The Ultimate Football Excursion - Day 9

Birmingham - Warwick Castle - London

After a very nice breakfast at the Birmingham Holiday Inn we proceeded to Warwick - a short 30 minute train journey. Within 10 minutes of Warwick station lies Warwick Castle. This is historically much more important than either Arundel or Carlisle Castles previously visited. Although of similar age to Arundel it is much larger with a definite military feel. Unfortunately, it is much more commercialised than Arundel or Carlisle with numerous street vendors lining the outet walls and the National Trust conducting various "themed" tours such as Merlin, Old Witch etc. The historic aspects seem to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the commercial ventures - pity!



We returned back to Birmingham before catching the train to London arriving at our hotel late afternoon. After a short rest, it was back on the London Underground to watch QPR Vs West Ham. We stopped at a Westfield near the tube station for a quick bite however our time keeper (SAM) decided food was much more important and at 7:50pm yelled "Oh Sh*t". We were still more than 15 minutes form the ground with kick off at 8pm and we still had to collect our tickets. As luck would have it our entry gate was on the other side of the ticket collection point so we entered the ground about 10 minutes post KO with West Ham leading 1-0. The remainder of the game although spiteful with numeous yellow cards (+ 1 Red card) did not achieve a high standard with West Ham running out 2-1 winners. Some good saves by both keepers in the second half.

Tomorrow we head to Dover followed by a "minicriuse" to Calais in the Captains Lounge with a three course lunch. In the evening we will see the Championship game between Carlton and Watford - Both previous Premier League sides.

Football Tally

Games: 6
Competions: Premier League X 4; League Cup X 2
Stadia: 6 (White Hart Lane, Stamford Bridge, Emirates, Old Trafford, Loftus Road, Villa Park)

Loftus Rd Stadium

Warwick Castle