Celebrating in England's prettiest's village!

Following on from my previous post, Alan and I spent the day in Wiltshire yesterday.
Our destination: Castle Combe which is part of the Cotswolds. It is often referred to as the prettiest village in England and when you arrive there, you can see why. Neither Alan or I had been there before. We both love discovering new places and were pleased to have discovered this special one on our anniversary.
Castle Combe has been used as a location for films and TV including Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989) "The murder of Roger Acroyd" TV episode, Dr Doolittle (1967), Stardust (2007) and The Wolfman (2009).




Top right, we bought a piece of lemon drizzle cake from this stall outside a house and got chatting with the owner as he was painting his windows. He told that us he has lived there for 20 years and loves living in Castle Combe.



We had lunch at The Castle Inn Hotel. We were blessed with clear blue skies and sunshine. As it happens, the same kind of weather as we had on our wedding day 4 years ago.
We chose to sit outside in the small stone walled garden. As we sat down, the delicate scent of roses perfumed the air. It was fairly quiet, we were lucky enough to have the garden to ourselves the whole time. Had we been there at the weekend, it would have been a lot busier.
The garden overlooks the church and little cottages. It all made for the perfect lunch!

Alan soaking up the atmosphere


I quite liked the sink in the "Ladies" and couldn't resist taking a picture of it! I was keeping my fingers crossed that no one would come in whilst I was taking a picture of a sink. They had matching toilets too...Sorry no pictures! ;-)








Market Cross



On our way back home, we decided to stop in Corsham which is not far from Castle Combe.



There were some nice shops









I saw this old type writer in a shop window but unfortunately the shop was closed.




I was really quite taken by this "modern" alabaster effigy. It is a memorial to Eleanor, Lady Methuan who died in 1958. The detail and art work are incredible! Alabaster makes it look more real than stone. The effigy had a beautiful translucent quality and looked peaceful.


We didn't have the time to visit Corsham Court as we arrived in Corsham towards the end of the afternoon. That will be for another time.

Thank Alan for a wonderful anniversary!

I wish you all a very good weekend.

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

P.S: Thank you for your anniversary wishes and lovely comments ;-)

An ITALIAN garden in WILTSHIRE

Last Sunday, Alan & visited THE PETO GARDEN IFORD MANOR in Wiltshire, not far from Bath.
Alan had been there recently to take some photos of IFORD IN 3D and thought I'd like the area so we both went there this time.
Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for "tranquil visits". This meant no screaming babies or children running around. You could really soak up the atmosphere, it was very peaceful... ;-))


Click on the pictures for more detailed information on Harold Ainsworth Peto and the garden




We began by having tea and cakes in the tea-room garden. Between us we shared a slice of carrot cake, coffee cake and a Victoria sponge...All homemade and tasted delicious!


After our refreshments, we began our walk around the Grade I Italian styled garden. The garden was designed by Harold Ainsworth Peto (architect & designer) and was inspired by Italy and the gardens of ancient Rome.
























There are some lovely views from the garden


Over looking Iford Manor


The Cloister


Opera & jazz festivals are held here















It is strange but you could actually believe that you might be somewhere in Italy rather than Wiltshire, especially on a hot sunny day.










Make a wish...

















After we finished walking around in the garden we explored the tiny village of Iford which is in Somerset. The Iford Manor which is only yards away is over the border in the county of Wiltshire!






A perfect way to spend a peaceful Sunday afternoon.


A bientôt!

Isabelle x