A chateau and a cathedral

The Wombat went to France last week! He travelled by ferry from Portsmouth to Saint Malo, but we don't have any pictures of him actually on the ferry because he's too scared to go out on deck just in case something nasty happens to him.
We can't really blame him, since one of his brethren fell off the back of a ferry crossing the Irish Sea and was never seen again.

He spent most of his holiday in the city of Nantes (and the rest going around the wine sections of various supermarkets).
Here he is in front of the Château des ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany), which these days is home to the Museum of Nantes.
 

And here he is again, admiring the 15th century cathedral.

Castles in Connemara

The Wombat had a quick trip to watch some friends run the Connemarathon. Before heading home, he went to see Aughnanure Castle.



Here he is in a tree. It was indeed an ancient yew tree.

More castle-visiting for The Wombat

Back in the summer, The Wombat took a trip around Donegal, including through the Glenveagh National Park. He liked it so much that he decided to go back in September, and this time, to visit the castle. (He likes castles a lot.)

Although no photos were allowed in Glenveagh Castle itself, The Wombat greatly enjoyed the short tour. Even if all the stag motifs all over the place were a bit much.
The weather wasn't all that great, but the gardens still looked lovely - here The Wombat is looking at the back of the orangery.


Outside of the sheltered grounds, the weather was very blustery - The Wombat had to cling tightly to this fence to avoid being blown into the old swimming pool or the lough below!

A visit to Tattershall Castle

The Wombat recently spent a week at Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire - you can read all about his adventures with bell-ringing, beer, and Trusty the Hedgehog, on the Duly Moated blog.

The Wombat in Wales

The Wombat has been fairly whizzing round the UK lately, and his most recent stop was in the capital of Wales, Cardiff.

Some day, maybe he'll get to actually go into the Millennium Stadium. For a concert or for a sports event, he doesn't mind in the slightest...


He didn't go into Cardiff Castle either, but he did have a good look from the gates - he could just about see the Norman keep inside the grounds.


He (and his minder) rested for a while on the lawn outside City Hall (it's on the left in this photo, with the National Museum of Wales on the right) before having a look at some of the new exhibits in the museum. The Wombat couldn't find any of his own species in the natural history section though; he's not sure whether to be sad or relieved about that!


Sadly, his way down to St John's Church was blocked by a travelling Tyrannosaurus Rex (with an entourage of stegosauruses and charity collectors), and The Wombat decided that a hasty retreat was in order.

A tired little Wombat

The Wombat had the opportunity the other day to hike to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumberland, near the lovely fishing village of Craster - where they smoke the kippers.

Here he is, checking out the seaside walk to the castle.


And here he is, halfway there, wondering how much further his legs can carry him.


He's not too sure about all those sheep between him and the castle, either.


So in the end, he gave up and went down to the sea, to try fishing for prawns in some rock pools. He looks like he would have had more luck collecting seaweed instead...

The Wombat does Edinburgh

The Wombat jumped at the chance of joining a research trip heading out to Edinburgh, since he's pretty handy with a pencil. Plus he loves a bit of culture...

Despite the weather, he loved the old streets and buildings and had a trip on an Edinburgh bus.

He managed to visit the National Library and the National Gallery, and had a sneaking peek at the Hon Mrs Graham by Gainsborough. He also spotted the statue of the Three Graces - bad Wombat, his eyes nearly popped out of his head!

Thankfully he took a nice break for lunch in the park.



And last, but not least, he insisted on posing with the Duke of Wellington. The Wombat would like to pop back again soon to see the whole of the Goya Exhibition apparently...

More Scottish castles

Having acquired a taste for touring Scottish castles, The Wombat begged to be taken to see Fyvie Castle. Unfortunately, it was a very rainy day, but The Wombat happily wandered around the castle and gardens.



He did find the gate from the gardens to the house a bit of a struggle, plus the walk up the drive was a bit much for his little legs, so his human friends carried him the rest of the way.




The Wombat definitely preferred to watch and listen to the big thunderstorm (complete with fork lightning) from the castle's Dining Room. The castle was lived in until 1985, and has lots of history. It also has a ghost called Dame Lilias Drummond, although The Wombat couldn't manage to find her. He did like the comfy Billiard Room, with a big fire, and asked if he could come back to stay overnight one day.

The Wombat was also lucky enough to get a quick peek at Haddo House, which is not far from Fyvie Castle.


But after a quick amble around, and an unfortunate incident with an antique cannon, he became quite tired and was ready to go home.

The Wombat at Castle Fraser

The Wombat arrived in Scotland just in time for the weekend, and was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of Castle Fraser. He was able to pose for a few photos at the front and in the Courtyard, but particularly enjoyed his time in the shop. Does The Wombat carry a wallet?


The Wombat also discovered the Whisky selection. Fortunately the day was saved after a reminder that he was not old enough to purchase it.


He did however, have enough charm to make some new friends.


The Wombat also discovered that he had developed a taste for Scottish castles...

The Wombat heads south

When The Wombat heard he was taking a trip south, he got very excited, thinking of sun and sangria. His hopes were dashed though, when he got no further than the megalithic passage tombs in County Meath (in the Republic of Ireland)... At least the weather was nice.


Here he is, loitering at the entrance to the Knowth passage tomb...


And again at the entrance to the Newgrange tomb.


He also got to visit Trim Castle, but found himself clapped in the stocks for a crime he didn't commit (or so he claims).

The Wombat in Northern Ireland #1

The Wombat is normally resident in Northern Ireland (for reasons best known to himself) and he's just as keen to visit the local sites as to go abroad. Recently, he took a trip up to the Causeway Coast.

He's still a bit unsure about the sea - too much water! - but he's happy to view it from a safe distance - this photo was taken in Portstewart.


Here he is, outside Dunluce Castle. Its kitchen slid into the sea one night (back in the 1600s), and The Wombat is glad that he lives somewhere a bit more stable (and land-bound).


Every visit to the Causeway Coast should include a trip to the Bushmills Distillery. The Wombat thinks he likes whiskey - he'll certainly give it a try, anyway!


And of course, The Wombat visited the main tourist attraction: the Giant's Causeway itself. Can you spot him in this picture?


He's a bit easier to find in this one....