Lovely Lacock

Hubby and I decided to scuttle-off to the picturesque village of Lacock today, with its attractive lime-washed and half-timbered stone houses, many of which date from the 13th century. It's been used as a TV and film location many times and includes appearances in Pride and Prejudice, Cranford, Wolfman and Harry Potter.

But, first things first, before our tour could begin, there was something important to do...

Yes, you can't go for an energetic walk round a picturesque village without first having a cup of tea you know! ;-))
Oh dear, how did that get there? You didn't notice that chocolate brownie sitting on my plate, did you?

Thankfully no one else did, as we were the only ones in the tea rooms at elevenses!

The logs in the lovely open fireplace at one end were looking a little reluctant to get going, so hubby went over to see what he could do...yes, its a primeval man thing, I think...

Anyway, a few strong puffs and hubby looked a little red in the face, but it got going nicely...just in time to impress the waitress, who gave us our cakes for nothing as a reward!! Well done hubby, you can act all macho as often as you like if that's what happens! heehee!

Before we left, I had to take a quick snap of this lovely collection of blue and white china on the old pine dresser, before the tea room started to fill up with other customers...they'd obviously heard that there was a good fire roaring inside and wanted to warm up. ;-))

So, refreshed, we went off for a wander around the pretty village and stumbled upon the place that supplies the tea rooms with their cyclamen plants, I think...
Such a stunning display and you could help yourself to the beautiful plants and put your payment through the letterbox of the house next door!

I love old fashioned places like this that still have trust for people.

It was then on to Lacock Abbey which is owned by the National Trust. It was founded as a nunnery in 1232 and later converted into a country house in the 1540's.

A walk through the grounds led us to the botanical gardens, where there was still a surprising amount of exotic blooms on show...

*

As well as beautiful autumn colour.

Following the winding pathways, we arrived at the Abbey itself.

*

*

It is in the cloisters where much of the Harry Potter movies were filmed.

*

Its a very beautiful and atmospheric place and is easy to see why it was used for the film, rather than trying to create scenery from scratch. Much of the medieval cloisters and sacristy are completely intact.

*

Hubble bubble...

Back outside again now and into the warm autumn sunshine.

Hope you enjoyed the quick tour.

Niki x

I also just wanted to thank everyone for the kind and reassuring comments that were left on my previous post - it means a lot.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Niki x