If your travels should take you to...

If your travels should take you to Britain this week and you happen to be in the village of Taunton in Somerset on Friday, here’s an opportunity to see Queen Elizabeth II in a close-up encounter at Taunton’s Castle Hotel. She’ll be strolling past the hotel precisely at noon, and managing director Christopher Chapman is building grandstand seats for his guests. To mark the 35th year of her reign, 35 white doves will be released as she passes. At the same time, maids dressed in 1700s period costume will sprinkle flower petals in the queen’s path. A special luncheon for hotel guests is planned following the procession. To make reservations call Scott Calder toll-free at (800) 223-5581 in New York. To book a room for a visit later this year, contact Calder or write to the Castle Hotel, Taunton TA1-1NF, England.

Freighter Buffs

For readers who called to ask for more information on the Page 1 article on freighter travel last Sunday, contact George Henck, Freighter World Cruises Inc., 180 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, Calif. 91101 or telephone (818) 449-3106. He has all the answers. Handles bookings for cruises to practically any port you can name in the world. And as he was quoted in the article, he can get you aboard a freighter almost on a moment’s notice--just so long as you aren’t particular about where you’re going. That’s my dream: a slow boat to some distant destination with no time frame.

Reader Recommendations

Meanwhile, due to an unusually heavy response from travelers, the remainder of the column is devoted today to our reader recommendations.

Ireland--Mrs. P. Dunne, Los Angeles: “Would like to share this B&B;, which is in the old aristocratic style with log fires, tiger skins and antlers in the hall. Dining table groaning with old silver. Rate 12 (about $19 U.S.). Dinner extra if requested. Write: Mrs. L. Blosse-Lynch, Partry House, County Mayo.”

Ireland--Grace and Ray Barbera, Woodland Hills: “Mrs. R. Gibbons, a lovely woman, runs this B&B;, Joyville House, 24 St. Alphonsus Road, Drumconora, Dublin 9. Clean rooms, great breakfasts, Irish bread recipes and good conversation. Rate $11 each.”

Scotland--Phyllis Schuman, Murrieta Hot Springs, Calif.: “For a lovely B&B; write to Mrs. H. MacDonald, Lewiston, Drumnadroohit, Scotland. Lovely room and breakfast, and friendly, helpful landlady. Rates 20 for two.”

France--MacDonald Harris, Newport Beach: Recommends Restaurant Atrium, 5 Impasse du Palement, 84100 Orange, France. “In a quiet cul-de-sac, serves meals in the courtyard in season. We had prix fix for about $12.75. Wine about $11. Specializes in seafood. Service and decor excellent. Also Au Coin du Feu in Vence, 3 Impasse Cinitiere-Vieux. Only four tables. They also serve outdoors in season. The 85-franc menu (prix fix) is the best we’ve found in France. Run by Raphael Marin and his wife. Prepares best kind of modified nouvelle cuisine and prices are a bargain.”

Wales--Stephen Duncan, West Covina: “Resting on the bank of the Bristol Channel in the south of Wales is a peaceful Welsh village called Pencoed. The Maerdy Hotel offers full B&B; at 24 single, 34 double. The hotel is first-class, well-staffed. Stephanie is a gracious hostess. Address: Maerdy Hotel, Coychurch Road, Pencoed, Mid-Glamorgan, South Wales CF355NA.”

Italy--James R. Bray, Santa Barbara: Recommends Ristorante da Marco, Via Roma, 22 p.t., Rapallo, Italy. “Full fish dinner, pasta, salad, dessert, wine and mineral water served by owner and her nephew. $19.52 for two.”

Germany--Warren K. Stobaugh, Redlands, Calif.: “A B&B; we recommend is Kohncke’s Hotel, 2901 Wiefelstede 2, Metjendorf Flugplatz, Oldenburg, West Germany. Clean, quiet inn in a suburb for 64 Deutsch marks (about $33 U.S.) last July. Dinner is also reasonable. The cook chews out her husband, the bartender, if you don’t give her 45 minutes to do the baked potatoes.”

Germany--Dick M. Blue, Camarillo: “Discovered a great little hotel just a few miles east of Frankfurt. Contact Johanna Seubert at the Hotel Aschaffenburger Hof, 20 Wisenburger Str., 8750 Aschaffenburg, West Germany. We paid about $75 a night. The area around Aschaffenburg is filled with history.”

