The Charlotte Jane, Christchurch

Advantages: The best scones in Dorset
Disadvantages: Becoming very popular and therefore busy

...of a local dealer who has similar cabinets at other local venues) In addition to the main area there is a small 'snug' area in which there are two sofas - just right for the occasional coffee and chat in relative privacy. Recently, a stained glass window was installed between the main area and the snug, this was quite impressive as Jane had made it her self and the design was of a duck over a crown over a three-legged stool (duck-king-stool, very clever) - it looks really good and provides even more seclusion for those in the snug area. Throughout the year Nick and Jane have put on a number of special High Teas - usually to coincide with other events such as the Christchurch Food Festival and of course Christmas. We went to the Christmas high tea and thoroughly enjoyed it, in addition to the tea itself (sandwiches and cakes on a three... Read review

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Advantages: A good way to travel
Disadvantages: But could be better still

...better to open the bar in the buffet car earlier rather than to keep his patter going over the intercom. We were well over half an hour into the journey before refreshments became available, just as they would later cease to be available half an hour before its end. Given that the train is scheduled to depart at lunchtime and had left late, this delay was an irritant, at least to the perennially thirsty. Still, he was occasionally amusing. "Off to the north-east from here lies New Zealand's second largest offshore island, known as the North Island. The largest offshore island is the West Island, which its inhabitants call Australia." We were on the TransCoastal route, which runs from the InterIslander ferry terminal at Picton down to the South Island's only city of substance, Christchurch (see map below). The next day, journeying... Read review

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Advantages: Wonderful view from spire, interesting decor, great central location near other sites, free
Disadvantages: Quite busy

...Christchurch is my favourite city in New Zealand. It is modern and happening, whilst still retaining a very refined and serene atmosphere, with its willow-banked river creeping through the city centre, benches in small gardens for people to pass time on, and lovely old buildings. The centrepiece of Christchurch would have to be its gothic-style cathedral. It is located in the attractively cobbled Cathedral Square, which is packed with people enjoying street performers, including jugglers and the famous Wizard of Christchurch, an official living monument who is a site in himself, preaching on all kinds of topics from a step ladder, tourists playing giant chess, marketstalls, baton twirlers, choirs, sculptures, cafes and bars. And there is no better place to watch all this going on that from the top of the cathedral spire. From... Read review

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