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.
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.
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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.
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 …
And by delayed, I mean by about 20 years, as this is the first time we’ve actually stayed in Cambridge since we came down here from the North East. It can be a bit pricey to book a decent hotel but a Secret Escapes deal got us in to the newly opened Tamburlaine and made it good value for a two night break including what …
Another trip, this time a short journey by car around the South of England. Initially designed as a foray into the small villages of Dorset, we wnded up taking small breaks in Woodstock (The Feathers), Milton Abbass (Hambro Arms), Inn With The Well near Marlborough and finally a night near St. Neots on the way home.
First weekend back from a week’s holiday in Menaggio in Lake Como. Another step on a long recovery from a serious stroke, this break was actually booked before the incident and booked to share with friends we have known for 17 years, ever since first meeting in China.