Tears and Smiles

If you love motorsport or have an interest in historic cars or bikes, then the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is a must visit place. From classic British cars, historic formula 1 cars, record breaking builds, on screen vehicles and a huge section of motorcycles. I spent over three hours in the museum alone & the ticket also includes admission to Palace House, the Abbey ruins, gardens and grounds too. You learn about the history of Beaulieu and the Montagu family and how the museum was first founded. 

Although I had the best time, I also found myself with tears rolling down my cheeks as I know how much my dad would have LOVED to visit this place. A friend told me that grief would raise it’s head at the most unexpected times, and this was one of them for me. I just wished he could have been there next to me. I know he would probably have told me more about each car, bike and engine than the museum had written on each of the plaques! This made me smile.

Onto a happier note and signs of Spring have been in abundance when we visited Winkworth Arboretum, Chartwell (former residence of Winston Churchill) and Frensham; an area of outstandingly beautiful heathland and woodland. A carpet of snowdrops, the bright yellow of daffodils and the splash of purple from the first crocus can’t help but make you stop and look. 

Our journey is taking us back through Surrey, Sussex and Kent as we head towards home once more. We are stopping along the way to explore the hills, countryside, forests and footpaths and are always grateful when the sunshine appears. Spring is coming!

Isle of Wight

St Catherine’s Lighthouse

I can’t believe we’re catching the ferry back already. What a great week we’ve had exploring the Isle of Wight, its coastline, the downs and catching up with a lovely ex-colleague and friend who has made the island her home. 

I used the National Trust website to find various circular walks and nearly everyday we had a blue sky to walk under - so lucky! Also saw lots of signs that Spring is just around the corner with daffodil shoots, blossom appearing on the trees and lengthening daylight hours. Hooray! 

The Isle of Wight is so accessible, lots of camping options (especially during summer) and so many walking paths and cycle routes to explore. I’d love to return! 

St Helens

Afton Down/Compton Down

Freshwater Bay

Mural, East Cowes

Coastal path, above Compton Bay

Life’s a beach!

Newtown Estuary

Parking spot to ourselves for lunch!

Rainbow from cliff top, Shanklin

The Needles

Our last sunrise this morning

Walk up to Hoy Monument

Cliff Tops and Cathedrals

Our journey continues south and west, mainly along the coast but sometimes popping inland. The walk from Birling Gap to Eastbourne via Beachy Head was a highlight. The weather was beautiful and the views majestic, although coastal erosion is not just happening in Norfolk. Huge parts of this route have been moved further inland away from the crumbling cliff edges.

We then made an error in visiting Brighton on a Saturday when there appeared to be a lot of events happening including a treasure hunt, hen and stag groups and people who enjoy that Saturday shopping experience. My worst nightmare! Not the most relaxing morning, especially with a dog who could smell the fish and chips all the way along the sea front! A hasty exit took us to the tiny village of Bramber, where the ruins of a castle can be seen and lots of footpaths to walk along the river. 

The following day took us to Devil’s Dyke, nearly a mile long valley formed over 10,000 years ago in the last ice age. It is the deepest and widest dry valley in the UK and the misty views on a frosty morning stopped everyone in their tracks. 

Whilst we were in Brighton, a lady recommended we visited Arundel which we did to admire the castle and Cathedral up above the antique shop and cafe filled town below. A slippery, muddy stroll took us along the river for views back to the castle. 

From there a quick stop in Chichester to see the Cathedral and then onto Portsmouth. As we drove into Portsmouth in the evening, the sun was setting and the burnt orange sky through ‘The Sail’ is an image I won’t forget. There have been so many moments like that where I’m driving along a fantastic road, with stunning views, great music is playing on the radio and Poppy is sound asleep next to me that are the times I treasure. They make you smile on the inside. 

Our last few days have been spent in the New Forest after our failed attempt to visit Winchester and its Cathedral. Hundreds of hi-vis clad folk and lorries and cranes with lights were in town as they were filming for ‘The Crown.’ A friend wondered if I could sneak in as an extra, but I think Poppy may have been a problem!

We hope you’re all enjoying your January, whether it is your winter or summer where you are reading this. We are finishing our month by taking a ferry to the Isle of Wight, somewhere I’ve wanted to visit since I was little and had one of those coloured sand jars given to me by my grandparents as a holiday souvenir. Funny how tiny things are sometimes the things we remember the most.