Episode 1/22

@ Adventure beckons!
Mirabilis begins her 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
"I thought the English had a reputation for being polite," said Belle. "But I've just heard those two pets over there saying the most offensive things to each other!"
"Oh, no, that's fine," responded Mirabilis. "It means they're best friends. The stronger the friendship, the more they insult each other."
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
"When in south-west England," read Tammie 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, Tammie?" remarked Mirabilis.
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
"Why do the English think a 'good hot cup of tea' will solve all your problems, Splash?" queried Mirabilis.
"Yes, it's an interesting one, Mirabilis," responded Splash. "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."
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 Lady 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, Lady?" remarked Mirabilis.
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
"When in south-west England," read Mushroom 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, Mushroom?" remarked Mirabilis.
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
"Tips for blending in whilst in England," read Choose a name from the itinerary. "Firstly—never, ever, ever jump a queue. Gosh! Would they thump you, or something?"
"Worse!" declared Mirabilis, shuddering. "They start tutting. And sighing. You might even get the Evil Glare!"
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
"When was Shakespeare born, Mirabilis?" asked Likey.
Mirabilis floundered. "Um ... 15- — something, wasn't 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.

Episode 9/22

@ Dartmoor Pony
"I thought the English had a reputation for being polite," said Luminous. "But I've just heard those two pets over there saying the most offensive things to each other!"
"Oh, no, that's fine," responded Mirabilis. "It means they're best friends. The stronger the friendship, the more they insult each other."
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
"Phrases heard in Cornwall," read shyla from the itinerary."'Wossmarrwiddee?'"
"What on earth does that mean?" queried Mirabilis.
"It means – 'You seem upset, is there anything I can do to help?'" responded shyla.
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
"When was Shakespeare born, Mirabilis?" asked Lucky.
Mirabilis floundered. "Um ... 1500 and something, wasn't it?"
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
"It says here, When in Brighton you might want to see where the Seagulls play. It sounds interesting, but how do they play?" asked Mirabilis.
"They play football, Mirabilis! The Seagulls is the name of the local football team!" responded Cuckoo.
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
"Did you know the knitting machine was invented by an Englishman, Mirabilis?" asked Allie Kat.
Mirabilis looked mildly interested. "When was that? No, don't tell me—around 1500 and something, was it?" she responded.
"It was in 1589, actually," said Allie Kat.
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
“Where are we now, Mirabilis?” asked Bolly.
"If it's Friday this must be England!" joked Mirabilis. "Only kidding—let me check the map!"
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
"Here's another Cornish phrase," said Jillie. "'E's gone up north" – which means: 'He's crossed the Tamar'."
"What's the Tamar, Jillie?" asked Mirabilis.
"It's the 61 mile river dividing Cornwall and Devon, Mirabilis."
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
"Did you know, Chica," said Mirabilis, "that nowhere in Great Britain is more than 70 miles (113 km) from the coast?"
"Sounds great for swimmers and surfers, Mirabilis!" approved Chica.
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
"Did you know, Moofin," said Mirabilis, "that nowhere in Great Britain is more than 70 miles (113 km) from the coast?"
"Sounds great for swimmers and surfers, Mirabilis!" approved Moofin.
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 Mirabilis.
Sweet Pea looked smug. "It's between 7,723 miles (12,429 km) and 12,251 miles (19,717 km), depending which source you refer to."
Mirabilis 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 Sweet Pea.
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
"There's apparently a perennial debate throughout the whole of England about whether 'scone' should rhyme with 'gone' or 'bone'," remarked Treasure.
Mirabilis ruminated for some time. "Controversial things, these scones, aren't they, Treasure?"
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, Mirabilis?" asked Kathleen.
Mirabilis looked round wildly, as if the answer were to be found displayed on a nearby wall. "Some time in the 1500s, wasn't it?" she 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
"It says on the itinerary that we can buy Brighton rock at the gift shop," remarked Luminous. "But can't we just pick a rock or two up from the sea front?"
Mirabilis grinned. "Seaside rock is cylindrical minty confectionary, Luminous! It has the name of the resort running right the way through it."
Chiltern Hills
The Chiltern Hills present a colourful patchwork of fields from this hilltop vantage point.

Episode 22/22

@ Canal Boosts Morale
As Mirabilis's tour of "Southern England" comes to an end, she 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.
Mirabilis has completed their tour of "Southern England"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of "The British Isles"!