In Review

The past few weeks have seen me revisit some of my favourite stomping grounds, so this blog post is less about exploring new sites and more about the enjoyment of reconnecting with places you know well.

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Magical. Enchanting. Quirky.

These words were used by a friend to describe her first visit to the Cotswold Sculpture Park, and she is spot on in her description. MrElaineous and I originally stumbled on this gem back in the autumn of 2020, and while the sculptures change each year, I am pleased to say that it remains the same in fundamentals. It is an incredible place to explore, with fascinating artwork around each corner and amazing talent on display. If you’re in the area, consider checking it out before the end of the 2023 season (30 September).

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If you’re a National Trust member, you likely have a local property that you regularly visit. When we lived in Bath, we were spoiled for choice, with Prior Park and Dyrham Park practically on our doorstep. Today, our “home” Trust location is less than a fifteen-minute drive from our house. The fabulous village of Lacock and Lacock Abbey is a site that packs in the punters after featuring in films like the 1996 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter series.

Beyond the movie connection, it’s well worth a visit at any time of year. Snowdrops appear in late winter, followed by crocuses, daffodils, and wild garlic as spring progresses. As spring gives way to summer, the orchard and surrounding meadows burst into life, and the pint-sized rose garden comes into bloom. Beyond the seasonal vegetation, the photography museum and abbey itself are always of interest, and you never know what might turn up during a ramble through Lacock’s streets. Honesty boxes and craft fairs are a constant reminder that despite its old-fashioned appearance, Lacock is a living village.

Read even more about Lacock through the many posts I’ve written about it and the surrounding countryside:

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MrElaineous and I discovered the joys of The Repair Shop back in 2021 (or maybe 2020? My grasp of time during the pandemic is non-existent). If you visited my blog at any point in the past year you will have seen a rather long post with life lessons that can be gleaned from watching the series.

So it’s probably no surprise that we jumped at the opportunity to see one of the craftspeople in action during an event for the Devizes Art Festival. Antique furniture restorer and all-around woodman Will Kirk made an appearance at the Devizes Corn Exchange to share his tales from the barn. We enjoyed hearing the behind-the-scenes stories, and, yes, everyone is just as nice as they appear on television.

So, what are you up to this summer? Whether it’s returning to favourite haunts or venturing further afield, let me know!

Catch up on the most recent MissElaineous blog posts:

Off the Beaten Track Wiltshire

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MissElaineous Travel Blog: Escape, Explore, Discover, Enjoy