Whilst enjoying a leisurely breakfast, we were treated to another early morning river view. After breakfast, we stopped at the hotel reception area to request replacements for the essential items that had gone missing when our room was serviced the previous day.
Supplies suitably replenished, we returned to our room and gathered what we needed for a day visiting Brooklands museum which is home to the world’s first purpose built car-racing circuit and an aerodrome. Mr C was particularly interested in seeing the historic steep banked car racing circuit dating from 1907. On arrival he was able to sit in the cockpit of a racing car and drive along a simulation of the track.
As we made our way around the museum we were lucky enough to be treated to personal guided tours by museum volunteers. The first such tour took us around what is known as the Loch Ness Wellington, the only known surviving Brooklands-built Wellington. This Wellington, N2980, developed and engine problem during a training flight in 1940 and ditched in Loch Ness. In 1976 the Wellington was located in the Loch by a team of American Loch Ness Monster hunters and subsequently raised.
Later we were given a detailed explanation of the Stratosphere Chamber, designed to simulate atmospheric conditions such as snow wind and ice where planes, boats, clothing and other equipment were tested out for vulnerabilities in order to improve their design.
After our personal tours it was time to board Concorde with our complimentary boarding pass. Our tour guide, a former flight attendant on Concorde, shared both technical information and anecdotes. Suitably seated and ready for flight, the pilot, via video, gave us additional information as we reached Mach 2.02. We were told not to look outside the windows at it might spoil the illusion. When we reached our destination (right where we started) we were given a complimentary flight certificate to commemorate our flight on Concorde.
I have only touched the surface of the things we saw during our visit to Brooklands and there was so much more to see, but we ran out of time. This meant that our planned visit to Runnymede later in the afternoon had to be postponed for another occasion.
Back at the hotel, we had time to relax and freshen up before dining in the Cote Brasserie which is located just on the opposite side of the Thames, via Windsor Bridge, from the Hotel Christopher Wren. Then it was back to the hotel for a nightcap in the bar, which on this occasion, was still serving when we retired for the night.
Dining and living in the Cote Brasserie and the Hotel Christopher Wren were brilliant ideas. Located on the two sides of the Thames, and the pedestrian Bridge, gives great views and excellent photo opportunities.
We had a happy surprise when we realised just who close to the bridge our hotel was.
I see, you spent your Jubilee weekend in Windsor.
How regal!
I spent mine in Winsley in Wiltshire.
It was a charming village.
We were hoping for a fun street party at home. But for the first time ever this did not happen.
So the Jubilee celebrations, much to my disappointment sort of passed us by…
It’s been years since I’ve been to Brooklands, but it’s such a fantastic place. Did you climb to the top of the banking.
Climbing the banking is forbidden. Even if it wasn’t I wouldn’t have attempted it, it is far too steep to walk up without specialist equipment.
Such a pretty view by the river and I love when the lights come on at dusk.
We stayed in the perfect place