Days out in Hampshire: Hinton Ampner

It feels like Autumn is well and truly here now in the UK. The clocks have gone back and the rain and grey clouds seem here to stay. It doesn't seem possible that only a few weeks ago we were enjoying the sunshine and blue skies at Hinton Ampner.

Hinton Ampner is a National Trust property in Hampshire. Originally the site of a Tudor manor built in the 1540's the building has had many incarnations over the years. The renovation of 1936 uncovered the original Georgian style and the subsequent rebuilding after a major fire in 1960 leaves us the house we see today. The house was left to the National Trust in 1985 by Ralph Dutton, the 8th and last Lord Sherborne.

Despite only being a 40 minute or so drive from Southampton, it was a place I had driven past many times but never actually visited (fun fact - I used to drive past regularly during my time when I was a Meals on Wheels delivery driver - maybe that's a story for another day?).

After seeing a story on the local news about the grounds being open for visitors we decided now was the time to finally visit and enjoy the last bit of summer. Although the house itself wasn't open, tickets were available for a timed entry to the rest of the estate.

Even so, it still felt busier than expected. Maybe we've become over sensitive to crowds now? We arrived at the exact time our visiting slot opened thinking we'd avoid too many people and instead went straight into a bottleneck. Probably due to first part of the grounds being the walled garden, so space inevitably was limited. We scooted off to one side to allow the crowds through and just pottered round at our own pace. Once out of the walled garden, there was a lot more space to be socially distant and enjoy the grounds.

There are plenty of self-led walks to choose from. Ranging from a gentle stroll suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs up to a 4 mile Dutton Estate Walk that takes you through ancient woodland including a view over the Battle of Cheriton in 1644. Another highlight in the grounds is the Ancient Tree Walk which incudes trees of historical importance. The massive oak by the entrance is between 500-600 years old, dating back to Tudor times. It's amazing to think it survived the Civil War and is considered the most iconic tree on the Estate.

View over the site of the Battle of Cheriton

It was also the perfect opportunity to try and take some photos with my new phone. I think though the other half's patience was tested at this point. Luckily, I'd bought a picnic blanket with me, so lunch from the cafe soon placated him. Although seating wasn't available, picnics were encouraged, so come prepared for alfresco dining!

Although life is far from being back to normal - this felt like a near normal day in amongst all the confusion and disruption going on at the moment. It's left us wanting to explore more local National Trust properties and grounds. And lets's face it - a day out in the fresh air walking is always a good idea!

Cathy
X

Townhill Park House and Gardens open day

There's a little hidden oasis in the middle of Southampton. I've walked past it, driven past it and even flown over it but until this weekend, I'd never set foot in it. What am I talking about? Townhill Park House and Gardens. Now part of The Gregg School, the gardens are only open to the public four days a year and the house one day a year.

The house has an interesting history. Formerly the home of Lord & Lady Swaythling, it has entertained royalty, been a convalescent home for British and American Soldiers during WWII, a home for underprivileged children, a base for marine cadets and since 1994, has been the home of The Gregg School.

On Sunday 15th as part of the Heritage Open Days, the house was open for guided tours. As you toured the house, students from the school were on hand to tell you about the history. It might just be me, but I was quite amused at the thought of present day students learning algebra in the former Lady Swaythling's bedroom!

There was also a classic car display plus entertainment from Uke Box Gory (a ukulele band) and bell ringing from the Bishops Bells. I even got a chance to get hands on and try a bit of bell ringing for myself. It's safe to say that I gave an interesting performance...!

Finally, we went for a lovely stroll around the grounds. The gardens are designed by Gertrude Jekyll, one of England's finest garden designers. I was amazed to learn though that she never actually visited in person. All of her designs were done from plans.

It's so hard to believe all of this is so close to me yet I've never seen it before. In previous years, I've always been away on holiday or working on previous open days. This time though it was perfect timing with the best weather. I'm already looking forward to going back in March to see the daffodil displays.

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Afternoon Tea at Grand Café, Southampton

Does anyone else think that going out for afternoon tea sounds so decadent and such a treat? It's always been something I've associated with days out and holidays but nowadays it's much more accessible with so many options available.

Last month we celebrated a special birthday so we went with family to Grand Café Bar, Bistro and Restaurant, Southampton for their afternoon tea. Now I have wanted to go here for the longest time - so much excitement!

