Travel With Kids – England rejoins the Roberts family after wrapping up their sightseeing adventures in Travel With Kids – London. If you haven’t had the pleasure of viewing a title in the extensive Travel With Kids series, I recommend you read my review of Travel With Kids – London to become familiar with the general premise and background of their kid-centric travelogues.
The DVD is separated into two separate episodes of Travel With Kids. Taking advantage of their Brit Rail passes the Roberts family makes their way to the historic city of Bath in the first episode. Viewers are introduced to the origins and development of the ancient Roman spa town. The familiar English narrator comedically leads children into the succession of rule over Bath, and England itself, tracing the line of fluctuating ownership of the town to the current monarchy. The family explores both the modern expression of Bath and its rich culture while delving into the ruins and remains of Roman civilization.
While bathing is no longer allowed in the proper baths, Bath water (containing 64 minerals) is available for sampling. Seamus and Nathan bravely sip the waters, though I notice their parents, Carrie and Jeremy pass up trying the renowned healing tonic. The Georgian row houses and cobblestone streets are charming, but the majestic Bath Abbey dominates the city. The inside video work is striking, capturing the intricate ceilings and stained glass windows.
After plumbing the city proper the Roberts head out into the surrounding countryside, heading specifically towards Stonehenge. While explaining the astrological significance of the site and touching upon the difficulties of constructing the monuments the Roberts make no efforts to downplay the anticlimactic visit to the stones. “They’re big rocks.” and variations thereof make up the bulk of the comments offered by the Roberts boys as well as other children and adults visiting the site.
The second episode follows the Roberts family to the distant Lake District, well known for its pastoral scenery and as the home of celebrated authors and poets. Once again the Roberts praise the British railway system for its ease of travel and built-in entertainment through the windows. This is my third time hearing these praises and it is becoming somewhat redundant — each episode contains a lengthy praise of train travel.
Of the three destinations I have followed the Roberts to from my armchair, the Lake District is the most charming. This wouldn’t be Travel With Kids without exploring the history of the District, and once that is established the family is off to a wide assortment of adventures filled with wildlife and fun. The Lakeside Hotel features resident swans (property of the crown), ducks and boating opportunities. The Aquarium of the Lakes is fascinating, featuring aquatic life native to the Lake District.
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