Switzerland--Ed Honeck, Orange: “Can highly recommend a B&B; in an immaculate 200-year-old home surrounded by gorgeous Swiss Alps. Available year round. $35 per person per day, $50 per couple day per day. Write to Berti Kuehnen-Hobi, Schweizerhaus, 8750 Glarus, Switzerland.”

Australia--Ralph F. Bernays, Oceanside: “Just returned from Brisbane, Queensland, and have a tip: Avoid cashing traveler’s checks in the Australian National Bank as they make a charge of $5 Australian (about $3.75) for the transaction. The Westpac Banking Corp., with many branches in Australia including the bank at the Sydney Airport, makes no charge. In Brisbane the Camelot Motel, 40 Astor Terrace, was delightful. Rate is about $38.50 U.S. for a double room with kitchen, pool and spa. Suggest reservations.”

Australia--Grant Mehren, San Diego: “Recommend Eastern Town House, 90 Albert St., Melbourne. An attractive place for $32 U.S., includes a kitchenette and color TV. Across from public tennis courts and only a 10-minute stroll to Fitzroy Gardens. Another 10 minutes to the heart of downtown Melbourne.”

California--Evelyn Reichman, Camarillo: “We’ve had two great trips with The California Native. A day trip to the Santa Ynez Valley wine country for $55, and a three-day weekend at Yosemite for $220. Comfortable van, friendly people, lovely room at Yosemite Lodge. Great way to travel without doing your own driving. Call Lee Klein, The California Native, (213) 642-1140.”

California--Irving Paster, San Diego: “I find it handy to get off at the Airport Terminal in San Francisco, walk two blocks to the Adelaide Inn and find myself in the heart of the city housed in a clean, cheap ($26 single, $30 double) room with a continental breakfast. Call Serge for reservations: The Adelaide Inn, 5 Adelaide Place, San Francisco 94102. Phone (415) 441-2261.”

California--Celeste Hale, Encino: “Recommend Keating House, 2331 2nd Ave., San Diego 92101, phone (619) 239-8585. “Nicely done Victorian with charming hosts and lots of TLC. Excellent continental breakfast and afternoon sherry. Rates start at $53 a night, double occupancy.”

California--Loraine Arzt, Beverly Hills: “We have, in the past, never really enjoyed Palm Springs, but we spent three days at La Mancha, which changed that for us. We took well-traveled English visitors with us, had a two-bedroom villa with service and a private pool. One bedroom and bath was upstairs, affording privacy. Attitude of staff and service was faultless. We give La Mancha a 10 1/2. We paid $235 a day. Contact La Mancha, 444 Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs 92262, phone (619) 323-1773.”

Colorado--Dick and Jane Freeman, Corona Del Mar: “Our ski trip to Vail was made memorable by Dave and Diane Pratt, who own a B&B; 2 1/2 miles west of Vail Village, 1 miles west of the Lionshead section of town on West Gore Creek Drive. Private access to a family sitting room, two-bed bedroom and 3/4 bath separate from owners’ area. Breakfasts included huevos rancheros, eggs Benedict, sausage, bacon, homemade muffins and Texas-style French toast, all served with Diane’s homemade marmalades. When you return to the room you’ll find a tray with hot chocolate, coffee, muffins, cookies, nuts, etc. Prices $65 double, $45 single, $20 for each additional person. Dave plays piano, guitar, banjo. What a fun time! Better than skiing, almost. P.O. Box 1191, Vail, Colo. 81658. Phone (303) 476-3356.”

Colorado--Lucille Warren, Corona Del Mar: “Not wanting to ski every day, we looked for other things to do. I found Alpine Rendezvous, phone (303) 949-7708, address P.O. Box 58, Eagle, Colo. 81631, which told me about other activities, restaurants, times, places and costs. After we made our choice, Stephanie Heinen made all our reservations at no charge.”

