Day 55 - Scarisbrook Marina

Monday 27th July

Collect the hire car - Rufford Old Hall and Southport

Still raining very pleased the rain has coincided with our time in the marina.

Paul got picked up Enterprise cars at mid-day. The chap was so excitable he reversed into a car in the marina car park. Paul returned with a grey Fiat 500L with lots of buttons/lights/displays etc.



Rufford Old Hall

We headed off to Rufford Old Hall a NT property. Small but warm beautifully furnished a lot of dark wood cupboards etc all heavily carved which is apparently typical of furniture made in Lancashire in the period ie late Tudor to 19th C.













Woolen art in the grounds

Gardens had survived the battering from the recent wind and rain although the same can't be said for the woollen wood, an area of woodland that has been decorated with woollen flowers, birds, creatures to promote wool. These creatures were looking rather bedraggled. Had lunch in the tea room where I enjoyed Lancashire rarebit.

















Our hire car







Southport shopping arcade

Next headed to Southport which was a different place in the dry. Strolled through a Victorian shopping centre with an amazing glass roof, past the town gardens, over the marine lake which was enormous. Managed to buy mum's slippers in Southport M&S.
















Blackpool tower from Southport pier

Back to Silcocks Funland stopping to buy a windmill for Anna. Enjoyed some chips before walking to the end of the pier which is apparently the longest in England. Arcade/bar at the end which had an old penny arcade. Didn't stay long as it was still dry but the black clouds over the town suggested it wouldn't be for long. Just got back to the car as the rain started. Blackpool tower was clearly visible across the Ribble estuary.

Sheltering from the wind on Southport pier with Anna's windmill



The end of Southport pier











After an hour or two on the boat drove to the Saracens Head in Halsall for a couple of drinks before eating in the Elephant and Indian restaurant near the marina.

What an experience Shane our waiter was an oddball - he had heard of Birmingham was keen to recommend things but when asked to said he had not been there long. We don't think he will be there much longer. The ceiling was leaking near our table - Shane said it was an "insurance job". Meal was OK and cheap. Got soaked walking back to the boat.