishing in nearby Charing at “The Bookmakers Arms”.

18/04/24-20/04/24 Rainham, Strood, Gravesend, Gillingham and Rochester

Starting off in Rainham visiting “The Prince of Ales” Micropub, jumping on the train one station up to Gillingham for “Past and Present Alehouse”. Then heading up to Strood to visit “10:50 From Victoria”, onto Gravesend for a trio of Micropubs starting with “Three Pillars” and moving onto “The Mole Hole” and “Compass Alehouse”, and finishing at Rochester visiting “RAMS – 12 Degrees” Micropub.