@ Adventure beckons! Digger begins his 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!
While touring the British Isles, you met Selene.
Digger shook paws with Selene the Arctic Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Gloucester Cathedral "Phrases heard in Cornwall," read Thurmy from the itinerary."'Wossmarrwiddee?'" "What on earth does that mean?" queried Digger. "It means – 'You seem upset, is there anything I can do to help?'" responded Thurmy. 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Thurmy.
Digger shook paws with Thurmy the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ All the World's a Stage "What did the itinerary say about fitting in whilst here?" asked Digger. Zig 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," he said. "Hmm. I wonder what the English consider to be 'extreme' weather?" 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Zig.
Digger shook paws with Zig the Multi-Functional Robot. They both received one silver mole!
@ Designer Morris Minor "What did the itinerary say about fitting in whilst here?" asked Digger. Rowan 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," he said. "Hmm. I wonder what the English consider to be 'extreme' weather?" 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Rowan.
Digger shook paws with Rowan the Red Cheerling. They both received one silver mole!
@ Shipshape and Bristol Fashion “Where are we now, Digger?” asked Hannibal. "If it's Friday this must be England!" joked Digger. "Only kidding—let me check the map!" 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Hannibal.
Digger shook paws with Hannibal the Welsh dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ Port Isaac "What did the itinerary say about fitting in whilst here?" asked Digger. Winter 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," he said. "Hmm. I wonder what the English consider to be 'extreme' weather?" 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Winter.
Digger shook paws with Winter the Arctic Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Surfers Bay "Hey, we'll be passing a Marks & Spencer's later, Choose a name," remarked Digger. "Let's pop in and get ourselves a pack of scones with cream and jam!" "My tum seconds that, Digger!" said Choose a name. 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Choose a name.
Digger shook paws with Choose a name the Tabby Cat. They both received one silver mole!
@ Pirate of Penzance "It says on the itinerary that we can buy Brighton rock at the gift shop," remarked Lucky. "But can't we just pick a rock or two up from the sea front?" Digger grinned. "Seaside rock is cylindrical minty confectionary, Lucky! It has the name of the resort running right the way through it." 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Lucky.
Digger shook paws with Lucky the Green Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ Dartmoor Pony "Did you know, Majestic," said Digger, "that nowhere in Great Britain is more than 70 miles (113 km) from the coast?" "Sounds great for swimmers and surfers, Digger!" approved Majestic. 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Majestic.
Digger shook paws with Majestic the Blue Beautiful Unicorn. They both received one silver mole!
@ Hobnobbin' with a Robin "When in south-west England," read Mulle from the literature, "it is de rigueur to partake of a cream tea (a pot of tea served with scones, thick cream and jam). You should be aware of the different county customs. In Devon the scone is split and covered first with cream, then jam on top. In Cornwall the split scone is spread with jam first, then cream on top. This is a topic of fierce debate between the two counties." "There's nothing like these first world problems, eh, Mulle?" remarked Digger. 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Mulle.
Digger shook paws with Mulle the Dauntless Dolphin. They both received one silver mole!
@ Hot Air Balloon "What did the itinerary say about fitting in whilst here?" asked Digger. Lovely 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," he said. "Hmm. I wonder what the English consider to be 'extreme' weather?" 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Lovely.
Digger shook paws with Lovely the Chickadee. They both received one silver mole!
@ Beguiling Isle "When in south-west England," read Hansi (Icky Bird Who Can't Fly) from the literature, "it is de rigueur to partake of a cream tea (a pot of tea served with scones, thick cream and jam). You should be aware of the different county customs. In Devon the scone is split and covered first with cream, then jam on top. In Cornwall the split scone is spread with jam first, then cream on top. This is a topic of fierce debate between the two counties." "There's nothing like these first world problems, eh, Hansi (Icky Bird Who Can't Fly)?" remarked Digger. 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 ...
While touring the British Isles, you met Hansi (Icky Bird Who Can't Fly).
Digger shook paws with Hansi (Icky Bird Who Can't Fly) the Playful Penguin. They both received one silver mole!
