Heaven in Devon

Last weekend we took a weekend trip to the beautiful wild north coast of Devon. We had never been before and it was so nice to go somewhere different and explore all the beauty the coast has to offer!

We left super early as it was a four hour drive but it was so worth it when we arrived early before everyone else was up and about!

To break up the jaunt down we took the scenic route through Minehead. I must admit I had images of holiday camps and it being a bit tacky, you know the worse sort of British seaside image. However we were rather surprised, it was your classic kind of English seaside, but it was not tacky at all, the high street was clean and full of flowers and it looked like the local council had really given the place a face lift, so much to say I would go back! We were all surprised for sure!

From here we travelled along the coastal road around the tight bends and over the hills with fields running down to the sea, it is such a beautiful unspoilt part of the country.

We had a whistle stop look around in Lynmouth and Lynton, this place was absolutely beautiful and we reached this stop way before all the crowds arrived so we had the views to ourselves!

Then we headed along the coast to Illfracombe, Instow and Appledore where we enjoyed a look round and a nice Pimm's on the sea front! What I love about the coast that you don't really get inland in the midlands is that there always seems to be going on, there was a food festival and a craft fair as well as live music on the quayside, you never seem to get the same vibe inland.

Sunday we visited Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe. All of these were just stunning. Full stop stunning. Wide open beaches with beautiful sea and sand with people carrying surfboards and bobbing about in the sea. We saw so many VW camper vans, they seem to be the car of choice for surfers and campers alike! My dream car!!

For a nice relax before the journey home we spent the afternoon sunbathing in a great little cove we found just outside of Illfracombe.  The trip was finished off with some classic fish and chips by the sea...we really didn't want to come home inland!

My heart really does belong by the sea I am sure!

Grand old duke is York

A delayed post but been busy at the antiques fairs! York is a beautiful city and we had a lovely time especially in Betty's Tea rooms. It was like stepping back in time all the ladies were dressed in black and white and the tea was served loose with a little tea strainer! Delightful! Betty's is famous because in the war airmen would sitting downstairs and drink tea and chat, a mirror with their names etched on to it is still there! It crazy to think how life has changed since then!

We were lucky to get a window seat and enjoyed fat rascals and proper English tea! We were shocked to see that later on the queue was around the block to get a table, it proves how amazing the place is!

Another one of my favourite places in York was the Imaginarium https://www.facebook.com/YscHome It was possible the most visually stunning shops I have ever been in, defo worth a look at their facebook page, as it a no photo shop but you can see why, it so lovely everyone would be snapping away and blinding the shop assistances! Its sister store next door The Yorkshire Soap Company is also brilliant, just like a patisserie but with soap!

a good weekend all round x

the fat rascal - I must find this recipe!!

The Golden Fleece is the oldest pub in York and apparently the most haunted (Most Haunted tv show have filmed there!)  I particularly like the cat popping out of the white window!!

The Shambles, a lovely cobbled street full of quirky shops...

Hehe just made me laugh, outside a florist

Dracula's seaside home

For my birthday my hubby treated me to a weekend away to Whitby and York, two places I have always wanted to go and had never been. What a weekend, full of scampi (obviously) in Whitby and fat rascals (a scone/rock cake) in York. Amazing! Both places are defo worth a visit, both have fab food, ace views and yummy food! I took soo many pictures I am splitting them, these are the ones from Whitby! York will follow ;-)

Whitby is known for Dracula, and its massive goth weekend as well as its amazing scampi!  I was really surprised at how lovely it is and how far the beautiful beach stretched, would be nice on a hot sunny day!

We had scampi and chips here, the Magpie Cafe is in this years Good Food Guide, and I can agree yum yum!

The Shepherds Purse, a wonderful shop, I was super excited as I follow them on facebook but had no idea they were in whitby! We brought some rose and lotus flower loose leaf tea to try!

I would love to have my palm read but they were shut boo!!

Finally The Abbey which was inspiration for Dracula, you can see why it was misty on our way down to Whitby, it look really eerie through the fog!

Oh I do like tea beside the seaside...

Last weekend we took a trip out to Anglesey. For our wedding we had the most amazing! gelato served by the friendly chap from Red Boat gelato http://www.redboatgelato.com/ based in Beaumaris. 

After much delibration and tasting! we chose three flavours for our big day, jammy dodger, ferro rocher and sticky toffee pudding. They were amazing and the guests were going back for seconds so they must have thought so too! Although because we had three flavours there were left overs (hooray) so we tripped up to Beaumaris to collect.

If you ever visit Red boat is a must!!

Another delicious treat can be had a Beau's Tea rooms https://www.facebook.com/beaustearoom . It is a delightful little place filled with homemade cakes and food (I recommend the cream tea yummy scones!) Whilst you enjoy your food you are tempted with vintage china and tea sets that decorate the windows and make a gorgeous display. Another place worth a visit!!

 

Tucked around a corner is this pretty litte court yard, this pink shop was my favourite full of lovely things for your home :-)

We stopped at Conwy on the way back

And the sun come out to say hello...

As did this seagull when he saw our fish and chips

The Vintique Tree Wedding

We had a wonderful wedding day at the seaside in wales at the end of June. The weather was lovely, all the plans fell in place and the start to my new married life was perfect! My wedding photographer Nicolette Wells who is based in North Wales did an incredible job and captured our day so we can look back and smile. She took hundreds of photos so I thought I would share some of my favourites with you...

Ring Book