The day started off very lazy--nobody wanted to get out of bed! We all just kind of laid there and stared at the ceiling until it was almost past time to go. Oh well.
Our first stop of the day was Beeston Castle, which I believe is in England. It was this gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous site, way up on a crag. From the top you could see eight English counties. Seriously, the view was amazing. It was my favorite of all the castles we visited.
Driving in, we first saw the other castle on the hill opposite it, which is privately owned or something.
Then the remains of Beeston. It must have been intimidating to see both when they were fully standing and guarding the pass.
A more modern gatehouse (not original). There was a lovely tree outside, which we climbed while waiting for the gates to open.
An ancient well that was also used by pagans, apparently, before the medieval castle builders found it. Opposite of it was the outer wall, where we sat to rest. I tried to start the wave, but only got a couple people to do it; however, since that included the professor, I think it was a success.
From Beeston, you can still see the other castle across the way.
The twin-towered gatehouse is one of the few bits still mostly standing. Well, at least it looks that way from the outside.
Look how deep its ditch is. And the other side is just the sheer cliff face. I dare you to attack this castle and win. Cause you won't.
The view is amazing. Although darn those clouds for making shadows on my picture.
The well is one of the deepest ones in all of England or something, cut straight through rock. Like other sites, it would have been very important to the residents.
Just pretty!
Peering through an arrowloop to see the other castle.
Oh garderobes. They're everywhere.
Lunch included the classic British Jelly Babies. Pity that some are blackcurrant (PUKE). 
Next up was Denbigh Castle, which had really cool nooks and crannies to explore.
The town nearby.
One of those awesome little holes-in-the-ground. At one point it would have been above ground level and served as an entrance (we found the portcullis groove).
Some places still show hints of its former grandeur, like this carved stone.
What the heck is that??
Can you imagine what the inside would have looked like when it was filled with buildings? I just keep imagining Monty Python and the Holy Grail...
Last part of the day was exploring Chester itself, including the town walls, amphitheater, and the castle. Since we'd already been on the walls, seen the amphitheater, and went to the castle only to discover that it was closed, Kelly and I ended up doing a quick run through then spending time in town. Kieran kept insisting that there was a "no shopping" policy, but I'm pretty sure that's what most of the girls ended up doing. Pity all I bought was a sub at Subway!
More Roman stuff.
These signs were all along the wall.
After eating, we watched Flushed Away on TV, then went to the pub, where the society bought everybody several rounds of drinks. From the horrible shakiness of this picture, you'd think I was drunk, but I'm pretty sure no one spiked my Coke...
And that was that!
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