Allan Bank NT, Grasmere, April 2016

We had a Grand Day Out in the Lake District on our 25th Wedding Anniversary and visited a National Trust property called Allan Bank, at Grasmere. There is a bit of walk up to the house, as the only parking is for the Disabled.

It seems the NT have chosen to leave the house in its 'distressed state' (it suffered fire damage) and you are encouraged to 'make yourself at home', sit in the chairs, help yourself to a tea or coffee and relax in the splendid surroundings. I loved it! 

There is a nursery for little children to play in and a room for crafts and colouring etc. Just the job people with children who find themselves in the Lakes when the weather is too wet.

There is a basket of knitting needles and wool for you to make a square to add to the blanket if you wish!

You can sit and read

or just relax and enjoy the views from every window

William Wordsworth lived there for three years with his wife and family and this is his desk and study

William Wordsworth planted some of the trees

and I had a swing on one of them! 

Church Cottage, Broughton, Lancashire

A little drive took us past the turning to visit this little Church Cottage Museum which unfortunately was closed.  It is only open on Sunday afternoons 2 till 5.

Some history (link) here.

We were able to peep through the windows and it is laid out with furniture and suchlike.  

Ribchester (Part 2) - Roman Dig

We were given a guided tour of the dig and this picture taken from their Facebook page "Ribchester Revisited" shows the diggers at work uncovering what they believe is the road surface.

The previously excavated Granary.

The dig is going on adjacent St. Wilfrid's, Ribchester and we enjoyed a cup of coffee and slice of walnut cake in the peaceful church yard.

Ribchester (Part 1) - Stydd Church

A lovely summer's day out first to Brockholes Nature Reserve (see View Too Blog about this) and upon the recommendation of one of the guides there we drove to Ribchester where archaeologists are doing a dig behind the Roman Museum there. (Year 1 of a 5 year project).  We were also told of a lovely little walk to The Church of St. Saviour at Stydd.

Past the Almshouses

The walk back to the pub car park in Ribchester.

Chester

An overnight stay in Chester and a walk round The Rows (two tier shops), enjoying the Christmassy atmosphere.  These pictures will enlarge if you click on them.

Inside the Cathedral

where we attended the Candle-lit service for the 1st Sunday of Advent.

Chesterfield, Derbyshire

A weekend away in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and a visit to the Museum and  St. Mary and All Saints, the Parish Church, with its wonderful wonky spire.

I like to light candles for my family

"Scot Free" 

A visit to the Museum was most informative. I never knew what a "windlass" was until this weekend.  

It was used in the construction of the church tower. The wheel is so perfectly balanced that it can be set in motion by just pushing it with one finger.  The timbers (apart from 3 replaced pieces which had been stolen) have been dated using dendrochronology and are 1,000 years old.

There are links to more information in the first paragraph.