Episode 1/22

@ Adventure beckons!
Hermie 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!

Episode 2/22

@ Gloucester Cathedral
"What did the itinerary say about fitting in whilst here?" asked Hermie.
Ms Kitty 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?"
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.

Episode 3/22

@ All the World's a Stage
"They've got the complete works of Shakespeare for sale here, Hermie," mused Amethyst. "I suppose we could get a set?"
"That would be a splendid idea, Hermie," said Amethyst. "Of course—I'm sure it's just me, you know, but perhaps you might need a second complete works, in plain English, so we know what he's on about?"
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.

Episode 4/22

@ Designer Morris Minor
"Did you know, Lovely," said Hermie, "that nowhere in Great Britain is more than 70 miles (113 km) from the coast?"
"Sounds great for swimmers and surfers, Hermie!" approved Lovely.
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.

Episode 5/22

@ Shipshape and Bristol Fashion
"When in south-west England," read Shirley 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, Shirley?" remarked Hermie.
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.

Episode 6/22

@ Port Isaac
"Tips for blending in whilst in England," read Mr. Panda from the itinerary. "Firstly—never, ever, ever jump a queue. Gosh! Would they thump you, or something?"
"Worse!" declared Hermie, shuddering. "They start tutting. And sighing. You might even get the Evil Glare!"
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.

Episode 7/22

@ Surfers Bay
"What did the itinerary say about fitting in whilst here?" asked Hermie.
Max 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?"
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.

Episode 8/22

@ Pirate of Penzance
"I've bought this fantastic model of SS Great Britain inside a bottle from the souvenir shop, Mia. Just look at the attention to detail!"
"It'll look great next to the model steam engine you got on last winter's trip," said Mia.
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.

Episode 9/22

@ Dartmoor Pony
"Those Marks & Spencer's egg mayo sandwiches were delicious, Kuro," remarked Hermie. "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, Hermie!" said Kuro. "You know, one of the humans involved in organising this trip says that Marks & Spencer is her spiritual home ..."
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.

Episode 10/22

@ Hobnobbin' with a Robin
"Did you know, Daiwik Bhavatu," said Hermie, "that nowhere in Great Britain is more than 70 miles (113 km) from the coast?"
"Sounds great for swimmers and surfers, Hermie!" approved Daiwik Bhavatu.
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.

Episode 11/22

@ Hot Air Balloon
"I thought the English had a reputation for being polite," said Mikey. "But I've just heard those two pets over there saying the most offensive things to each other!"
"Oh, no, that's fine," responded Hermie. "It means they're best friends. The stronger the friendship, the more they insult each other."
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.

Episode 12/22

@ Beguiling Isle
"Here's another Cornish phrase," said swinger. "'E's gone up north" – which means: 'He's crossed the Tamar'."
"What's the Tamar, swinger?" asked Hermie.
"It's the 61 mile river dividing Cornwall and Devon, Hermie."
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 ...

Episode 13/22

@ West Lulworth
"Ooh, our itinerary talks about the Jurassic Coast here, Mekmek," whispered Hermie. "Do they have dinosaurs in England?"
"You watch too many films," remarked Mekmek disapprovingly. "Jurassic is just the name for a period of time of up to 200 million years ago. Although quite a few people claim that dinosaurs are in charge of government!"
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.

Episode 14/22

@ Jurassic Arc
"Here's another Cornish phrase," said Garnet. "'E's gone up north" – which means: 'He's crossed the Tamar'."
"What's the Tamar, Garnet?" asked Hermie.
"It's the 61 mile river dividing Cornwall and Devon, Hermie."
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.

Episode 15/22

@ Southampton Beach
"Let's go into this bookshop here, Wuzzle," said Hermie. "I fancy buying some Sherlock Holmes stories to read in the hotel tonight!"
"Good scheme, Hermie," approved Wuzzle.
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”.

Episode 16/22

@ Isle of Wight in Sight
"Here's another Cornish phrase," said Morri. "'E's gone up north" – which means: 'He's crossed the Tamar'."
"What's the Tamar, Morri?" asked Hermie.
"It's the 61 mile river dividing Cornwall and Devon, Hermie."
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).

Episode 17/22

@ Palace Pier
"When in south-west England," read Lily 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, Lily?" remarked Hermie.
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.

Episode 18/22

@ Royal Pavilion
"I wonder what the total length of all the coastline around Great Britain is?" marvelled Hermie.
Icarus looked smug. "It's between 7,723 miles (12,429 km) and 12,251 miles (19,717 km), depending which source you refer to."
Hermie 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 Icarus.
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.

Episode 19/22

@ White Cliffs of Eastbourne
"It says on the itinerary that we can buy Brighton rock at the gift shop," remarked Mekmek. "But can't we just pick a rock or two up from the sea front?"
Hermie grinned. "Seaside rock is cylindrical minty confectionary, Mekmek! It has the name of the resort running right the way through it."
White Cliffs of Eastbourne
Beachy Head's 530 feet (161m) high cliffs give stunning views over Eastbourne and the English Channel.

Episode 20/22

@ Grist to the Mill
"When did Henry VIII reign over England, Hermie?" asked Moriarty.
Hermie looked round wildly, as if the answer were to be found displayed on a nearby wall. "Some time in the 1500s, wasn't it?" he ventured.
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.

Episode 21/22

@ Chiltern Hills
"Why do the English think a 'good hot cup of tea' will solve all your problems, Milly?" queried Hermie.
"Yes, it's an interesting one, Hermie," responded Milly. "I don't think it's the actual tea. It's more the little ceremony of brewing and serving it correctly, then sitting down to enjoy it properly that calms the mind and gives more clarity."
Chiltern Hills
The Chiltern Hills present a colourful patchwork of fields from this hilltop vantage point.

Episode 22/22

@ Canal Boosts Morale
As Hermie'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.
Hermie has completed their tour of "Southern England"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of "The British Isles"!