Washington--Maryknoll L. Bloss, Irvine: “Found a superior B&B; in the San Juan Islands. The Saratoga Inn, 4850 S. Coles Road, Langley, Whidbey Island, phone (206) 221-7526. Innkeeper Debbie Jones provides beautiful, comfortable and quiet rooms (two of the five have fireplaces), all with private baths, handmade quilts displayed on walls, handmade pillows on bed. Fresh-baked cookies and a fruit basket were awaiting us on our return from dinner. Rates $65 to $75 a night. Also found outstanding food and ambiance at the Cafe Bissett, 170 West St., Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, phone (206) 378-3109. The house champagne, baked goods and breads, soups, desserts and entrees compare favorably to L.A.’s best. Lunch about $10 including wine.”

Washington--Barbara Derbin Reitz, Los Angeles: “Discovered a gracious B&B; 20 minutes east of Seattle. In a lovely wooded and secluded setting, this authentic Colonial home offers old-fashioned hospitality. Fresh fruits and such delights as Dutch Babies or Company Eggs all served up by firelight and candlelight in the morning. Peaceful, restful, restorative. Singles $35, doubles $40. Guests share a bath and there are only two guest rooms. Write to Cedarym, 1011 240th Ave. N.E., Redmond, Wash. 98053, phone (206) 868-4159.”

Washington--Gere Coughlin, Carpinteria: “Spent a delightful week headquartered on the Challenger, an authentic West Coast tugboat that has been restored and converted to provide a seagoing home and ‘Bunk & Breakfast.’ Guests may visit spacious pilot house and engine room. Ambiance is outstanding. A fine experience and a whale of a breakfast. Rates are $35 a night single and $30 for each additional night, doubles are $50 first night and $30 for each additional night. Write to The Challenger, The Henry Pier at Chandler’s Cove, 809 Fairview Place N., Seattle 98109.”

Louisiana--Les and Betty Waverly, Santa Ana Heights, Calif.: “Our recent holiday was enriched by a side trip to the mouth of the Mississippi River Delta, about 90 river miles from New Orleans. Trip days are the first and third Saturdays of the month. The boat leaves from Venice, La., at 9 a.m. Cost is $25 per person and includes a delicious and ample Creole-style lunch. Contact Pat Pugh, Plaquemines Parish Office of Tourism, Route 1, Box 640, Port Sulphur, La. 70083 or phone (504) 564-2925.”

Canada--Karen O’Carrol, Upland, Calif.: “Recommend the Bayshore Inn on the lakefront in Waterton Lakes National Park on the Canadian side of Glacier Park. A well-run hotel that offers all amenities and beautiful honeymoon suites with heart-shaped Jacuzzis. Rates are $66 to $95 Canadian. Write Box 38, Waterton Park, Alberta, Canada TOK 2MO. Phone (403) 859-2211.”

Cook Islands--Leslie Del Guercio, Los Angeles: “On the shore of a beautiful lagoon on Rarotonga is the New Zealand-style Rarotongan Sunset Motel. Owned and run by Nigal and Irene Purdie, there are 20 almost new, modern, self-contained units with video system, phone and cooking facilities. Price is $37 a night for a beachfront double. Address is P.O. Box 377, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.”

England--Doreen Whiteley, Downey: “Here’s one of our favorite guest houses in England. Good food and super hosts. L’Arrivee Licensed Guest House, 75 Locking Road, Weston super Mare, Avon. Proprietors Jackie and Geoff Bower. Ideal for touring the West Country. Rates from 11. Dinner from 4.”

England--Bebe Cunningham, Westlake Village: “Anyone stopping over in Dover en route to London or Paris could do no better than staying at Linden Guest House, 231 Folkestone Road, Dover. It is scrupulously clean, furnished well. Rates 8 per person.”

England--Vernon Ford, Ventura: “An elegant home 30 miles west of London. Minimum one week. Three double, four single bedrooms, four baths, gardens with tennis court. Rate: $1,250 per week for up to six adults. If desired, full service, including gourmet meals and chauffeur-driven excursions to Wimbledon, Henley, Ascot, etc., at extra cost. Address: Cherrywood, Peterley, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, England.”

England--Gladys and Leon Mudd, Paso Robles: “Self-catering flats in the center of London. One-, two- or three-bedroom apartments equipped with everything necessary for housekeeping. Trains, buses, tube station, shops and launderettes close by. One-bedroom, living/dining room, kitchen and bathroom, 160 a week. Contact P. C. Tustin & Co. Ltd., 94 York St., London WIH IDP.”

