Nottingham

On Saturday, hubby and I decided that we should visit Nottingham.  It's only about a 45 minute drive, but hubby had never been, and I have not visited since about 1983!

 We parked near the Lace Market area as I fancied a look around this historic district.  At one time all the best lace was made in Nottingham - sadly I don't think they have any lace makers left now.  It's a shame that they have not left a building as a museum with the machines etc.  I would have loved to have seen that.

 I have a great interest in industrial architecture and I loved these unique buildings.

 I think many of them have been turned into apartments.

 En route into the main area, we popped into this lovely looking church.

 I loved this window with the gown featuring Nottingham lace.

 We popped into "The Contemporary"  gallery for breakfast.  It is a very modern building which is quite unusual as the city has mainly older buildings.  It looks as if it missed the bombing of world war 2.

 The shopping streets have some gorgeous old shops and arcades.

 Hubby liked the statue of Brian Clough.

 We thought it was a good likeness.

 Of course, Nottingham's most famous resident was Robin Hood.

 We didn't visit the castle as we wanted to have a good look around the city, but we enjoyed ourselves so much that we are planning a return visit.

 We discovered the Canal path and had a little wander.

 We are not shoppers, but we were drawn into "White Stuff" by their window displays.  I thought I would share them with you for inspiration!

 It was more like an experience than a shop.  It had a cinema in it (to park the kids) and you sit and have a free cuppa and cake in cosy corners of the shop.

We plan to go again - what else should we see in Nottingham?
PS Dear Rosie - I could not find the old Laura Ahsley shop that used to be the main reason for my visits in the 1980's.  I couldn't even remember whereabouts it was! x

Snow Scenes

In South Yorkshire, we keep getting some heavy falls of snow that cause disruption on the roads, and it's not moving very fast either.  Whilst the roads are now clearish, the fields are still full.

 It's also light enough for me to get a quick walk in after work now - so that's a bonus and a sign that we are heading in the right direction!

 The patterns in the snow where so pretty

And we have more forecast.

Hooton Pagnall

So on Sunday, I had a few extra calories to work off!!  The walking group were meeting in the gorgeous little village of Hooton Pagnall, between Barnsley and Doncaster.  Rain was forecast, but we managed to get away with lovely blue skies.

 These are a welcome sight at the moment!  I'm always so happy to see the first snowdrops.

 Although it was dry, the fields were incredibly muddy.

 We also commented that the buds on the trees are starting to burst open too.

 It was a great choice for a walk - on our doorstep so not far to drive at this time of year.

 I love the Rapunzel Window on Hooton Pagnall Hall.  This is not open to the public and I don't know who lives here, but it looks very well kept.

 As you know, I always love a house that looks as if Mr Darcy would come calling!

 The mock Tudor building is actually the village pub.  Our group walk always ends with a sociable drink and this little pub was gorgeous.  It is called "The Hostell" and the bar is upstairs so that you get the fantastic views over the countryside at the back.  The Sunday Lunches look pretty fab too!

Another great little walk with our merry band.

For details of our walking group please visit their website http://www.dvwg.org.uk/   We would love you to join us.