Episode 1/22

@ Adventure beckons!
ESTRELLA begins her tour of "Southern England" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Map of England, South
Welcome to England! The pets cross the Welsh border to visit a nearby cathedral city and then the county of Shakespeare's birth before heading south to see a very different birthplace—that of an iconic British motor car in 1948, still in use today. Going further south the pets will enjoy two counties very popular as summer holiday resorts, have the opportunity to go on a hot air balloon ride, and to visit Dartmoor—let's hope the Hound of the Baskervilles isn't lurking! They will see wild ponies and have a glimpse of England's friendly national bird, known to every gardener. Moving further along the south coast, the pets will visit an exotic royal retreat in the Chinese and Indian style and a typical seaside pier.
Adventure beckons!
What more is to be said? Hop on and enjoy the ride!

Episode 2/22

@ Gloucester Cathedral
"They've got the complete works of Shakespeare for sale here, ESTRELLA," mused Bubbles. "I suppose we could get a set?"
"That would be a splendid idea, ESTRELLA," said Bubbles. "Of course—I'm sure it's just me, you know, but perhaps you might need a second complete works, in plain English, so we know what he's on about?"
Gloucester Cathedral
The history of this cathedral goes back centuries. Its Gothic architecture has been the backdrop used in the filming of three of the Harry Potter films and also some episodes of Dr Who.

Episode 3/22

@ All the World's a Stage
"I wonder what the total length of all the coastline around Great Britain is?" marvelled ESTRELLA.
Sweet Pea looked smug. "It's between 7,723 miles (12,429 km) and 12,251 miles (19,717 km), depending which source you refer to."
ESTRELLA was baffled. "That's quite a difference. Did the first chaps use the wrong tape measure, or something?"
"It depends how far you zoom in or out to measure. The more you zoom in, the crinklier the coast is and therefore longer," explained Sweet Pea.
All the World's a Stage
Here in Warwickshire is a tribute to England's most famous playwright. Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.

Episode 4/22

@ Designer Morris Minor
"Here's another Cornish phrase," said Luminous. "'E's gone up north" – which means: 'He's crossed the Tamar'."
"What's the Tamar, Luminous?" asked ESTRELLA.
"It's the 61 mile river dividing Cornwall and Devon, ESTRELLA."
Designer Morris Minor
Designed by Alec Issigonis, the Morris Minor is a British car that made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show, London, in 1948. It was the first British car to sell over a million units and is considered a classic example of automotive design, as well as typifying "Englishness". Issigonis' aim was to produce a practical, economical and affordable car for the general public. He wanted to design an economy car that "the average man would take pleasure in owning, rather than feeling of it as something he'd been sentenced to". Although production ceased many years ago, there are still plenty of Morris Minors in active use around the UK. Members of the Morris Minor Owners' Club have an annual "fun-run" from London to Brighton.

Episode 5/22

@ Shipshape and Bristol Fashion
"When was Shakespeare born, ESTRELLA?" asked Amethyst.
ESTRELLA floundered. "Um ... 1500 and something, wasn't it?"
Shipshape and Bristol Fashion
The brainchild of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner, is Bristol’s no.1 attraction. It was the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic Ocean, which it did in 1845, in the time of 14 days. Great Britain later carried thousands of immigrants to Australia from 1852 until being converted to all-sail in 1881.

Episode 6/22

@ Port Isaac
"Let's go into this bookshop here, Grace," said ESTRELLA. "I fancy buying some Sherlock Holmes stories to read in the hotel tonight!"
"Good scheme, ESTRELLA," approved Grace.
Port Isaac
Port Isaac is a small fishing village on the Atlantic coast of north Cornwall. It has quaint narrow streets lined with pretty granite cottages. The alley known as Temple Bar is particularly narrow and was recorded in the Guiness Book of Records in 1978 as the world's narrowest thoroughfare, at only 18 inches (46cm) wide.

Episode 7/22

@ Surfers Bay
"I wonder what the total length of all the coastline around Great Britain is?" marvelled ESTRELLA.
Dunkle looked smug. "It's between 7,723 miles (12,429 km) and 12,251 miles (19,717 km), depending which source you refer to."
ESTRELLA was baffled. "That's quite a difference. Did the first chaps use the wrong tape measure, or something?"
"It depends how far you zoom in or out to measure. The more you zoom in, the crinklier the coast is and therefore longer," explained Dunkle.
Surfers Bay
Polzeath is a small seaside resort village in the civil parish of St Minver in Cornwall. It has excellent conditions for surfers, and is very popular with holidaymakers. Local birds to be seen include corn buntings and puffins, while dolphins can be spotted in the bay.

