Just a catch up post to remind the oldies where we’ve been over the last week or so. Then, in our dotage when we forget all this we can check the blog and remind ourselves that we have actually been to these places. This of course presupposes that we will still be capable of operating a keyboard, mouse or touchscreen (note the order gives my age away!)
Firstly then, up to Southwold on my birthday (the 5th), a stroll along the seafront, around the town and then a traditional fish and chip lunch. Very enjoyable but never really understood why the town became the darling of the London privileged as a weekend destination or second home bolthole (along with Aldeburgh). Obviously its proximity to the capital helps but if they want to see a real east of England coastline, they should venture further afield and visit Northumbria 😉 . Have to say though that the café on the pier served a truly excellent coffee!
Finally got round to visiting Helmingham Hall and Gardens this Tuesday; well gardens really as the Hall isn’t actually open to the public. Another place on our doorstep that we hadn’t previously visited. Now I’m not a massive fan of the garden but have to say these were very impressive and finally a ‘walled garden’ worthy of the name. Current owner (it’s the current Lady Tollemache don’t you know) is a garden designer by profession and it shows. Would be worthwhile popping back at a different time of the year to see the flora at its absolute best. Good lunch as well.
And then on Thursday we actually got round to an English Heritage property. It’s been a while and it would not be unfair to suggest that we haven’t made maximum use of our membership. Went to Castle Acre Priory and Castle in Norfolk. It’s one of the largest and best preserved monastic sites in England dating back to 1090. It was the home of the first Cluniac order of monks to England and the Cluniac love of decoration is everywhere reflected in the extensive ruins. Good to see the opulence and grandeur that the prior managed to create for himself in the still extant Prior’s house – the more things change etc.