28
TRAVEL
march 2024
MyWokingham
www.mywokingham.co.uk
Antigua – the perfect winter escape BY JACKY HAYLER
F
or many Antigua is the epitome of paradise. Having been lucky enough to visit Barbados and St Lucia over the years, I was keen to see how Antigua would compare – and visiting in February it would be great to have some sunshine away from the wet and windy weather of England. We arrived on a Sunday evening to warm, welcoming smiles at the airport, a characteristic that seemed to be typical of the people here. Nothing was too much trouble. Monday started early for us because of jetlag but that meant we could make the most of the wall-to-wall sunshine. We had opted for a self-catering apartment in Dickinson Bay, about 15 minutes from the airport. The apartment was nice but it was the outside space that was amazing. A pool, surrounded by palms, bougainvillea and banana trees bearing fruit overlooked an expansive sea beyond. We settled down for a day at the pool and quickly recharged our batteries. The next day we had booked a catamaran trip to circumnavigate the island with Wadadli Cat. We were picked up at Dickinson Bay and the captain was soon entertaining the guests. Once we got out to the north and then into the Atlantic things spiced up a bit as the waves began to crash over the boat. Although quite exhila-
from a beachside bar, we headed on to Ffryes Beach, much smaller and quieter which was more our vibe. It was here we enjoyed fresh local fish and shrimps, served with noodles, rice and wedges. We stopped on our way back through St. John’s for a quick bit of retail therapy. Hubby bought a bottle of the local rum while I picked up an Antiguan Christmas decoration, a tradition on any trip we take. We admired the cruise ships in port then headed back off to our little oasis on the hill. The next day our weather took a turn for the worse. After a month of no rain, the locals were delighted – us not so much. We decided to make the most of our car and just go and explore. We ended up at Devils Bridge and Half Moon Bay, taking in Sir Viv Richards cricket stadium enroute.Back at our homeaway-from-home, a gloomy afternoon always means rum punch and games. As we had planned to go to Shirley Heights on Thursday but cancelled because of the weather, that became our Friday itinerary, including English Har-
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rating it did last for rather too long. We passed Long Island and Bird Island before anchoring at Green Island for some snorkelling. This for me was the highlight of the trip. Never been one for swimming with the fishies, I decided going in with other people might encourage me – I was not wrong. Our guide took us out onto a reef, and it is not an understatement to say it was like watching Finding Nemo – only better! I was so proud of myself and would not hesitate to do it again in the future. While anchored, and once the snorkelling was over, the bar opened and we were served rum punch and a delicious barbecue on the beach, consisting of chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, garlic bread, rice and salad. Once full, we set back off past Devils Bridge and Eric Clapton’s house, back to the calmer side of the island. The next day we picked up a hire car and under out own steam, we headed off to explore. Through St John’s, the capital, and out the other side we made for Jolly Beach. After a paddle and a quick drink
bour and Nelson’s Dockyard. The views from Shirley Heights, the highest point on the island were spectacular. Overlooking English Harbour, we marvelled at the super yachts in the harbour, before heading for Nelsons Dockyard. The World’s Toughest Row, a unique race where teams set off from the Canary Islands in December and row the Atlantic, was finishing in Antigua and we were lucky enough to see the Intrepid 232 crew arrive, breaking the world record for the oldest all-female crew to row the Atlantic! For our last night we had been recommended a plantation house that had been converted into a hotel and restaurant. The stunning building and grounds were matched only by the service and food. I sampled lobster arancini while hubby had humous and baba ganoush with pitta bread. Always a sucker for pasta, I opted for chicken alfredo and it did not disappoint. With no room for dessert, we explored the grounds and the renovated windmill before heading home. For our last day we made the most of time by the pool, before heading for the airport. The beaches, food and scenery had been fantastic but from beginning to end, it was the people of Antigua, their warmth and zest for life that made this the perfect winter break.
£115
Bob Green
The Bath & Gloucester Steam Express
Bob Green
The West Somerset Steam Express
Saturday 27th April 2024
Saturdays 20th July, 10th August and 14th September 2024
Join us on this train that will leave London Paddington early on Saturday morning for the scenic journey, with a nostalgic steam hauled train, to the attractive cities of Bath and Gloucester. You can chose to alight at Bath or carry on to Gloucester.
This series of trains from London Paddington to Minehead features haulage by two steam locomotives in one day. One steam locomotive will haul our train from London Paddington to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard. The Heritage Railway will then provide a steam locomotive to haul our train to Minehead and back. This provides a truly fascinating day out travelling through beautiful scenery to the Bristol Channel coast.
Join us from Slough, Reading and Newbury for a steam hauled trip to visit Bath or Gloucester. Price • Standard Class £115 per person – includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. • First Class £195 per person – includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. • Premier Dining £295 per person – includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
Refreshments available to purchase on board. Tables for two can be guaranteed in First/Premier for a £30pp supplement subject to availability. Junior and family fares available. Organised by The Railway Touring Company. The Railway Touring Company’s standard conditions of booking and travel apply – see website for details.
Join us from Slough, Reading and Newbury for a steam hauled trip to visit Minehead. Price • Standard Class £115 per person – includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. • First Class £195 per person – includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. • Premier Dining £295 per person – includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
01553 661 500 www.railwaytouring.net
27 EST. 1997
