loopyloulaura

On our way to Dymchurch in Kent, we visited Rochester. We began by using our English Heritage membership to visit the Castle. The inside of the keep is quite magnificent with multiple floors accessed via spiral staircases. Matthew was a bit scared but bravely persevered to reach the top! Anya boldly led the way, fearless […]

After our visit to Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, we followed the great author’s steps around the village before making our way to the local church and her brother’s home: Chawton House. Unfortunately St Nicholas’ Church is closed on Fridays so we didn’t get a chance to peek inside. We admired the outside of the […]

I have long been a fan of Jane Austen’s novels and remember my grandparents visiting her home three decades ago and bringing me a gift. The Hampshire sign near our home say ‘Jane Austen country’ but it was only last week that we finally visited her former home ourselves. We also went to St Nicholas […]

Last weekend we went to Newbury to visit the vegan fair and we needed something to do in the afternoon and I picked Shaw House. Shaw House is a stately home situated just 5 minutes’ drive to the north of Newbury town centre. It dates from the 1500s when the Dolman family bought the property. […]

Last Monday we celebrated our first day out of the summer holiday, later than planned due to Matthew’s self isolation. To cheer him up, we decided to go to STEAM in Swindon. We purchased tickets in advance as this is necessary as part of the Covid guidance to reduce numbers to allow social distancing. Masks […]