On a short break visiting family and friends before Christmas. Started with a visit to our friends Andy & Mary near Salisbury. On our way round managed to visit RHS Hyde Hall near Chelmsford....

Had a weekend in Scotland visiting our friends Sharon, Alan and the boys. Thanks to them for a great time. Stopped at Carlisle Castle on the way up which had an informative Military Museum. Nigel...

Have been to a number of English Heritage sites in the last few days on our circuitous way back home from a wedding Garthmyl Hall near Shrewsbury and visiting our friend Di in Clacton on Sea, don't...

Kingston Lacy is a wonderful house with lots to see but only first and ground floor. Rubens and lots of other artists paintings on the walls and some wonderful carving. It seems there are loads more...

Our final day of our trip and on our way home from Hereford stopped at Croft Castle which is still inhabited by the family.  Lovely castle with beautiful grounds to walk around with a small church...

Another on Nigel's Bucket List to see the Mappa Mundi at Hereford Cathedral (only a copy as original under lock and key somewhere safe). We took a guided tour of the Cathedral first with our guides...

Set off from Tewkesbury and our first visit was Croome Court which is a massive house in parklands designed by Capability Brown which was his first commission. Interiors by Robert Adam. Bookcases...