Ben Gamblin Online - Blog: Leeds Castle / A12 Accident

Leeds Castle / A12 Accident

05 Aug '04, 00:00

So I've had some pictures on this page for a few days now from last Sunday, and decided it's about time I explained them - especially the damaged car.

Me & Kate decided it would be nice to have a day out on Sunday, so we decided to go to Kent and specifically Leeds Castle.

After very busy traffic on the M25 leading up to the tolls after the Dartford crossing, we eventually managed to get there at about 2pm. Just right for a spot of lunch.

It's a nice place, Leeds Castle. Even the car park grounds are nice, so we found a picnic bench and had a spot of lunch. Rolls and cocktail sausages all went down very nicely and only 1 or 2 wasps bothering us. Afterwards, off we went to pay lots of cash (£22 for both of us) and entered the grounds. From the entrance, the castle looked quite distant - the grounds were very large with plenty of trees for shade in what was a very warm day, but with a nice breeze.

After a stroll around these grounds, we had a look around the castle which was very interesting. It looked like it was still being used as a hall was being setup for dining. There was also a nice courtyard but the bar wasn't open so I couldn't have my pint. Why? Why is the bar not open on a Sunday afternoon. Are they mad? They must be!

So rant over, we carried on walking past the courtyard and into a nice flowery garden, and then further still and onto the maze I haven't been in a maze for a while, so this was quite fun. I do like to apply some logic to it though rather than wander aimlessly - I was constantly peering through the bushes to see the layout of the neighbouring track to figure out the route. Still took about 20min though with the goal being a raised stone mound at the centre of the maze so we could see everyone still out there struggling to find their way.

The route out was fun too. A little underground tunnel called a grotto. Very cool and damp which was very welcome considering how I feel the heat. So after this we just lazed about in the sun for a bit before taking a stroll back. We walked as far as the castle, going back the way we came and getting a Corneto from the shop in the courtyard.

We decided that we were too tired to walk back so we took the land train back to the entrance where we watched a few peacocks, and then slowly wandered back to the car.

The traffic on the way back was nowhere near as heavy as that on the way, and getting across the crossing was easy. Unfortunately we still didn't have a smooth run as not long after joining the A12 we had a bump with a recovery truck who pulled into our lane to avoid an idiot driver. Unfortunately, we already had his spot in the lane he was moving into, so as he sped up to miss us, and we reduced speed, our front bumper caught the rear of his vehicle tearing it away.

He was quite friendly though and explained what happened and quite happily offered to pay for repairs, so after swapping details on the side of the A12, he left and Kate called the AA to arrange repair.

The first call was made at 7:00 and they said they would get back to us in 15 min. At 7:30 a second call was made; they said it had been outsourced. At 8:30, the third call was made; they said they were looking for us and should be with us in 5 minutes. 15 minutes later at 8:45, an OnTime vehicle arrived. Very friendly bloke who managed to bolt the bumper back on which would be ok until a new bumper could have been fitted, but a 2hour wait has left me less than impressed with the AA. Especially as it involved us standing on the side of a busy dual carriageway.

Anyway we arrived back at about 9pm and as I still hadn't had my lunchtime pint, we headed off to our local for a quick drink, which I think was well deserved.

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