England--R. Ouellette, Simi Valley: Recommends the Devon House Hotel, 56 Cartwright Gardens, Bloomsbury, London W.C.1. “Great breakfast, very clean, friendly management. We paid 13 per person a night. Near King’s Cross, St. Pancras and Eustace stations, close to Russell Square tube station.”

England--Velda and Seabron Nolin, Sunset Beach, Calif.: “Highly recommend these B&Bs;: East Lee Guest House, 108 Maison Dieu Road Court, Dover 16 IRJ, phone 011-44-304-210176. The Knights are young, charming hosts. Their three-story home is tastefully decorated with antiques; 20 for two. The Hollies Guest House, Salcombe Road, Sidmouth 108 PU, phone 011-44-39-554580. The gracious Badcocks serve excellent food and the beds have starched and ironed sheets. 22 for two. Brookside Guest House, 73 Huntington Road, York, phone 011-44-904-33575. Walk to the Shambles as well as many other close places of interest. Pat Turpin a gracious hostess. 20 for two.”

England--Stan Lothridge, Santa Paula, Calif.: “A B&B; in the coastal town of Lyme Regis where the movie ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ was filmed. Sylvia and David Furneaux were most kind and helpful. Ocean-view room with outstanding breakfast cost 19 for two persons. Write to Merlebank, Hill Rise Road, Lyme Regis, DT7 3LN.”

England--Angela Niron, Santa Monica: “For a wonderful vacation, the Sett Village Farm, Stanton-Upon-Hine-Heath, Shrewsbury, SY4 4LR. Beautiful converted farmhouse on 130 acres of English countryside with lots of walking trails and easy access to both Shrewsbury and Chester. Hosts Brenda and Jim Grundy have five double rooms and two suites with private bath and shower. B&B; rates range from 10 to 15.50 a night. Evening meals available upon request.”

England--Mrs. Margot Trasatti, Van Nuys: “For a dining change, make the short trip to Hampstead for lunch or dinner at La Cage Imaginaire, 16 Flask Walk, just off High Street and a short walk from Hampstead Station. Excellent food, lunches from 5, service attentive.”

England--Jacqueline Evans, Ventura: Recommends Uplands Farm, Werneth Low, Gee Cross, Hyde Cheshire SK14 3AG. “An 18th-Century, stone-built farmhouse with oak beams, central fireplace in lounge and central heating. Brass beds, feather mattresses, feather comforters. Rate 10 per person B&B;, optional evening meal 5 per person. 20 minutes from Manchester Airport, and will pick up guests for 6 a trip. Only 15 minutes from Derbyshire Peak District.”

England--Dr. Bettyjane Morrison-Poage, San Diego: “Fern Cottage Hotel, 9 Northend, Batheaston, Bath BA1 7EE. An imposing listed house, circa 1740, three miles from Bath. They serve a huge four-course breakfast. Lunch and dinner of gourmet quality available at reasonable prices. Rates from 14 to 17 per person with bath, 12 per person without bath. The village has all the quiet of the English countryside and the convenience to a big city. I am a 66-year-old woman who travels alone every year and uses Bath as my headquarters from which to see England by tour bus. The Roman City Bus Tours are the best in England. But the main reason I go back every year is the proprietors--Dennis and Jean Goodhind adopt each guest and make him or her their friend for years to come.”

Arizona--Stanley Friedman, Westlake Village: “Our first experiment with B&B; at the home of Marjorie Lindmark, 5995 Orange Blossom Lane, Phoenix. $45 a night for each of six nights with seventh night free. Warm and charming hostess. Only three bedrooms, so reservations should be made early.”

Florida--Bob Moore, Tulare, Calif.: “Highlight of our Florida vacation was the Sanibel Cafe on Sanibel Island. Breakfast shared by two included wonderful biscuits and gravy, Danish ham-and-cheese omelet, pancakes with homemade strawberry jam. bWith coffee the bill was less than $10 including tip. Also has an authentic soda fountain. In Tahitian Gardens Shopping Center, Periwinkle Road, Sanibel Island.”

Reader Recommendations should be brief (typewritten or printed). Cannot be used without prices and addresses. Please, no brochures.