I love this time of year, casting your eyes over how you have spent the year. This is when I know that documenting our lives is really worth it.
As everyone knows, the National Trust plays an enormous part in our lives and this year, we have visted lots of places for the first time. Some of them we managed to cross off our to do list and some were spur of the moment trips, which we have come to learn, are often the best!
Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire
In February we visited Woolsthorpe, the home of Isaac Newton. We had a delightful day pottering around the small house and museum. I remember the tomato and sweet pepper soup being particuarly delicious.
Lyveden New Bield, Northamptonshire
Louie and I spent a lovely warm day in the beginning of March exploring the gorgeous countryside property in Northamptonshire. It is such a shame to think this impressive structure was never finished. We must take Pappy there one day!
Wightwick Manor, West Midlands
In the lead up to our wedding, we spent many days visiting a little shopping village in the West Midlands where we had our wedding rings made. On one of the trips, we incorporated a visit to this gorgeous house. We were so disappointed when we found out that the house was in fact closed. I am desparate to visit again and bring home some William Morris goodies from the gift shop.
Hidcote Manor Gardens, Gloucestershire
When I'm feeling stressed, I just need to get outside and spend some time in the fresh air. A few days before our wedding, I needed some of this much cherished quiet time so we hopped in the car and drove to the Cotswold garden of Hidcote. Purely magical, I can't wait to spend another summers day in this expansive paradise.
Attingham Park, Shropshire
When Dan has a car to fix, I like to get out of the house so that we are out of his way and he is able to get on. Last summer, Nana suggested a day trip to somewhere new and she picked Attingham out of the book. Although it was quite a long trip, it was a day to remember.
Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire
When on our honeymoon in the Cotswolds, we visited Lacock, a village still owned by the National Trust. The village included a beautiful Abbey with cloisters and a photography museum. A treasure by anyones standards.
Croome Court, Worcestershire
Who needs a welcome break when you can visit a NT property just off the motorway? That is what we did when we visited Croome on our way home from our honeymoon. Dan fell in love with the old army mess hall where we had our lunch!
Waddeson Manor, Buckinghamshire
I had a day to myself in the height of summer so I took myself to Waddeson Manor so I had the opportunity to really enjoy this property without having to do a whistlestop tour, like we sometimes do with Louie!
Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire
A late summer day trip just me, Pappy and our little bee. We spent hours in this beauiful property, playing hide and seek, running and jumping around.
Stowe, Northamptonshire
I think we were right to wait until the autumn to visit this vast garden. Everywhere you look there is something interesting to see. We were even lucky enough to visit the house, which is now a private school. It was a lovely day spent with Nana and Grandad.
Stoneywell, Leicestershire
Possibly the longest awaited visit ever. Home to the Gimson family who I learned about at school (which was in the old Gimson house), I knew a thing or two about the history and managed to put the tour guide to shame!
What a year! 11 new properties, vistited for the first time. I look forward to creating a new to do list for 2015, if you have any suggestions, please fire away!
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