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Saturday, September 20, 2014

Ely Cathedral in the Marshes

In 673, Queen Etheldreda founded a monastery on the marshes of East Anglia in Ely (which means Eel Island).  Hundreds of years later, in 1109, the monastery's church became a cathedral.  Nearly a thousand years later, the massive Ely Cathedral still looms over Suffolk's fens and farms.



The cathedral was a mere 15 minute drive from Newmarket.



The nave is 21.9 meters tall.







For a few pounds you can check out the tower.


The roof tour was pretty cool - you can see for miles in all directions.



It's amazing to see a structure (66 meter-high tower) in such a rural, open location.



We spent a handful of rainy afternoons in the Minster Tavern, a stone's throw from the cathedral.


The River Ouse is just a quick walk away.


Thanks for checking this out - Ely Cathedral is worth a trip.

The Best Pub in Britain

Ok, so I probably don't have the experience and authority needed to crown the best pub in all the British Isles, but based on the several dozen I visited over three years, this post is about my favorite.  Regrettably, it took me two years and 49 weeks to find this special watering hole even though we lived a mere five miles from it.

Woodditton is a hamlet outside of Newmarket in Suffolk.  The single road running through town is called Ditton Green, and a 17th century pub called The Three Blackbirds is in the center of the village.


Here's the sign on Ditton Green - no words necessary.


Once you pull in to the drive, you park in the surprisingly ample car park in the rear.  On nice days you can drink outside in the beer garden, but since it was still brisk in March we stayed inside.


Just in the side entrance, we entered the tavern.  It was cheery and comfortable and had a country atmosphere.


The Three Blackbirds is a rare free pub - meaning a big brewer doesn't own the taps.  Every time we showed up (probably four times over three weeks) there were new, unique beers on tap.


Got to love that it's dog-friendly.


I liked the brick bar, the fireplaces, leather-clad chairs, and exposed timber beams.


The ladies appreciated that the tea was served with a timer.  Yes, they ordered tea...at 10 pm.


Beyond the tavern, there's a small restaurant area with a handful of tables and a lot of natural light.


The lunch options were simple and tasty.  Soup in teacups and sandwiches on wood platters.


If we ever make our way back to Suffolk, we'll be sure to find our way to the thatched pub in Woodditton.

Home in England - the Newmarket Gallops