Sea Mills to Shirehampton to Bristol

After exploring Kings Weston House we made our way down to Shirehampton, A quaint little village with a lovely central green and lots of potted flowers around. We stopped in one of the Charity shops and poked around. We also passed the very interesting town hall and library and saw a number of lovely homes and yards as we made our way to the Shirehampton train station. We only had to wait a few minutes for the train to arrive and on the ride back we were treated to some lovely views of the Severn estuary. Once back in Clifton we walked back to the flat just in time to miss the passing hailstorm.

Saturday in Sea Mills

Saturday 28 March - After spending most of our weekends recently in the immediate area, Ian and I decided it was time to get out and go for an adventure. We took the small local train from just outside the grocery store to the next stop up the line, Sea Mills. From there we ventured through the village and some rain up to the Kings Weston House. The Estate is now a park and has many lovely wooded paths as well as open fields. There is also a lovely folly and a large house which is available for events. We meandered around the buildings and its gardens then around the lawns. From the house there is a lovely view of the Severn Estuary in the Valley below and on a clear day you can even make out Wales. We then made a trip across the road and up to the stables where we enquired about returning some time in the future to go for a trail ride. Back at the Estate house we had lunch in the basement tea room which had a lovely eating area ornamented with painted tiles and some great food. After a leisurely lunch and some tea to restore us we made our way into the neighboring village of Shirehampton.

Spooky Stories at Ashton Court

Saturday 21 March - We had an adventure with Friends Aisling, Ruth and Tom by going over to Ashton Court Manor at twilight to hear some spooky stories. The scary tales were improvised stories told by a local entertainer in response to the group and the different areas of the Manor grounds that we wandered to. The storytelling was accompanied by music from another local entertainer who performed on the harmonium, fiddle, and mandolin. The music enhanced the atmosphere created by the wooded park land and the dimming light. It was definitely an unusual way to spend an evening.

Days of Spring

Although friday was the first official day of spring, we have had a bout of warm sunny weather that has made the entire week seem very springy indeed. The daffodils are everywhere and the crocuses are just starting to fade. One of the wonderful things about living in England is the mild winter and early spring, hopefully all you New Englanders still suffering from snow will appreciate a glimpse of what is to come.

Goodbye cold weather

I found this display of lost mittens while wandering around Cotham. It was a lovely sunny day and it was funny to see all the little mittens waving goodbye to winter.