Tuesday 29 November 2011

A weekend away

OH and myself have had a long weekend away.
We left early Sunday morning.......and as for once the M25 seemed to realise it was a road,not a car park.....we arrived at RHS Wisley just as The Contemporary Craft Fair was about to open. It was full of the most wonderful handmade items.....most beyond our means......but OH did buy my christmas present.....a small picture by mixed media artist Arleen Wild .....which I can't show you yet....as it has been put away til christmas!!
We then traveled to the Cotswolds to visit my aunt and uncle.....before arriving at our hotel.......an internet special deal. A stunning hotel in the village of Painswick.......with some wonderful little touches.......I could definately get used to having my bed turned down each evening with the addition of some 'sweet dreams' confectionery left on the pillow!
My favourite part was this balcony.......with wonderful views.....and a tree that had been trained to grow through the bars!

'Fine dining' was part of the experience.....the food was delicious......but we would have prefered it to be a little less decorative....and a bit more substantial!! The buffet breakfasts were definately more to our taste......and the homemade fruit compote with yoghurt served in mini kilner jars were a highlight.
Monday saw us off to Bath Christmas Market.....I've wanted to go to a christmas market for ages.......and it didn't disappoint......about 100 little chalets filled with every delight possible.....many of them in the shadow of the Abbey.....and having learned from the previous evening....we had a substantial lunch as well!!
Many of the shops were decorated as well.......and we managed quite a bit of christmas present shopping......plus a few christmas 'treats' found their way into our bags.
Tuesday morning saw us off to Gloucester.....and a visit to the Designer Outlet there......some final christmas shopping......and a quick visit to Hobbycraft.......before a rather wet journey home......all in all....a very enjoyable 'weekend'.

17 comments:

Amy said...

Jacky, that looks like a glorious weekend away ... I know what you mean about fancy food and tiny elaborate portions - it happens here too!

Cheri said...

Sounds absolutely wonderful Jacky! My own OH wouldn't enjoy all the craft show shopping one bit. Seems you've trained yours better than I did!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a perfect weekend Jacky. I am in awe of you being able to get your DH to do all those things - mine would run a mile.

Beverly said...

As soon as I saw the title I hoped you had been to a Christmas Fair. It looks like a lovely weekend!

Maria Ontiveros said...

Sounds fantastic! The Christmas Market looks especially charming.
Rinda

Kazzle Dazzle said...

LOL, my absolute pet hate is pretentious food in tiny portions! If I am paying a fortune for a meal, I want to feel full afterwards!

I have always wanted to go to Bath Christmas market, I was hoping to go this year, but there seems to be a slight shortage of time, unfortunately. Looks like you had a fab weekend though!

scrappysue said...

What an absolutely lovely trip Jacky; such a gorgeous hotel and I sooo love Christmas markets. Welcome back! x

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Oh, Jacky, what a wonderful way to spend a weekend! I read your post twice. :o) So happy that you and the hubby got away for some beautiful scenery and nice shopping!

Jane said...

I love Bath, you've made me want to pack the car and have a trip away!

Sian said...

Jacky, it sounds like a wonderful weekend break to set you up for the CHristmas season. I can tell how much you enjoyed it!

Elizabeth said...

What a delightful way to do Christmas shopping. Your weekend trip must have been wonderful with good food (though small portions!) and great shopping.

Christina said...

Woww these are wonderful pictures!
Hugs Kristel

humel said...

That sounds so wonderful, Jacky :) Glad you had such a good time! PS I love your 'stacked' card on the previous post xx

Denise said...

Oooh looks like you had a lovely time- we went to a Christmas market a couple of years ago in Germany and it was magical.I think we might try and find one here this year.Hyde Park has a big one I think.

Sandie said...

That sounds a lot of fun. My friend went to Bath Christmas market too. The hotel you stayed in looks amazing, love the tree growing though the balcony. A pre-Christmas treat. Good for you!!

Ginger said...

Great getaway Jacky! I love the photo of the store front and the food looks delish! It looks so much warmer there :)

Anonymous said...

What a great way to start the holiday season!