Firstly - location. This whole area of Southampton is steeped in history. From the Titanic to modern day, there's a story in every building. Grand Café is located in the lower part South Western House, a grade 2 listed building adjacent to the old Terminus Railway Station. Originally built in 1865 as a hotel, it's still an imposing Victorian landmark as you drive in and out of Southampton. I've driven past for years and always wandered what it was like inside.

Secondly - the afternoon tea. We started off with a choice of teas from the menu (I'll admit, I wasn't adventurous - I like my breakfast tea!). Then the main event - a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes and petit fours. Dietry requirements were easily catered for such as gluten free and if you didn't like tea? No problem, plenty of filter coffee available.

There was no risk of feeling hungry at the end, we were so full! And if you couldn't finish it all? You were given a little tin foil bag complete with it's own handle to take some goodies home.

And of course - did you really visit if you didn't get your photo taken on the silver thone outside the toilets?

It really was the most lovely afternoon. There are so many hidden treasures in and around Southampton and I'm determined to discover more.

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Festival of Light 2019 at Westquay, Southampton

I think it's safe to say that most of us are ready now for the brighter, longer days. In the meantime though, while we wait for Spring to make an appearance, there's the annual Festival of Light to brighten up our evenings.

Held at Westquay Shopping Centre in Southampton and in the shadow of the Old Walls, the event is returning with new installations, one of which is a bespoke commission especially for the event.

Some of the pieces there included The Wave - a series of suspended orbs which changed colour.

Lightbattle - where two sets of bicyles face one another and used pedal power to send light across the archway. This seemed very popular with all ages - even if some of  the little ones had trouble reaching the pedals!

Sunrise was the bespoke piece commissioned for the festival - this dome of twinkling, colour changing lights was hypnotic when you stood underneath.

The perfect backdrop to all of this was The Old Walls - I wonder what stories they could tell from all that they've seen over the years.

The Festival of Lights runs from the 15th to 24th February. It's a free event so if you still have time for a visit, I'd recommend it.

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Christmas at Beaulieu

Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love Christmas. When I heard about the Christmas at Beaulieu event and I was invited to go along with Southampton Bloggers - I might just have squealed a bit (ok, a lot! I was very excited).

This is a magical after-dark illuminated trail and is the first time such an event has been held at Beaulieu. Probably most people think of the National Motor Museum when they think of Beaulieu, but there's also the Palace House, Abbey and beautiful grounds to explore.

On arrival we were greeted with mulled wine, some seriously scrumptious mince pies and a short introduction about the installations. The amount of planning, work and number of lights involved was impressive and with over a million lights and 11 miles of power cables we knew we were in for a grand show. We were then let loose to make our way around the mile long trail. The first piece was the 200 foot long Cathedral of Light with 30,000 lights (and as we quickly found out, was the best place ever for taking selfies).

I have so many photos of the evening, so apologies for this picture heavy post. They just don't do the evening justice though and there's really something magical about walking through the trails at night with Christmas music and lights. In the grounds of the medieval abbey we found the Fire Garden lit with over 180 torches. By time the event finishes on the 24th December, they will have used over 5,000 candles. This was one of my favourite areas, the natural lights with the surrounding history was a perfect balance.

Other highlights included singing Jingle Bells with Santa on his bus and The Twelve Days of Christmas installation (does anyone get confused after the 8th day?)

You could toast your own marshmallows in front of a Gingerbread House (raspberry and champagne flavour caught my eye). There was also a love lock tree where quite a few Christmas wishes were being posted.

Earlier in the evening we stopped off at the village of Beaulieu and looking across the mill pond, we got a hint of the lights and music in store for us. Walking around the other side on the banks of the River Beaulieu was even better.

At the end of the trail was a huge tree (serious tree envy here) and a selection of festive huts selling hot chocolate, crepes, sweets, mulled wine and bratwurst. Perfect Christmas snacks. And if you needed more lights and excitement, there was a carousel, ferris wheel and the Beaulieu monorail to ride.

Christmas at Beaulieu is on until the 24th December 2018. A big thank you to Beaulieu for the invite, this really is an event for all ages and the look of wonder on the children's faces was beautiful. There's also plenty of photo opportunities.

Thanks for reading, I'm off to dig out the decorations from the loft now!

Cathy
xx

*Gifted tickets - thoughts and reviews are my own