Niqi

Canons Ashby House & Gardens is a National Trust property close to where I live. The house is a lovely Elizabethan manor house set in beautiful gardens with a rather grand church in the middle of the Northamptonshire countryside. I visit quite often, in all weathers & mainly for the gardens, which I find quite serene. There is a small cafe/restaurant which does lovely food and there is a small National Trust shop. In the last year or so the National Trust have also opened a second hand bookshop in the house courtyard which is also worth popping into. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area!

The first time I went to the V&A Museum, just 11 days ago, it was an unexpected delight. I really didn’t think I was going to like it and only called in so that I could say ‘Been there, done that!’ but I genuinely loved it!

We went in at the Tunnel Entrance and went into the first exhibit room we came to, located on the right hand side, and some of the exhibits in there were stunning. I immediately spotted this tiny little piano type instrument and oh my word it was beautiful. And that was just the first of my highlights that day. I also fell in love with an Indian shawl patterned with a map of a town, on loan to the museum from the Queen. I know it doesn’t sound that special from that brief description but there is such variety that there is definitely something for everyone.

I had taken a packed lunch and you can’t eat your own food at the tables in the cafe/restaurant area (although I think there is a lunch room in the basement level) but fortunately it was a dry day so my friend and I went and sat on the step around the water feature in the garden, which was lovely.

We went on a Friday & were delighted to see that the museum stays open until 10pm on a Friday…we still didn’t have time to do everything! Their restaurant does look really good and that too is open late on Fridays but we got there at the wrong time and thought they had stopped serving so we just got a yummy muffin & coffee. Once we finished our coffee and walked back through the restaurant it was apparent that we had simply arrived at just the wrong time as there were some scrumptious looking meals all lined up and freshly made! Anyway, the best bit about our visit to the restaurant was the fact that they had live music…it was fantastic and perfect for unwinding on a Friday evening! It wasn’t very busy, a few people had taken their books to read, and we felt like we could have stayed there all evening! We didn’t however as the museum shop was calling to me! The main shop is great, a variety of different gifts & bits that appeal to all budgets. There are some really innovative & imaginative things so its a good place to go to stock up on pressies! I’m hoping to go again…next weekend!

I went on this when I was a kid and absolutely loved it! I’m not into big scary rides and I was seated at the front of the tram and thought I was quite brave when it did it’s sudden drop! It was rather adventurous for me! I can’t believe it’s gone, such a shame.

I went to Cape Cod in 1993 and loved it! Not only would I love to return but I would love to move there! I remember being there for Halloween and being so impressed by how people entered into the spirit of it. Autumn is my favourite time of year so when I go back I’ll try and make it during October again so I can enjoy the Fall and Halloween there, it was just so magical.

A wood for the future, this is a strip of newly planted woodland that you wouldn’t know was there unless I told you!! The site is owned by the Woodland Trust and runs along the back of the Ford premises in Daventry. I first visited on Christmas Day 2005 and I hope to go back every so often to see how the woodland has grown and matured. It’s lovely to see planting of broadleaf trees like this for the future and the generations that will follow.

2 mile circular walk around large reservoir. Facilities include outdoor cafe, play area, toilets and the paths are pushchair friendly. Could be a bit muddy for wheelchairs in wet months but could be fine for car park to cafe only for view of lake wildlife. Lovely for dog walking!

Superb circular walk (2 mile) around the well known (WWII) BBC broadcasting station. Stunning 360 degree views over Daventry and to the horizon. Well worth a visit!

I had a lovely day in Avebury in April 2005. It was absolutely fascinating. If you’re in the area then I definitely recommend a trip here. I found it far more interesting than Stonehenge and I hope to go back sometime soon.

I am delighted to have traced some ancestors back to Luss! This tiny wee place is just so idyllic…absolutely stunning…you simply must go! It’s located on the shores of Loch Lomond and if you ever manage to find a day without many tourists it is incredibly peaceful.

It can be a bit pricey to get in but believe me it is worth it! Try and go on a day when they have special events and it’s even better, if a tad busy. I have been quite a lot and it never disappoints.