A short break wasn’t even on the cards and then I saw we could fly directly to Newquay from Stansted and within two hours it was all booked. Sadly, couldn’t do a full week because we were booked for Maverick on the Saturday of our planned return so we ended up with a four day trip. Still, the flight was very civilised and so much more relaxing for the driver, who would have otherwise have faced an arduous journey to get us there. Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa proved a sensible and comfortable choice, despite the now infamous and mysterious disappearance of the relief chef in the middle of service. And all those stories about Newquay being central to England’s surfing crowd – well judging by the number still involved at 9pm at night, definitely true! Fortunately, we were watching it all from the marginally more comfortable environment of the hotel brasserie!
Travel
Seckford Hall
Virtually last minute booking for an overnighter at Seckford Hall, including dinner and breakfast. Got to be the shortest distance we have ever travelled (circa 3 miles!) for a one night stay on a Monday night, but once booked in and out in the courtyard with a very pleasant glass of wine and lovely views of the grounds, it’s amazing how quickly you relax – …
Parham Airfield Museum
You know the thing. You’ve been promising to go somewhere for what seems like an eternity but you never make it. You’ve read a few reviews documenting how impressive it is, despite being free and entirely staffed and run by volunteers. You know, partly because of the volunteers that it’s only open on Sundays, with a Wednesday addition through June, July and August. That!!! But yesterday ‘that’ all changed for Parham Airfield Museum….
Sunday at the Tower
On discovering this long promised day trip was only open on Sunday and Wednesday, we decided on a late morning trip to Layer Marney Tower and Gardens just beyond Colchester. Expected a ‘tall tower’, got the ‘statement house’ befitting a VIP in the reign of Henry VIII, along with very fine landscaped gardens, a small farm holding, a good tea room and the lovely adjoining church of St Mary the Virgin.
Palma
Just returned from Playa De Palma after a week’s relaxation in Majorca. Found the location ideal for a quiet break with the couple with whom we had previously visited Lake Maggiore in 2017. Ventured into Palma once (others twice) and took the now obligatory hop on hop off bus, which was an ideal way to see the highlights of the capital. Took a number of walks along the long and flat promenade, stretching the day with a number of mini golf competitions (honours even). Strongly suspect that in the height of the season, the section around El Arenal could well be the stag weekend area of the Playa.
Heritage Hiatus
Back from a five day break in an English Heritage cottage in the grounds of the lovely Kirby Hall, and the cottage proved to be perfectly suited to a couple with more than enough space for two little’uns. Having said that, it didn’t stop one of the pair running some heavy duty furniture up to the back door every night and still not sleeping for the first three nights of the break.
Papworth Part 2
As I was scheduled for my CT scan for my pulmonary veins, we combined it with a two night stay at the Hotel Felix like before. And as on the previous occasion, the hotel (with room upgrade) was excellent. Superb dinner on the first evening, very relaxing environment typical of a country house hotel but within walking distance of Cambridge town centre. The stay kicked …
Great Bircham
A two nighter (Sunday, Monday) at the Kings Head Country Hotel. Took a chance, didn’t know what to expect but were rewarded with a lovely room, superb food and all at a very reasonable (Secret Escapes) rate. Was very quiet so I hope it starts to fill as the tourist season kicks in ‘cos on the basis of our experiences, it deserves to succeed. Even …
On With The Show…
Just returned from two nights at the Hotel Felix on the outskirts of Cambridge to combine a short break with a trip to Papworth Hospital for an Outpatient appointment. Managed to include a visit to the very fine and recently re-opened Kettle’s Yard, ‘a living place where works of art could be enjoyed… where young people could be at home unhampered by the greater austerity …
Birthday Bash
An overnighter for Denise’s birthday, including a superb afternoon tea, an excellent dinner and, because we hadn’t eaten enough, a lovely breakfast the following morning. With a suite, complete with massive bathroom included in the package and excellent company, we all thoroughly enjoyed the break I think. Not the first and hopefully not the last visit to Wivenhoe house.
North Yorkshire week
Spent last week in the lovely North Yorkshire area and it was lovely to be reminded of the beauty of the location. We did quite a bit in the week, all things considered. And despite the fact that I spent my childhood in South Yorkshire , this was an area of outstanding national beauty in which I had spent little time in my formative years.
Birthday Break
Spent the night in yet another unknown corner of the world we’ve spent the last 20 odd years calling home. Decided to have an overnighter in Clavering in Essex. Went with friends and so we split the birthdays, post mine (6th September) and prior to my mate’s. We were initially drawn by the overnight stay and promise of good grub at the home of the …