With the new series of Downton Abbey about to hit our screens, why not fit in a visit to Stansted Park in Hampshire? I have long intended to visit but for some reason or other, I put it off until a couple of weeks ago. Now I wish I had visited sooner and I will definitely…
Mottisfont – a Hampshire find
It was the name that spoke to me – Mottisfont – I have never heard of it and until I joined the National Trust, it would have remained a mystery. Thank goodness I joined for this is a spectacular house – and one of the few that I have seen that was successfully transformed from…
Regal Ruin – Fishbourne Roman Palace
I suppose the Roman Palace at Fishbourne can be termed a ruin? It’s definitely a well thought out attraction with enthusiastic staff who bring the remains to life and you find yourself pondering about life in Roman Britain. It’s one of the biggest villa complexes in Europe – discovered by a workman in 1960 –…
Two breezy beaches in West Sussex
Bucket and spade holidays is what I call them. Old style seaside resorts where you can come and stretch out in the sun and pass the time of day away. Here’s my favourite of all – West Wittering in West Sussex. You pay for car parking as this is private land and if you have…
Country Pub Series: The Queen’s, Selborne
Whilst visiting the gorgeous village of Selborne in Hampshire, I felt the need for sustenance …. after all, wandering around a museum, gardens and looking at village churches takes its toll on a girl. Locals directed us to an historic inn that crossed all the “t’s” and dotted all the “i’s” – The Queens, formerly known…
Loseley House – A little gem hidden in the Surrey Hills
I have passed the sign to Loseley House on the A3 countless times – but have never really had any idea of what it signified. At a loose end one bright summer’s day, I decided to join the 130,000 or so other annual visitors to satisfy my curiosity. Loseley House is situated within 1,400 Surrey acres of which…
Regal Ruin: Waverley Abbey – a treasure lost
I love a good ruin and heard via a friend about the remains of Waverley Abbey located on a peaceful loop of the River Wey in Surrey, now looked after by English Heritage. It’s free to visit and can be accessed within “any reasonable time in daylight”. This Abbey was the first Cistercian house to be established…
Hinton Ampner – A Reflective Visit
My visit to Hinton Ampner leaves mixed memories. An enjoyable visit no doubt – helped by the friendliness of the National Trust folk there – but melancholy nevertheless. Hinton Ampner is the creation of one man – Ralph Dutton, 8th Lord Sherborne, who died without issue and bequeathed his estate in its entirety to the…
Lamppost series – 3: Westminster
For the third entry for this seminal lamppost series (*cough*), I turn to the seat of power in the land and to Westminster, or perhaps more accurately, Westminster Bridge. There are two different lampposts that interest me here – and both feature a diadem, quite appropriate in this Diamond Jubilee Year of course. I read…
Country Pub Series: The Bat and Ball, Hambledon
On 31st December 1999, we celebrated New Year’s Eve in style at The Bat and Ball, Hambledon, Hampshire, watching at midnight the first cricket match of the new Millennium as played by members of Hampshire County Cricket Club. Sitting outside with the Hound one Sunday last summer, a cricket match being played opposite, it certainly…
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