First time in Oxford

So even though I have lived near Oxford for over 30 years I have never visited. 

So yesterday was a brilliant treat.  

Exploring such a fascinating city was so much fun.  I'm not normally a fan of cities, I don't like the crowds and the built up space.  

But like Norwich I found it such a great place.  The buildings are stunning.  I have never seen (except London) such a huge mix of nationalities.  

The fact that so many academics come to study and goodness there are so many different areas of study. From music to science and art it is just incredible. 

I am also a big fan of Inspector Morse.  Inspector Morse embodies cultured, upper-middle-class Britishness, and enjoys the finer things in life - good beer, vintage cars, fine opera. He and his trusty companion, Detective Sergeant Lewis, solve the crimes that plague the environs of University of Oxford. Although he's a brilliant detective, Morse is not infallible - and he's often pretty grumpy to boot. But he and Lewis tend to make sure the bad guys pay for their crimes

The series ran from 1987-2000 for a total of 33 episodes.  So I am going to research some of the locations for a return trip. 

But for now here was the adventure done on the first visit. 

Knitting outside Christchurch College on the Broad Walk

This shop was disappointing it was VERY small but glad went to have a look, but just far too much commercial knick knacks for me

This is Pembroke College which is 400 years old. 

A telephone box with different layouts of the Sylvanian Families.  

It was a forgone conclusion that I'd visit the wool shop The Wool Hound to see James Makes Yarn.

Some of the other eclectic finds on the trip. 

This is Lincoln College with almost 600 years of amazing history. 

The streets are just such a mix of architecture. 

We asking for tips I was recommended by two people that must visit Blackwells bookshop which has been selling books since 1879.  It is the most amazing shop I have been in and if you get the chance it has to be on the visit list. 

Finally with all the hype of the Barbie movie I just had to share these Crocs, but goodness they where heavy! 

Keeping it local

I have lived in Cheltenham for 34 years and yet my adventure today which was thanks to the now King Charles III extra Bank Holiday I decided to take myself, the van and the kitty off on an adventure to a place I have driven past the sign for many times.

I have saved churches local to me that Luna loves and feels safe exploring.   So today we headed to Hailes Church which has the most incredible history.

But first I parked in the free parking and with Luna safely and happily in her backpack headed on the Cotswold Way through some beautiful countryside.

It wasn't long before I came across a campsite I definitely intend going to staying at called Hayles Campsite it is surrounded by trees and yet so close to a large part of the Cotswold Way and Hailes Abbey owned by English Heritage.

So then I set off on my planned walk. 

Luna was an absolute angel just taking in her surroundings. 

We past so many Sheep and lambs. 

My destination was an incredible monument.  Beckbury Camp C19 limestone monument sits on the edge of a hillfort. Also known as ‘Cromwell’s Seat’ it allegedly marks the spot where Thomas Cromwell watched Hailes Abbey burn following the dissolution. 

I then headed back down the hill and stopped off at the farm shop to get information on the campsite and to stock up on some local cider. 

They had 1 metre high chocolate in the shop too!

Then it was time for Luna's treat to venture into a the church. 

It has to be the oldest church I think I have been in dating back to 1135 a Norman Church. 

On the walls are paintings dating back the the 13th century.  More information can be found here.

Luna had a great time exploring. 

I loved the history this was an incredible place to visit. 

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Until next time.....