Episode 8/22

@ Pirate of Penzance
"Hey, we'll be passing a Marks & Spencer's later, Trix," remarked ESTRELLA. "Let's pop in and get ourselves a pack of scones with cream and jam!"
"My tum seconds that, ESTRELLA!" said Trix.
Pirate of Penzance
This black and white hunter lives in an aptly named village: Mousehole in Penzance! The first documented mention of the village was in 1283 and pilchards were being exported to France as early as 1302.

Episode 9/22

@ Dartmoor Pony
"It says here, When in Brighton you might want to see where the Seagulls play. It sounds interesting, but why do they need a special place to play, apart from the sea and the beach?" asked ESTRELLA.
"They play football, ESTRELLA! The Seagulls is the name of the local football team!" responded Elsa.
Dartmoor Pony
This breed of pony lives in Dartmoor National Park. The breed has been in England for centuries and is used in a variety of roles. Because of the extreme weather conditions experienced on the moors, the Dartmoor is a particularly hardy breed with excellent stamina. They live in a semiferal state on Dartmoor.

Episode 10/22

@ Hobnobbin' with a Robin
“Where are we now, ESTRELLA?” asked Brownie.
"If it's Friday this must be England!" joked ESTRELLA. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
Hobnobbin' with a Robin
The friendly robin was voted as Britain's favourite bird. They are found all over the UK, and so are in close proximity to most on the mainland. There are also cultural connections that make them very popular in folklore. The Victorian postmen used to be known as robins because part of their tunic was red, and when Christmas cards first came into vogue they were brought by robins, i.e. the postman. That connection has been embellished and stuck and that’s why we tend to get robins on Christmas cards.

Episode 11/22

@ Hot Air Balloon
"Did you know the knitting machine was invented by an Englishman, ESTRELLA?" asked Fanny.
ESTRELLA looked mildly interested. "When was that? No, don't tell me—around 1500 and something, was it?" she responded.
"It was in 1589, actually," said Fanny.
Hot Air Balloon
Hot air balloon rides are a wonderful occasion. After reaching heights of up to 3000 feet, passengers travel to a new world above the clouds. The winds delicately guide the basket through the sky whilst the pilot keeps full control. Enjoy amazing panoramic views as the balloon soars through the air, and take in the peace and tranquillity of the British countryside along the way.

Episode 12/22

@ Beguiling Isle
"They've got the complete works of Shakespeare for sale here, ESTRELLA," mused Smokey. "I suppose we could get a set?"
"That would be a splendid idea, ESTRELLA," said Smokey. "Of course—I'm sure it's just me, you know, but perhaps you might need a second complete works, in plain English, so we know what he's on about?"
Beguiling Isle
Here's a wonderful pet-sized island just waiting to be visited! Situated just off the coast of Torquay, or the "English Riviera", as it's known, it would provide an ideal base for any pet who values solitude, craggy rock and, um, grass ...

Episode 13/22

@ West Lulworth
"Let's go into this bookshop here, Wrex," said ESTRELLA. "I fancy buying some Sherlock Holmes stories to read in the hotel tonight!"
"Good scheme, ESTRELLA," approved Wrex.
West Lulworth
This Dorset bay is a picturesque scene very popular for holidays. From the late 17th to the mid 19th century Lulworth Cove was used by smugglers to land illegal contraband, principally brandy. Kegs would be manhandled up the cliffs and then taken by horse-drawn wagons to London, Bristol and the Midlands.

Episode 14/22

@ Jurassic Arc
"Why do the English think a 'good hot cup of tea' will solve all your problems, ypmblessed?" queried ESTRELLA.
"Yes, it's an interesting one, ESTRELLA," responded ypmblessed. "I don't think it's the actual tea. It's more the little ceremony of brewing and serving it correctly, then sitting down to enjoy it properly that calms the mind and gives more clarity."
Jurassic Arc
Swanage makes a great base to explore the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. The iconic chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks are a three-mile walk north east along the South West Coast Path, while Durlston Head is a short walk to the south. From here there are spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast extending westwards, with the Isle of Wight visible to the east.

Episode 15/22

@ Southampton Beach
"Tips for blending in whilst in England," read Barnaby from the itinerary. "Firstly—never, ever, ever jump a queue. Gosh! Would they thump you, or something?"
"Worse!" declared ESTRELLA, shuddering. "They start tutting. And sighing. You might even get the Evil Glare!"
Southampton Beach
While it's true that Southampton had some Roman and Saxon inhabitants, the city first came to be an important port when the Normans arrived in 1066, serving as the main connection to their lands in Normandy and the South of France. The Bargate in the centre of the High Street was built as the main entrance to the medieval walled town circa 1180 CE. and has been judged as "probably the finest, and certainly the most complex, town gateway in Britain”.

