Little Moreton Hall

Good Friday.

Weeks and weeks ago, Dan promised to take me away for the weekend so that we could visit some new National Trust places. Killing two birds with one stone, we have gone north west to stay with the in-laws over the long weekend, so on our way, we stopped off at Little Moreton Hall for lunch and a little wander.

Lunch was simply amazing. My appetite is still not up to standard and I really fancied a cheese scone for my lunch. Then this huge platter came out! It is safe to say that I ate some, then asked for a doggy bag so I could finish the rest later ;)

Don't be fooled, this house was much bigger than I had anticipated. It was fantastic to see such a large Tudor home, it was just my cup of tea. The upper long gallery was simply stunning, the light coming in through the delicate window panes was really something.

And of course, what Easter weekend would be complete without a little egg hunt. Something for the bee, of course.

Still recovering, it was a big deal going out for a few hours, but I suppose I need to be getting ready to go back to work after the long weekend!

Lyveden New Bield

This morning started early. I had flatbreads, tomato soup and cheese scones ready and finished before 9am. By 9:30 we were on the road to visit Lyveden New Bield, a National Trust property in Northamptonshire. So many roads were closed, four to be precise, leading to a mildly stressful drive. Thank goodness I have a good sense of direction. I don't know how I didn't give up and turn home. Luckily it was made up for having driven through picturesque chocolate box landscapes and villages I have read about in history books.

 And then we arrived.
The sky was blue and the clouds were beautiful. This amazing, unfinished Elizabethan manor stands surrounded by grass, with an empty moat. Such hopes and dreams. It was amazing.

After our picnic of flatbread sandwiches (which turned out more like pittas), we wandered around, exploring the orchard and pond. We climbed up the terraces and basked in the spring sunshine, enjoying it whilst it lasted. Louie took photos by hanging my camera from a tree, he is a funny thing.

 It was a stunning day. We did plenty of squelching and hunting for signs of spring. Louie played wizards with a stick he found, shouting 'smelly harbours' at everything (he was trying to say 'expelliarmus' from the HP books/films). I think everyone visiting fell a little bit in love with him and his little quirks!

Once home, we baked a birthday cake, had dinner, baked brownies for pappy long after the sun had gone to sleep and tucked ourselves up on the sofa with a film.
A busy, but wonderful day.