Hansi (Icky Bird Who Can't Fly) and you found 5 Travel Tokens!
@ West Lulworth "Those Marks & Spencer's egg mayo sandwiches were delicious, Abby," remarked Digger. "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, Digger!" said Abby. "You know, one of the humans involved in organising this trip says that Marks & Spencer is her spiritual home ..." 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Abby.
Digger shook paws with Abby the Black Lovable Labrador. They both received one silver mole!
@ Jurassic Arc "I wonder what the total length of all the coastline around Great Britain is?" marvelled Digger. Toothless looked smug. "It's between 7,723 miles (12,429 km) and 12,251 miles (19,717 km), depending which source you refer to." Digger 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 Toothless. 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Toothless.
Digger shook paws with Toothless the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ Southampton Beach "Tips for blending in whilst in England," read Rowan from the itinerary. "Firstly—never, ever, ever jump a queue. Gosh! Would they thump you, or something?" "Worse!" declared Digger, 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”.
While touring the British Isles, you met Rowan.
Digger shook paws with Rowan the Black Lovable Labrador. They both received one silver mole!
@ Isle of Wight in Sight "Phrases heard in Cornwall," read Mr. Dylan from the itinerary."'Wossmarrwiddee?'" "What on earth does that mean?" queried Digger. "It means – 'You seem upset, is there anything I can do to help?'" responded Mr. Dylan. 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).
While touring the British Isles, you met Mr. Dylan.
Digger shook paws with Mr. Dylan the Yellow Lovable Labrador. They both received one silver mole!
@ Palace Pier "It says on the itinerary that we can buy Brighton rock at the gift shop," remarked Poe. "But can't we just pick a rock or two up from the sea front?" Digger grinned. "Seaside rock is cylindrical minty confectionary, Poe! It has the name of the resort running right the way through it." 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Poe.
Digger shook paws with Poe the Holstein Friesian Calf. They both received one silver mole!
@ Royal Pavilion "It says on the itinerary that we can buy Brighton rock at the gift shop," remarked Sweet Pea. "But can't we just pick a rock or two up from the sea front?" Digger grinned. "Seaside rock is cylindrical minty confectionary, Sweet Pea! It has the name of the resort running right the way through it." 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met Sweet Pea.
Digger shook paws with Sweet Pea the Love Bug. They both received one silver mole!
@ White Cliffs of Eastbourne "Did you know the knitting machine was invented by an Englishman, Digger?" asked Sweetie. Digger looked mildly interested. "When was that? No, don't tell me—around 1500 and something, was it?" he responded. "It was in 1589, actually," said Sweetie. White Cliffs of Eastbourne Beachy Head's 530 feet (161m) high cliffs give stunning views over Eastbourne and the English Channel.
While touring the British Isles, you met Sweetie.
Digger shook paws with Sweetie the Chocolate Milky Moo Cow. They both received one silver mole!
@ Grist to the Mill "Did you know, gemma," said Digger, "that nowhere in Great Britain is more than 70 miles (113 km) from the coast?" "Sounds great for swimmers and surfers, Digger!" approved gemma. 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.
While touring the British Isles, you met gemma.
Digger shook paws with gemma the Black Great Dane. They both received one silver mole!
@ Chiltern Hills “Where are we now, Digger?” asked Violet Flame. "If it's Friday this must be England!" joked Digger. "Only kidding—let me check the map!" Chiltern Hills The Chiltern Hills present a colourful patchwork of fields from this hilltop vantage point.
While touring the British Isles, you met Violet Flame.
Digger shook paws with Violet Flame the Purple Dragon Hatchling. They both received one silver mole!
Violet Flame gave you 1 "British Isles Travel Stamp" size 7
@ Canal Boosts Morale As Digger's tour of "Southern England" comes to an end, he 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. Digger has completed their tour of "Southern England"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of "The British Isles"!
While touring the British Isles, you met Draco.
Digger shook paws with Draco the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
Digger has completed the quest of