Episode 16/22

@ Isle of Wight in Sight
"I thought the English had a reputation for being polite," said Sparkles. "But I've just heard those two pets over there saying the most offensive things to each other!"
"Oh, no, that's fine," responded ESTRELLA. "It means they're best friends. The stronger the friendship, the more they insult each other."
Isle of Wight in Sight
The world's first radio station was set up by Marconi in 1897 at the Needles Battery, at the western tip of the island. Queen Victoria made Osborne House her winter home, and so the island became a fashionable holiday resort, including for Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Charles Dickens (who wrote much of David Copperfield there).

Episode 17/22

@ Palace Pier
"What did the itinerary say about fitting in whilst here?" asked ESTRELLA.
Daba consulted the document. "When meeting an English pet for the first time, the weather is always a safe topic of conversation and can serve as a handy ice-breaker, particularly if the weather is doing something extreme that day," she said. "Hmm. I wonder what the English consider to be 'extreme' weather?"
Palace Pier
Brighton is a vibrant town on the East Sussex coast, with students from the nearly university of adding to the active nightlife. The pier was built in 1899 and today has Grade II listed status. It is a very popular tourist attraction, having the down-market "bucket and spade" appeal that contrasts strongly with the modern, liberal town itself.

Episode 18/22

@ Royal Pavilion
"Tips for blending in whilst in England," read MooDonna from the itinerary. "Firstly—never, ever, ever jump a queue. Gosh! Would they thump you, or something?"
"Worse!" declared ESTRELLA, shuddering. "They start tutting. And sighing. You might even get the Evil Glare!"
Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion was built as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who became King George IV in 1820. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style prevalent in India for most of the 19th century. The current appearance of the Pavilion, with its domes and minarets, is the work of architect John Nash, who extended the building starting in 1815. Today the Pavilion is a tourist attraction, and the former royal stables have been converted into a concert hall.

Episode 19/22

@ White Cliffs of Eastbourne
"They've got the complete works of Shakespeare for sale here, ESTRELLA," mused Choose a name. "I suppose we could get a set?"
"That would be a splendid idea, ESTRELLA," said Choose a name. "Of course—I'm sure it's just me, you know, but perhaps you might need a second complete works, in plain English, so we know what he's on about?"
White Cliffs of Eastbourne
Beachy Head's 530 feet (161m) high cliffs give stunning views over Eastbourne and the English Channel.

Episode 20/22

@ Grist to the Mill
"Those Marks & Spencer's egg mayo sandwiches were delicious, Joonie," remarked ESTRELLA. "I vote we pop in there on the way back to the hotel to get some more -- and some of those wonderful bread and butter puddings!"
"Great idea, ESTRELLA!" said Joonie. "You know, one of the humans involved in organising this trip says that Marks & Spencer is her spiritual home ..."
Grist to the Mill
Mapledurham Watermill, near Reading, straddles the Thames, set in the grounds of Mapledurham House and its country park. First listed in the Domesday Book, parts of the 15th century mill can still be clearly identified. It is the last working corn and grist mill on the Thames, and visitors can see the traditional wooden wheels and machinery in action. Flour and its by-products are still produced and used by local bakers, and are available to purchase in the watermill shop.

Episode 21/22

@ Chiltern Hills
"They've got the complete works of Shakespeare for sale here, ESTRELLA," mused Pills. "I suppose we could get a set?"
"That would be a splendid idea, ESTRELLA," said Pills. "Of course—I'm sure it's just me, you know, but perhaps you might need a second complete works, in plain English, so we know what he's on about?"
Chiltern Hills
The Chiltern Hills present a colourful patchwork of fields from this hilltop vantage point.

Episode 22/22

@ Canal Boosts Morale
As ESTRELLA's tour of "Southern England" comes to an end, she rests under a shady tree and looks back on a perfect day.
Daylight's Grove Beech Tree
Take a break from the heat of the sun by enjoying a picnic under one of the many lush trees of the countryside.
Canal Boosts Morale
Hertfordshire is filled with some idyllic canals where you can get back to nature and forget about the world. The River Lea flows for 46 miles through Hertfordshire. Hire a boat for a relaxing ride or follow the towpath to see the multiple locks and wildlife the whole way down.
ESTRELLA has completed their tour of "Southern England"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of "The British Isles"!