Day 46 From Great Longstone (Chesterfield) by rail to Heathrowe

Day 46 From Great Longstone (Chesterfield) by rail to Heathrowe

Sadly - today we are packing up to head home.  

Mike and Ruth at home

Mike and Ruth kindly took us to the train in Chesterfield and on the way we had a quick look at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire.  It is a magnificent building, currently undergoing refurbishment which includes a little over the top application of gold leaf on the doors and window ledges. This is the beautiful house used in the BBC's production of Pride and Prejudice - my favorite Jane Austen book. It was a thrill to actually see it set in the magnificent gardens.  I could just see Mr Darcy riding across the lawns.

First view of Chatsworth House - Derbyshire

Another little gem that Mike had in store was the church spire in Chesterfield - which is quite fascinating.  It was built with wood that was too green at the time and has twisted into a bent spiral, and it apparently isn’t fully attached to the building but has still managed to sit there for hundreds of years!

Chesterfield Church spire - interesting twist!

Chesterfield Church spire - a different angle...on the spire!

The East Midlands train ride to St Pancras was uneventful except that we were assigned to seats in carriage "J" which happened to be at the back end of the double train and with our luggage in tow we had no choice but to scramble on board around the middle section then walk down the length of 5 carriages!!  Dale was not amused. It would have been helpful if there was some indication of the carriage locations on the platform before the train arrived.

Sculpture outside Chesterfield Station.

Once at St Pancras - we headed for the taxi rank queue which was quite long.  Unexpectedly Alan and Noeline appeared - they had stayed overnight in London (near St Pancras) and where taking in a few local sights before heading off for their flight later this evening.

We took a taxi from St Pancras to Paddington station then the Heathrowe Express to Heathrowe Airport.  We arrived with plenty of time and after checking in went to the Emirates Lounge (shared by Royal Brunei) and had lunch.  With ample time permitting I was able to squeeze in a massage!