Firstly we checked out of the hotel and walked back to the car along the canal. There were very few people here, it was still very cold, but where were geese in the water.
The surroundings looked lovely in the early morning sun.
Once in the car, we headed out of Nottingham. A beautiful sunny morning, no wind, and we stopped briefly to see many longboats parked up, and then further out of town happened upon the Trent Lock which is located on a major canal junction, the canals here being very wide, and with the coal fired Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station looming ominously in the background. This is clearly a popular recreational spot, with lots of walkways, pubs and parking.
Next we were heading to another motorcycle gear shop at Coalville and on the way, we just happened to drive past Donington Park, a name too familiar to me due to years of watching motorsport. We pulled in to see if we could have a look and possibly see the track. At two sets of gates, security were kind enough to let us in. We were allowed to a vantage point at turn one, at the end of the start/finish straight. Although standing from behind safety fencing, my camera lens was able to mostly cut through the wire.
We waited nearly 10 minutes, there were no vehicles on the track, but then an ambulance pulled in to the pits with lights on. Shortly after that, a small group of racing bikes came out onto the track. I can only assume it was a practice day, and one of them crashed.
Next we went to Coalville, where I purchased some gear (and ordered some more to try for size) and then we started to head toward home with some more clothing shopping for Helen at Desborough along the way.
We had time to stop in at Oxburgh Hall, located only 45 minutes from home beside the village of Oxborough. This is, and always has been, a family home, despite looking like a castle or fortress. It is surrounded by a moat which is quite an attractive feature.
The home contained many hidden doors which were built into bookcases, which when closed gave the illusion of no door existing.
There was also a separate chapel on the grounds, again private owned.
We spent about an hour at Oxburgh Hall, leaving just on closing time.
From here, it was a short trip home to complete our two-day journey. Helen did a fantastic job driving (while I lazily sat in the passenger seat!). Here's our day's journey.
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