(Invited) I was invited by Hand Picked Hotels for a night away at Stanbrook Abbey. This hotel is fairly local to me and I’ve eaten at their restaurant, The Refectory, several times before. However, what a treat it was to stay here. In the photo below you can see the Abbey Church with its gothic … More A night away at Stanbrook Abbey, Worcestershire
Oh for the great British Staycation! It’s no hardship for me. I love all the different beautiful places we have here in the UK. Clovelly is a picturesque fishing village in north Devon. We had a week’s holiday in July to Devon and had a day out visiting Clovelly. It’s been on my must see … More A day out in Clovelly, Devon
Henry James said “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” (The Portrait of a Lady) I couldn’t agree more with this quote. I love afternoon tea. I definitely get this love from my mum who adores this British tradition too. I remember her … More Afternoon tea at The Slaughters Manor House
This beautiful 14th century Prior’s Hall sits in the Worcestershire countryside at the foot of the Malvern Hills. The Hall has an oak framed roof. The Hall was once attached to the former Benedictine Monastery, which dates back to the 1400s. Little Malvern Court became a family home after the dissolution of the monasteries in … More A late summer walk around Little Malvern Court, Worcestershire
Painswick, also know as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’ is a historic wool town, known for its beautiful rococo garden and St. Mary’s Parish churchyard with 99 yew trees. Apparently the 100th won’t grow. Legend has it the Devil won’t let it grow! Above you can see the half timbered building which used to be … More A walk around Painswick, Gloucestershire
Bibury. A beautiful village in Gloucestershire set on the River Coln. Bibury is a major tourist destination most famous for its row of 17th century weavers cottages, (photos below) owned by the National Trust. By the way you can rent number 9! Take a look on the National Trust website for more. Fun Fact – … More An autumn walk around Bibury, Gloucestershire
The Venice of the Cotswolds. Bourton on the Water is in the county of Gloucestershire. It is situated on the River Windrush and is known for its low bridges. It is probably one of the most famous Cotswold villages. I always like to visit Bourton out of season. It’s much quieter then and much easier … More A sunny November day out in Bourton on the Water
Croome, Worcestershire A few photos from my winter walk at Croome. I’ve been here many times before, but it looked magical in the snowy weather. I really hope you like these photos. 📍 Croome Court and parkland was designed by Robert ‘Capability’ Brown for the 6th Earl of Coventry. It was built between 1751 and … More A Winter Walk Around National Trust’s Croome
10 beautiful chocolate box cottages in my home county of Worcestershire. For those who don’t know the term ‘chocolate box’ came from the late Victorian times. Today it is used to describe something ‘pretty in a conventional way or something that is sentimentally appealing’. These cottages started to appear on Cadbury chocolate boxes here in … More 10 Beautiful Cottages in Worcestershire
Thanks for joining me! Hi, I’m Helen. I live in Worcestershire, England. I’m based right on the edge of the Cotswolds, one of my favourite places and somewhere you will see a lot of on this blog. You may already follow me on Instagram and be familiar with my photos, if so hello again and … More The Journey Begins
Snapshots of Thyme 