Hutton in the Forest

Just got back from visiting Lord n Lady Inglewood in their country pile just south of Carlisle.











The name comes from Ingle Wood that used to stretch from Penrith to north of Carlisle and was reputed to be one of the richest hunting forests in England - attracting Henry Tudor himself. The extensive grounds were once set to very rigid formal gardens but are now mainly open pasture with a small formal walled garden. The grounds were also used during WWII to hide active planes from the Luftwaffe. 

Rockin Robin

These little fellas are supposed to be quite territorial but I guess when there is plenty of food about, and this chap knows all about food aplenty -

they didn't bother with the crumbs and went straight for the cake off the plate, cheeky ****

This one was camera struck, up for a bit of posing!

... but we won out in the end ;)

Early Bank Holiday

Finally,after all these years, I've found the solution to great bank holidays - go the weekend before!! Had to this time because of diary probs. The weather was great, the crowds few, the motorways almost empty - delightful.

Seemed a bit of a contrast with Marion in Kenya n bombs goin off all around her (she is safe n sound though) n us in the tranquil south coast spot of Seaton - can thoroughly recommend Blue Waters friendly beyond belief, comfy beds n breckie served in your room :))

One of Seatons delightful aspects is its tramway. Circumnavigating the picturesque Tescos it then double dog-legs to travel a few miles up alongside the River Axe estuary, stopping briefly at Colyford before going forward to the lovely little village of Colyton (Devon's most rebellious town) They have 13 trams in their current fleet including two that would not be out of place on Blackpool seafront.

After the peace of the villages the bustle of Lyme Regis came as quite a contrast, though it is a seaside resort and it was a lovely day. 

Upward n onward to Sidbury where we chanced upon their 100 years Festival of Flowers and Memories relating to 1914 - 2014, with cameo sets in the church and a number of village gardens open to the public.

... a wander round Sidmouth then back to Beer for a beer :))

All too soon time to head back. Stopped off at Burrow Farm Gardens, what a treat, almost like a miniature Heligan. A beautiful 10-acre garden with unusual trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, where the rhodies and azaleas were in full bloom, and a traditional summerhouse looks towards a lake and ancient oak woodland. 

This May Hurt a Bit

An amazing play by Stella Feehily caught at the revamped Bristol Old Vic. A tour de force in support of the NHS and a wake up call to those who would let it demise through apathy. The dialogues between Winston Churchill and Aneurin Bevan were inspirational - and, of course, the three hander with the budgie "Margaret".




Top praise for Stephanie Cole who turned in a performance typical of the true trooper she is.



Another great innovation was the programme, just £3 and contained the full script, in the public domain. now that's show biz!



Also worth a mention is the food n drink fest taking place in the park opposite. The most amazing structure constructed of interwoven teepees internally bedecked with thousands of fairy lights n sound equipment. 

Worth catching them both if you can :) 

What a Cute Cottage

Sis had another birthday in April - seems to be an annual event :) 

This year featured a trip to Bath Thermea Spa. An amazing place with a rooftop pool overlooking the city and, unusually, we chose to go on the one day the sun shone in a perfect blue sky.

We stopped just south of the city in the village of Coombe Down in the aptly named Cute Cottage. The village is built on the site of the stone quarries which built a large part of Bath. The owners Martin and Jenny were so friendly and attentive as were the neighbours. Cute Cottage provided a quiet and cosy village retreat from the vibrancy and bustle of Bath. The cottage was incredibly well stocked, all mod cons, free wifi, comfy beds even a bbq on the lawn. Just round one corner was the amazing local deli that provided scrummy breakfasts and round the other a quality local chippy :-p

Also visited the American Museum, a well tucked away gem. To be fair they told a very balanced story of the development of modern America. Also a neat walk through the grounds and tea n cakes in the cafe.

                                                                                                               ...but the accommodation wasn't bad

the trip over on the Mayflower                                                      
was a bit rough!

and the locals were very talented 

       

as were we

Onward to Limpley Stoke Viaduct. The motor boats weren't yet running sadly but it is still very picturesque and well used by boaters, walkers and cyclists.

and to conclude ... a trip to the ancestral home of those who lived on the ley of the river Wool ...