Felley Priory

On our way back from our friends' fabulous wedding, we stopped off at Felley Priory.  The garden which is only half a mile from the M1 is on the site of a priory founded in 1156 and has a tea room and nursery which can be accessed without entering the gardens, offering a tranquil alternative to the motorway services.

I was impressed by the layout of this 2.5 acre garden, the wildlife area, perennial borders, topiary and pond.  The roses in the rose garden were mostly still in bud, but there were some old, climbing, highly perfumed varieties against the walls. 

Weekend in Lincoln

I spent a lovely weekend in Lincoln with my sisters.  This was my first visit to this interesting city and would not hesitate to recommend a trip to people of all age groups.  The cathedral and castle are reached by a very steep hill, aptly named Steep Hill.  We got the free bus to the top but walked back down which allowed us to browse in the interesting, specialist food and clothes shops.

Selfishly, I am not giving a full review as I may submit a travel review.  However, here a few pictures:

 This cafe was on the oldest bridge with buildings on in UK

 The Glory Hole where the River Witham flows beneath

 Lovely mobile toilets near castle.  Flowers are a trompe d'oeil

 A former synagogue and the oldest stone house in England

 Bike Fest at the waterfront with live music and hundreds of bikes.  Lots of cafes with tables outside giving it a real holiday atmosphere.

 From the other side of Brayford Pool, a natural pond which the Romans made deeper.  Our hotel is opposite.

 View from my room at the Holiday Inn.