A Long English Holiday (Summer 2026)
- Kim Gilman
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
Greetings Dear Readers from the village of Doddinghurst, city of Brentwood, county of Essex, country of England! We have returned to the UK for the entire summer of 2026: 13 weeks to re-visit favorite places from our 2023-24 sabbatical; and to explore some of the many unfulfilled items on our list. And most importantly, to spend time with Robin's relatives Mia and Leni. Mia, now 24, lives in Billericay, about 15 minutes from our summer rental house, which is how we ended up in this village. It's about half an hour by train to London, and very nice!
Both our dogs, Gin and Sophie, are with us. They're good travelers and great company. It's a long journey to get them over here (we have to fly to Paris and then drive to England via tunnel or ferry, as dogs can't fly in-cabin to the UK). Travelers beware however: when driving a long distance with your dogs and you stop at a nice park for a rest break, DO NOT get out of your car leaving both keys and dogs inside. Funny how a 10-pound Chihuahua is perfectly capable of locking the doors from within.
We still made it here safely. Our quiet rental house is the right-hand side of a "semi-detached" (i.e. duplex) at the end of the street, and we've got a grey Nissan Qashqai to travel in. Our first week has been a mix of unpacking, catching up on rest, joining the local gym, testing the nearby pubs, and finding nice places to walk with the dogs.
Our first excursion on Friday was thanks to Robin's friend from home, Peter Baumgartner, who was in London for a few days prior to his big hiking trip in Wales. We agreed to meet in the village of Downe at Down House , the home where Charles Darwin lived for 40 years. The exhibits on his life and science were great, and the gardens where he took daily walks to reflect upon his work were beautiful.
As for our house in Carlisle, MA, USA -- our son CJ, 25, has moved home and will start a new job in Lexington this month. We're lucky to have him looking after the place. Next up for us: adventures in London, plus excursions to some scenic and historic places -- stay tuned!
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Hi Kim and Robin - how exciting! Seeing Darwin’s house sounds amazing.
LOVE your haircut Kim!
Kim - we are living vicariously through your wonderful post!! it sounds like a magical time. Enjoy every moment!! so wonderful!!
Hi, Kim! What a wonderful surprise to receive this update heralding a return to your travel blog for the summer! We look forward to the next 13 weeks! You and Robin look fantastic (you too, CJ!), and ready for a summer in England. (Love your hair, by the way!) In addition to wishing you a magnificent summer abroad, I'm here to ask forgiveness for the fact that we laughed (discreetly!) at Gin's antics. 🤭 If you had written that "one of the dogs" had locked you and Robin out of your vehicle, we'd have instantly suspected Gin. (No offense, Sophie. We're sure your door-locking skills are well-honed, but Gin just beat you to it.) Here's wishing you all a wonderfu…
So wonderful to hear from you, Kim! Went hiking at Punkatasset (sp?) with Larry, who really enjoyed it, and thought of you the whole way. Love the pics! Great to see some of Jolly Olde and even better to see one of CJ at 25!! Know you will have a glorious summer! Cheryl
I’m so excited for you all and for CJ. It looks beautiful! Love your hair! Laughed out loud about the dogs. How precious! Love you bunches.