every Wednesday I meet up with mum and more often than not we go food shopping. It's not very exciting but it gives us chance to chat and shop around for food and household bargains ( which all help towards my thrifty goals) . Happily this week we went on a mini adventure instead.
We headed for north Nottinghamshire and the Robin Hood Country of Sherwood Forest.
Our first stop was the Courtyard at Thoresby Hall. We admired this Robin Hood statue, then perused the gallery and shops a little.
But this sort of shopping is not me. Or rather, I dare not let it tempt me, so after a short while we left.
Next door the grounds of the hall are open to the public, so I went for a little wander while mum sat in the car. That's better. Open spaces and lots of pretty photo opportunities.
Notice the helicopter on the lawn.
It was a very warm day ...which has since been declared the hottest solstice since U.K. records began.....and this shallow water looked very tempting for a paddle.
But I had to get back, so I wandered towards the imposing hall. It's a posh hotel and spa but the gates were open and only one or two people were about.
I asked an older lady if it was ok to look round and she said it was for hotel guests, but nobody would know I wasn't a guest. Bless her.
I walked up the staircase and met some odd "props".
It was time to continue our journey anyway, so we headed for another place mum knew well . Sherwood Arts and Crafts Centre was just a few miles down the road. I loved the contrast of the simple red brick buildings to the ornate stone facade of Thoresby.
Everywhere was looking so well cared for and the hanging baskets were a picture.
Part of the centre is under glass, which was hardly needed yesterday, but I'm sure it's great in winter.
We were wilting somewhat and the words Air-conditioning on this cafe door caught our eye.
As this trip was also a birthday treat for me, mum bought us a yummy lunch which we ate in the welcome coolness of the cafe.
It seemed perfect for a visit to this part of the world and I liked the simple, romantic image.
Next we planned to stop off at Rufford Abbey ( there are loads of visitor attractions in a compact area here) but the car parking charge seemed a bit expensive for a half hour visit. So instead we headed through the ford. Always fun.
and stopped at the pretty village of Wellow.
I had a walk around. I loved the old buildings, and the old vehicles.
the church in it's natural setting.
The cottages with climbing roses.
You have to really stand back to fit it all in a photo. It's tall!
It's a Maypole and it's topped with an attractive weather vane.
And you can see HERE how lovely it looks on May day.
All was quiet on Wednesday.
gosh it's so hot here at the moment. On Sunday afternoon we had a barbecue. Eldest's idea, as a Fathers day treat. It was lovely to sit in the shade and eat al-fresco. Then nod on a sun lounger. It really was too hot to do much else.
The light was beautiful though and the Geese made us smile.
I hope you U.K. peeps are coping with these scorching temperatures. I try not to complain, but a few degrees cooler would be most welcome for work and sleep.