Halloween's a comin!

It must be soon, I saw it in my spoon!

No such thing...

...as a new idea! 

Dunster Castle Library, 19th century Chinese wallpaper. 

'House of Hackney' Wallpaper 2013

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Watchet,

LAST NIGHT IN SOMERSET 

Having arrived late at Watchet we checked in and really only had time for an hours stroll around the harbour before freshening up and heading our for yet more food!

'The Ancient Mariner' - a statute to commemorate the time Samuel Coleridge spent in the area.

Not a bad note to end our stay on! 

Dunster Village

We dodged the heavy showers that now swept in from the channel and enjoyed a stroll along Dunster Village High Street. Scattered with plenty of independent shops I was a happy bunny and dragged himself in and out if several before we realised it was time to leave and check in to the B&B I had booked in Watchet.

One end of the High Street looks to the folly on the hill...

...whilst the other looks to the castle.

Dunster Castle Gardens

The sub-tropical gardens at Dunster Castle were standing up fairly well considering it was mid October and the views from the terrace across to the Bristol Channel were stunning even on this rather changeable day.

View from the 'Dream Garden' across to the Priory Chuch of St. George's in Dunster village.

 An added bonus to the castles location is that you can wander down the hill to the picturesque and medieval Dunster Village...which we did!

Dunster Castle Grounds

 The following are a few photos taken in what I'd call the informal area of the grounds which involved a fairly steep descent to a stream ending at a working water mill.

Sorry if you were expecting a photo of the mill at this point, I...errr...forgot to take one!

Dunster Castle

We were lucky to be near enough to Dunster Castle, near Minehead, to warrant a visit on the way to our third and final nights stay in Somerset. Now a National Trust property, it was inhabited by the same family for 600 years before falling on hard times. It has the most fantastic views from nearly every window, some to the sea and others across the rolling hills. As I took so many photos I've broken the posts up into indoor and outdoor highlights.

The interior of the castle is probably one of the best NT properties I've been to in terms of providing a genuine experience. The atmosphere does not feel re-created and this is partly due, I suspect, to the last owners having left significant possessions in situ.

I hate to sound unimaginative but I really did feel like I could be on the set of Downton Abbey and had a sudden and inexplicable urge to dress for dinner!

Even the bathroom had wonderful views.

Amazing murals cover four walls of this room. The technique comprises of layering silver leaf over leather before applying the paint, creating a scene which appears lit from within.

Trundling up the Tor

Ahh, Glastonbury Tor! The moment I saw it flash up on the horizon as we drove in I couldn't wait to visit. It appears every so often at unexpected moments when you walk around the town in a tantalising fashion.

The pinnacle (literally) of the tour culminates in following a long trodden path that ultimately leads to the Tor.

Half way up we paused at one of the Holy Thorns that grow in the area. As you can see it's bedecked with a diverse selection of offerings but we satisfied ourselves with sitting quietly by its side and admiring the view.

Nearly there!

Top of the tower! A truly unique place, the Tor appeared in my dreams every night for a week after visiting.

Tors Tour of the Tor

Day 2 saw us embark on a private tour with the lovely Tor Webster and his dog Sage. I tried not to continually hold things up by taking a multitude of photos, tempting as it was! 

After climbing up Wearyall Hill to admire the Tor from afar and get a sense of perspective we stopped at the dainty and rather tucked away St Margaret's Chapel. Built on ley lines, it has a most tranquil and clean atmosphere.

The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey can only hint at the immense structure that once stood within the grounds. A victim of the reformation, the ruins pictured here represent one third of its original height.

Chalice Well is a special place and provided a unique experience which I am struggling to describe. The 'Red Spring' pictured here has been visited for over 2000 years. It's high iron content creates the colour and flavours the water but more than that it provides inspiration and healing for body and soul.

After paddling in the Healing Pool we drank the water at Lions Head which felt velvety to the touch and tasted a little of blood but not disgustingly so.

Finally, we sat by the Wellhead which was originally uncovered to provide access to the brave souls who plunged into its waters. 

Leaving the tranquility of the gardens we then visited the 'White Spring' on the other side of the road. An altogether different experience, it was once an open waterfall but was enclosed to protect the source from a cholera outbreak. Photographs aren't allowed inside the building and perhaps that's for the best as I can't imagine they could in anyway portray the atmosphere. Dark, energy & intent are a few words that spring to mind - not very helpful I know but you have to visit to know what I mean! 

Stepping back out into the light we embarked on the last leg...

TBC

Somerset Soirée

We have just returned from a great weekend in Somerset. The start of our break began in beautiful Wells, the smallest city in England. We visited Wells Cathedral (c1260) which has a very serene and uplifting atmosphere before exploring the grounds.

The vaulted ceiling, like being inside an enormous whale (I would imagine!)

Wear from thousands of footsteps.

The Chapter House.

Very Gormenghast!

The moat surrounding the Bishops Palace.

To be continued...

I Heart Halloween

Halloween is one of my favourite celebrations - mostly thanks to my mum, who kept us occupied as children during half term by providing materials to make decorations for the excellent party she'd organised.
I always get slightly excited when I feel that sharp change in the air which marks the transition from summer to autumn, but hey, I'm weird like that.
 So, in honour of the seasons turn and upcoming festivities, I have chosen a few images that have caught my eye this month.

Antique Halloween card from 1911

Not sure if this counts as as a purists idea of a Halloween costume but I love it, especially as the little girl actually let someone draw on the ubiquitous eyebrows and moustache!

Lollipops from VintageConfections on Etsy

The False Widow Spider, a non native, it is the Uk's most venomous spider and on the increase. Joy! 

Lovely little hobbitses!

And finally...

Now I know I'm being mean but half of me wants to squeeze this foal until its eyes pop out and the other half thinks he looks a tad, well, creepy! Sorry little fella, I bet you're lovely!