As we search further afield for new attractions, we do more mileage and although we try to avoid rush hours, it was inevitable that one day we would fall foul of a major traffic jam.
We battled against the widespread traffic jams (M3, M25, M4, M40, A30, A322) and although adopting a cross country route to by-pass some of the holdups, that was thwarted by a width restriction, and we ended up static on the M25, not even as far as the M40, after 2 hours, with a coachload needing a comfort break. There was no possibility of making the Cambridge Colleges Tour within any realistic time – – forcing us for the first time, to abandon our destination and divert to an alternative.
As soon as the traffic jam moved forward, we diverted westwards on M40, found a service station, and then enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon at Hughenden Manor – Disreii’s home, and listened to the stories of the relationship of Disreli and Queen Victoria and war-time map-making. First class alternative.
Steve Duckworth primed Hughenden on our arrival and so they could provide food (normally a quiet day); they welcomed us.